bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration of prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy: a scoping review
Authors: McGovern Liz M. , O’Toole Laura , Laws Rachel A. , Skinner Timothy C. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , O’Reilly Sharleen L.
Published: September 2024

Background

Breastfeeding self-efficacy is a woman’s self-belief and confidence in her perceived ability to breastfeed. This modifiable determinant is strongly associated with breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration. It is unclear how important the timing of breastfeeding self-efficacy measurement and interventions are. The prenatal period appears underexplored in the literature and yet a prenatal focus provides increased opportunity for breastfeeding self-efficacy enhancement and further potential improvement in breastfeeding outcomes. This scoping review aims to synthesise the evidence on prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy, describing for the first time the theoretical frameworks, measurement tools, and interventions used in the prenatal period.

Methods

8 databases were searched using the PCC framework (Problem: breastfeeding, Concept: self-efficacy, Context: prenatal period). From 4,667 citations and 156 additional sources identified through grey literature and snowballing, data were extracted from 184 studies and 2 guidance documents. All were summarised descriptively and narratively.

Results

Just over half (57%) of included studies stated their theoretical underpinning, with Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory / Dennis’ Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Framework predominant. Only half of intervention studies incorporated theory in their design. More intervention studies were undertaken in the past decade than previously, but the level of theoretical underpinning has not improved. Prenatal interventions incorporating theory-led design and using components addressing the breadth of theory, more frequently reported improving breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding outcomes than those not theory-led. Intervention components used less frequently were vicarious or kinaesthetic learning (52.5%) and involvement of social circle support (26%). The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scales were the most common measurement tool, despite being designed for postpartum use. Overall, issues were identified with the late prenatal timing of breastfeeding self-efficacy investigation and the design, content and phraseology of measurements and interventions used in the prenatal period.

Conclusion

This review provides novel insights for consideration in the design and conduct of breastfeeding self-efficacy studies in the prenatal period. Future research should aim to be theory-led, commence earlier in pregnancy, and embed the breadth of self-efficacy theory into the design of interventions and measurement tools. This would provide more robust data on prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy’s role in impacting breastfeeding outcomes.
Understanding how and why travel mode changes: analysis of longitudinal qualitative interviews
Authors: Garrott Kate , Foley Louise , Ogilvie David , Panter Jenna
Published: September 2024

Background

Encouraging alternatives to the car such as walking, cycling or public transport is a key cross-sector policy priority to promote population and planetary health. Individual travel choices are shaped by individual and environmental contexts, and changes in these contexts – triggered by key events – can translate to changes in travel mode. Understanding how and why these changes happen can help uncover more generalisable findings to inform future intervention research. This study aimed to identify the mechanisms and contexts facilitating changes in travel mode.

Methods

Prospective longitudinal qualitative cohort study utilising semi-structured interviews at baseline (in 2021), three- and six-month follow up. Participants were residents in a new town in Cambridgeshire, UK, where design principles to promote walking, cycling and public transport were used at the planning stage. At each interview, we followed a topic guide asking participants about previous and current travel patterns and future intentions. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data analysis used the framework approach based on realist evaluation principles identifying the context and mechanisms described by participants as leading to travel behaviour change.

Results

We conducted 42 interviews with 16 participants and identified six mechanisms for changes in travel mode. These entailed increasing or reducing access, reliability and financial cost, improving convenience, increasing confidence and raising awareness. Participants described that these led to changes in travel mode in contexts where their existing travel mode had been disrupted, particularly in terms of reducing access or reliability or increasing cost, and where there were suitable alternative travel modes for their journey. Experiences of the new travel mode played a role in future travel intentions.

Implications

Applying realist evaluation principles to identify common mechanisms for changes in travel mode has the potential to inform future intervention strategies. Future interventions using mechanisms that reduce access to, reduce reliability of, or increase the financial cost of car use may facilitate modal shift to walking, cycling and public transport when implemented in contexts where alternative travel modes are available and acceptable.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of care for juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients: insights from Thailand
Authors: Pinpattanapong Rattakorn , Sukharomana Maynart , Charuvanij Sirirat
Published: September 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted individuals with chronic conditions. This investigation assessed the quality of care provided to pediatric and adolescent patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) during the pandemic in Thailand.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis enrolled JIA patients aged ≤ 18 years at an academic tertiary care facility from April 2022 to March 2023. Retrospective reviews were performed, complemented by patient and caregiver questionnaires to assess the pandemic’s impact on care quality.

Results

Seventy JIA patients (37 males, 33 females) with a mean age of 13.5 ± 3.1 years were included. A total of 41.4% of the caregivers reported negative impacts on JIA care due to the pandemic and the lockdown, and 31.4% of the patients experienced pandemic-related anxiety. A comparison between the pandemic and prepandemic periods revealed a higher incidence of active disease, although the difference was statistically nonsignificant (37.1% vs 14.2%,p = 0.106). Nonadherence significantly predicted active disease status (adjusted OR 15.04, 95% CI 2.48–91.15,p = 0.03). COVID-19 vaccinations were administered to 85.7% of patients; 52.8% of whom contracted mild COVID-19. Most patients (71.4%) postponed clinic visits; 36% due to lockdowns and 28% due to concerns about COVID-19 exposure in healthcare settings. The majority of patients received telephone JIA management advice from rheumatologists during the lockdown (91.4%).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures affected the care of JIA patients, impacting both physical and mental health. Nonadherence was a critical factor in disease flare-ups. Telemedicine is indispensable for patient care.
A preliminary study on effects of storage time and repeated freezing-thawing on the stability of avian serum amyloid A
Authors: Rhim Haerin , Kwag Chaeyoung , Han Jae-Ik
Published: September 2024

Within the field of clinical research, reports on the stability of avian serum amyloid A (SAA) under varying storage conditions are currently scarce. In this study, avian plasma samples were evaluated for SAA, a major acute-phase protein in birds, to assess how varying storage periods and repeated freeze-thaw cycles impact the stability of SAA in the frozen samples. Seven plasma samples from two species and six plasma samples from three species stored at ‒20 °C were used to evaluate the time and temperature effects accordingly. A chicken-specific SAA ELISA kit was used for the measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were applied, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. The SAA concentrations measured daily for 30 days showed no statistically significant differences over time. Freezing-thawing was repeated five times, and a significant negative relationship was confirmed over the cycles (r=‒0.8857, P < 0.05). Although no significance was observed between a decreased concentration and the number of cycles, a decrease in the concentration of > 10% was observed after the fourth cycle in four out of six samples. However, one to three freeze-thaw cycles did not result in a significant decline. Taken together, the results indicate that a negative correlation existed between the mean concentration and multiple freeze-thaw cycles, indicating that these should be avoided where possible.
Multibiomarker panels in liquid biopsy for early detection of pancreatic cancer – a comprehensive review
Authors: Reese Kim-Lea , Pantel Klaus , Smit Daniel J.
Published: September 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently detected in late stages, which leads to limited therapeutic options and a dismal overall survival rate. To date, no robust method for the detection of early-stage PDAC that can be used for targeted screening approaches is available. Liquid biopsy allows the minimally invasive collection of body fluids (typically peripheral blood) and the subsequent analysis of circulating tumor cells or tumor-associated molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, or metabolites that may be useful for the early diagnosis of PDAC. Single biomarkers may lack sensitivity and/or specificity to reliably detect PDAC, while combinations of these circulating biomarkers in multimarker panels may improve the sensitivity and specificity of blood test-based diagnosis. In this narrative review, we present an overview of different liquid biopsy biomarkers for the early diagnosis of PDAC and discuss the validity of multimarker panels.
Single-cell and spatial sequencing identifies senescent and germinal tumor cells in adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Wang Xianlong , Lin Jincheng , Liu Hongxing , Zhao Chuan , Tu Zhiwei , Xu Dapeng , Zhang En , Zhou Zhongqing , Qi Xueling , Wang Xingfu , Lin Zhixiong
Published: September 2024

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is a clinically aggressive tumor without effective treatment method. Previous studies proposed a paracrine tumorigenesis model, in which oncogenic β-catenin induces senescence in pituitary stem cells and the senescent cells lead the formation of paracrine tumors through secretion of pro-tumorigenic factors. However, there lacks characterization on senescent cells in ACPs. Here, we profiled 12 ACPs with single-cell RNA and TCR-sequencing to elucidate the cellular atlas in ACPs and 3 of them were also subject to spatial sequencing to localize different subpopulations of the tumor cells. In total, we obtained the transcriptome profiles of 70,682 cells. Tumor cells, which were unambiguously identified through the cellular mutation status of the driver CTNNB1 mutations, were clustered into 6 subsets. The whorl-like cluster (WC) cells show distinct molecular features from the other tumor cells and the palisading epithelium (PE) cells consists of a proliferating subset. Other than typical PE and WC, we identified two novel subpopulations of the tumor cells. In one subpopulation, the cells express a high level of cytokines, e.g., FDCSP and S100A8/A9, and are enriched with the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. Hematoxylin and eosin staining reveals that these SASP cells lack an ordered structures and their nuclei are elongated. In the other subpopulation, the cell sizes are small and they are tightly packed together with an unusual high density expressing a high level of mitochondrial genes (median 10.9%). These cells are the origin of the tumor developmental trajectories revealed by RNA velocity and pseudo-time analysis. Single-cell RNA and TCR analysis reveals that some ACPs are infiltrated with clonally expanded cytotoxic T cells. We propose a hypothesis that WC and PE are formed via different negative regulation mechanisms of the overactivated WNT/β-catenin signaling which provides a new understanding on the tumorigenesis of ACPs. The study lays a foundation for future studies on targeting senescent cells in ACPs with senolytic compounds or other therapeutic agents.
The availability of food in Mexico: an approach to measuring food security
Authors: Cruz-Sánchez Yadihra , Aguilar-Estrada Alma , Baca-del Moral Julio , Monterroso-Rivas Alejandro Ismael
Published: September 2024

Background information

Mexico faces a great challenge in producing, storing, and distributing food to guarantee the food security of its population. Natural disasters, climate change and changes in land cover are dynamic drivers affecting food production. In this study, we propose a method for assessing food security by evaluating the amount of food in Mexico that is available to meet the demand of its population. An indicator of food availability based on environmental, social, production and food supply variables is proposed.

Methods

Food availability in Mexico's 2471 municipalities was assessed using five sub-indicators covering environmental and social conditions of production, food supply, caloric and protein sufficiency, and food supply. A database of 19 variables was integrated to calculate an index of food availability by municipality. Spatial analysis techniques were used to identify areas with specific needs and to formulate public policy recommendations.

Results

The availability of food is not a problem at all in 90% of the municipalities in the country. We found that the environmental and social conditions are suitable for producing food from agriculture and livestock and there are sufficient food outlets. The caloric demand and protein requirements of the population can be met in at least 87% of the municipalities. Thus, the environmental and social conditions are good in more than 85% of the municipalities. If food production and availability are sufficient; then, the problem of food insecurity may be due to other causes.

Conclusions and recommendations

The conclusion is that food insecurity in Mexico is influenced by additional factors. An urgent intervention is needed, including public policies to provide economic support to the most affected segments of the population.
Optimization and validation of echo times of point-resolved spectroscopy for cystathionine detection in gliomas
Authors: Zhou Min , Nie Zhuang , Zhao Jie , Xiao Yao , Hong Xiaohua , Wang Yuhui , Dong Chengjun , Lin Alexander P. , Lei Ziqiao
Published: September 2024

Background

Cystathionine accumulates selectively in 1p/19q-codeleted gliomas, and can serve as a possible noninvasive biomarker. This study aims to optimize the echo time (TE) of point-resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) for cystathionine detection in gliomas, and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PRESS for 1p/19q-codeletion identification.

Methods

The TE of PRESS was optimized with numerical and phantom analysis to better resolve cystathionine from the overlapping aspartate multiplets. The optimized and 97 ms TE PRESS were then applied to 84 prospectively enrolled patients suspected of glioma or glioma recurrence to examine the influence of aspartate on cystathionine quantification by fitting the spectra with and without aspartate. The diagnostic performance of PRESS for 1p/19q-codeleted gliomas were assessed.

Results

The TE of PRESS was optimized as (TE1, TE2) = (17 ms, 28 ms). The spectral pattern of cystathionine and aspartate were consistent between calculation and phantom. The mean concentrations of cystathionine in vivo fitting without aspartate were significantly higher than those fitting with full basis-set for 97 ms TE PRESS (1.97 ± 2.01 mM vs. 1.55 ± 1.95 mM, p < 0.01), but not significantly different for 45 ms method (0.801 ± 1.217 mM and 0.796 ± 1.217 mM, p = 0.494). The cystathionine concentrations of 45 ms approach was better correlated with those of edited MRS than 97 ms counterparts (r = 0.68 vs. 0.49, both p < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity for discriminating 1p/19q-codeleted gliomas were 66.7% and 73.7% for 45 ms method, and 44.4% and 52.5% for 97 ms method, respectively.

Conclusion

The 45 ms TE PRESS yields more precise cystathionine estimates than the 97 ms method, and is anticipated to facilitate noninvasive diagnosis of 1p/19q-codeleted gliomas, and treatment response monitoring in those patients. Medium diagnostic performance of PRESS for 1p/19q-codeleted gliomas were observed, and warrants further investigations.
Effects of In-Season Strength Training on Physical Fitness and Injury Prevention in North African Elite Young Female Soccer Players
Authors: Darragi Manel , Zouhal Hassane , Bousselmi Mariem , Karamti Houssem M. , Clark Cain C. T. , Laher Ismail , Hackney Anthony C. , Granacher Urs , Zouita Amira B. M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Strength training (ST) primarily enhances physical fitness (e.g., muscle strength, power, speed) and bone density in female soccer players. Less information is available on the injury preventive effects of ST in female athletes. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week in-season ST on measures of physical fitness and injury occurrence in young elite female soccer players.

Methods

Thirty elite female soccer players (15.4 ± 1.9 years; maturity offset + 2.3 ± 1.1 years) participated in this study, and were randomly assigned to a strength training group (STG, n = 14) or an active control (CG, n = 16) group. ST lasted twelve weeks and included full body muscle strengthening exercises using primarily weight machines at progressive intensities ranging between 40 and 85% of the one-repetition-maximum (1-RM). The CG practiced a traditional soccer training program. Overall, training volumes of the two groups were similar with a training load (rating of perceived exertion × time) of 1158.4 ± 67.7 arbitrary unity (AU) for the STG and 1188.8 ± 44.1 AU for the CG. Pre and post training, the following physical fitness tests were applied: dynamic muscle strength (relative [to body mass] and absolute 1-RM bench/leg press, lat-pull down), jump performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SJ], five-jump-test [5JT]), linear-sprint speed (5-m, 10-m, 30-m), change-of-direction speed (T-test with and without ball), sport-specific performance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Level1 [YYIRTL1], and repeated shuttle sprint ability [RSSA]). The injury rate per 1000-h exposure was monitored throughout the soccer season.

Results

No significant baseline differences were observed between groups. Statistically significant group-by-time interactions were found for absolute (p < 0.001, d = 2.59) and relative 1-RM bench press (p < 0.001, d = 2.39), absolute 1-RM lat-pull down (p < 0.001, d = 1.68), and relative 1-RM leg press (p < 0.001, d = 1.72). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for CMJ (p = 0.005, d = 1.27), RSSAmean (p = 0.007, d = 0.81), and RSSAtotal (p < 0.001, d = 1.90). Post-hoc tests indicated that the STG group demonstrated greater improvements in all tested variables compared to CG (1.2 < d < 2.5). However, no significant interaction effects were noted for measures of linear sprint speed and YYIRTL1 performance. Additionally, non-contact injuries during the season were significantly lower (p = 0.003, d = 1.31) in the STG (0.48/1000 h of exposure) than the CG (2.62/1000 h of exposure).

Conclusions

Twelve weeks of an in-season ST resulted in larger physical fitness improvements and fewer injuries compared with an active control in elite young female soccer players. Accordingly, ST should be systematically applied in female soccer to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
Combination of arsenic trioxide and apatinib synergistically inhibits small cell lung cancer by down-regulating VEGFR2/mTOR and Akt/c-Myc signaling pathway via GRB10
Authors: Yu Yao , Shang Yu , Shi Si , He Yaowu , Shi Wenchao , Wang Menghan , Wang Qi , Xu Dandan , Shi Ce , Chen Hong
Published: September 2024

Background

Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is characterized by -poor prognosis, -high predilection for -metastasis, -proliferation, and -absence of newer therapeutic options. Elucidation of newer pathways characterizing the disease may allow for development of targeted therapies and consequently favorable outcomes.

Methods

The current study explored the combinatorial action of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and apatinib (APA) in vitro and in vivo. In vitro models were tested using -H446 and -H196 SCLC cell lines. The ability of drugs to reduce -metastasis, -cell proliferation, and -migration were assessed. Using bioinformatic analysis, differentially expressed genes were determined. Gene regulation was assessed using gene knock down models and confirmed using Western blots. The in vivo models were used to confirm the resolution of pathognomic features in the presence of the drugs. Growth factor receptor bound protein (GRB) 10 expression levels of human small cell lung cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were detected by IHC.

Results

In combination, ATO and APA were found to significantly reduce -cell proliferation, -migration, and -metastasis in both the cell lines. Cell proliferation was found to be inhibited by activation of Caspase-3, -7 pathway. In the presence of drugs, it was found that expression of GRB10 was stabilized. The silencing of GRB10 was found to negatively regulate the VEGFR2/Akt/mTOR and Akt/GSK-3β/c-Myc signaling pathway. Concurrently, absence of metastasis and reduction of tumor volume were confirmed in vivo. The immunohistochemical results confirmed that the expression level of GRB10 in adjacent tissues was significantly higher than that in human small cell lung cancer tissues.

Conclusions

Synergistically, ATO and APA have a more significant impact on inhibiting cell proliferation than each drug independently. ATO and APA may be mediating its action through the stabilization of GRB10 thus acting as a tumor suppressor. We thus, preliminarily report the impact of GRB10 stability as a target for SCLC treatment.
Microscopic alterations and adaptation in the lungs of the Japanese quail exposed to acute or chronic heat stress
Authors: Abdulkadir Abdurrahman , Reddy Deran
Published: September 2024

Background

Global warming causes heat stress, a significant bioclimatic factor affecting poultry welfare. The effects of heat stress on the morphology of the Japanese quail lungs were investigated in this study. A total of 16 adult Japanese quail were randomly distributed into four groups: a control group (CT), acute heat stress (AH), chronic heat stress with 7 days (CH1) and chronic heat stress with 28 days exposure (CH2). The CT group were maintained at 25 °C temperature, the AH group were exposed to 38 °C temperature for 24 h, and the CH groups were exposed to 35 °C for seven and 28 days. At the end of exposure, the birds were euthanised, and lung tissues were collected and processed for microscopy. Tissue sections were stained using H&E stain, Gomori’s stain and immunofluorescence labelling.

Results

This study showed no significant difference in body weight, cloacal temperature, respiratory rate and lung parameters in heat-stressed groups compared with the control group. However, microscopic analyses revealed blood congestion, leakage of blood into the airway, inflammatory response and tissue breakage in the heat-stressed groups.

Conclusions

Heat stress harmed the lungs of the Japanese quail based on duration and intensity. The negative impact could cause instant mortality, but if the quail survives the initial impact, it can adapt to the heat stress with long-term consequences on its performance.
Building energy consumption analysis and measures: a case study from an administration building in Chengdu, China
Authors: Zhang Junye
Published: September 2024

With the peak of carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, China is placing greater emphasis on energy expenditure. Office buildings occupy a prominent position in building energy consumption, which is one of the main energy consumption areas. Taking an administration building in Chengdu as an example, this article simulates the building energy consumption based on Design Builder software, examines the variables influencing energy consumption, and suggests energy-saving strategies combined with fresh ideas for sustainable architectural design. The results showed that the modeling building was a high-energy-consuming building, with an energy consumption of 724,857.59 kWh, and a unit area energy consumption of 288.17 kWh/m2 in Chengdu. For energy conservation and emission reduction, this article proposes the following three energy-saving measures. The first is to apply heat recovery technology for air conditioning systems. The second is photovoltaic glass, which provides partial electricity demand for buildings and reduces dependence on traditional energy sources. The third is roof greening, which utilizes the plants to purify the air and beautify the environment. The results showed that the heat recovery technology in air conditioning systems reduced the total energy consumption of buildings from 642144.04 kWh/m2 to 502937.83 kWh/m2, photovoltaic glass reduced 552243.87 kWh/m2, and roof greening reduced to 635947.35 kWh/m2. All of these have good energy-saving and emission reduction effects. The above three strategies not only help reduce building energy consumption, but also provide substantial support for China to achieve carbon neutrality.
How do food safety technical working groups within a One Health framework work? Experiences from Vietnam and Ethiopia
Authors: Lâm Steven , Dang-Xuan Sinh , Bekele Meseret , Amenu Kebede , Alonso Silvia , Unger Fred , Nguyen-Viet Hung
Published: September 2024

Background

Persistent challenges of fragmented, food safety management in low- and middle-income countries underscore the need for more robustly coordinated mechanisms. National food safety technical working groups, operating under a One Health framework, offer potential in streamlining coordination efforts to effectively address these challenges. However, more clarity regarding their formation and functioning is important for understanding how to best establish and support such groups. The aim of this study is to systematically document the development process of established groups in Vietnam and Ethiopia.

Methods

We assess the process used to establish and support the technical working groups against six critical success factors for multisectoral collaboration: drive change, define, design, realise, relate, and capture success. To do so, we review meeting minutes, Terms of Reference, and other related publications.

Results

The analysis underscores the importance of financial and technical support by development partners in initiating working groups while also highlighting the challenge posed by the absence of legal frameworks to secure government commitment. Embedding the technical working groups within existing government structures – such as One Health platforms – from the outset could help to ensure the active participation and sustainability of such groups.

Conclusion

Both Vietnam and Ethiopia have established operational and institutionalized technical working groups to bolster national food safety efforts under a One Health framework. The approaches employed in these countries could serve as valuable models for others seeking to establish comparable multisectoral collaborative mechanisms to address emerging health risks.
Characterisation and tanning effects of purified chestnut and sulfited quebracho extracts
Authors: Conca Silvia , Gatto Vanessa , Samiolo Riccardo , Giovando Samuele , Cassani Andrea , Tarabra Elisa , Beghetto Valentina
Published: September 2024

Vegetable tannins are environmentally friendly tanning agents. However, they generally impart a dark colour to the tanned leather and highly contribute to the organic load in wastewaters. In this study, we employed a purification protocol separately on chestnut tannin (CT) and sulfited quebracho tannin (QT) to obtain the purified fractions (PCT and PQT). These samples were characterised by GPC, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR, and HPLC–DAD techniques and applied for tanning tests. Through the purification process, non-tannin components and smaller molecules such as gallic acid, glucopyranose, and catechin were effectively removed from CT and QT, which consequently led to the reduced moisture content, pH value, and lighter colour of purified fractions. The crust leathers processed with PCT and PQT showed desirable light shades. Moreover, the organic loads in PCT and PQT tanning wastewater were reduced by 13.5% and 19.1%, respectively, when compared to those in traditional CT and QT tanning wastewater. Additionally, the physical and mechanical characteristics of crust leathers processed with PCT and PQT were comparable to those processed with CT and QT. Thus, purification of vegetable tannins may serve as a feasible strategy for producing light-colored vegetable-tanned leather while minimizing organic pollutant discharge during the vegetable tanning process.

Graphical Abstract
A novel global grid model for soil moisture retrieval considering geographical disparity in spaceborne GNSS-R
Authors: Huang Liangke , Pan Anrong , Chen Fade , Guo Fei , Li Haojun , Liu Lilong
Published: September 2024

Spaceborne global navigation satellite system-reflectometry has become an effective technique for Soil Moisture (SM) retrieval. However, the accuracy of global SM retrieval using a single model is limited due to the complexity of land surface. Introducing redundant ancillary data may also result in over-reliance problems. Therefore, we propose a method for SM retrieval that considers geographical disparities using the data from Cyclone GNSS (CYGNSS) observations and Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) product. Based on the CYGNSS effective reflectivity and ancillary datasets of SMAP, we establish five models for each grid with different parameters to achieve global SM retrieval. Subsequently, an optimal model, determined by the performance indicator, is used for SM retrieval. The results show that the root mean square error $$S_{\mathrm{RMSE}}$$

S
RMSE

with the improved method is decreased by 9.1% using SMAP SM as reference with the $$S_{\mathrm{RMSE}}$$

S
RMSE

 = 0.040 cm3/cm3 compared with using single reflectivity-temperature-vegetation method. Additionally, using the in-situ SM of International Soil Moisture Network as reference, the overall correlation coefficient $$R$$
R
and $$S_{\mathrm{RMSE}}$$

S
RMSE

values with the improved method are 0.80 and 0.064 cm3/cm3, respectively. The average $$R$$
R
of the chosen sites is increased by 22.7%, and the average $$S_{\mathrm{RMSE}}$$

S
RMSE

is decreased by 8.7%. The results indicate that the improved method can better retrieve SM in both global and local scales without redundant auxiliary data.
LC.MS-based chemical profiling of Aristotle's lantern and viscera of the sea urchin Echinometra mathaei collected from the Red Sea and evaluation of their antiviral activity
Authors: Abdelaziz Yousra A. , Khallaf Iman S. A. , Alian Abdallah , Ibrahim Ahmed A. A. , Desoky Ezz-Eldin K. , Abdelkarem Fahd M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Echinometra mathaei (family Echinometridae), is one of the sea urchins widely distributed on the Egyptian coasts in the Red Sea. This organism contains edible and non-edible parts. The present study was carried out to analyze and identify the metabolites present in the non-edible parts (Aristotle's lantern and viscera) using LC/MS. Also, the cytotoxic activity on Vero cell line and antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 were evaluated using MTT colorimetric assay.

Results

Chemical profiling of the crude extracts of Aristotle's lantern and viscera using LC/MS indicated the presence of 51 and 59 compounds, respectively. The main metabolites present in both non-edible parts were phospholipids, amino acids, peptides, fatty acids and glycerol derivatives. However, the characteristic difference was the presence of carotenoid pigments only in viscera. The crude extract of Aristotle's lantern and viscera showed no cytotoxic activity on Vero cell line and significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus with an IC50 value equal to 115.48 ± 1.20 and 122.4 ± 0.50 µg/mL, respectively.

Conclusions

In the present study, the crude extracts of the non-edible parts of E. mathaei were analyzed using LC.MS.MS.QTOF and indicated the existence of 110 chemical compounds, with significant antiviral activity against HSV-1 and no cytotoxic activity. The diversity of the identified compounds with two main categories of compounds, phospholipids and peptides, may contribute to the antiviral activity of Aristotle's lantern and viscera. Additionally, this research focused on clarification of nutritive, pharmaceutical and economic values of these parts. As future prospects, further studies are required to isolate the metabolites and assess the detailed mechanism of antiviral activity via in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies.
Decoding fermion mass pattern from mass hierarchy
Authors: Zhang Ying
Published: September 2024

Building an organized Yukawa structure of quarks and leptons is an essential mission to understand fermion mass hierarchy and flavor mixing in particle physics. Inspired by the similarity of CKM and PMNS mixings, a common mass pattern for up-type and down-type quarks, charged leptons, and Dirac neutrinos is realized in terms of hierarchal masses. An organized structure of Yukawa couplings can be expressed on a Yukawa basis. The CKM mixing and PMNS mixing have the same mathematical forms due to SO(2) family symmetry. By fitting the CKM/PMNS mixing experiment, the flat pattern becomes a successful flavor structure. The fundamental fermions can be explained by a new picture to show the relationship between gauge structure and flavor structure.
Mesenchymal Osr1+ cells regulate embryonic lymphatic vessel formation
Authors: Vallecillo-García Pedro , Kühnlein Mira Nicola , Orgeur Mickael , Hansmeier Nils Rouven , Kotsaris Georgios , Meisen Zarah Gertrud , Timmermann Bernd , Giesecke-Thiel Claudia , Hägerling René , Stricker Sigmar
Published: September 2024

The lymphatic system is formed during embryonic development by the commitment of specialized lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and their subsequent assembly in primary lymphatic vessels. Although lymphatic cells are in continuous contact with mesenchymal cells during development and in adult tissues, the role of mesenchymal cells in lymphatic vasculature development remains poorly characterized. Here, we show that a subpopulation of mesenchymal cells expressing the transcription factor Osr1 are in close association with migrating LECs and established lymphatic vessels in mice. Lineage tracing experiments revealed that Osr1+ cells precede LEC arrival during lymphatic vasculature assembly in the back of the embryo. Using Osr1-deficient embryos and functional in vitro assays, we show that Osr1 acts in a non-cell-autonomous manner controlling proliferation and early migration of LECs to peripheral tissues. Thereby, mesenchymal Osr1+ cells control, in a bimodal manner, the production of extracellular matrix scaffold components and signal ligands crucial for lymphatic vessel formation.
Fish mortality in the Amazonian drought of 2023: the role of experimental biology in our response to climate change
Authors: Braz-Mota Susana , Luis Val Adalberto
Published: September 2024

Higher temperatures exacerbate drought conditions by increasing evaporation rates, reducing soil moisture and altering precipitation patterns. As global temperatures rise as a result of climate change, these effects intensify, leading to more frequent and severe droughts. This link between higher temperatures and drought is particularly evident in sensitive ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest, where reduced rainfall and higher evaporation rates result in significantly lower water levels, threatening biodiversity and human livelihoods. As an example, the serious drought experienced in the Amazon basin in 2023 resulted in a significant decline in fish populations. Elevated water temperatures, reaching up to 38°C, led to mass mortality events, because these temperatures surpass the thermal tolerance of many Amazonian fish species. We know this because our group has collected data on critical thermal maxima (CTmax) for various fish species over multiple years. Additionally, warmer waters can cause hypoxia, further exacerbating fish mortality. Thus, even Amazon fish species, which have relatively high thermal tolerance, are being impacted by climate change. The Amazon drought experienced in 2023 underscores the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the devastating effects on Amazonian biodiversity. The fact that we have been able to link fish mortality events to data on the thermal tolerance of fishes emphasizes the important role of experimental biology in elucidating the mechanisms behind these events, a link that we aim to highlight in this Perspective.
Επαναστάσεις, εξορία, φιλανθρωπία και οικουμενικότητα κατά τον 19ο αιώνα
Authors: Λεοντσίνη Μαρία-Κωνσταντίνα (Μαριτίνα)
Published: September 2024

Στο άρθρο αυτό εξετάζεται η πρακτική της εκούσιας ή αναγκαστικής εξορίας ως αποτέλεσμα των ευρωπαϊκών επαναστάσεων του 1848. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, επιχειρείται μια σύντομη επισκόπηση της πρακτικής της εξορίας κατά τον 19ο αιώνα μέσα από τη μελέτη των περιπτώσεων δύο γυναικών που συνδέθηκαν με τα επαναστατικά κινήματα της περιόδου, της Marie Esperance Brandt von Schwartz (περισσότερο γνωστής με το συγγραφικό ψευδώνυμο Elpis Melena) και της Cristina Trivulzio di Belgiojoso, εντάσσοντάς τες στο πλαίσιο του «διεθνούς εθελοντισμού και πατριωτισμού». Η Schwartz υπήρξε υποστηρίκτρια των προσπαθειών των Ιταλών πατριωτών για την Ιταλική Ενοποίηση και στενή φίλη του Giuseppe Garibaldi. Ταξίδεψε στην Ιταλία και την Ελλάδα, επιδιδόμενη σε φιλανθρωπικό έργο, ενώ συνέδραμε και στον αγώνα των Κρητών κατά την εξέγερση του  1866-69. Η Belgiojoso αφιέρωσε τη δράση της στον αγώνα για την Ιταλική Ενοποίηση κατά τη διάρκεια τόσο των επαναστάσεων του 1830 όσο και του 1848, ενώ συνδέθηκε, λόγω του κοινού τους οράματος, με τον Giuseppe Mazzini. Εξαιτίας της δράσης της οδηγήθηκε δύο φορές στην εξορία, μεταβαίνοντας κατά τη δεκαετία του 1830 στο Παρίσι και κατά τη δεκαετία του 1850 στη Μικρά Ασία. Με το συγγραφικό της έργο συνέβαλε καθοριστικά στη διεθνή αναγνώριση τόσο του φαινομένου της εξορίας των Ιταλών πατριωτών όσο και στην ευρεία συνειδητοποίηση της αναγκαιότητας για απελευθέρωση και ενοποίηση της Ιταλίας. Το άρθρο τοποθετεί αυτές τις δύο γυναίκες μέσα στο κοινωνικοϊστορικό πλαίσιο της περιόδου και εξετάζει την εμπρόθετη δράση που ανέπτυξαν παρά τα εμπόδια που έθετε το φύλο τους.
Δημόσια μνήμη και οδωνυμικά στους μετασοσιαλιστικούς σχηματισμούς
Authors: Αλοΐζου Κυριακή
Published: September 2024

Αντικείμενο του παρόντος άρθρου αποτελούν τα οδωνυμικά ως αναπαραστάσεις της συλλογικής μνήμης, καθώς και οι διαφοροποιήσεις τους ανάλογα με τα πολιτικά και ιδεολογικά συμφραζόμενα. Η ονοματοθεσία δρόμων και μνημείων αποτελεί μια πολιτισμική πρακτική η οποία κανονικοποιεί την εγκεκριμένη εκδοχή της ιστορίας στο αστικό κείμενο και αναδεικνύει την πόλη σε χώρο δημόσιας μνήμης η οποία διαμορφώνεται από τις πολιτικές ατζέντες των ελίτ. Ειδικότερα, κατά τη διάρκεια περιόδων κοινωνικο-οικονομικών και γεωπολιτικών μετασχηματισμών, όταν αλλάζουν οι μνημονικές προτεραιότητες, τα οδωνυμικά αποτελούν ένα πολιτικό εργαλείο προώθησης και νομιμοποίησης του νέου πολιτικού και ιδεολογικού συστήματος. Η παρούσα μελέτη επιχειρεί να περιγράψει τις οδωνυμικές μεταλλάξεις ως εκδήλωση του επαναπροσδιορισμού της σχέσης δημόσιου χώρου και ιστορίας στο πλαίσιο της διαδικασίας μετάβασης από τον σοσιαλισμό στους μετασοσιαλιστικούς σχηματισμούς. Για αυτό τον σκοπό μελετώνται οι περιπτώσεις έξι πόλεων (της Ουγγαρίας, της Πολωνίας, της Ρουμανίας και της πρώην Σοβιετικής Ένωσης), ώστε να αναδειχθεί η αφαίρεση του σοσιαλιστικού παρελθόντος από το αστικό κείμενο μέσω της διαδικασίας οδωνυμικής μετάλλαξης, λόγω της απόρριψής του από τη νέα ιδεολογικo-πολιτική πραγματικότητα, και η αντικατάστασή του από νέα οδωνυμικά με αναφορά κυρίως στην προσοσιαλιστική περίοδο.
Exploring needs, perceptions, and preferences towards exercise video among overweight individuals - a qualitative study
Authors: K B Shishira , Vaishali K , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Sukumar Suresh , Bommasamudram Tulasiram , Hoogar Praveen
Published: September 2024

Background The number of overweight people (BMI 25–29.9kg.m-2) in the world is increasing, which increases the risk of health problems and psychological difficulties. To reduce these risks, it is imperative to address unhealthy habits including food and exercise. This qualitative study aimed to explore the needs, perceptions, and preferences of overweight individuals on tailored exercise programs that incorporate educational videos. Methodology Forty Individuals between the age of 18-30 years with a BMI of 25-29.9kg.m-2 were included in the study using Purposive sampling from October 2023 to November 2023. Semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted for 45-60 minutes approximately among both active and inactive overweight individuals by a researcher trained in qualitative research. These interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed using inductive and deductive approaches to identify the recurrent patterns, themes, and insights in the transcribed interviews. Results 8 themes and 44 subthemes emerged from the analysis, helping to shed light on the needs, perceptions, and preferences that overweight individuals experience when it comes to their preference for a customized exercise program provided through educational video. The participants wanted personalized regimens that catered to their requirements and levels of fitness. Conclusion In summary, the findings emphasize the value of educational videos that are easy to use, visually appealing, and supported by science. These videos should emphasize technique, varying levels of difficulty, and brief sessions.
Case Report: - Sudden sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo due to inner ear hemorrhage
Authors: Mezri Sameh , Selmi Mariem , Bessioud Selma
Published: September 2024

Sudden deafness is a common cause of emergency consultation in otology. Usually, despite investigations, no etiology is known. Intracochlear hemorrhage is a rare cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and may be associated with various labyrinthine disorders. In such cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the clef of the diagnosis. We report the case of a 70-year-old patient who was referred to our department for sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Otoscopic and neurological examinations were normal, and pure-tone audiometry revealed left profound sensorineural hearing loss. Videonystagmography (VNG) revealed left vestibular deficit. MRI demonstrated a high signal intensity inside the cochlea on unenhanced T1-weighted images, and no other abnormalities were found; in particular, no enhancement after intravenous administration of gadolinium. No etiology was identified. Vertigo disappeared rapidly with corticosteroid treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but hearing did not improve. Intra-labyrinthine hemorrhage causing SSNHL is rare, and the hearing prognosis is poor.
Predicting the Path of Insurgency: Data-Driven Strategies to Counter Boko Haram in Nigeria
Authors: Braimah Joseph Odunayo , Makoni Tendai , Mathias Correa Fabio
Published: September 2024

Background While Boko Haram insurgency’s dangers are well documented, existing research lacks methods for effective monitoring and prediction, of their activities. This study addresses this gap by analyzing data from Nigerian Security Tracker website (https://www.cfr.org/nigeria/nigeria-security-tracker/p29483) from year 2011 to 2023 and geolocated information on Boko Haram activity. Methods The research employs a mixed-methods approach. It uses descriptive statistics to understand attack trends and time series models (ARIMA/SARIMA) to forecast future attacks. Additionally, control charts identify periods of heightened insurgency. Results The findings confirm the Northeast region, as the epicenter of Boko Haram activities. The average monthly attack rate was 18 incidents, leading to 682 deaths over 12 years. 2014 and 2015 witnessed the peak of the insurgency. The forecasting models suggest a potential decrease in attack frequency in the coming years, with an average of nine attacks per month. This predicted decline might be linked to intervention efforts. Control charts reveal periods where attacks surpassed expected levels, highlighting critical moments for intensified counter-insurgency measures. These periods include July 2012-May 2014 and June 2014-August 2015, with a period of regained control. Conclusion This research provides valuable insights for stakeholders working to fight against Boko Haram’s insurgency. It offers forecasting capabilities and identifies critical periods, potentially informing targeted interventions and improving overall counter-insurgency strategies.
Enhancing quantitative capacity for the health sector in post-Ebola Liberia, a tracer study of a locally developed and owned coding and biostatistics program
Authors: Barcon Snoyonoh T. , Yeabah Trokon O. , Kromah Mulbah K.A. , Davis George B. , Skrip Laura A.
Published: September 2024

Background Despite the demonstrated value of quantitative research in understanding and responding to public health events, analytics capability is not always prioritized or available in settings that would greatly benefit from it. In Liberia, there are no university degree-granting programs in biostatistics or mathematical modeling, promoting dependence on external technical assistance. To address the gap, a local NGO, Quantitative-Data for Decision-Making (Q4D), was founded to enhance capacity and opportunities for analyzing quantitative data among Liberians. Methods To understand the relevance, utility, and impact of the skills being taught at Q4D, a tracer study was undertaken with current and former students. Participants completed an online survey that evaluated how often and in what ways they are applying course skills, as well as any personal or professional advancement they have attributed to their learning of coding and/or biostatistics through the program. Results Among 43 participants, 81% reported a high level of confidence in independently applying skills learned through Q4D classes in their jobs and/or academic programs. Most participants (81%) responded that they were actively demonstrating the skills they acquired; 74% were teaching the skills to others. Among the 83% of employed participants who reported using the skills currently in their jobs, 56% rated the skills they learned as very or extremely useful in their current positions. Several students attributed salary increments, consultancy opportunities, and scholarships to the skills gained through the program. Conclusions Program skills are being applied by students employed in health-related sectors, suggesting that the training content is relevant and useful for addressing some of the workforce’s analysis needs. Moreover, skills built through the program have positively impacted students by preparing them with the skills required for additional employment and training opportunities to advance in-country health research capacity and reduce inequities.