bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer symptom clusters in adult patients undergoing chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Lopes-Júnior Luís Carlos , Ferrarini Taiani , Pires Luciana Bicalho Cevolani , Rodrigues Jonathan Grassi , Salaroli Luciane Bresciani , Nunes Karolini Zuqui
Published: September 2022

Background

In oncology, the prevalence of symptoms is preferentially analyzed in isolation instead of being considered in clusters. However, clinical practice shows that symptoms rarely occur separately but rather form clusters that share common underlying mechanisms in terms of intensity and severity, creating a synergistic effect among them, which can even help predict the development of future symptoms.

Objective

To identify and gather evidence on the prevalence, composition, severity, and predictors of cancer symptom clusters in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was developed in compliance with PRISMA-P. Observational and experimental study designs will be included. MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, clinical trials.gov-NIH, the British Library, Google Scholar, and preprints [medRXiv] will be searched with no restrictions on idioms, dates, or settings. Two investigators will independently select the studies, perform data extraction, and critically appraise the risk of bias of the included studies. Heterogeneity among the studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic. If meta-analysis was feasible, a random-effect model analysis will be carried out. For data analysis, the pooled effect will be estimated considering 95% confidence interval and α = 5%. In addition, the certainty of evidence will be rated based on Cochrane methods in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this systematic review and meta-analysis will be the first to identify and critically assess evidence regarding the prevalence, composition, severity, and predictors of cancer symptom clusters in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. We intend to provide health professionals with subsidies to reflect on a better understanding of symptom clusters in adult cancer patients, with the aim of contributing to the development of evidence-based therapeutic interventions and success in clinical practice.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021248406.
Longitudinal analysis of the rectal microbiome in dogs with diabetes mellitus after initiation of insulin therapy
Authors: Laia Nicole L. , Barko Patrick C. , Sullivan Drew R. , McMichael Maureen A. , Williams David A. , Reinhart Jennifer M.
Published: September 2022

There have been numerous studies in humans and rodents substantiating the role of the gastrointestinal microbiome in the pathogenesis and progression of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrinopathy in dogs; however, little is known about the composition of the gut microbiome during the development and treatment of diabetes in this species. The objective of this pilot study was to characterize the gastrointestinal microbiome of dogs with diabetes mellitus at the time of diagnosis and over the first 12 weeks of insulin therapy and identify associations with glycemic control. Rectal swabs and serum for fructosamine measurement were collected from 6 newly diagnosed diabetic dogs at 2-week intervals for 12 weeks. Rectal samples were sequenced using 16S, ITS, and archaeal primers. Measures of alpha and beta diversity were assessed for changes over time; associations between absolute sequence variant (ASV) relative abundances and time and fructosamine concentration were identified using a microbiome-specific, multivariate linear effects model. No statistically significant changes over time were noted in alpha diversity and samples significantly grouped by dog rather than by time in the beta diversity analysis. However, multiple ASVs were negatively (Clostridium sensu stricto 1,Romboutsia,Collinsella) and positively (Streptococcus,Bacteroides,Ruminococcus gauveauii,Peptoclostridium) associated with time and two ASVs were positively associated with fructosamine (Enterococcus,Escherichia-Shigella). These changes in gastrointestinal microbial composition warrant further investigation of how they may relate to diabetes mellitus progression or control in dogs.
Contrasting phytoplankton-zooplankton distributions observed through autonomous platforms, in-situ optical sensors and discrete sampling
Authors: Fragoso Glaucia M. , Davies Emlyn J. , Fossum Trygve O. , Ullgren Jenny E. , Majaneva Sanna , Aberle Nicole , Ludvigsen Martin , Johnsen Geir
Published: September 2022

Plankton distributions are remarkably ‘patchy’ in the ocean. In this study, we investigated the contrasting phytoplankton-zooplankton distributions in relation to wind mixing events in waters around a biodiversity-rich island (Runde) located off the western coast of Norway. We used adaptive sampling from AUV and shipboard profiles of in-situ phytoplankton photo-physiology and particle identification (copepods, fecal pellets and the dinoflagellate Tripos spp.) and quantification using optical and imaging sensors. Additionally, traditional seawater and net sampling were collected for nutrient and in-vitro chlorophyll a concentrations and phytoplankton and meso-zooplankton abundances. Persistent strong wind conditions (~5 days) disrupted the stratification in offshore regions, while stratification and a subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM) were observed above the base of the mixed layer depth (MLD ~30 m) in inshore waters. Contrasting phytoplankton and zooplankton abundances were observed between inshore (with the presence of a SCM) and offshore waters (without the presence of a SCM). At the SCM, phytoplankton abundances (Tripos spp., the diatom Proboscia alata and other flagellates) were half (average of 200 cell L-1) of those observed offshore. On the contrary, meso-zooplankton counts were ~6× higher (732 ind m-3 for Calanus spp.) inshore (where a SCM was observed) compared to offshore areas. In parallel, fecal pellets and ammonium concentrations were high (>1000 ind m-3 for the upper 20 m) at the SCM, suggesting that the shallow mixed layer might have increased encounter rates and promoted strong grazing pressure. Low nutrient concentrations (< 1μM for nitrate) were found below the MLD (60 m) in offshore waters, suggesting that mixing and nutrient availability likely boosted phytoplankton abundances. The size of the absorption cross-section (σPII’) and yield of photosystem II photochemistry under ambient light (φPII’) changed according to depth, while the depth-related electron flow (JPII) was similar between regions, suggesting a high degree of community plasticity to changes in the light regime. Our results emphasize the importance of using multiple instrumentation, in addition to traditional seawater and net sampling for a holistic understanding of plankton distributions.
Mycoparasitism capability and growth inhibition activity of Clonostachys rosea isolates against fungal pathogens of grapevine trunk diseases suggest potential for biocontrol
Authors: Geiger Adrienn , Karácsony Zoltán , Geml József , Váczy Kálmán Zoltán
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to examine the capability ofClonostachys roseaisolates as a biological control agent against grapevine trunk diseases pathogens. FiveC.roseaand 174 pathogenic fungal strains were isolated from grafted grapevines and subjected toin vitroconfrontation tests. Efficient antagonism was observed againstEutypa lataandPhaeomoniella chlamydosporawhile mycoparasitism was observed to the pathogens ofBotryosphaeria dothideaandDiaporthespp. pathogens inin vitrodual culture assays. The conidia production of theC.roseaisolates were also measured on PDA plates. One isolate (19B/1) with high antagonistic capabilities and efficient conidia production was selected forin plantaconfrontation tests by mixing its conidia with the soil of Cabernet sauvignon grapevine cuttings artificially infected withB.dothidea,E.lataandP.chlamydospora. The length and/or the incidence of necrotic lesions caused byE.lataandP.chlamydosporaat the inoculation point were significantly decreased after a three months incubation in the greenhouse on cuttings planted in soils inoculated with the conidia of strain 19B/1, while symptom incidence and severity were unaffected in the case of the pathogenB.dothidea. Based on the above results, we considerC.roseaa promising biological control agent against some grapevine trunk diseases.
Endurance versus resistance training in treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: A randomized cross-over trial
Authors: Thomas Hannah J. , Marsh Channa E. , Maslen Barbara A. , Lester Leanne , Naylor Louise H. , Green Daniel J.
Published: September 2022

Background

Individual variability in traditional cardiovascular risk factor responses to different exercise modalities has not been directly addressed in humans using a randomized cross-over design.

Methods

Body weight and body mass index, resting blood pressure, blood glucose, insulin and lipids were assessed in 68 healthy untrained adults (26±6 years) who underwent three-months of exercise training targeted at improving cardiopulmonary fitness (endurance) and skeletal muscle function (resistance), separated by three-months washout.

Results

There were significant increases in weight and body mass index following resistance (+0.8 kg, P<0.01; and +0.26 kg/m2, P<0.01, respectively), but not endurance (+0.1 kg, P = 0.75; and +0.03 kg/m2, P = 0.70, respectively). Although no significant group changes resulted from training in other cardiovascular risk factors, the positive response rate for all variables ranged from 27–49% for resistance and 42–58% for endurance. Between 39–59% of individuals who did not respond to resistance nonetheless responded to endurance, and 28–54% who did not respond to endurance responded to resistance.

Conclusion

Whilst, on average, 12 weeks of resistance or endurance did not change most cardiovascular risk factors, many subjects showed robust positive responses. Exercise modality had an impact on the proportion of subjects who responded to training, and non-response to one mode of training did not imply non-response to the alternate mode. Although the effect of exercise on a single risk factor may be modest, the effect on overall cardiovascular risk profile can be dramatic.

Study registration

The study was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, which was published prior to recruitment and randomization (ACTRN12616001095459).
Evaluation of a standardized test protocol to measure wheelchair-specific anaerobic and aerobic exercise capacity in healthy novices on an instrumented roller ergometer
Authors: Janssen Rowie J. F. , Vegter Riemer J. K. , Houdijk Han , Van der Woude Lucas H. V. , de Groot Sonja
Published: September 2022

This study aims to evaluate whether a test protocol with standardized and individualized resistance settings leads to valid wheelchair Wingate tests (WAnT) and graded exercise tests (GXT) in healthy novices. Twenty able-bodied individuals (10M/10F, age 23 ± 2 years, body mass 72 ± 11 kg) performed an isometric strength test, sprint test, WAnT and GXT on a wheelchair ergometer. Using a previously developed set of regression equations, individuals’ isometric strength outcome was used to estimate the WAnT result (P30est), from which an effective individual WAnT resistance was derived. The subsequently measured WAnT outcome (P30meas) was used to estimate the GXT outcome (POpeakest) and to scale the individual GXT resistance steps. Estimated and measured outcomes were compared. The WAnT protocol was considered valid when maximal velocity did not exceed 3 m·s-1; the GXT protocol was considered valid when test duration was 8–12 min. P30estdid not significantly differ from P30meas, while one participant did not have a valid WanT, as maximal velocity exceeded 3 m·s-1. POpeakestwas 10% higher than POpeakmeas, and six participants did not reach a valid GXT: five participants had a test duration under 8 min and one participant over 12 min. The isometric strength test can be used to individually scale the WAnT protocol. The WAnT outcome scaled the protocol for the GXT less accurately, resulting in mostly shorter-than-desired test durations. In conclusion, the evaluated standardized and individualized test protocol was valid for the WAnT but less valid for the GXT among a group of novices. Before implementing the standardized individual test protocol on a broader scale, e.g. among paralympic athletes, it should be evaluated among different athletic wheelchair-dependent populations.
Microglial STAT1-sufficiency is required for resistance to toxoplasmic encephalitis
Authors: Cowan Maureen N. , Kovacs Michael A. , Sethi Ish , Babcock Isaac W. , Still Katherine , Batista Samantha J. , O’Brien Carleigh A. , Thompson Jeremy A. , Sibley Lydia A. , Labuzan Sydney A. , Harris Tajie H.
Published: September 2022

Toxoplasma gondiiis a ubiquitous intracellular protozoan parasite that establishes a life-long chronic infection largely restricted to the central nervous system (CNS). Constant immune pressure, notably IFN-γ-STAT1 signaling, is required for preventing fatal pathology duringT.gondiiinfection. Here, we report that abrogation of STAT1 signaling in microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, is sufficient to induce a loss of parasite control in the CNS and susceptibility to toxoplasmic encephalitis during the early stages of chronic infection. Using a microglia-specific genetic labeling and targeting system that discriminates microglia from blood-derived myeloid cells that infiltrate the brain during infection, we find that, contrary to previousin vitroreports, microglia do not express inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) duringT.gondiiinfectionin vivo. Instead, transcriptomic analyses of microglia reveal that STAT1 regulates both (i) a transcriptional shift from homeostatic to “disease-associated microglia” (DAM) phenotype conserved across several neuroinflammatory models, includingT.gondiiinfection, and (ii) the expression of anti-parasitic cytosolic molecules that are required for eliminatingT.gondiiin a cell-intrinsic manner. Further, genetic deletion ofStat1from microglia duringT.gondiichallenge leads to fatal pathology despite largely equivalent or enhanced immune effector functions displayed by brain-infiltrating immune populations. Finally, we show that microglial STAT1-deficiency results in the overrepresentation of the highly replicative, lytic tachyzoite form ofT.gondii, relative to its quiescent, semi-dormant bradyzoite form typical of chronic CNS infection. Our data suggest an overall protective role of CNS-resident microglia againstT.gondiiinfection, illuminating (i) general mechanisms of CNS-specific immunity to infection (ii) and a clear role for IFN-STAT1 signaling in regulating a microglial activation phenotype observed across diverse neuroinflammatory disease states.
Tinjauan Buku : Desentralisasi Radikal:: Ikhtiar Pengembangan Wilayah Imekko Sorong Selatan
Authors: Rahmiati Dini
Published: September 2022

Buku ini hadir untuk memberikan gambaran yang jauh lebih komprehensif mengenai tuntutan pemekaran daerah yang muncul dari kelompok-kelompok etnis masyarakat Sorong Selatan yang berada di distrik-distrik Inanwatan, Matemani, Kais, Kokoda, dan Kokoda Utara (Imekko) yang masih terisolir dan mempunyai potensi konflik terkait politik identitas, pengelolaan sumber daya, dan tata kelola pemerintahan di daerah. Kajian eksploratif tentang kesiapan wilayah tersebut untuk dikembangkan atau dimekarkan menjadi daerah otonom baru (Kabupaten Imekko) pemekaran dari kabupaten Sorong Selatan sangat menarik untuk dielaborasi lebih lanjut.
Provider Beliefs, Practices, and Perceived Barriers to Dietary Elimination Therapy in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Chang Joy W. , Kliewer Kara , Katzka David A. , Peterson Kathryn A. , Gonsalves Nirmala , Gupta Sandeep K. , Furuta Glenn T. , Dellon Evan S.
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Despite effective dietary treatments, physicians prefer medications for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

METHODS:

We conducted a web-based survey of providers to assess the perceived effectiveness, practice patterns, and barriers to EoE dietary therapy.

RESULTS:

Providers view diet as the least effective treatment. The greatest barrier was the belief that patients are disinterested and unlikely to adhere (58%). With less access to dietitians (56%), nonacademic providers often manage diets without dietitian guidance (41%).

DISCUSSION:

Given high patient acceptance for diets and multiple treatment options for EoE, clinicians need evidence-based knowledge on EoE diets, access to dietitians, and awareness of patient preferences.
Notes from the Editors, September 2022
Authors: Editors -
Published: September 2022

buy this issue

Our current geological time period, characterized by drastic planetary shifts due to anthropogenic climate change, is popularly known as the Anthropocene Epoch. Recent proposals for naming the first age of this epoch highlight capitalism's central role in the ongoing climate crisis.
Ten Questions About Marx—More Than Twenty Years After Marx's Ecology
Authors: Foster John Bellamy , Andrés Roberto
Published: September 2022

More than twenty years after the publication of John Bellamy Foster's Marx's Ecology (2000), ecosocialist scholars continue to explore the evolution of Marx's ecological thinking, from the Greek atomists to his later work on ethnology.
A New Environmental History of Socialist States
Authors: Bruno Andy
Published: September 2022

Recent scholarship suggests that the widespread perception of Soviet states as uniquely ecologically disastrous is, at best, exaggerated, and that these environmental legacies must be re-examined.
Parents’ resistance to standardized testing in a highly centralized system: The emergence of an opt-out movement in Israel
Authors: Sabag Noy , Feniger Yariv
Published: September 2022

This paper discusses the emergence of an opt-out movement in Israel led by parent associations at local and national levels. The protest targeted the use of a national standardized test, the Meitzav. Analyzing media coverage of this movement and informed by the theoretical arguments of the Advocacy Coalition Framework, the study suggests that by forming a coalition with the Teachers’ Union, parents proclaimed their right to a role in education policymaking in a highly centralized system. The coalition was successful in that it influenced the Ministry of Education to postpone the tests and form a special committee to reevaluate the national assessment policy. The Israeli case enhances our understanding of opt-out movements in different educational and institutional contexts.
Climate Change Governance and Ecosystem Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Dan-Woniowei Fie David , IKPORUKPO Iyabrade , Kalagbo Samuel B.
Published: September 2022

This study assesses whether climate change governance has improved ecosystem sustainability in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) from 2012 to 2021. It relied on the African Strategy on Climate Change (ASCC), May 2014 for the assessment and adopted the ecosystem approach (EA) for analysis. The study discovered that the ASCC May 2014 was quite elaborate, yet does not explicitly, address the issues bothering ecosystem sustainability (ES). Rather, efforts and considerations were organized around climate change mitigation financing and development, which motive was to perpetuate the exploitation of the continent’s natural resources. It also discovered that many of the policies and frameworks intended to mitigate climate change and adaptation have not been adequately implemented due to bad governance. The study, therefore, recommends that future African strategic policies and frameworks on the environment cum engagements with climate change governance actors such as development partners, regulators, and other stakeholders either on the global, regional, or national levels should be properly directed to enhance ecosystem sustainability. In addition, such outcomes should be implemented adequately to safeguard the livelihoods of the millions of indigenous people in the SSA.
Nkrumah and Philosophy of African Unity
Authors: Kimaro Octavian P. , Makokha Kenneth , Muhenda John
Published: September 2022

This article mainly focuses on African unity as understood by Nkrumah. African unity includes the struggle in various fields, political, social and economic. Nkrumah’s ideas about African unity were widely defined as a sustainable political strategy for the well-being of Africans across the continent. Such support fought against corruption and things that hold back the development of the continent. Such ideas also helped to develop African identity and social ideologies. The current leaders of independent African nations should learn from the founders of African nations due to their dreams that focused on the well-being all citizens. In the 21st century there is a need for greater cooperation between all countries within the African continent. What is the most important issue now is to promote African identity. This can be done in the implementation of development goals such as ending problems facing contemporary Africa like civil wars, poverty and individualism.
Synchronous, Asynchronous, and Face-to-Face Instruction: Students’ Perception of their Effectiveness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Policy Paper
Authors: Landor-Ngemi Jarrett
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the abrupt transition from the traditional face-to-face instruction to distance learning. Although Web-based and computer-mediated learning continues to be scrutinized because of the long-believed perception that it is inferior to face-to-face instruction, the wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic has led University leaders to make online learning mandatory. Despite the rapid growth of Web-based/online instruction in higher education, many faculties do not see the potential of Web-based instruction in improving student learning and achievement This paper seeks to investigate students’ perception of synchronous, asynchronous, and face-to-face instruction during the distance-learning phase of education and the implications for public policy. the study employed a quantitative research design. The participants for this study were graduate and undergraduate student groups enrolled in public four-year institutions of higher learning. assess student perceptions of effective learning environments across the dimensions of synchronous online instruction with SOIV, asynchronous online instruction, and face-to-face instruction. The rationale behind this research was based on an assessment of the elements of quality instruction found throughout the dimensions of SOIV, asynchronous online instruction, and face-to-face instruction. The results show that students would prefer asynchronous online learning environments rather than SOIV.
Sex‐specific effects of maternal weight loss on offspring cardiometabolic outcomes in the obese preeclamptic‐like mouse model, BPH/5
Authors: Beckers Kalie F. , Schulz Christopher J. , Flanagan Juliet P. , Adams Daniella M. , Gomes Viviane C.L. , Liu Chin‐Chi , Childers Gary W. , Sones Jenny L.
Published: September 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder that impacts 2–8% of pregnant women worldwide. It is characterized by new onset hypertension during the second half of gestation and is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity/mortality. Maternal obesity increases the risk of PE and is a key predictor of childhood obesity and potentially offspring cardiometabolic complications in a sex‐dependent manner. The influence of the maternal obesogenic environment, with superimposed PE, on offspring development into adulthood is unknown. Obese BPH/5 mice spontaneously exhibit late‐gestational hypertension, fetal demise and growth restriction, and excessive gestational weight gain. BPH/5 females have improved pregnancy outcomes when maternal weight loss via pair‐feeding is imposed beginning at conception. We hypothesized that phenotypic differences between female and male BPH/5 offspring can be influenced by pair feeding BPH/5 dams during pregnancy. BPH/5 pair‐fed dams have improved litter sizes and increased fetal body weights. BPH/5 offspring born to ad libitum dams have similar sex ratios, body weights, and fecal microbiome as well as increased blood pressure that is reduced in the dam pair‐fed offspring. Both BPH/5 male and female offspring born to pair‐fed dams have a reduction in adiposity and an altered gut microbiome, while only female offspring born to pair‐fed dams have decreased circulating leptin and white adipose tissue inflammatory cytokines. These sexually dimorphic results suggest that reduction in the maternal obesogenic environment in early pregnancy may play a greater role in female BPH/5 sex‐dependent cardiometabolic outcomes than males. Reprograming females may mitigate the transgenerational progression of cardiometabolic disease.
Testing oxygenated microbubbles via intraperitoneal and intrathoracic routes on a large pig model of LPS‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Mohammed Riaz Ur Rehman , Zollinger Nathaniel T. , McCain Andrea R. , Romaguera‐Matas Roser , Harris Seth P. , Buesing Keely L. , Borden Mark A. , Terry Benjamin S.
Published: September 2022

With a mortality rate of 46% before the onset of COVID‐19, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) affected 200,000 people in the US, causing 75,000 deaths. Mortality rates in COVID‐19 ARDS patients are currently at 39%. Extrapulmonary support for ARDS aims to supplement mechanical ventilation by providing life‐sustaining oxygen to the patient. A new rapid‐onset, human‐sized pig ARDS model in a porcine intensive care unit (ICU) was developed. The pigs were nebulized intratracheally with a high dose (4 mg/kg) of the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) over a 2 h duration to induce rapid‐onset moderate‐to‐severe ARDS. They were then catheterized to monitor vitals and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of oxygenated microbubble (OMB) therapy delivered by intrathoracic (IT) or intraperitoneal (IP) administration. Post‐LPS administration, the PaO2 value dropped below 70 mmHg, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio dropped below 200 mmHg, and the heart rate increased, indicating rapidly developing (within 4 h) moderate‐to‐severe ARDS with tachycardia. The SpO2 and PaO2 of these LPS‐injured pigs did not show significant improvement after OMB administration, as they did in our previous studies of the therapy on small animal models of ARDS injury. Furthermore, pigs receiving OMB or saline infusions had slightly lower survival than their ARDS counterparts. The OMB administration did not induce a statistically significant or clinically relevant therapeutic effect in this model; instead, both saline and OMB infusion appeared to lower survival rates slightly. This result is significant because it contradicts positive results from our previous small animal studies and places a limit on the efficacy of such treatments for larger animals under more severe respiratory distress. While OMB did not prove efficacious in this rapid‐onset ARDS pig model, it may retain potential as a novel therapy for the usual presentation of ARDS in humans, which develops and progresses over days to weeks.
Serum GFAP – reference interval and preanalytical properties in Danish adults
Authors: Tybirk Lea , Hviid Claus Vinter Bødker , Knudsen Cindy Soendersoe , Parkner Tina
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a promising biomarker that could potentially contribute to diagnosis and prognosis in neurological diseases. The biomarker is approaching clinical use but the reference interval for serum GFAP remains to be established, and knowledge about the effect of preanalytical factors is also limited.

Methods

Serum samples from 371 apparently healthy reference subjects, 21–90 years of age, were measured by a single-molecule array (Simoa) assay. Continuous reference intervals were modelled using non-parametric quantile regression and compared with traditional age-partitioned non-parametric reference intervals established according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline C28-A3. The following preanalytical conditions were also examined: stability in whole blood at room temperature (RT), stability in serum at RT and −20 °C, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and haemolysis.

Results

The continuous reference interval showed good overall agreement with the traditional age-partitioned reference intervals of 25–136 ng/L, 34–242 ng/L, and 5–438 ng/L for the age groups 20–39, 40–64, and 65–90 years, respectively. Both types of reference intervals showed increasing levels and variability of serum GFAP with age. In the preanalytical tests, the mean changes from baseline were 2.3% (95% CI: −2.4%, 6.9%) in whole blood after 9 h at RT, 3.1% (95% CI: −4.5%, 10.7%) in serum after 7 days at RT, 10.4% (95% CI: −6.0%, 26.8%) in serum after 133 days at −20 °C, and 10.4% (95% CI: 9.5%, 11.4%) after three freeze-thaw cycles.

Conclusions

The study establishes age-dependent reference ranges for serum GFAP in adults and demonstrates overall good stability of the biomarker.
Uninterested, disenchanted, or overwhelmed? An analysis of motives behind intentional and unintentional news avoidance
Authors: Gorski Lea C.
Published: September 2022

In the light of a vast political information ‘buffet’, so-called news-avoiders stay away from the news for indefinite periods of time. Recent research suggests that news avoidance can be intentional or unintentional. However, research has mostly focused on one form of news avoidance or has not differentiated at all. Based on survey data, this study (a) identifies and compares motivations for intentional and unintentional avoidance and (b) investigates drivers of different news avoidance motives. Findings suggest that, overall, avoidance is rooted in the preference for other pastimes, with intentional avoiders also being tired of news and seeing it as too negative, biased, and unreliable. Further, different motives are driven by specific characteristics: Political knowledge and internal efficacy relate to ‘cognitive’ motives, empathy, and being negativity-prone to ‘emotional’ motives, while external efficacy relates to ‘political’ motives.
Anti-proliferation effects of Apatinib in combination with Curcumin in breast cancer cells
Authors: Farhoudi Sefidan Jadid Mahdi , Jahangirzadehd Gholamreza , Behroozi Javad
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Despite remarkable development of new therapeutic strategies to improve survival rates and treatment of patients with cancer, there are still many limitations in management of patients with distant metastasis breast cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate a novel method to enhance therapeutic efficacy of Apatinib (as a chemotherapeutic agent) by co‐administration of Curcumin (as a bioactive herbal compound) in breast cancer treatment.

Methods

Effects of Apatinib, Curcumin, and their combinations (Apa‐Cur) was evaluated on viability and proliferation of breast cell line (MCF7) by MTT assay. Moreover, effects of Apatinib, Curcumin, and Apa‐Cur was investigated on apoptosis rate in the cancer cells. Expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (BAX, SMAC, BCL2, and SURVIVIN) in treated cancer cells and untreated controls were evaluated using the Real-Time PCR method.

Results

The obtained results showed that all treatments of Apatinib, Curcumin, and Apa‐Cur significantly decreased viability and proliferation of the breast cancer cells in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. However, anti-proliferation activity of Apa‐Cur combination was significantly higher than Apatinib and Curcumin treatment alone. In addition, Apatinib, Curcumin, and Apa‐Cur increased apoptosis percentage in the treated cancer cells through regulation of apoptosis-related genes expression.

Conclusions

In general, Apa‐Cur combination therapy exerts more profound anti-proliferation effects on breast cancer cell than Apatinib or Curcumin monotherapy. However, further studies are required to identify other possible signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in the anticancer effects of Apatinib, Curcumin, and Apa‐Cur.
GIS implementation and statistical analysis for significant characteristics of Kirkuk soil
Authors: Raheem Aram M. , Omar Najat Q. , Naser Ibrahim J. , Ibrahim Mohammed O.
Published: September 2022

In the presence of harsh economic conditions, conducting laboratory experiments in a wide anticipated area to determine soil properties for any purpose or task within a city is unachievable. Hence, this work is focused on incorporating the existing record data of 56 distinct soil samples acquired from different pits of Kirkuk city utilizing spatial analysis described by inverse distance weighted (IDW) and Kriging methodologies. The incorporated constituents were principally categorized into basic soil characteristics such as clay, silt, sand, and gravel contents and various soil parameters such as initial void ratio (e
o), angle of internal friction (ϕ), cohesion (c), and optimum soil moisture content. Moreover, quantitative approaches such as geotechnical parameters association, linear single, and linear multi-regression models were used. Significant discrepancies in both approaches are readily obvious in the third to fifth zones, indicating that IDW and Kriging processes describe the distribution of sand in Kirkuk city differently. Furthermore, linear multi-regression model between basic and investigated soil parameters show good to excellent and very good to excellent degrees of correlation, with multiple R values in the range of (0.77–0.97) and (0.86–0.98), respectively.
Kant’s Ontological Phenomenalism
Authors: Pickering Mark
Published: September 2022

Immanuel Kant’s oft-repeated statement that physical objects are mere representations has given rise to various phenomenalist interpretations. Here I understand phenomenalism to be the view that physical objects are actual or possible perceptions. I argue for a novel phenomenalist interpretation: for Kant a physical object is nothing but the sum of actual and possible perceptions that agree with its empirical concept. I argue that this interpretation is supported by the textual evidence and that this interpretation is not vulnerable to objections commonly made against phenomenalist interpretations. I also argue that the textual evidence provides more support for this interpretation than it does for certain other phenomenalist interpretations.
Structural properties of sputter-deposited nanocrystalline Ni thin films
Authors: Danışman Murat
Published: September 2022

For this study, Ni thin films were deposited on a glass substrate by using 200, 300, and 400 W direct-current magnetron sputtering method for observing the effect of sputtering power on the structural properties of thin films. Grain size, crystallinity, orientation, and texture of the deposited thin films were observed and evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. According to XRD analysis, all thin films presented crystalline atomic structure. Furthermore, the effect of texture on the structural properties were observed using strain analysis and grain sizes that were calculated by Scherrer’s method and Williamson-Hall analysis. The analysis revealed that the grain size of sputter-deposited thin films increased linearly with respect to the increasing sputtering power. Additionally, the elastic modulus and indentation hardness of the samples were measured by nanoindentation method, and the results were evaluated in terms of grain size and texture. The highest grain size, 7.30 nm, was observed on a 400 W sputter-deposited sample, which also had the highest elastic modulus and indentation hardness values as 98 and 3.6 GPa, respectively.
Exhaustive characterization of modified Si vacancies in 4H-SiC
Authors: Davidsson Joel , Babar Rohit , Shafizadeh Danial , Ivanov Ivan G. , Ivády Viktor , Armiento Rickard , Abrikosov Igor A.
Published: September 2022

The negatively charged silicon vacancy

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−

$\left({\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{i}}^{-}\right)$

in silicon carbide is a well-studied point defect for quantum applications. At the same time, a closer inspection of ensemble photoluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements reveals an abundance of related but so far unidentified signals. In this study, we search for defects in 4H-SiC that explain the above magneto-optical signals in a defect database generated by automatic defect analysis and qualification (ADAQ) workflows. This search reveals only one class of atomic structures that exhibit silicon-vacancy-like properties in the data: a carbon antisite (CSi) within sub-nanometer distances from the silicon vacancy only slightly alters the latter without affecting the charge or spin state. Such a perturbation is energetically bound. We consider the formation of

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i

−

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C

S
i

${\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{i}}^{-}+{\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{i}}$

up to 2 nm distance and report their zero phonon lines and zero field splitting values. In addition, we perform high-resolution photoluminescence experiments in the silicon vacancy region and find an abundance of lines. Comparing our computational and experimental results, several configurations show great agreement. Our work demonstrates the effectiveness of a database with high-throughput results in the search for defects in quantum applications.
Effect of folic acid, vitamin B12, and B6 supplementation on the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ye Man , Chen Xiaohong , Mao Sufang , Zhou Jing , Liu Minfen , Wu Yu
Published: September 2022

Background

Numerous studies indicated that B vitamin supplementation can reduce cardiovascular risk; nonetheless, available proof reported from individual studies have not been consistent, so we performed an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the relationship between B vitamin supplementation and cardiovascular outcomes.

Materials and method

Relevant studies published before May 2022 were searched from the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biology Medicine, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. Outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, revascularization, total mortality, and cardiovascular death. The strength of the association was examined by risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

A total of 17 RCTs involving 31,085 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The combined supplementation of B vitamins had no significant effect on MACE based on eight RCTs (RR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.92–1.04), MI based on 13 RCTs (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.92–1.09), and revascularization based on 12 RCTs (RR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.95–1.10). Ten studies showed that the combined supplementation of B vitamins reduced the risk of stroke by 12% (RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.81–0.97). Eleven studies showed that the combined supplementation of B vitamins had no significant effect on the total mortality (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.94–1.05), and nine studies showed that the combined B vitamins had no significant effect on cardiovascular death (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.88–1.05). Besides, with the extension of follow-up duration and those with a history of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, supplementation of B vitamins could reduce the risk of stroke.

Conclusion

The supplementation of folic acid, Vitamin B6, and B12 is associated with a reduction in stroke, but not in total mortality, cardiovascular death, MACE, and MI.
Influence of Equal Channel Angular Extrusion on Mechanical Characteristics and Associated Microstructural Changes of Aluminum, Copper, Titanium and Magnesium Alloys and Their Metal Matrix Composites—A Review
Authors: Chinna Maddaiah K. , Naresh K. , Veeresh Kumar G. B. , Pramod R. , Baburao T. , Rama Sreekanth P. S.
Published: September 2022

A focus of the current industrial sector is motivated to develop a new class of advanced materials with superior characteristics compared to currently available conventional materials. In the recent past, light metals and alloys, such as aluminum, copper, titanium, and magnesium alloys and their metal matrix composites (MMCs) have been increasingly accepted in automotive, aerospace, and biomedical sectors. Moreover, for improving the physical and mechanical characteristics of these materials, the processing of materials with secondary metalworking techniques (severe plastic deformation [SPD], complete and partial heat treatment processes, cryogenic treatment, surface coatings, etc.) is essential. Out of several secondary metalworking techniques, the most efficient is the SPD technique with equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). ECAP is widely adopted to produce materials with significantly reduced grain size and excellent properties. The current review article aims to present the effect of ECAP on the physical and mechanical characteristics of aluminum, copper, titanium, and magnesium alloys, and their MMCs are discussed. Microstructural studies and their associated statistical parameters of these materials are discussed using several destructive and nondestructive techniques. Also, the use of in-situ methods, such as digital image correlation, infrared thermography, etc., is examined to study the deformation mechanisms in ECAP. This review article provides a new direction for researchers working in materials engineering and science fields to recognize the importance of the ECAP technique on mechanical characteristics and associated microstructural changes of majorly used alloys and MMCs.
Laboratory Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Rejuvenation in Multiple Hot Recycling of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Pasetto Marco , Baliello Andrea , Giacomello Giovanni , Pasquini Emiliano
Published: September 2022

Because of the widespread use of reclaimed asphalt (RA) in new asphalt mixtures, multiple RA recycling is expected to become a common practice. Thus, the long-term properties of multiaged RA as well as the effectiveness of multiple-cycle rejuvenation of RA need to be properly investigated. Given this background, the present study was aimed at evaluating at laboratory scale the feasibility of multiple hot recycling of RA at both short-term aging (STA) and long-term aging (LTA) conditions. The effectiveness of rejuvenation of multiple recycled mixtures was also assessed. In particular, the effect on mixture performance of the rejuvenator addition at different recycling stages was evaluated both after mix rejuvenation and at the end of laboratory-simulated LTA. To these aims, the evolution of linear viscoelastic properties and tensile strength of a plant-produced asphalt mixture has been investigated over a series of short-term and long-term simulative aging cycles carried out with or without the addition of a rejuvenator product. The experimental findings mainly showed that recycling effect (i.e., stiffening and embrittlement) seems to stabilize over cycles with an effective rejuvenating contribution because of the recycling agent. Nevertheless, a specific design of the rejuvenator content considering the actual RA properties instead of requiring a fixed dosage based on RA binder content is only necessary because the recycling history undergone by RA (i.e., number of recycling cycles and use of rejuvenator over the different cycles) clearly affects the final properties of the recycled mixes.
The Genomic Architecture of Pregnancy-Associated Plasticity in the Maternal Mouse Hippocampus
Authors: Celik Alper , Somer Max , Kukreja Bharti , Wu Taiyi , Kalish Brian T.
Published: September 2022

Pregnancy is associated with extraordinary plasticity in the maternal brain. Studies in humans and other mammals suggest extensive structural and functional remodeling of the female brain during and after pregnancy. However, we understand remarkably little about the molecular underpinnings of this natural phenomenon. To gain insight into pregnancy-associated hippocampal plasticity, we performed single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and snATAC-seq from the mouse hippocampus before, during, and after pregnancy. We identified cell type-specific transcriptional and epigenetic signatures associated with pregnancy and postpartum adaptation. In addition, we analyzed receptor-ligand interactions and transcription factor (TF) motifs that inform hippocampal cell type identity and provide evidence of pregnancy-associated adaption. In total, these data provide a unique resource of coupled transcriptional and epigenetic data across a dynamic time period in the mouse hippocampus and suggest opportunities for functional interrogation of hormone-mediated plasticity.
Papers to Podcasts
Authors: Palavalli-Nettimi Ravindra , Fieldsend Thomas William , Acosta Amy , Catenazzi Alessandro , McCartney Melissa
Published: September 2022

Scientific practices are still largely absent from undergraduate curricula. Incorporating primary scientific literature (PSL) and podcasting into course curricula is an engaging way to provide instruction in scientific practices to undergraduate students. We present an innovative class project for biology undergraduates where students read a piece of PSL, develop annotations to learn more about the research contained within the PSL, and develop and produce a podcast episode to share the research findings with a general audience. To understand student perceptions of the project, we conducted surveys to obtain qualitative responses along with measures of science identity and project ownership. We found that the students felt like the project belonged to them and that their work on the project would ultimately benefit the scientific community. Here, we include a project handbook, schedule, and materials that can be used by any instructor to carry out this project.
Assessing the Importance of Chemosensory Cues in Web-Building Spiders
Authors: Collier Alex
Published: September 2022

Spiders rely on chemosensory cues to help locate prey, evade predators, and select mates. This reliance on chemosensory detection makes spiders an ideal organism for inquiry-based projects that students can design and conduct on a shoestring budget. This investigation, designed for secondary education grades (6–12), encourages students to examine whether chemosensory cues influence web construction of harmless female spiders collected from backyard habitats. Students work in groups to develop hypotheses that they later test by introducing spiders into a simple T-maze containing some mix of chemosensory cues. To pilot this study, I designed two experiments to determine how female spiders construct their webs in response to chemosensory cues of potential prey or dangerous fire ants. The data from both projects were compiled and statistically analyzed using open-source software available online. In a classroom or laboratory setting, your students can work in groups to develop their own hypotheses, design and run their experiments, and statistically analyze their results using the same free software. Although simple in design, this activity provides students with an opportunity to develop novel lines of research inquiry and engage in the practice of science.