bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMMENTARY – THE STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA APPROACHING 30 YEARS OF POST‐APARTHEID DEMOCRACY
Authors: Schimmel Noam
Published: September 2023

As South Africa approaches 30 years of democracy, it is important to pause to reflect and analyze the trajectory of human rights since the fall of the apartheid regime and the advent of multiracial democracy. Although there was a large global movement against apartheid, this movement's vigilance for human rights in South Africa quickly declined and dissolved with the advent of South African democracy. There is little critical engagement with South Africa's contemporary human rights record and policies by global human rights activists, nongovernmental organizations, and civil society and still less active campaigning in defense of the human rights of South Africans, especially South Africa's most vulnerable and disadvantaged black majority. The energy that was summoned to protest apartheid and to boycott it never returned since the advent of democracy. This commentary explores the current state of human rights in South Africa, their prospects, and challenges to their respect, protection, and fulfillment.
Healed Walls, Unhealed Wounds: Why Prison Reforms Fail Women Offenders in India?
Authors: Sapra Ipsita
Published: September 2023

Incarcerated women have always been an intriguing category. Socially ostracised, economically impoverished and culturally stigmatised women in prisons of India are a small but marginalised category. While the country has witnessed a series of significant efforts at prison reforms, these are not informed by a feminist reading of the condition of women. As such, reforms in women’s prison follow templates shaped on Western models developed for men. Based on a study of incarcerated women in Telangana, a state in India that has undertaken significant prison reforms, the study provides a critique of the existing approach. It argues that the fundamentally different contexts and consequences of incarceration for men and women in India require a lens of cultural embeddedness, equity and intersectionality. Only then can one envision reforms that adequately encompass and respond to the reality of women’s lives, inside prisons and outside of it.
Improving Perception Towards Gender Equality Through Cash Transfer Scheme: A Case of Haryana
Authors: Sahu Skylab , Mehta Pradeep Kumar
Published: September 2023

This article examines the role of conditional cash transfer—Apki Beti Hamari Beti (ABHB)—in addressing the issue of declining sex ratio through its impact on gender preferences and perception about gender equality in the state of Haryana. The study is conducted in two districts of Haryana—Jhajjar (lowest child sex ratio in the state) and Nuh (highest sex ratio in the state). Three hundred women respondents were interviewed to understand the extent of awareness and access to the scheme in both regions. The results of the study revealed that the ABHB scheme has influenced changing people’s attitudes considerably towards the girl child. But, the level of awareness of the scheme is relatively less in Jhajjar due to which not many households are able to access the scheme. The Anganwadi workers (AWWs) have played an instrumental role in improving people awareness and accessibility of ABHB scheme. It is important to increase the participation of AWWs by the provision of incentives to them for increasing awareness and utilisation of ABHB scheme by eligible beneficiaries.
Does a concurrent motor process influence representational momentum?
Authors: Merz Simon , Weiten Jana , Hubbard Timothy L.
Published: September 2023

Whether the direction of a hand motion that is congruent or incongruent with a concurrent target motion can influence representational momentum for that target was examined. Participants viewed a leftward or rightward moving target while moving their hand rightward, leftward, or not moving their hand. Prior studies of mental rotation found that congruency or incongruency of the direction of mental rotation and the direction of a concurrent physical rotation of a stimulus influenced mental rotation. As mental rotation and representational momentum each involve extrapolation of target motion, it could be predicted that congruency of the direction of hand motion and the direction of target motion might influence representational momentum of the target. Robust representational momentum occurred in all conditions, but there was no effect of congruency of hand motion and target motion, nor of the presence or absence of hand motion, on representational momentum. The results are consistent with a hypothesis that the generation of representational momentum involves sensory processes rather than motor processes.
Biomechanical Analysis of Meniscotibial Ligament Tenodesis to Treat Meniscal Extrusion in the Setting of Posterior Medial Meniscus Root Repair
Authors: Doan Kent , Dey Hazra Maria Else , Brown Justin R. , Hollenbeck Justin F.M. , Dey Hazra Rony-Orijit , Johnson Donovan , Fossum Bradley , Vidal Armando
Published: September 2023

Background:

Meniscal extrusion often persists after a medial meniscus root repair. If the meniscus is extruded, the function of the meniscus as a load-sharing device and secondary knee stabilizer is compromised.

Hypothesis:

It was hypothesized that repairing the meniscotibial ligament (MTL) would decrease meniscal extrusion in the settings of both an isolated MTL tear and a repaired medial meniscus root while also improving medial compartment contact mechanics.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (mean age, 50.5 years) were tested in 5 conditions: intact, MTL deficiency, MTL deficiency + posterior medial meniscus root deficiency, MTL deficiency + posterior medial meniscus root repair, and MTL tenodesis + posterior medial meniscus root repair. Specimens were mounted to a load frame that applied a 1000-N axial load. Joint contact pressures were measured using thin pressure sensors, and the peak and mean pressures were analyzed. Ultrasound was used to measure meniscal extrusion.

Results:

The MTL tear in isolation resulted in significant meniscal extrusion compared with the intact state ( P = 0.035) without a detectable difference in medial compartment pressures. The addition of a root tear to the MTL tear state resulted in significantly more extrusion ( P = 0.001) and significant increases in medial compartment pressure ( P = .030) compared to the MTL tear state. Root repair alone restored extrusion, mean contact pressure, and peak contact pressure back to the intact state ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

This study showed that MTL disruption led to increased meniscal extrusion in a cadaveric model. Unlike the root tear state, MTL disruption did not change contact mechanics. Furthermore, root repair alone was sufficient in restoring intact biomechanics and extrusion.

Clinical Relevance:

This study may help clinicians understand the origin of medial meniscus root tears and aid in the decision-making process for whether to add an MTL tenodesis in the setting of root repair.
Finite element modeling of high-speed orthogonal cutting: A contribution to understanding the influence of mesh parameters on saw-toothed chip formation
Authors: Aydın Mehmet
Published: September 2023

Modeling of metal cutting using finite element (FE) method has been investigated in many studies. They make it possible to better understand the chip formation. However, the mesh dependence of the numerical solution is still unsolved. The purpose of this paper is the modeling and simulation of saw-toothed chip formation during high-speed orthogonal cutting. Further, the influences of mesh parameters on saw-toothed chip formation are investigated as an innovative highlight of this study. The investigation of high-speed cutting (HSC) is based on FE analysis, where the Johnson-Cook (JC) constitutive model is combined with an energy-based fracture criterion. The mesh parameters considered include element dimension, element orientation, and hourglass treatment. The results show that the peak and valley values of saw-toothed chip obtained through the model mesh10 × 10 are close to the measurements, but the pitch value is predicted with a larger error than those of peak and valley values. Square elements of dimension 10 μm can be also used to avoid the influence of element orientation on cutting forces with an error about 10%. When using square elements, the hourglass treatment causes slightly differences in chip morphology and cutting force. On the other hand, the enhanced is the more efficient method to prevent the hourglass effect for rectangular elements. The model mesh8 × 10 gives an error less than 15% for cutting force. Moreover, the effect of element dimension on cutting force can be reduced by applying the fracture energy criterion controlled through a characteristic length to different mesh dimensions.
Association of STAT3 gene polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Tang Yang-Yang , Fu Lu , Liu Xiao-Yan , Huang An-Fang , Xu Wang-Dong
Published: September 2023

Objective

Evidence supports the important role of STAT3 in SLE; however, association between STAT3 gene polymorphisms and SLE risk needs discussion.

Methods

Three hundred SLE patients and 380 healthy controls from Chinese Han population were included. DNA is extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the clinical characteristics of patients are collected. STAT3 gene polymorphisms (rs6503695, rs744166, rs9912773, and rs12601982) were genotyped by the Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) method. SPSS 26.0 was utilized to analyze the genetic susceptibility of SLE and STAT3 gene polymorphisms.

Results

Frequencies of genotypes CT, TT, and TT+CT were significantly lower in SLE patients compared with those in healthy controls with respect to rs6503695 ( p = .007, p < .001, p = .001). Frequencies of rs744166 genotypes AG, AA, and AA+AG were decreased in SLE patients as compared to those in healthy controls ( p = .034, p = .006, p = .009). The recessive models (CC vs GG+GC) for rs9912773 and (AA vs GG+GA) for rs12601982 were significantly related to SLE patients ( p = .014, p = .035). Moreover, allele C of rs6503695 was related to optic nerve damage in SLE patients ( p = .036). rs744166 allele G was correlated with positive rash and albuminuria in SLE patients ( p = .006, p = .014). For rs9912773, SLE patients carrying genotype GG had higher serum C3 and C4 levels compared to genotype GC+CC ( p = .029, p = .028). The rs12601982 allele G was strongly associated with positive hypocomplementemia in SLE patients ( p = .034). SLE patients carrying genotypes GG, GC, and CC had different SLEDAI score for rs12601982 (GG vs GC vs CC, p = .003).

Conclusion

STAT3 gene polymorphisms associated with SLE susceptibility.
Spatial Variation of Quality of Living in Selected Blocks of Murshidabad District in West Bengal, India
Authors: Ghosh Manab , Roy Debjani
Published: September 2023

Quality of living conditions refer to the general well-being of individuals and societies, which includes education, family health, employment, wealth, satisfaction, safety, religious belief, freedom, etc. This research paper deals with spatial variation of quality of living regarding various basic services and amenities in selected blocks of Murshidabad district in West Bengal, India. A composite index was developed based on 19 indicators to measure the actual scenario of the living condition of households there. Different indices, such as the human capital index, financial capital index, physical capital index and housing index, have been used to measure block-level disparity and were categorised based on composite score value. As expected, the level of development is unequal, with vast areas of backwardness interspersed with micro zones of development. The findings reveal that the northern part of this region is more developed as compared with other parts of this region. The quality of living and development of a particular region depends not only upon a single criterion but also on the interplay of several socio-economic factors that determine that region’s development level. This study suggests that the backward blocks need urgent improvement in most indicators to enhance the households’ living conditions.
Fedotova and Others v. Russia: Dawn of a new era for European LGBTQ families?
Authors: Palazzo Nausica
Published: September 2023

The judgment of the Grand Chamber in the case of Fedotova and Others v. Russia has recognized the right to legalized same-sex unions under the Convention, thereby significantly impacting LGBTQ rights throughout Europe. However, this decision also presents intricate challenges concerning the Court's legitimacy, and resilience amidst the prevailing culture wars on LGBTQ rights. Following an introduction to the factual background of the case, the note proceeds to analyse the Court's judgment. Section 4 critically evaluates the judgment and examines its extensive implications on geopolitical affairs and the ongoing culture wars. Finally, section 5 provides a concluding statement.
Torsional behavior of curved concrete box beam with small radius
Authors: Jiang Tao , Wang Huili , Nie Feng , Qin Sifeng
Published: September 2023

Curved concrete box beams are commonly used for their superior integrality performance and greater torsional stiffness. This paper investigates the torsional behavior of these beams using both experimental and finite element analyses. The experiment is based on a 1:6 scale model of a three-span curved girder bridge with a small radius. The study examines six different load cases, including central vertical and eccentric vertical loads. The study reports the detailed reaction forces of the supports, as well as the displacements and strains of the mid-span section. Finite element models are established to analyze the warping behavior of the curved concrete box beams. Based on the experimental and FEM analysis, the following conclusions are noted. Firstly, in the central load case, the strain of the curved concrete box girder is close to a straight line, so the curved concrete box girders follows the plane-section assumption. Besides, the warping normal stress is produced in curved concrete box girder in eccentric load cases. Moreover, the ratio of warping normal stress to bending normal stress is smaller and smoother in the section with diaphragms than that without diaphragms. And this ratio decreases with an increase in the curvature radius and diaphragm number. This study contributes to the theoretical and numerical modeling of a large span curved girder bridge with a small radius.
Isolated Liner Exchange and Bone Grafting for the Management of Periacetabular Osteolysis in Well-Fixed Cups with an Intact Locking Mechanism at Short-Term to Medium-Term Follow-Up: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ricotti Robert G. , Alexander-Malahias Michael , Ma Qian-Li , Jang Seong J. , Loucas Rafael , Gkiatas Ioannis , Manolopoulos Philip P. , Gu Alex , Togninalli Danilo , Nikolaou Vasileios S. , Sculco Peter K.
Published: September 2023

Background: Polyethylene liner exchange and bone grafting is an effective surgical option for the management of periacetabular osteolysis following total hip arthroplasty with well-fixed cups and intact liner locking mechanisms. Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the revision-free survivorship and radiographic lesion progression after polyethylene liner exchange and bone grafting is performed for periacetabular osteolysis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed. We queried Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for articles published from January 1999 to January 2023 using the following keywords: “osteolysis” AND “well-fixed,” “osteolysis” AND “retro-acetabular,” “bone graft” AND (“retention” OR “retained” OR “stable”) AND “cup,” and “uncemented liner” AND “well-fixed.” Results: Of 596 articles found, 9 articles were selected for final inclusion (227 cases, mean follow-up time 43.6 months). The overall cup revision rate after liner exchange was 6.6% (15 hips) due to progressive osteolysis (5 hips), aseptic loosening of the acetabular component (5 hips), dislocation (4 hips), and periprosthetic infection (1 hip). There was either radiographic resolution or regression of periacetabular osteolysis in all reported cases that provided measurements (52 hips) except 1 (1.9%) requiring revision. All studies reporting clinical outcomes indicated improved pain and functional scores. Conclusion: This systematic review found that isolated liner exchange with bone grafting for the management of periacetabular osteolysis was associated with a high revision-free survival rate (93.4%) and minimal radiographic progression (1.9%) of osteolytic lesions at short-term to medium-term follow-up. Liner exchange with bone grafting is recommended for the management of large periacetabular osteolytic lesions (> 450 mm2) in well-fixed acetabular cups. We encourage future studies to develop a grading scale for lesions to guide clinical management and risk stratification for patients.
Performance-based contracting in the airline industry from the standpoint of risk-averse maintenance providers
Authors: Jackson Canek , Pascual Rodrigo , Kristjanpoller Fredy
Published: September 2023

Airline industry is a business characterized by its low profit and high operational risk. Sometimes contracting out aircraft maintenance is mandatory due to the lack of labor capacity or shortage of staff with specialized capabilities. It raises the challenge of negotiating an agreement through performance-based contracting (PBC) as an alternative to traditional on-call maintenance services, or time and material contracts (T &MC), where no risk is transferred to the service provider. Due to the importance of risk transfer to contractors under PBC, the authors propose a model to determine the optimal contract price and the number of customers to serve when aircraft maintenance is outsourced to a risk-averse service provider offering two PBC options. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no quantitative studies for pricing contracts optimally when taking into account maintenance provider’s risk-aversion have been presented in the existing literature. For that purpose, the authors combine queuing, game, and modern portfolio theories in the proposed formulation.
Constructive and destructive leadership in job demands-resources theory: A meta-analytic test of the motivational and health-impairment pathways
Authors: Pletzer Jan Luca , Breevaart Kimberley , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: September 2023

Integrating the leadership literature with Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory, we conducted a pre-registered meta-analysis of the relations of different leadership behaviors with followers’ work engagement and burnout. We found that constructive leadership relates positively to followers’ work engagement ( k = 588, [Formula: see text] =.467) and negatively to followers’ burnout ( k = 346, [Formula: see text] =−.327), whereas destructive leadership relates negatively to followers’ work engagement ( k = 72, [Formula: see text] =−.220) and positively to followers’ burnout ( k = 122, [Formula: see text] =.381). We furthermore demonstrated that both followers’ work engagement and burnout partially mediate the relations of both constructive and destructive leadership with followers’ job performance. However, the indirect relation of constructive leadership with followers’ job performance via followers’ work engagement is clearly the strongest, suggesting that leaders stimulate followers’ job performance primarily because they motivate followers. We discuss how the findings of this theory-driven meta-analysis help to integrate leadership research in JD-R theory and generate important insights for leadership behavior and training.
Social Media Utilization Within Asian American Families and Its Role in Healthy Lifestyle Behavioral Influence: Results From a Nationwide Survey
Authors: Mohsin Farhan M. , Ali Shahmir H. , Chong Stella K. , Parikh Roshan S. , DiClemente Ralph J. , Hu Lu
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Social media platforms are effective tools for promoting public health and implementing impactful health interventions. This study explored social media utilization patterns among young Asian American adults and their effect on perceived family influence on lifestyle behaviors.

Methods:

The study analyzes data from Asian American young adults (aged 18–35 years) participating in an online survey in March 2021.

Results:

A total of 739 Asian Americans participated in the survey: 45.6% East Asian, 23.4% Southeast Asian, and 22.7% South Asian. Common social media platforms include Facebook Messenger (60.9%) and Instagram (57.0%). US-born Asian Americans reported higher odds of using Instagram (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.64, 95% CI: [1.09, 2.46]) than foreign-born Asian Americans. Higher acculturation was associated with lower odds of using Instagram among South Asians (AOR: .46, 95% CI: [.24, .83]) and greater odds of using Instagram among East Asians (AOR: 1.72, 95% CI: [1.09, 2.75]). Interacting with mothers using Facebook and Instagram had a higher perceived influence on one’s ability to improve sleep (AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: [1.19, 3.65]; AOR: 2.53, 95% CI: [1.15, 5.55]) and develop stress-management strategies (AOR: 1.73, 95% CI: [1.02, 2.96]; AOR: 4.05, 95% CI: [1.83, 9.49]). With one’s siblings, Facebook was associated with a lower perceived influence on avoiding risky substances (AOR: .48, 95% CI: [.23, .97]), and WhatsApp was associated with a higher perceived influence on one’s ability to develop stress-management strategies (AOR: 3.10, 95% CI: [1.26, 7.78]) and form/maintain relationships (AOR: 2.58, 95% CI: [1.02, 6.58]). No significant findings with father interactions were observed.

Conclusion:

Findings provide evidence for researchers seeking to tailor social media–based interpersonal health interventions to address the unique needs of diverse Asian American communities.
Intensive Care Unit Staff Perceptions of Redeployment to Other Clinical Areas: A Mixed Method Approach
Authors: Karim Hina Nizar , Groom Peter , Tiu Melvin
Published: September 2023

Aim

The study aimed to explore the perceptions of intensive care unit staff deployed to other clinical areas. It also aimed to identify challenges that the staff face during their redeployment.

Design

A mixed method study. Method: 40 participants (nurses and healthcare assistants) completed an anonymous online questionnaire, and five participants (nurses) participated in one-to-one semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from the selected ICU/HDU.

Results

Content analysis of the data revealed three major themes: “Negative feelings of redeployment”, “Positive feelings of redeployment” and “Visible and Structured leadership interventions”. Results indicate that ICU nursing management needs to make some additional efforts and implement the study recommendations to improve the overall perception and experience of ICU/HDU staff redeployment. Public Contribution: This research will create insight into the redeployment of intensive care unit staff to other clinical areas. Furthermore, it will add value to patient safety and improve institutional healthcare policies.
Nursing and Treatment Experience of COVID-19 with Facial Paralysis
Authors: Yu Wang , Hai Yu , Xiaoli Yang
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Facial paralysis is one of the nervous system manifestations reported about COVID-19. There has been no consensus on the treatment and nursing care of COVID-19 combined with facial paralysis. On May 2022, a COVID-19 case with facial paralysis was reported to make suggestions on nursing care and treatment based on successful experience of curing the case with traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine.

Case Presentation

A 27-year-old male, was hospitalized because of “low fever for 12 days and difficulty in left side facial muscle movement for 2 days.” The diagnosis of facial paralysis and COVID-19 infection (mild type）is definite which is based on the patient's medical history and test results afterwards.

Management and Outcomes

Medical staff made a comprehensive plan on COVID-19's basic nursing including nutritional support, vital signs monitoring and psychological evaluation, medication guidance including corticosteroids and traditional Chinese medicine, and specialized nursing procedures of facial paralysis. The symptoms of the patient were significantly improved after treatment with traditional Chinese medicine and low-dose corticosteroids. The COVID-19 nucleic acid test turned negative 12 days after admission, and the facial paralysis recovered 1 month later after discharge.

Discussion

Facial paralysis and COVID-19 can coexist. This study finds that COVID-19 (mild type） patients can be treated with traditional Chinese medicine instead of antiviral drugs. This paper puts forward reasonable suggestions that the nursing plan of patients with COVID-19 complicated with specialized diseases should be formulated together with specialist nurses. The nursing plan needs to be implemented on the “General + Specialized” mode.
Hawks and Doves: Perceptions and Reality of Faculty Evaluations
Authors: Zavodnick Jillian , Doroshow Jonathan , Rosenberg Sarah , Banks Joshua , Leiby Benjamin E , Mingioni Nina
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVES

Internal medicine clerkship grades are important for residency selection, but inconsistencies between evaluator ratings threaten their ability to accurately represent student performance and perceived fairness. Clerkship grading committees are recommended as best practice, but the mechanisms by which they promote accuracy and fairness are not certain. The ability of a committee to reliably assess and account for grading stringency of individual evaluators has not been previously studied.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of evaluations completed by faculty considered to be stringent, lenient, or neutral graders by members of a grading committee of a single medical college. Faculty evaluations were assessed for differences in ratings on individual skills and recommendations for final grade between perceived stringency categories. Logistic regression was used to determine if actual assigned ratings varied based on perceived faculty's grading stringency category.

RESULTS

“Easy graders” consistently had the highest probability of awarding an above-average rating, and “hard graders” consistently had the lowest probability of awarding an above-average rating, though this finding only reached statistical significance only for 2 of 8 questions on the evaluation form ( P = .033 and P = .001). Odds ratios of assigning a higher final suggested grade followed the expected pattern (higher for “easy” and “neutral” compared to “hard,” higher for “easy” compared to “neutral”) but did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived differences in faculty grading stringency have basis in reality for clerkship evaluation elements. However, final grades recommended by faculty perceived as “stringent” or “lenient” did not differ. Perceptions of “hawks” and “doves” are not just lore but may not have implications for students’ final grades. Continued research to describe the “hawk and dove effect” will be crucial to enable assessment of local grading variation and empower local educational leadership to correct, but not overcorrect, for this effect to maintain fairness in student evaluations.
Covering Solid Travelling Salesman Problem - An Algorithamic Study
Authors: Mukherjee Anupam , Maity Samir , Panigrahi Goutam , Maiti Manoranjan
Published: September 2023

In this paper we model a Covering Solid Travelling Salesman Problem (CSTSP), a generalization of a two dimensional Covering Sales-man Problem (CSP) which is reduced to a Solid Travelling sales man problem (STSP) and solved by using a modified Genetic Algorithm (MGA). A salesman starts from an initial node and visits a subset of nodes only for once so that unvisited nodes are within a predetermined distance from the visited nodes, and comes back to the initial node. Here, a set of conveyances is available at the above mentioned nodes and the salesman uses the appropriate conveyance for minimum cost. Thus the problem reduces to finding the optimal covering set of nodes and the proper conveyance for travel so that total travel cost is minimum. This reduced STSP is solved by an MGA, which consists of roulette-wheels election, cyclic crossover, 2-inversemutation. A teach selected node, a random mutation for vehicle is introduced. Hence the CSTSP is solved by a random search (RS) for covering set and MGA, i.e, RS-MGA. The model is illustrated with some randomly generated cost and distance matrices.
Oral probiotics increased the proportion of Treg, Tfr, and Breg cells to inhibit the inflammatory response and impede gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liang Weijie , Feng Yuanyi , Yang Dongmei , Qin Jiajun , Zhi Ximei , Wu Wen , Jie Qiang
Published: September 2023

Background

Children of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are more prone to acquire type 2 diabetes and obesity as adults. Due to this link, early intervention strategies that alter the gut microbiome may benefit the mother and kid long-term. This work uses metagenomic and transcriptome sequencing to investigate how probiotics affect gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation in GDM.

Methods

GDM and control metagenomic sequencing data were obtained from the SRA database. This metagenomic data helped us understand gut microbiota abundance and function. KEGG detected and extracted functional pathway genes. Transcriptome sequencing data evaluated GDM-related gene expression. Finally, GDM animal models were given probiotics orally to evaluate inflammatory response, regulatory immune cell fractions, and leptin protein levels.

Results

GDM patients had more Fusobacteria and Firmicutes, while healthy people had more Bacteroidetes. Gut microbiota composition may affect GDM by altering the L-aspartate and L-asparagine super pathways. Mannan degradation and the super pathway of L-aspartate and L-asparagine synthesis enhanced in GDM mice with leptin protein overexpression. Oral probiotics prevent GDM by lowering leptin. Oral probiotics increased Treg, Tfr, and Breg cells, which decreased TNF-α and IL-6 and increased TGF-β and IL-10, preventing inflammation and preserving mouse pregnancy.

Conclusion

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota may increase leptin expression and cause GDM. Oral probiotics enhance Treg, Tfr, and Breg cells, which limit the inflammatory response and assist mice in sustaining normal pregnancy. Thus, oral probiotics may prevent GDM, enabling targeted gut microbiota modulation and maternal and fetal health.
Genome-wide identification of the NAC gene family and its functional analysis in Liriodendron
Authors: Liu Siqin , Guan Yuanlin , Weng Yuhao , Liao Bojun , Tong Lu , Hao Zhaodong , Chen Jinhui , Shi Jisen , Cheng Tielong
Published: September 2023

As one of the largest plant specific transcription factor families, NAC family members play an important role in plant growth, development and stress resistance. To investigate the function of NAC transcription factors during abiotic stress, as well as during somatic embryogenesis, we identified and characterized the NAC gene family in Liriodendron chinense. We found that most LcNAC members contain more than three exons, with a relatively conserved gene and motif structure, especially at the N-terminus. Interspecies collinearity analysis revealed a closer relationship between the L. chinense NACs and the P. trichocarpa NACs. We analyzed the expression of LcNAC in different tissues and under three abiotic stresses. We found that 12 genes were highly expressed during the ES3 and ES4 stages of somatic embryos, suggesting that they are involved in the development of somatic embryos. 6 LcNAC genes are highly expressed in flower organs. The expression pattern analysis of LcNACs based on transcriptome data and RT-qPCR obtained from L. chinense leaves indicated differential expression responses to drought, cold, and heat stress. Genes in the NAM subfamily expressed differently during abiotic stress, and LcNAC6/18/41/65 might be the key genes in response to abiotic stress. LcNAC6/18/41/65 were cloned and transiently transformed into Liriodendron protoplasts, where LcNAC18/65 was localized in cytoplasm and nucleus, and LcNAC6/41 was localized only in nucleus. Overall, our findings suggest a role of the NAC gene family during environmental stresses in L. chinense. This research provides a basis for further study of NAC genes in Liriodendron chinense.
Elevated SIRT2 of serum exosomes is positively correlated with diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Lu Wenmei , Hou Duanlu , Chen Xin , Zhong Ping , Liu Xueyuan , Wu Danhong
Published: September 2023

Background

Silent Information Regulator 2 (SIRT2) protein inhibition has been shown to play a neuroprotective role in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in mice. However, its role in AIS patients has not been fully understood. In this study, we aimed to analyze SIRT2 protein expression in serum exosomes of AIS and non-AIS patients, and evaluate its potential role in diagnosis and prognosis of AIS.

Methods

Serum exosomes from 75 non-AIS subjects and 75 AIS patients were isolated. The SIRT2 protein levels in exosomes were analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to evaluate the severity of the disease. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was employed to assess the functional outcomes of the patients at 3-months following stroke onset.

Results

The SIRT2 protein concentration of serum exosomes were higher in AIS patients than non-AIS patients (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the receiver operative characteristic curve (ROC) demonstrated that higher serum exosome SIRT2 could differentiate AIS patients from non-AIS patients with a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 75.3%. The area under the curve was 0.838 (95% CI: 0.775, 0.902). Additionally, higher SIRT2 concentration of serum exosomes were associated with NIHSS ≥ 4 (p < 0.001) and mRS ≥ 3 (p = 0.025) in AIS patients. The ROC analysis showed SIRT2 could discriminate stroke with NIHSS ≥ 4 from mild stroke (NIHSS < 4) with a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 69.6%. The area under the curve was 0.771 (95% CI: 0.661,0.881). Similarly, the test showed SIRT2 could differentiate between AIS patients with mRS ≥ 3 from those with mRS < 3 with a sensitivity of 78.3% and a specificity of 51.9%. The area under the curve was 0.663 (95% CI: 0.531,0.796). The logistic regression analysis revealed that SIRT2 concentration in serum exosomes can independently predict the diagnosis of AIS (odd ratio = 1.394, 95%CI 1.231–1.577, p < 0.001) and higher NIHSS scores (≥ 4) (odd ratio = 1.258, 95%CI 1.084–1.460, p = 0.002). However, it could not independently predict the prognosis of AIS (odd ratio = 1.065, 95%CI 0.983–1.154, p = 0.125).

Conclusion

The elevation of SIRT2 in serum exosomes may be a valuable biomarker of AIS, which may be a potential diagnostic tool to facilitate decision making for AIS patients.
Altered expression of the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway in ovarian cancer: metabolic biomarkers and biological implications
Authors: Chen Linfeng , Tang Qiming , Zhang Keying , Huang Qianyang , Ding Yun , Jin Bo , Liu Szumam , Hwa KuoYuan , Chou C. James , Zhang Yani , Thyparambil Sheeno , Liao Weili , Han Zhi , Mortensen Richard , Schilling James , Li Zhen , Heaton Robert , Tian Lu , Cohen Harvey J. , Sylvester Karl G. , Arent Rebecca C. , Zhao Xinyang , McElhinney Doff B. , Wu Yumei , Bai Wenpei , Ling Xuefeng B.
Published: September 2023

Motivation

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a highly lethal gynecological malignancy. Extensive research has shown that OC cells undergo significant metabolic alterations during tumorigenesis. In this study, we aim to leverage these metabolic changes as potential biomarkers for assessing ovarian cancer.

Methods

A functional module-based approach was utilized to identify key gene expression pathways that distinguish different stages of ovarian cancer (OC) within a tissue biopsy cohort. This cohort consisted of control samples (n = 79), stage I/II samples (n = 280), and stage III/IV samples (n = 1016). To further explore these altered molecular pathways, minimal spanning tree (MST) analysis was applied, leading to the formulation of metabolic biomarker hypotheses for OC liquid biopsy. To validate, a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) based quantitative LCMS/MS method was developed. This method allowed for the precise quantification of targeted metabolite biomarkers using an OC blood cohort comprising control samples (n = 464), benign samples (n = 3), and OC samples (n = 13).

Results

Eleven functional modules were identified as significant differentiators (false discovery rate, FDR < 0.05) between normal and early-stage, or early-stage and late-stage ovarian cancer (OC) tumor tissues. MST analysis revealed that the metabolic L-arginine/nitric oxide (L-ARG/NO) pathway was reprogrammed, and the modules related to "DNA replication" and "DNA repair and recombination" served as anchor modules connecting the other nine modules. Based on this analysis, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and arginine were proposed as potential liquid biopsy biomarkers for OC assessment. Our quantitative LCMS/MS analysis on our OC blood cohort provided direct evidence supporting the use of the SDMA-to-arginine ratio as a liquid biopsy panel to distinguish between normal and OC samples, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 98.3%.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive analysis of tissue genomics and blood quantitative LC/MSMS metabolic data shed light on the metabolic reprogramming underlying OC pathophysiology. These findings offer new insights into the potential diagnostic utility of the SDMA-to-arginine ratio for OC assessment. Further validation studies using adequately powered OC cohorts are warranted to fully establish the clinical effectiveness of this diagnostic test.
Etiology and prognosis of nephrocalcinosis according to gestational age in Korean children
Authors: Joung Jinwoon , Cho Heeyeon
Published: September 2023

Background

Nephrocalcinosis (NC) is defined as deposition of calcium in renal tubules and interstitium and is highly related with prematurity and monogenic diseases. Recent studies have reported that NC might be a specific finding of underlying hereditary renal diseases. This study evaluated the risk factors, underlying monogenic causes, and clinical outcomes of NC in Korean children according to gestational age (GA).

Methods

A total of 464 patients younger than 18 years who were diagnosed with NC by ultrasonography from January 2013 to December 2022 in Samsung Medical Center were enrolled. Medical record data of sex, GA, birth weight, underlying disease, medication history, ultrasonography and genetic analysis were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

The male to female ratio was 1:0.98, and the mean age at first diagnosis of NC was 385 days. Approximately 62% of patients experienced confirmed resolution of NC after about one year. In comparison of the preterm (mean GA 28 weeks and 2 days) and full-term (mean GA 38 weeks and 2 days) groups, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, and use of furosemide and vitamin D were more frequent in the preterm group. In the full-term group, a larger proportion of cases showed persistent NC without resolution and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Genetic analyses were performed in 56 patients, and the monogenic mutation rate was significantly higher in full-term children (OR 10.02, 95% CI [2.464–40.786], p = 0.001).

Conclusion

While the overall outcomes of pediatric NC are favorable, underlying monogenic causes should be studied, especially in full-term patients without known clinical risk factors.
Efficacy of meniscus suture absorbability on meniscus healing success rate via second-look arthroscopy after meniscal repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wei Wang , Zhang Yi , Li Ruiying , Ni Jianlong , Wang Dongjian , Zhang Sanpeng , Shi Zhibin
Published: September 2023

Background

To preserve the meniscus’s function, repairing the torn meniscus has become a common understanding. After which, the search for the ideal suture material is continuous. However, it is still controversial about the efficacy of suture absorbability on meniscus healing.

Methods

This review is designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria: (1) Studies on meniscus repair; (2) Second-look arthroscopy was performed; (3) The meniscus was repaired by absorbable and non-absorbable sutures; (4) The healing condition of repaired meniscus via second-look arthroscopy was described. Exclusion criteria: (1) Animal studies, cadaveric studies, or in vitro research; (2) Meniscus transplantation; (3) Open meniscus repair; (4) Reviews, meta-analysis, case reports, letters, and comments; (5) non-English studies. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database were searched up to October 2022. Risk of bias and methodology quality of included literature were assessed according to ROBINS-I and the modified Coleman Methodological Scale (MCMS). Descriptive analysis was performed, and meta-analysis was completed by RevMan5.4.1.

Results

Four studies were included in the systematic review. Among them, three studies were brought into the meta-analysis, including 1 cohort study and 2 case series studies about 130 patients with meniscal tears combined with anterior cruciate ligament injury. Forty-two cases were repaired by absorbable sutures, and 88 were repaired by non-absorbable sutures. Using the fixed effect model, there was a statistical difference in the healing success rate between the absorbable and the non-absorbable groups [RR1.20, 95%CI (1.03, 1.40)].

Conclusion

In early and limited studies, insufficient evidence supports that non-absorbable sutures in meniscus repair surgery could improve meniscal healing success rate under second-look arthroscopy compared with absorbable sutures. In contrast, available data suggest that absorbable sutures have an advantage in meniscal healing.

Trial registration

The review was registered in the PROSPERO System Review International Pre-Registration System (Registration number CRD42021283739).
The efficacy of strength or aerobic exercise on quality of life and knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A multi-arm randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up
Authors: Øiestad Britt Elin , Årøen Asbjørn , Røtterud Jan Harald , Østerås Nina , Jarstad Even , Grotle Margreth , Risberg May Arna
Published: September 2023

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of strength exercise or aerobic exercise compared to usual care on knee-related quality of life (QoL) and knee function at 4 months and 1 year in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared 12 weeks of strength exercise or aerobic exercise (stationary cycling) to usual care supervised by physiotherapists in primary care. We recruited 168 participants aged 35–70 years with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. The primary outcome was The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) QoL at 1 year. Secondary outcomes were self-reported function, pain, and self-efficacy, muscle strength and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) at 4 months and 1 year.

Results

There were no differences between strength exercise and usual care on KOOS QoL (6.5, 95% CI -0.9 to 14), or for aerobic exercise and usual care (5.0, 95% CI -2.7 to 12.8), at 1 year. The two exercise groups showed better quadriceps muscle strength, and VO2max at 4 months, compared to usual care.

Conclusion

This trial found no statistically significant effects of two exercise programs compared to usual care on KOOS QoL at 1 year in individuals with symptomatic and radiographic knee osteoarthritis, but an underpowered sample size may explain lack of efficacy between the intervention groups and the usual care group.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT01682980.
Influence of surface nanotopography and wettability on early phases of peri-implant soft tissue healing: an in-vivo study in dogs
Authors: Wang Caiyun , Wang Xin , Lu Ran , Cao Xu , Yuan Dingxiang , Chen Su
Published: September 2023

Background

It is well established that nanotopography and wettability of implant surfaces contribute to osseointegration and long-term implant success. However, the effects of a hydrogenated surface with nanotubular and superhydrophilic properties on peri-implant soft tissue remain unclear. This study was designed to study the impact of a modified abutment surface on early soft tissue integration compared with a machined surface.

Methods

Thirty-six implants were placed at the bone level in the bilateral mandible of six beagles, followed by healing abutments belonging to the standard machined Ti-6Al-4V alloy abutments (TC4-M), anodized abutments with nanotubes (TC4-Nano), and hydrogenated abutments (TC4-H/Nano) groups, which were randomly screwed to the implants. After two and four weeks of wound healing, the animals were euthanized for histological evaluation.

Results

A superhydrophilic nanotubular surface developed on the hydrogenated abutment. Histological and histometric analyses revealed similar peri-implant soft tissue healing and dimensions for the three types of abutments at two and four weeks. Connective tissue (CT) length was longer around TC4-H/Nano abutments compared with standard abutments; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, collagen fibers in the TC4-H/Nano group extended and were attached perpendicularly to the superhydrophilic surface.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that the soft tissue interface adjacent to the hydrogenated abutment is comparable to that of the machined abutment. A tendency of increased CT length and perpendicular collagen fibers was observed around the modified abutment. This study suggests that nanotubular/superhydrophilic surfaces could be a promising modification to enhance soft tissue sealing. However, comprehensive studies should be conducted to evaluate the peri-implant soft tissue around the modified abutment immunohistochemically, histopathologically, and clinically.