bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First assessment of Iranian pomegranate germplasm using targeted metabolites and morphological traits to develop the core collection and modeling of the current and future spatial distribution under climate change conditions
Authors: Farsi Maryam , Kalantar Mansoor , Zeinalabedini Mehrshad , Vazifeshenas Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2023

Pomegranate has been considered a medicinal plant due to its rich nutrients and bioactive compounds. Since environmental conditions affect the amount and composition of metabolites, selecting suitable locations for cultivation would be vital to achieve optimal production. In this study, data on the diversity of targeted metabolites and morphological traits of 152 Iranian pomegranate genotypes were collected and combined in order to establish the first core collection. The multivariate analyses were conducted including principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. In addition, the current and future geographical distribution of pomegranate in Iran was predicted to identify suitable locations using the MaxEnt model. The results showed high diversity in the studied morphological and metabolic traits. The PCA results indicated that FFS, NFT, JA, and AA are the most important traits in discriminating the studied genotypes. A constructed core collection using maximization strategy consisted of 20 genotypes and accounted for 13.16% of the entire collection. Shannon-Weaver diversity index of a core collection was similar or greater than the entire collection. Evaluation of the core collection using four parameters of MD, VD, CR, and VR also indicated the maintenance of the genetic diversity of the original set. According to the MaxEnt model, altitude, average temperature of coldest quarter, and isothertmality were the key factors for the distribution of pomegranate. The most suitable areas for pomegranate cultivation were also determined which were located in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. The geographic distribution of pomegranate in the future showed that the main provinces of pomegranate cultivation would be less affected by climatic conditions by the middle of the century. The results of this study provide valuable information for selection of elite genotypes to develop the breeding programs to obtain the cultivars with the highest levels of metabolic compounds for pharmaceutical purposes, as well as identification of the most suitable agro-ecological zones for orchard establishment.
Citizens’ economic recovery models for a pandemic
Authors: Olsen Asmus Leth , Woller Anders
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic brought sudden economic devastation and forced countries to respond with policies to counter the looming economic crisis. What policy response do citizens prefer to combat an economic decline due to a pandemic? We study the preferences of citizens regarding economic policy and changes in these preferences as the pandemic unfolded in Denmark. Denmark passed early and comprehensive legislation with broad support from all political parties to counter the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. We employ a large nationally representative two-wave panel of Danish citizens (N = 12,131) drawn from the administrative registers, from which data was collected at the onset of the economic shock and immediately prior to economic recovery. In both waves the same subjects describe their preferred economic solution to COVID-19 in open-text format. We generate a simple dictionary method to uncover a set of distinct laymen economic policy responses. First, we find that citizens formulated a diverse set of policy interventions. Second, citizens become markedly stronger proponents of economic intervention as the crisis unfolded. Finally, we show how differences in economic preferences across partisanship vanished during the crisis.
Mass homicide by firearm in Canada: Effects of legislation
Authors: Langmann Caillin
Published: February 2023

Canada implemented a series of laws regulating firearms including background checks and licensing, references, psychological questionnaires, prohibition of paramilitary style rifles, and magazine capacity restrictions in order to decrease the incidences and deaths from mass shootings. The associated effects of these laws were examined over the years 1974 to 2020. A model was constructed using difference-in-differences analysis of firearms and non-firearms mass homicide incidences and death rates. Mass homicides were defined as a homicide due to one event involving three or more deaths. Incidence rates of mass homicide by firearm were found to be 0.11 (95%CI 0.08, 0.14) per million compared to a non-firearm mass homicide rate of 0.12 (95% CI 0.10, 0.15) per million. Mass homicide death rates by firearm were found to be 0.39 (95% CI 0.29, 0.49) per million compared to a non-firearm mass homicide rate of 0.47 (95% CI 0.34, 0.61) per million. Overall, there is a gradual declining trend in the incidence of mass homicide by firearm (IRR 0.97 (95% CI 0.96, 0.98)) and by non-firearm (IRR 0.97 (95% CI 0.97, 0.98)). The decline in mass homicide death rate by firearm and non-firearm is IRR 0.96 (95% CI 0.95, 0.97), and IRR 0.97 (95% CI 0.96, 0.98) respectively. No specific associated decrease in mass homicide incidence rates or death rates with firearms legislation was found after the implementation of background checks and prohibition of full auto firearms in 1980, by the implementation of references and psychological questionnaires in 1994, by the restriction of magazine capacity in 1994, the prohibition of paramilitary rifles in 1994, or licensing in 2001.
Transfer of knowledge from model organisms to evolutionarily distant non-model organisms: The coral Pocillopora damicornis membrane signaling receptome
Authors: Kumar Lokender , Brenner Nathanael , Sledzieski Samuel , Olaosebikan Monsurat , Roger Liza M. , Lynn-Goin Matthew , Klein-Seetharaman Roshan , Berger Bonnie , Putnam Hollie , Yang Jinkyu , Lewinski Nastassja A. , Singh Rohit , Daniels Noah M. , Cowen Lenore , Klein-Seetharaman Judith
Published: February 2023

With the ease of gene sequencing and the technology available to study and manipulate non-model organisms, the extension of the methodological toolbox required to translate our understanding of model organisms to non-model organisms has become an urgent problem. For example, mining of large coral and their symbiont sequence data is a challenge, but also provides an opportunity for understanding functionality and evolution of these and other non-model organisms. Much more information than for any other eukaryotic species is available for humans, especially related to signal transduction and diseases. However, the coral cnidarian host and human have diverged over 700 million years ago and homologies between proteins in the two species are therefore often in the gray zone, or at least often undetectable with traditional BLAST searches. We introduce a two-stage approach to identifying putative coral homologues of human proteins. First, through remote homology detection using Hidden Markov Models, we identify candidate human homologues in the cnidarian genome. However, for many proteins, the human genome alone contains multiple family members with similar or even more divergence in sequence. In the second stage, therefore, we filter the remote homology results based on the functional and structural plausibility of each coral candidate, shortlisting the coral proteins likely to have conserved some of the functions of the human proteins. We demonstrate our approach with a pipeline for mapping membrane receptors in humans to membrane receptors in corals, with specific focus on the stony coral, P. damicornis. More than 1000 human membrane receptors mapped to 335 coral receptors, including 151 G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). To validate specific sub-families, we chose opsin proteins, representative GPCRs that confer light sensitivity, and Toll-like receptors, representative non-GPCRs, which function in the immune response, and their ability to communicate with microorganisms. Through detailed structure-function analysis of their ligand-binding pockets and downstream signaling cascades, we selected those candidate remote homologues likely to carry out related functions in the corals. This pipeline may prove generally useful for other non-model organisms, such as to support the growing field of synthetic biology.
Mutant-RB1 circulating tumor DNA in the blood of unilateral retinoblastoma patients: What happens during enucleation surgery: A pilot study
Authors: Abramson David H. , Mandelker Diana L. , Brannon A. Rose , Dunkel Ira J. , Benayed Ryma , Berger Michael F. , Arcila Maria E. , Ladanyi Marc , Friedman Danielle Novetsky , Jayakumaran Gowtham , Diosdado Monica S. , Robbins Melissa A. , Haggag-Lindgren Dianna , Shukla Neerav , Walsh Michael F. , Kothari Prachi , Tsui Dana W. Y. , Francis Jasmine H.
Published: February 2023

Cell free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cell free DNA (ctDNA) from blood (plasma) are increasingly being used in oncology for diagnosis, monitoring response, identifying cancer causing mutations and detecting recurrences. Circulating tumor RB1 DNA (ctDNA) is found in the blood (plasma) of retinoblastoma patients at diagnosis before instituting treatment (naïve). We investigated ctDNA in naïve unilateral patients before enucleation and during enucleation (6 patients/ 8 mutations with specimens collected 5–40 minutes from severing the optic nerve) In our cohort, following transection the optic nerve, ctDNA RB1 VAF was measurably lower than pre-enucleation levels within five minutes, 50% less within 15 minutes and 90% less by 40 minutes.
Impact of galvanic vestibular stimulation electrode current density on brain current flow patterns: Does electrode size matter?
Authors: Truong Dennis Q. , Guillen Alexander , Nooristani Mujda , Maheu Maxime , Champoux Francois , Datta Abhishek
Published: February 2023

Background

Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) uses at least one electrode placed on the mastoid process with one or multiple placed over other head areas to stimulate the vestibular system. The exact electrode size used is not given much importance in the literature and has not been reported in several studies. In a previous study, we compared the clinical effects of using different electrode sizes (3 cm2 and 35 cm2) with placebo but with the same injected current, on postural control. We observed significant improvement using the smaller size electrode but not with the bigger size electrode. The goal of this study was to simulate the current flow patterns with the intent to shed light and potentially explain the experimental outcome.

Methods

We used an ultra-high-resolution structural dataset and developed a model to simulate the application of different electrode sizes. We considered current flow in the brain and in the vestibular labyrinth.

Results

Our simulation results verified the focality increase using smaller electrodes that we postulated as the main reason for our clinical effect. The use of smaller size electrodes in combination with the montage employed also result in higher induced electric field (E-field) in the brain.

Conclusions

Electrode size and related current density is a critical parameter to characterize any GVS administration as the choice impacts the induced E-field. It is evident that the higher induced E-field likely contributed to the clinical outcome reported in our prior study.
Strength-based technology clubs for autistic adolescents: A feasibility study
Authors: Jones Matthew , Milbourn Benjamin , Falkmer Marita , Tan Tele , Bölte Sven , Girdler Sonya
Published: February 2023

Strength-based technology clubs are thought to help autistic adolescents transition to adulthood by developing positive traits, enhancing technical skills, and creating supportive networks. A newly developed strength-based technology club was delivered to 25 autistic adolescents, with the feasibility tested via qualitative and quantitative methods. Autistic adolescents, their parents, and club facilitators participated in separate focus groups, with audio data transcribed and thematically analyzed. Quantitative data was collected via adolescent and parent-reported pretest-posttest measures following the 15-week program. Autistic adolescents were highly satisfied with the club (acceptability), the technology club satisfied an unmet need (demand), with the program demonstrating the potential to be integrated into the current therapy system in Australia (integration). Feasibility areas that could be improved in delivering future clubs are discussed.
Associations between social factors and school belonging among newcomer and non-newcomer youth in Sweden
Authors: McDiarmid Serena , Osman Fatumo , Sarkadi Anna , Durbeej Natalie
Published: February 2023

Feeling a sense of belonging at school is associated with important positive outcomes for youth and requires youth to engage in positive social relationships. Yet there is a limited understanding of the social factors most associated with youths’ school belonging and limited evidence about whether correlates of school belonging vary for marginalized groups like newcomers compared to majority groups. Sweden provides an important context for investigation of these issues because, over the past two decades, the country has experienced an influx of asylum seekers and educational reforms that have altered the composition and functioning of Swedish secondary schools. This study addresses these gaps by (1) investigating which of eight social factors are associated with school belonging among diverse Swedish youth, and (2) examining whether newcomer status moderates the relationship between social factors and school belonging. Hierarchical regression and moderation analyses were used to analyze data from 14 to 19 year-old (n = 233) newcomers and non-newcomers in Sweden. An exploratory factor analysis revealed that the school belonging measure contained two factors: positive perceptions and negative perceptions (reverse coded). For both, stronger school belonging was associated with lower perceived ethnic discrimination. Positive perceptions of school belonging were also associated with more prosocial behaviours and lower emotional problems. Negative perceptions of school belonging were associated with more peer problems. Notably, quantity and quality of peer relationships were not associated with school belonging. There was no consistent evidence of newcomer status moderating the relationship between social factors and school belonging. These results highlight factors associated with school belonging which are modifiable and amenable to intervention or impact by policy—ethnic discrimination, prosocial behaviour, and emotional and peer problems. The absence of moderation by newcomer status suggests that school belonging interventions or related policies are likely to affect newcomer and non-newcomer students similarly.
Our pride, our joy: An intersectional constructivist grounded theory analysis of resources that promote resilience in SGM communities
Authors: Edwards O. Winslow , Lev Eliot , Obedin-Maliver Juno , Lunn Mitchell R. , Lubensky Micah E. , Capriotti Matthew R. , Garrett-Walker J. J. , Flentje Annesa
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and Two-Spirit people, have historically been researched from a deficits-based approach that fails to highlight the ways communities survive and thrive in the face of adversity. This study endeavored to create a model of resources that promote SGM resilience using a sample that amplified traditionally underrepresented perspectives, including individuals from racial and/or ethnic minority groups, trans and/or gender diverse individuals, individuals on the asexual spectrum, and older adults.

Methods

Participant responses to three open-ended questions from The PRIDE Study’s (an online national longitudinal cohort study of SGM people) 2018 Annual Questionnaire were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory. These questions examined what brings people joy and what they appreciate most about their SGM identity. Participants (n = 315) were randomly selected from a larger sample of people who had responded to demographic questions and at least one open-ended question (N = 4,030) in a manner to ensure diverse representation across race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and region of residence.

Results

The proposed model includes social resources (Connecting with Others, Cultivating Family, Helping Others, Participating in Culture and Spirituality), affective generative resources (Engaging in Enriching Pursuits, Accessing Economic Resources), and introspective resources (Exploring One’s Authentic Self, Persevering through Hardship) that are theorized to contribute to SGM resilience across the life course.

Conclusions

SGM communities may tap into various resources to promote resilience. As public health practitioners, we can help to foster this resilience by resourcing and supporting initiatives that foster social connection, create spaces for community members to engage with various types of enrichment, facilitate access to economic resources, and provide support and inclusion for all SGM community members.
How mindfulness, self-compassion, and experiential avoidance are related to perceived stress in a sample of university students
Authors: Martínez-Rubio David , Colomer-Carbonell Ariadna , Sanabria-Mazo Juan P. , Pérez-Aranda Adrián , Navarrete Jaime , Martínez-Brotóns Cristina , Escamilla Cristina , Muro Anna , Montero-Marín Jesús , Luciano Juan V. , Feliu-Soler Albert
Published: February 2023

University students constitute a population that is highly vulnerable to developing mental health problems, such as distress. The role of different variables associated with the development of states of stress has been studied in order to identify potential risk and protective factors. This study explored whether mindfulness, self-compassion, and experiential avoidance, while controlling for specific sociodemographic and academic variables, were potential significant protective or risk factors explaining perceived stress in a sample of 589 Spanish university students (81.2% female, age range 18–48 years). A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed using an exploratory cross-sectional design. Higher experiential avoidance, lower self-compassion, lower mindfulness, not perceiving family support, higher total study hours per week, having a partner (vs. being single), being female (vs. being male), and being older were significantly associated with higher levels of perceived stress. In conclusion, perceived stress in our sample was positively associated with experiential avoidance, which could be regarded as a potential psychological risk variable. In contrast, perceived stress was negatively correlated with self-compassion and mindfulness, which, in turn, could be seen as protective factors. Accordingly, it is concluded that programmes aimed at reducing stress and at improving well-being among university students should include experiential avoidance, self-compassion, and mindfulness as therapeutic targets.
Developing a taxonomy to describe offspring outcomes in studies involving pregnant mammals’ exposure to non-tobacco nicotine: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Phillips Lucy , Thomson Ross , Coleman-Haynes Tom , Cooper Sue , Naughton Felix , Mcdaid Lisa , Emery Joanne , Coleman Tim
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Many countries recommend Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation in pregnancy. Preclinical studies of nicotine exposure to pregnant mammals could indicate how nicotine may adversely affect the developing fetus. As a first step towards summarising this literature, we undertook a systematic scoping review to determine the number and nature of offspring outcomes studied.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for papers reporting empirical data on offspring outcomes following nicotine exposure to pregnant non-human mammals. We excluded studies that investigated exposure to only smoking, e-cigarettes, nicotine vaccines, or studies with no ‘nicotine only’ group. We developed a draft taxonomy and using this, described and quantified outcomes reported.

Results

We identified 476 studies, which reported 729 offspring outcomes. The draft taxonomy classified outcomes as being measured in i) whole animals, ii) body systems and iii) ‘other’. Body system outcomes were further categorised as being functional changes, or changes at macroscopic or cellular levels. The most frequently used outcomes were those detecting changes in the brain (n = 265), physical parameters measured in whole animals (n = 122) and any respiratory system changes (n = 97).

Conclusions

This scoping review quantifies the nature and frequency of outcomes used in preclinical studies investigating the potential impacts of nicotine administration in pregnancy on offspring. Systematic reviews of studies investigating outcomes involving animal brains, respiratory system, or ‘whole animal’ outcomes may have greatest potential for further advancing knowledge regarding impacts of gestational nicotine exposure on offspring.

Protocol and registration

Protocol for this review can be found on Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/ptmzc/).
Effect of monovalent electrolyte solutions on the human tear ferning pattern
Authors: Almutleb Essam S. , El-Hiti Gamal A. , Al-Dawas Hesham A. , Alanzi Mohammed K. , Alquwayi Mohammed , Alotaibi Abdullah G. , Baashen Mashaaer A. , Altoaimi Basal H. , Alanazi Saud A. , Masmali Ali M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effect of the addition of a low concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) solutions on the tear ferning (TF) patterns of tears collected from humans.

Methods

A tear sample (20 μL) was collected from the right eye of 23 males and 7 females (25.4 ± 6.6 years). The tears were collected in one sitting for healthy subjects (N = 13). For dry eye participants (N = 17), the tear samples were collected in two separate settings with five minutes gap in between. A sample (1 μL) from each tear was dried on a glass slide, and the obtained ferns were observed using a microscope and graded using the five-point TF grading scale. Mixtures of tear samples (0.5 μL) and different volumes (0.5–2.5 μL) of each electrolyte (10–30 mg in 100 mL of water) solution were prepared, and their TF patterns were recorded and compared with those of the corresponding pure tears.

Results

Significant improvements (Wilcoxon test, P < 0.001) have been seen in the TF grades of the tear samples after the addition of NaCl and KCl solutions. A significant difference (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.016) was found between the TF grades when NaCl and KCl solutions were added to the tear samples. The TF grades of pure tears collected from dry-eye subjects ranged from 2.1 to 3.5, based on the five points grading scale, and decreased to be in the range of 0.4 to 1.6 after the addition of electrolyte solutions. While the TF grades of pure tears collected from normal-eye ranged from 1.2 to 1.9 and improved after the addition of electrolyte solution to be in the range of 0.4 to 1.5.

Conclusions

The TF test was used in vitro to assess the impact of the addition of a low concentration of sodium and potassium chloride solutions on tears collected from humans. The TF grades of human tears significantly improved after the addition of either sodium or potassium chloride solution. The mechanism for the improvement in TF grades due to the addition of electrolyte solutions must be investigated.
Scoping review of molecular biomarkers associated with fatigue, stress, and depression in stroke survivors: A protocol
Authors: Potter Tarynn , Gange Nisal , Whiteside Eliza , Gyawali Prajwal
Published: February 2023

The prevalence of stroke increases each year and while mortality from stroke has decreased, the prevalence of comorbidities such as anxiety, depression and fatigue affects as many as 75% of stroke survivors. The aetiology of post-stroke fatigue is not clear, although it has been shown to be interrelated with comorbidities such as stress and depression. Due to the interconnected nature of these comorbidities, it is important to improve the specificity of diagnosis and identify novel therapeutic targets to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors. The investigation of molecular biomarkers associated with post-stroke stress, fatigue, and depression may shed light on the relationships between comorbidities and also contribute to the development of novel diagnostics and therapies. Several biomarkers have been identified for stress, depression, and fatigue, some of which are specific to stroke survivors. However, there remain several gaps in understanding, particularly in relation to the physiological mechanisms underlying these side effects and molecular biomarkers associated with post-stroke fatigue. The aim of this scoping review protocol is to outline the methodologies that will be used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current literature on biomarkers associated with post-stroke fatigue, stress, and depression, informing future research questions.
Partial validation of a TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the detection of the three genotypes of Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus
Authors: Koda Samantha A. , Subramaniam Kuttichantran , Hick Paul M. , Hall Evelyn , Waltzek Thomas B. , Becker Joy A.
Published: February 2023

Megalocytiviruses (MCVs) are double-stranded DNA viruses known to infect important freshwater and marine fish species in the aquaculture, food, and ornamental fish industries worldwide. Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) is the type species within the genus Megalocytivirus that causes red seabream iridoviral disease (RSIVD) which is a reportable disease to the World Animal Health Organization (WOAH). To better control the transboundary spread of this virus and support WOAH reporting requirements, we developed and partially validated a TaqMan real-time qPCR assay (ISKNV104R) to detect all three genotypes of ISKNV, including the two genotypes that cause RSIVD. Parameters averaged across 48 experiments used a 10-fold dilution series of linearized plasmid DNA (107–101 copies), carrying a fragment of the three-spot gourami iridovirus (TSGIV) hypothetical protein revealed that the assay was linear over 7 orders of magnitude (107–101), a mean efficiency of 99.97 ± 2.92%, a mean correlation coefficient of 1.000 ± 0.001, and a limit of detection (analytical sensitivity) of ≤10 copies of TSGIV DNA. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the ISKNV104R qPCR assay was evaluated and compared to other published assays using a panel of 397 samples from 21 source populations with different prevalence of ISKNV infection (0–100%). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the ISKNV104R qPCR assay was 91.99% (87.28–95.6; 95% CI) and 89.8% (83.53–94.84). The latent class analysis showed that the ISKNV104R qPCR assay had similar diagnostic sensitivities and specificities with overlapping confidence limits compared to a second TaqMan qPCR assay and a SYBR green assay. This newly developed TaqMan assay represents a partially validated qPCR assay for the detection of the three genotypes of the species ISKNV. The ISKNV104R qPCR assay once fully validated, will serve as an improved diagnostic tool that can be used for ISKNV surveillance efforts and diagnosis in subclinical fish to prevent further spread of MCVs throughout the aquaculture and ornamental fish industries.
Factors associated with dose reduction of pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A study based on real-world clinical data
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Chung Chiwook , Cho Hyo Sin , Kim Ho Cheol
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Although pirfenidone slows disease progression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), in clinical practice, patients often cannot tolerate the recommended dose because of several adverse events. This study aimed to investigate adverse events associated with pirfenidone and factors associated with dose reduction.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 156 consecutive patients with IPF who received pirfenidone. Demographic characteristics, pulmonary function, and pirfenidone-related adverse events were investigated. We compared patients who received standard and reduced doses of pirfenidone.

Results

The mean patient age was 69.7 years. The median follow-up duration was 243 days. The low-dose group (n = 73) included older patients (71.0 years vs. 67.4 years, p = 0.016), fewer smokers (80.8% vs. 96.4%, p = 0.008), and patients with a lower body mass index (BMI; 24.1 kg/m2 vs. 25.7 kg/m2, p = 0.027) than the standard dose group (n = 57). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio = 1.066, p = 0.016) was significantly associated with dose reduction of pirfenidone after adjusting for sex, smoking history, emphysema, and BMI. No significant difference was found in the rates of a reduced forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide between the two groups.

Conclusions

Although older patients are more likely to undergo dose reduction of pirfenidone, low-dose pirfenidone might be effective for treating patients with IPF. Low-dose pirfenidone could be considered an effective treatment option for older patients with IPF.
scAEGAN: Unification of single-cell genomics data by adversarial learning of latent space correspondences
Authors: Khan Sumeer Ahmad , Lehmann Robert , Martinez-de-Morentin Xabier , Maillo Alberto , Lagani Vincenzo , Kiani Narsis A. , Gomez-Cabrero David , Tegner Jesper
Published: February 2023

Recent progress in Single-Cell Genomics has produced different library protocols and techniques for molecular profiling. We formulate a unifying, data-driven, integrative, and predictive methodology for different libraries, samples, and paired-unpaired data modalities. Our design of scAEGAN includes an autoencoder (AE) network integrated with adversarial learning by a cycleGAN (cGAN) network. The AE learns a low-dimensional embedding of each condition, whereas the cGAN learns a non-linear mapping between the AE representations. We evaluate scAEGAN using simulated data and real scRNA-seq datasets, different library preparations (Fluidigm C1, CelSeq, CelSeq2, SmartSeq), and several data modalities as paired scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq. The scAEGAN outperforms Seurat3 in library integration, is more robust against data sparsity, and beats Seurat 4 in integrating paired data from the same cell. Furthermore, in predicting one data modality from another, scAEGAN outperforms Babel. We conclude that scAEGAN surpasses current state-of-the-art methods and unifies integration and prediction challenges.
Factors influencing intention to participate in breast cancer screening. An exploratory structural model
Authors: López-Panisello María Belén , Pérez-Lacasta María José , Rué Montserrat , Carles-Lavila Misericòrdia
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The paper has two objectives. The first one examines whether informing women about the benefits and adverse effects of breast cancer screening could have an effect on three variables: their knowledge, the importance women attach to the future consequences of their current decisions (time perspective), and the degree to which women are worried about developing breast cancer (worry). The second one examines whether these three variables affect their intention to participate in the screening, either directly or indirectly through their feeling of regret if they do not attend the screening (anticipated regret); through their values and the support they receive in making their decisions (decisional conflict); and, through the perceived acceptability and benefits of the screening programme (attitude).

Methods

Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyse both objectives and to differentiate between direct, indirect, and moderating effects, due to the incorporation in the model of the three mediating variables (anticipated regret, decisional conflict, and attitude) and a moderating variable (educational level).

Results

Information affects knowledge (objective variable), but not the behavioural variables (time perspective and worry). On the other hand, the level of knowledge has no direct or indirect effect on intention, but behavioural variables do affect it through the mediating variables.

Conclusions

The variables of the planned behaviour theory are relevant to understand women’s decisions and to be able to take appropriate health policy measures. Doing so, the processes of personalised screening would improve, or there would be the incorporation of shared decision-making in this context; these being demands associated with the most recent goals achieved in health programmes in many countries.
Determining Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) Changes Using Remote Sensing Method in Lüleburgaz and LULC Change's Impacts on SDGs
Authors: Agdas Merve Guroglu , Yenen Zekiye
Published: February 2023

Urbanization is among the human activities that affect the quality of urban life and sustainable urban development at a global scale. For monitoring human-induced changes in cities, studies on the changes in land use/land cover (LULC) based on a series of satellite images along with geographic information systems (GIS) are widely used. This study aims to evaluate the LULC changes in Lüleburgaz between 2001 and 2021. For this purpose, the impacts of urban growth on natural areas and how these areas are handled in the context of sustainable development goals are examined, and the effects of urbanization on land use change are evaluated. The accuracy of the LULC maps was evaluated by means of the general accuracy index and the Kappa index. The overall accuracy rates of the land use maps for 2001, 2010, and 2021 were 96.32%, 93.66%, and 95.91%, respectively, while Kappa values were 0.95, 0.91, 0.94. These results indicate that, due to the effect of rapid urbanization and population growth over the last two decades, the built environment increased by 4.82% and the agricultural land has decreased by 4.88%. This result is a testament to the upward trend in the built environment at the expense of depleting a significant amount of agricultural land. The findings of the study provide useful data that can aid authorities in making conscious decisions to achieve sustainable urban planning and to improve environmental conditions.

Keywords: Urbanization, Land use/land cover change, Agricultural land, Sustainable development goals (SDGs), Remote sensing
Socioeconomic Determinants of Life Expectancy: Southeastern European Countries
Authors: Karma Emiljan
Published: February 2023

This paper analyses the socioeconomic determinants of life expectancy in Southeastern Europe countries highlighting the most important factors that can affect life expectancy in this part of Europe.   

Two Panel Data Regression with fixed–effects model was applied for 20 years from 2000 to 2019. Eight socioeconomic and environmental explanatory variables were used to verify their influence on life expectancy.

The analysis highlights the important influence of factors such as urbanization; GDP per capita; fertility rate; education; marital status; CO2 emission and the non-significant influence of other factors, such as health expenditure or health care out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure. This study points out that healthcare spending (public and/or household out-of-pocket spending) is not a significant factor in improving life expectancy in SEE countries. Results illustrate that GDP per capita; urbanization, CO2 emissions, and fertility rate are the most influential and significant explanatory factors. A surprising result concerns marital status, which in this study affects life expectancy inversely in one of the panel regressions.

Life expectancy is a very important and expressive outcome indicator for public health. Each country is committed to spending public money to improve people's quality of life, which translates into a longer life (Life expectancy), or even better, a longer and healthier life (Health Adjusted Life Expectancy). The results of this study, considering the demographic development of the SEE countries (low fertility rate and aged people), show that policymakers need to consider public healthcare organization and reassess the effectiveness of public health expenditure. On the other hand, the balanced urbanization process with a clean ecosystem (less CO2 emissions) conducts a better life quality (consequently an improved life expectancy).

Keywords: Panel data analysis; Life Expectancy; Public Health; SEE Countries

Jel Classification: C33; H51; I15
Strategies & digital technologies for Autism integration
Authors: Moraiti Ioanna , Fotoglou Anestis , Stathopoulou Agathi , Loukeris Dionysis
Published: February 2023

The number of people with Autism spectrum disorders is increasing significantly. The purpose of this literature review is to contribute to the integration of autistic people in the educational context with the help of technological means. Educators' views on the education they should provide to students so that autistic people feel accepted by their peers and have equal and inclusive opportunities are listed. People on the Autism spectrum have difficulties in important pillars such as communication, memory, and attention. Strategies are presented for teachers to achieve the inclusion of students and the role of assistive technology, and its benefits are identified for people with Autism with the main benefit being the improvement of communication skills, the improvement of organization activities, memory, and attention.
Ratio analysis for decision making, a study
Authors: Das Pradip Kumar
Published: February 2023

Financial statements contemplate to feed financial information in summarized form of a business enterprise to consummate the exigencies of the decision-makers. Veridicality about the causatum and the financial substance of a business belied in statements bide mystic. To decipher peachy godsend and further facilitate the users make well-informed decisions, financial statements necessitate analysis, comparison, and interpretation with ratios. This paper bottomed on secondary data for the stage from 2017-2018 to 2021-2022 encompasses the application of accounting ratios for forging business decision taking Tata Steel Ltd. as the case study. This study unbosoms that the apposite financial information quested for making decision can be documented through the appliance of financial ratio analysis. Thus, management must substantiate that revelation of panoptic financial ratios outline basic financial statement drafted for the plenary perception of business enterprises.
Análise morfométrica da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Caiapó, Goiás, Brasil
Authors: Melo Filho Fernando da Silva , Soares Ricardo Alves , Nuñez Daniel Noe Coaguila
Published: February 2023

A bacia hidrográfica pode ser considerada como sistema físico de captação natural da água oriunda da precipitação onde o escoamento parte para o único ponto de saída. O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar a caracterização morfométrica da bacia hidrografica do Rio Caiapó, a fim de compreender sua relação com o uso antrópico da água. A análise morfométrica da bacia hidrográfica foi realizada no Estado de Goiás, que fica localizada na região do sudoeste goiano. A média anual da precipitação é de 1.500 mm e a média anual de temperatura de 23,3 ºC. A bacia hidrográfica do Rio Caiapó foi caracterizada com 12053,48 km², o perímetro total elevado é de 939,78 km, com coeficiente de compacidade de 2,39. Quanto ao fator de forma, o resultado encontrado foi de 0,14, o índice de circularidade de 0,17 e o índice de sinuosidade de 1,91. A declividade média encontrada foi de 9,02%, portanto, o relevo da área é considerado ondulado e a amplitude altimétrica de 773,65 m. É imprescindível uma fiscalização ativa e uma gestão socioambiental por parte do poder público por meio de políticas públicas mais eficazes.
Análise morfométrica da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Doce, Goiás, Brasil
Authors: Silva Leandro Ferreira da , Oliveira Marcos Vinícius de Melo , Nuñez Daniel Noe Coaguila
Published: February 2023

A bacia hidrográfica é muito importante para elaborar um plano do ambiente que estão os grandes fatores sociais e naturais. Objetivou-se realizar uma análise morfométrica da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Doce. A metodologia utilizada foram índices destinados para tal fim. Ela compõe-se de várias unidades onde todos os procedimentos hidrológicos que se distingue o ciclo total da água. Nesse sentido, as qualidades físicas das bacias devem modular a amplitude desses processos e casos hidrológicos que provocam prejuízos, assim como enchentes, e ainda definir toda a disponibilidade hídrica da grande bacia. A bacia hidrográfica do Rio Doce apresenta-se com degradação e com casos de inundações, e muitos recursos hídricos. Dessa maneira, foi concretizada uma análise morfométrica das sub-bacias fundamental do Rio Doce. Conclui-se com a parte principal da caracteização hidrográfica da bacia do Rio Doce, mostrando a importância dela mesma.
Using Multimodal Virtual Instruction to Build Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge of Dyslexia
Authors: Chambre Susan J. , Ness Molly K.
Published: February 2023

Increasing awareness about screening and instructional interventions for students with dyslexia is a necessary component of P-12 teacher preparation. Disparities in reading achievement for students with disabilities, including those with dyslexia, is evidenced in lower literacy testing scores as well as lower high school graduation rates for those with documented disabilities when compared to typical developing peers. Preservice teachers, however, continue to struggle with understanding, identifying, and providing targeted literacy instruction to remediate reading challenges for students with dyslexia. Emerging data on the impact of the COVID-19 school closures on lags in student’s reading attainment, further solidifies the need for teacher preparation programs to prepare preservice teachers to implement best practices for supporting students with dyslexia. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine the impact of asynchronous online learning modules on preservice teacher’s knowledge of dyslexia. Results indicate that preservice teachers who learn via online sources such as podcasts, infographics, and educational games, statistically increase their knowledge of dyslexia and confidence to work with students. Recommendations for programmatic change and inclusion of online learning about dyslexia for teacher preparation programs are suggested.
Management of Patients With Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: An Updated ACG Guideline
Authors: Sengupta Neil , Feuerstein Joseph D. , Jairath Vipul , Shergill Amandeep K. , Strate Lisa L. , Wong Robert J. , Wan David
Published: February 2023

Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common reason for hospitalization in the United States and is associated with significant utilization of hospital resources, as well as considerable morbidity and mortality. These revised guidelines implement the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology to propose recommendations for the use of risk stratification tools, thresholds for red blood cell transfusion, reversal agents for patients on anticoagulants, diagnostic testing including colonoscopy and computed tomography angiography (CTA), endoscopic therapeutic options, and management of antithrombotic medications after hospital discharge. Important changes since the previous iteration of this guideline include recommendations for the use of risk stratification tools to identify patients with LGIB at low risk of a hospital-based intervention, the role for reversal agents in patients with life-threatening LGIB on vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants, the increasing role for CTA in patients with severe LGIB, and the management of patients who have a positive CTA. We recommend that most patients requiring inpatient colonoscopy undergo a nonurgent colonoscopy because performing an urgent colonoscopy within 24 hours of presentation has not been shown to improve important clinical outcomes such as rebleeding. Finally, we provide updated recommendations regarding resumption of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications after cessation of LGIB.
Fulminant Gastrointestinal Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Induced by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Patel Hiral S. , Crilley Thomas A. , Srivastav Jigisha , Savage Paul D.
Published: February 2023

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease that commonly affects the skin and bones and is found mostly in children. Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement in adults is rare and is diagnosed during a routine colonoscopy from the biopsy of polypoid lesions. The pathophysiology of LCH is unclear. We describe an adult patient with LCH in remission who presented with extensive GI involvement after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. This case report identifies severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 as a trigger for the worsening of LCH and adds more data to the literature, given this is the first case with fulminant GI involvement.
Infectious Proctitis Masquerading as Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome: A Potential Pitfall
Authors: Shafi Saba , Yearsley Martha , Chakraborty Subhankar
Published: February 2023

Infectious proctitis (IP), caused by agents such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, or Herpes simplex, should be considered in patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease, especially in the high-risk factor setting such as human immunodeficiency virus. We describe a unique case of IP presenting as a solitary rectal ulcer raising the possibility of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. Although the endoscopic findings and symptoms may be similar between solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, the pathogenesis and treatment are drastically different with distinct long-term implications, highlighting the need for correct diagnosis. Several treatment modalities were tried in our patient; however, subsequent treatment with valacyclovir caused complete resolution of the ulcer. Hence, there should be a high index of suspicion of IP in a high-risk setting.
Colon Adenocarcinoma Metastasis Through Ileocolic Fistula to Small Bowel in the Setting of Crohn's Disease
Authors: Tseng Michael T. , Syed Taseen , Zot Patricija , Vachhani Ravi
Published: February 2023

Patients with Crohn's disease are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal fistula. Few cases in the past described colorectal cancer metastasized within the gastrointestinal tract through a fistula. We report a case of sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma in a patient with Crohn's disease that metastasized to the ileum through an ileocolic fistula tract. In addition to presenting a unique pathological phenomenon in these patients, this case raises awareness of the importance of regular follow-up and early initiation of inflammatory bowel disease therapies.
Different Approaches to the Management of Cholecystoenteric Fistula
Authors: Ojemolon Pius Ehiremen , Kwei-Nsoro Robert , Haque Mahaim , Shah Mihir Prakash , Pinnam Bhanu , Almoghrabi Anas
Published: February 2023

A cholecystoenteric fistula is an anomalous communicating tract between the gallbladder and any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a rare complication of gallstone disease and typically affects elderly patients with multiple medical comorbidities. These fistulae can present in a variety of ways, and the diagnosis is often made only after extensive workup. Despite notable advances in imaging techniques in the last half-century, a considerable number of cases are still discovered incidentally during open or laparoscopic surgery. We present a series of 3 cases, each with different etiologies and presentations, but all of whom were found to have a cholecystoenteric fistula. Each case was managed differently, highlighting the diversity of this intriguing condition.