bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcription factor specificity protein (SP) family in renal physiology and diseases
Authors: Zhou Wei , Fang Jiaxi , Jia Qingqing , Meng Hanyan , Liu Fei , Mao Jianhua
Published: January 2025

Dysregulated specificity proteins (SPs), members of the C2H2 zinc-finger family, are crucial transcription factors (TFs) with implications for renal physiology and diseases. This comprehensive review focuses on the role of SP family members, particularly SP1 and SP3, in renal physiology and pathology. A detailed analysis of their expression and cellular localization in the healthy human kidney is presented, highlighting their involvement in fatty acid metabolism, electrolyte regulation, and the synthesis of important molecules. The review also delves into the diverse roles of SPs in various renal diseases, including renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, diabetic nephropathy, renal interstitial fibrosis, and lupus nephritis, elucidating their molecular mechanisms and potential as therapeutic targets. The review further discusses pharmacological modulation of SPs and its implications for treatment. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of SPs in renal health and disease, offering new avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions and precision medicine in nephrology.
Evaluation of urinary density as a biomarker for the diagnosis of acute heart failure
Authors: Akçalı Mustafa Ahmet , Çınar Semih , Tekin Kemal Abid , Mert Recep Murat , Erduhan Sena , Dinçer Ertuğ , Altunöz Yusuf , Aksu Arif , Akçalı Esra
Published: January 2025

Background

Heart failure (HF) has become a public healthcare concern with significant costs to countries because of the aging world population. Acute heart failure (AHF) is a common condition faced frequently in emergency departments, and patients often present to hospitals with complaints of breathlessness. The patient must be evaluated with anamnesis, physical examination, blood, and imaging results to diagnose AHF. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a widely accepted biomarker for the diagnosis of HF.

Methods

The files of the patients who applied to the emergency department with complaints of breathlessness were scanned, and BNP and urinary density (UD) levels were evaluated for the diagnosis of HF in patients.

Results

The results support that BNP is an effective biomarker in AHF, as is widely accepted. When the correlation between BNP and UD measurements was examined in the present study, a negative correlation was detected between the parameters. The results also suggested that low UD values may help diagnose AHF.

Conclusion

If similar results are obtained in prospective multicenter studies with the participation of more patients, UD value can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of AHF.
Prevalence of nasopharyngeal bacteria during naturally occurring bovine respiratory disease in commercial stocker cattle
Authors: Akter Afroza , Teddleton Hannah , Caldwell Marc , Pighetti Gina , Myer Phillip R. , Henniger Madison T. , Schneider Liesel , Shepherd Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most common economic and health challenges to the beef cattle industry. Prophylactic use of antimicrobial drugs can alter the microbial communities in the respiratory tract. Considering that the bovine upper respiratory tract microbiome has been associated with generalized health, understanding the microenvironment that influences this microbiome may provide insights into the pathogenesis of BRD. This study aimed to determine temporal variation in nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiome in naturally occurring BRD in newly received stocker calves. Mixed breed steers (n = 40) were purchased from an auction market and housed in a commercial stocker farm. Clinical signs were used to identify BRD affected animals, and calves were categorized based on the number of treatments (NumTrt) received (0, 1, 2). On days 0, 7, 14, and 21, NP samples were collected, and subsequent DNA were isolated and sequenced. After sequencing, 16S rRNA V4 gene was amplified and utilized for NP bacterial determination. The difference in relative abundance based on day and NumTrt was measured using repeated measures ANOVA (PROC GLIMMIX; SAS 9.4). Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Verrucomicrobiota were the top phyla and Mycoplasma, Histophilus, Geobacillus, Saccharococcus, Lactobacillus, and Pasteurella were the top genera. In healthy calves, the relative abundance of Mycoplasma differed by day (P = 0.01), whereas on day 7, calves had five times greater abundance compared to day 0 (d 0: 0.06 ± 0.05; d 7: 0.30 ± 0.05). No differences were observed in the alpha diversity matrices based on day or NumTrt (P > 0.05). Results of this study suggest compositional variations in NP microbial populations occur during disease conditions.
Assessing the Immunomodulatory Potential of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Supplementation in Sendai Virus-infected Wistar Rats
Authors: B. T. Daodu, , C.D. Onwukwe, , H.O. Stanley, , O.N Akomah-Abadaike, , N Frank – Peterside,
Published: January 2025

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are rich in bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, terpenoids, and polyphenols. These compounds are known for their immunomodulatory properties and antioxidant activity, which helps protect cells from damage caused by infections and free radicals, which are linked to aging and chronic diseases. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation in Wistar rats infected with Sendai virus. The study evaluated the impact of the mushroom supplement (administered at 25%, 50%, and 75% inclusion rates) on hematological parameters, liver and kidney function, CD4 counts, viral load, and histopathological changes in the liver, kidney, heart, and lungs. Oyster mushroom supplementation demonstrated varying effects on hematological parameters, with groups Group 3 (50% mushroom) showed the highest RBC count before infection (6.38 ± 0.01 x 1012/L). However, Group 4 (75% mushroom) exhibited a significant decrease in RBC count post-infection. Liver and kidney function tests revealed significant increases in liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and some kidney function markers (total bilirubin, creatinine) in infected rats, indicating organ damage. However, CD4 counts significantly increased in all supplemented groups post-treatment, suggesting enhanced immune recovery with Group 4 (75% mushroom) exhibiting the most substantial increase (990.33 ± 1.76 cells/µL). Also, the group receiving the highest dose of mushroom supplement Group 4 (75% mushroom) exhibited the most significant reduction in viral load post-treatment (2277615.6667 ± 1138809.50 copies/mL). Histological analysis revealed varying degrees of inflammation and tissue damage in the liver, kidney, heart, and lungs of infected rats. While the mushroom supplement did not completely prevent these pathological changes, it appeared to mitigate some of the tissue damage, particularly in the group receiving the highest dose. These findings suggest that oyster mushroom supplementation may have some beneficial effects on immune function and viral load reduction in Sendai virus-infected rats. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects and to investigate the long-term implications of mushroom supplementation in the context of viral infections.
Case Studies of Farmers Growing Organic Food Products Near Udaipur City, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Sharma Nayana
Published: January 2025

Organic farming certainly holds significant promise, especially in the country like India with its diverse agro-climatic conditions and rich tradition of sustainable practices. Organic food products have grown in popularity due to increasing consumer awareness of health, environmental, and ethical concerns. While they often cost more due to more labor-intensive farming practices, many people believe the benefits outweigh the extra cost. A case study of organic farming in Udaipur highlights the use of sustainable methods such as vermicomposting, Amrit Jal (organic pesticide), and Amrit Mitti (organic fertilizer) by farmers growing cereals, pulses, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. These farmers rely on natural methods to improve soil health and control pests, promoting eco-friendly practices. Despite challenges like the cost of certification, labor intensity, and market access, there are growing opportunities due to the increasing demand for organic products. The rising consumer awareness of health and environmental benefits offers farmers a chance to sell their produce at premium prices, contributing to both sustainability and local economic growth. Farmers in Udaipur growing organic crops receive support from NGOs and local shopkeepers, which helps with finance, technical guidance, and marketing. However, they face challenges such as limited access to quality seeds, inadequate government support, and low or delayed profits from shopkeepers. They also wish to expand production but lack the financial resources for larger land, quality seeds, and organic manure. Despite these obstacles, their motivation to grow more varieties and improve productivity remains strong.
Economics of Layer Poultry Production in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Nikhila Ch. Supraja , Jyothi S. Hyma , Praveena P. L. R. J. , Umar Sk. Nafeez
Published: January 2025

The study aims to analyze the economics and profitability of layer poultry farming in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The data was collected from three small, eleven medium and sixteen large layer poultry farms using purposive random sampling. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from poultry farmers. The economic analysis reveals a positive net present value and benefit- cost ratio greater than one for small, medium and large layer poultry farms, indicating economic viability. The internal rate of return for small firms is 39.15 per cent, while medium firms exhibit 72.07 per cent and large firms exhibit 78.03 per cent indicating substantial profitability in layer poultry units. Based on NPV, BCR and IRR, large layer farms were most profitable followed by medium and small layer farms. A layer produces a minimum of 22, 21 and 20 eggs in small, medium and large farms, respectively. The margin of safety stood at 277.51, 279.80 and 283.19 for small, medium and large farms, respectively. The higher margin of safety is on large farms over medium and small farms. The study revealed that poultry layer farming is a profitable business in West Godavari district. However, challenges such as adverse climatic conditions affecting birds with attack of viral diseases and high cost of inputs are major production constraints. High price fluctuations and lack of co-operating marketing facilities are major marketing constraints.
The Influence of Emotional Maturity and Psychological Well-being on Teachers' Professional Development in Integrated Teacher Education Programmes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Meher Venkateswar , Sahu Tusharkanta , Meher Sasmita , Bariha Kshetramani
Published: January 2025

Teaching is a demanding profession, often characterized by high levels of stress due to constant changes within schools and society. To navigate these challenges effectively, teachers must cultivate emotional maturity and psychological well-being, both of which are essential for their professional growth and the delivery of quality education. The study explores how emotional maturity and psychological well-being influence teachers’ professional development within integrated teacher education programmes. The study is review-based and analytical, where related literature was collected and selected from several academic databases such as SCOPUS, Web of Science, ProQuest, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and ERIC.  After applying clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total number of 25 articles were included for the final analysis which was published from 2009 onwards, and then critically analyzed the selected articles. Based on the objectives and limitations of the present study, two important questions for critical analysis were formulated viz., Q1. How does emotional maturity influence the professional development of teachers? Q2. How does psychological well-being influence the professional development of teachers? Research has consistently shown that teachers with high emotional maturity are better equipped to manage stress, resolve conflicts, make sound decisions, and maintain positive relationships with students and colleagues, all of which contribute to their overall job satisfaction and effectiveness. Similarly, psychological well-being plays a significant role in reducing stress, enhancing job performance, and promoting greater autonomy. Through this analysis, the review highlights the importance of integrating emotional maturity and psychological well-being into teacher education programs to enhance both personal and professional development. Supporting these aspects of teacher professional development is essential for improving the quality of education and ensuring long-term success in the teaching profession.
Application of Logistic Regression in Enhancing Digital Credit Risk Management in Commercial Banks
Authors: Barasa Isaiah N. , Wanyonyi Samson W. , Kololi M.M
Published: January 2025

For a long time, credit risk has been and so remains, the main cause of concern among lenders, whether digital or conventional. The greatest among bank officers’ key performance indicators is effective management of the quality of loan portfolio. The officers are therefore required at all times, to be vigilant and get to know which borrower will fail to honor the contract by failing to repay the borrowed amounts as and when it falls due. Failure by the borrower to repay the loan results in a credit risk where the bank writes down the value of its assets through impairment. At the same time, the bank’s revenue diminishes as a result of reduced income from the expected interests. The bank is therefore interested in designing a model that will robustly predict the probabilities of default accurately. The study aims to provide an assessment of credit risk on digital loans in commercial banks using logistic regression model.The study employed logistic regression, a widely used statistical method in credit risk modeling, due to its effectiveness in predicting binary outcomes such as loan default versus repayment, and its ability to provide easily interpretable results for key stakeholders.The model was fitted with simulated data obtained from commercial banks’ digital loan portfolio. The dataset consisted of twelve independent variables representing income to loan ratio, debt to income ratio, risk taking behavior, past loan behavior, gender, employment status, credit score, multiple loan applications, application timing and the dependent variable, being the digital loans probability of default. Analysis was done using R software and the parameters estimated using Maximum Likelihood method. The results from the study showed that income to loan ratio and credit score were critical variables in predicting digital loan default. However, variables such as debt to income ratio and past loan behavior did not show significance in determining success or failure of the digital loan outcome in the model.The performance of the model was measured with two mathematical approaches. First, the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC-ROC) was scored at 0.9579, which implies the model has been very good in predicting the defaults and the robust model in separating the defaulting borrowers from the non-defaulting ones. Second, the Hosmer-Lemeshow GOF test yielded the p value equals to 0.8475 which means that there are no significant differences between observed and predicted probability of the data and so the model is appropriate to the data.
Revisiting Dengue in Nigeria: Epidemiological Analysis, Current Trends and Recommendations
Authors: Bamidele Ojo, Olusola
Published: January 2025

Dengue is the world’s most significant arboviral disease and it is endemic in contemporary Nigeria. It is usually underreported and misdiagnosed because of its overlapping clinical manifestation with other common causes of fevers such as malaria and typhoid fever. By deploying rich secondary sources, this piece discovered that southwestern Nigeria carried the highest burden of dengue from 1964 to 2023, and dengue had an average prevalence rate of 21 percent between 2001 and 2023. Thus, one out of every five Nigerians is susceptible to dengue infection in contemporary Nigeria.  Therefore, our review article maintains that dengue is a largely unrecognized but significant cause of fevers, which requires the utmost public health attention in modern Nigeria. This article highlights the burden of dengue to stem the tide of this arboviral disease through a high index of clinical suspicion, increased surveillance and case testing.
Soil Suitability for Coffee Cultivation in Non-traditional Areas of Panama-Herrera Province
Authors: Villarreal José E. , Jaén Marcos Riquelme , Zachrisson Iván Ramos , Torres Ananias , Pérez Johar , León Yaira De
Published: January 2025

The objective of this research was to determine the suitability of soils for coffee cultivation in the province of Herrera, Republic of Panama. Planting robusta coffee is gaining greater interest among Panamanian farmers as an alternative for soil conservation. On 19 farms in the province of Herrera, samples were taken (0-20 cm) to determine their properties and initiate a sustainable fertilization program that contributes to improving productivity. Digital maps were created using the Q-GIS v.3.32.1 program. The soils of the province of Herrera presented a high percentage of aluminum saturation, with low porosity problems, pH acid, low levels of organic matter and phosphorus, and low in potassium. Low average calcium content and medium magnesium content. A negative and statistically significant correlation was found between organic matter and % Al saturation, Ca and Mg, indicating that the organic matter was still in the process of mineralization. According to the principal component analysis, the soils of Las Minas district are highly influenced by the percentage of Al saturation, Mn, Cu and organic matter. The soils of Los Pozos district by pH, CEC, Ca and Mg. The results of this characterization study and the maps prepared for each soil property are expected to contribute to decision makers, technicians, scientists and producers having a baseline knowledge of the productive coffee soils in the province of Herrera and to allow the development of plans to achieve sustainable coffee production.
Lupinus A Multipurpose Crop: Potentialities and Improvements
Authors: Rani Preeti , Rani Jyoti
Published: January 2025

Lupinus species are some of the most valuable in the Fabaceae family. Lupin seeds contain significant amounts of polyphenols, carotenoids, phytosterols, tocopherols, alkaloids, and peptides with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, its nutritional and bioactive compounds have potential benefits for human health in preventing and treating some diseases. The objective of the present study was to review the morphology, nutritional constituents and uses of lupin in different fields.  Lupinus recognizes nutritional properties, namely a high content of protein, dietary fibre, and low-fat content, making it a suitable alternative not only for animal protein but also as a substitute for more processed and less balanced flours from a nutritional point of view, used in the preparation of bread, cakes, and cookies, among others.
Sunlight Exposure on the Facial Region of Professional Fishermen: Risk Factors Unveiled
Authors: Datoguia Maristela Freitas dos Santos , Barboza Thalita Nascimento Colombo , Sobral Ana Paula Taboada , Gallo Juliana Maria Altavista Sagretti , Silva Nathálie Beatriz do Carmo , Mendes Gustavo Duarte , Martimbianco Ana Luiza Cabrera , Bussadori Sandra Kalil , Gonçalves Marcela Leticia Leal , Santos Elaine Marcílio
Published: January 2025

Aims: The coastal regions, due to the professional opportunities related to the sea and the beach, have in their population many individuals who are exposed to the sun daily. Among these professions we can mention fishermen, sailors, dockers and beach vendors. This project aims to evaluate photoexposure, habits and risk factors for the development of lesions in the head and neck region and knowledge of professional fishermen.
Study Design: Observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: Port region of Baixada Santista, SP, Brazil, between November 2022 and March 2023.
Methodology: Individuals who work professionally in industrial boat fishing (n=24) and individuals who neither work nor expose themselves to the sun were selected for control (n=24). Participants answered questions, in order to obtain information about their habits and work activity. They were asked about working hours, time working in the activity, time of exposure to the sun and sun protection. Subsequently, the participants underwent an intra- and extra-oral clinical examination.
Results: The questionnaire results show that most fishermen do not use sunscreen or lip balm, despite the reported high sun exposure. Lip dryness was the most observed aspect in the Fishermen Group, being present in the vast majority of participants (90.47%), compared to 23% in the Control Group.
Conclusion: The clinical relevance of our study lies in the findings that show the necessity to prevent lip dryness and its possible consequences in professional fishermen. There is a need for information regarding lip protection and hydration for this population.
Improving Maize Yield and Soil Productivity through N Management Practices in Maize-legume Intercropping
Authors: Singh Devendra , Syed Saniya , Yadav Krishnanand , Verma Sandeep Kumar Nempal , Tiwari Jugul Kishor , Kumar Anil , Kumar Kamlesh
Published: January 2025

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of maize intercropping and nitrogen management on crop productivity. The study comprised two factors: maize intercropping with five treatments (sole maize, skipped row maize, and maize intercropped with greengram, blackgram, or cluster bean) and nitrogen management with three treatments (100%, 75%, and 50% of the recommended nitrogen dose). The results showed that sole maize at 60 x 20 cm spacing and maize intercropped with cluster bean, blackgram, or greengram significantly outyielded sole maize in skipped rows.  Applying nitrogen at the full recommended dose (100%) significantly enhanced maize yields, while the cluster bean intercropping system excelled in terms of maize grain equivalent yield and land equivalent ratio. The study highlights the potential of maize intercropping and optimized nitrogen management to enhance crop productivity, reduce soil nutrient depletion, and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Neighborhood location and nutritional resources as a risk factor for congenital heart disease in the fetus
Authors: Klein Jennifer , Ryan Julia , Dwivedi Pallavi , Leslie Timothy , Vyas Amita , Krishnan Anita
Published: August 2023

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, influenced by maternal health, environmental conditions, and genetics. Maternal health and nutrition, particularly maternal diabetes, is a modifiable risk factor for development of CHD in the fetus. However, the importance of food access during pregnancy on the development of CHD remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between maternal neighborhood characteristics, particularly food access, and occurrence of prenatally diagnosed CHD.

Methods

A retrospective case series studied maternal‐fetal dyads with prenatally diagnosed CHD between 2019 and 2021 in Washington, DC. Moran's I of maternal addresses evaluated geographic clustering of disease. Negative binomial regression assessed association between census tract demographics and population‐adjusted CHD rate.

Results

A total of 307 dyads were analyzed. Global Moran's I showed significant CHD clustering (p‐value = .004). However, degree of clustering was not clinically meaningful. After adjusting for neighborhood socioeconomic status, residing in food deserts was not a predictor for CHD. However, neighborhoods with a higher percentage of households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were associated with higher rates of conotruncal heart defects (Incident Rate Ratio [IRR] = 1.04, CI = 1.01–1.08) and aggregate CHD (IRR = 1.03, CI = 1.01–1.05).

Conclusions

Neighborhood location and food access were not associated with CHD. However, increased enrollment in SNAP was associated with higher rates of CHD. The association between CHD and SNAP benefits warrants further exploration. Understanding food access and maternal nutrition may illuminate disparities in the burden of CHD.
Consistency assessment of rice milling quality results from USDA‐FGIS official procedures and commercial mills
Authors: Ning Zhaokun , Khir Ragab , Vidyarthi Sriram , Pan Zhongli
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

The milling quality and grade of rice are typically appraised by milling and inspecting samples collected from a rice lot following US Department of Agriculture (USDA) official procedures using a laboratory mill, which should represent milling quality and grade results of rice milled in commercial mills. The objective of this study was to assess whether the official USDA laboratory mill and procedures provide consistent results with those obtained from commercial mills.

Findings

The results showed that the laboratory mill with the official standard procedures had significantly higher (p < .05) total milled rice yield (TRY) (1.6 percentage points) and head rice yield (HRY) (2.6 percentage points), but lower whiteness index (4.4 units) on average than those of commercial mills. The average TRYs of laboratory‐milled rice of long, medium, and short‐grain varieties were 1.8, 1.7, and 1.0 percentage points higher than those from the commercial operations. The milling characteristics of pureline and hybrid rice differed between official standard mills and commercial mills.

Conclusion

If the rice samples were milled to the same whiteness as the official standard procedures, the TRYs and HRYs could be close to the results from the commercial mills.

Significance and Novelty

This study provides important information that could be used to improve the consistency and accuracy of rice quality assessment of laboratory mills following the official procedures and assure that milling results are comparable to those of commercial milling processes.
Successful management of penetrating shrapnel injury to the left ureter with delayed projectile migration through the urinary tract
Authors: Gutvert Roman , Kobirnichenko Artem , Bidula Yevhen , Balabanyk Vasyl
Published: August 2023

Introduction

We present a case of successful endoscopic treatment of a penetrating shrapnel injury to the left ureter. The patient experienced spontaneous migration of the projectile through the urinary tract, leading to renal colic.

Case presentation

A military man sustained multiple shrapnel injuries to the soft tissues and abdomen, including lacerations of the intestines, during enemy shelling in eastern Ukraine. On the 35th day after the trauma, the patient reported sudden pain in the left lumbar area. Subsequent investigation confirmed the presence of a foreign body in the lower part of the left ureter, accompanied by contrast extravasation. Ureteroscopy revealed a round‐shaped metal shrapnel, which was removed. A double‐J stent was inserted into the left ureter.

Conclusion

The endoscopic extraction of the shrapnel fragment and the subsequent placement of a ureteral stent for the repair of the ureteral injury have proven to be safe and effective methods.
An in situ benthic chamber system for improved temporal and spatial resolution measurement of sediment oxygen demand
Authors: Gadeken Kara J. , Lockridge Grant , Dorgan Kelly M.
Published: August 2023

In shallow coastal systems, sediments are exposed to dramatic and complex variability in environmental conditions that influences sediment processes on short timescales. Sediment oxygen demand (SOD), or consumption of oxygen by sediment‐dwelling organisms and chemical reactions within sediments, is one such process and an important metric of aquatic ecosystem functioning and health. The most common instruments used to measure SOD in situ are batch‐style benthic chambers, which generally require long measurement periods to resolve fluxes and thus do not capture the high temporal variability in SOD that can be driven by dynamic coastal processes. These techniques also preclude linking changes in SOD through time to specific features of the sediment, for example, shifts in sediment faunal activities which can vary on short time scales and can also be affected by ambient oxygen concentrations. Here we present an in situ semi‐flow through instrument to repeatedly measure SOD in discrete areas of sediment. The system isolates patches of sediment in replicate benthic chambers, and measures and records oxygen decrease for a short time before refreshing the overlying water in the chamber with water from the external environment. This results in a sawtooth pattern in which each tooth is an incubation, providing an automated method to produce direct measurements of in situ SOD that can be directly linked to an area of sediment and related to rapid shifts in environmental conditions.
Scalar Co-SIMP dark matter: models and sensitivities
Authors: Parikh Aditya , Smirnov Juri , Xu W. Linda , Zhou Bei
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In this work, we present UV completions of the recently proposed number-changing Co-SIMP freeze-out mechanism. In contrast to the standard cannibalistic-type dark matter picture that occurs entirely in the dark sector, the 3 → 2 process setting the relic abundance in this case requires one Standard Model particle in the initial and final states. This prevents the dark sector from overheating and leads to rich experimental signatures. We generate the Co-SIMP interaction with a dark sector consisting of two scalars, with the mediator coupling to either nucleons or electrons. In either case, the dark matter candidate is naturally light : nucleophilic interactions favor the sub-GeV mass range and leptophilic interactions favor the sub-MeV mass range. Viable thermal models in these lighter mass regimes are particularly intriguing to study at this time, as new developments in low-threshold detector technologies will begin probing this region of parameter space. While particles in the sub-MeV regime can potentially impact light element formation and CMB decoupling, we show that a late-time phase transition opens up large fractions of parameter space. These thermal light dark matter models can instead be tested with dedicated experiments. We discuss the viable parameter space in each scenario in light of the current sensitivity of various experimental probes and projected future reach.
Design and validation of a laboratory-developed diagnostic assay for monkeypox virus
Authors: Sklenovská Nikola , Bloemen Mandy , Vergote Valentijn , Logist Anne-Sophie , Vanmechelen Bert , Laenen Lies , André Emmanuel , Muyembe-Tamfum Jean-Jacques , Wollants Elke , Van Ranst Marc , Maes Piet , Wawina-Bokalanga Tony
Published: August 2023

Mpox is a viral zoonosis with endemic circulation in animals and humans in some West and Central African countries. The disease was imported a few times in the past to countries outside the African continent through infected animals or travelers, one of which resulted in an unprecedented global outbreak sustained by human-to-human transmission in 2022. Although timely and reliable diagnosis is a cornerstone of any disease control, availability of accurate diagnostic assays and comparative performance studies of diagnostic assays remains limited despite of the long-known identification of monkeypox virus (MPXV) as a human pathogen since 1970. We laboratory-developed a real-time PCR test (LDT) and evaluated its performance against the commercial TaqMan™ Monkeypox Virus Microbe Detection Assay (Applied Biosystems, Cat A50137). The limit of detection of the LDT was established at 1.2 genome copies/ml. The sensitivity and specificity of both assays were 99.14% and 100%, respectively, and both are capable of detecting both clade I and clade II of MPXV. Our results demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the LDT for confirmation of MPXV infection from lesion swabs samples.
Transvaginal approach combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy assisted by transrectal ultrasound: results from 30 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Nakashima Takaaki , Matsumoto Keiji , Yoshitake Tadamasa , Wakiyama Hiroaki , Hisano Osamu , Uehara Ryuji , Takaki Masanori , Oshima Takeshi , Yahata Hideaki , Ishigami Kousei
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of transvaginal approach combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy (IC/IS BT) assisted by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) for treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).

Materials and Methods

A total of 30 patients of LACC treated with external beam radiotherapy and IC/IS BT via transvaginal approach assisted by transrectal ultrasound were observed retrospectively. The 2-year local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Late adverse events were also evaluated to assess the safety of IC/IS BT.

Results

The median follow-up period was 22 months. The 2-year LC, PFS, and OS were 90%, 61%, and 82%, respectively. We observed no critical complications related to the IC/IS BT technique. Late adverse events of grade 3 or more included one case of grade 4 colon perforation.

Conclusion

Our patient series demonstrated that radiotherapy combined with transvaginal approach, TRUS-assisted IC/IS BT achieves favorable local control and safety for LACC.
Women’s Orgasm and Its Relationship with Sexual Satisfaction and Well-being
Authors: Dienberg Marie-Feline , Oschatz Tanja , Piemonte Jennifer L. , Klein Verena
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review

Women’s orgasms have been subject to controversial discussions among scholars throughout history. Even today, narratives of women’s orgasm being complicated or less important (cp. to men’s) for their sexual functioning and satisfaction are prevailing and reflected in gendered sexual scripts. This review aims to compile evidence for the relationship between orgasm and sexual well-being in women. We consider orgasm’s role in women’s sexual pleasure, sexual satisfaction, and desire in the context of both casual and committed sexual encounters.

Recent findings

Substantial evidence supports a significant link between orgasm and sexual pleasure, satisfaction, and desire in women. Orgasm has been identified as an important factor in predicting relational satisfaction as well as positive outcomes of casual sex. For instance, orgasming during casual sex completely accounts for the persistent gender differences researchers have observed in emotional and evaluative responses to casual encounters.

As we cover in this review, there is no shortage of research demonstrating the myriad of favorable physical, psychological, and interpersonal associations with women’s orgasms across relational and sexual contexts. Because orgasm has continually surfaced as such a critical component of women’s positive sexual experiences, we argue the female orgasm should be taken seriously as a meaningful site of research on women’s well-being, and orgasm equality should be taken seriously in the pursuit of gender equality.
Sliding frictional characteristic of tight sandstone and its influence on the hydraulic fracture complexity
Authors: Yan Wei , Wu Tao , Wu Jianshu , Ali Mandella , Li Yang , Cao Han
Published: August 2023

The complexity of the fracture network during hydraulic fracturing is closely related to the frictional characteristics of the reservoir rock, which largely depends on the rock’s mineralogical properties and the type of fracturing fluid. In this study, the micro-friction characteristics of three kinds of tight sandstone were tested using an indoor rock micro-friction setup. The effects of different hydraulic fluids and rock mineralogical properties on the friction coefficient were investigated. A numerical model was then developed to investigate the influence of different friction coefficients on fracture propagation. The results indicate that the friction coefficients of tight sandstones are closely related to their content of clay and quartz. When the content of clay is low (around 20%), the content of hard particles such as quartz and feldspar is high, the friction coefficient of the rock appears to be high and insensitive to the wetting characteristics of the fracturing fluid. Conversely, when the clay content is high (around 30%), rock friction coefficients tend to be sensitive to different types of fracture liquids, and decrease when the liquid wets the rock. The numerical simulation results indicate that a 0.4 friction coefficient produces the maximum of fracture complexity. These findings provide a potential method on how to increase the productivity of unconventional plays by generating complex fracture networks.
Evaluation of a Culturally Adapted Online Basic Psychosocial Skills Training Program for International Frontline Workers in Under-Resourced Contexts During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brown Di , River Jo , Sheppard-Law Suzanne , Chang Odille , Obed Jimmy , Townsend Lisa , Iro Elizabeth , Rumsey Michele
Published: August 2023

Objective:

Frontline workers report negative mental health impacts of being exposed to the risk of COVID-19, and of supporting people struggling with the effects of the virus. Uptake of psychological first-aid resources is inconsistent, and they may not meet the needs of frontline workers in under-resourced contexts. This study evaluates a culturally adapted basic psychosocial skills (BPS) training program that aimed to meet the needs of frontline workers in under-resourced settings.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey administered to frontline workers who completed the program between 2020 and 2022, investigated their perceived confidence, satisfaction, and skill development, as well as their views on relevance to context and accessibility of the program.

Results:

Out of the 1000 people who had undertaken the BPS program, 118 (11.8%) completed the survey. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction and improved confidence in, and knowledge of, psychosocial skills. Participants reported that the BPS program was culturally and contextually relevant, and some requested expansion of the program, including more interactivity, opportunities for anonymous participation, and adaption to other cultural contexts, including translation into languages other than English.

Conclusion:

Findings indicate a need for free, online, and culturally adapted psychosocial skills training program that is designed with key stakeholders to ensure relevance to social and cultural contexts.
In Search of Shelter: Precarity, Protest, and Pronatalism among Laboring Women in Kazakhstan
Authors: Tourtellotte Laura
Published: August 2023

In 2019, near Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, five children perished in a house fire while their parents were away at night shift jobs. This widely-reported tragedy brought to light conflicting imperatives and highlighted the precarity of gendered productive and reproductive labor across Kazakhstan. This highly-publicized incident ignited a conflagration of protests by “mothers with many children” (mnogodetnye mamy, kopbala analar), the official designation for low-income women who have four or more children and are eligible for state support. This paper analyzes the mothers’ protests of 2019, and the public and official responses to these protests. It finds that, by centering motherhood and traditional gender norms in their protests, these protestors successfully linked their demands for social benefits back to historic Soviet-era protectionist and paternalist policies, thus legitimizing their demands. However, the article argues that at the same time these gendered labor norms force women, especially marginalized mothers, to engage in precarious forms of labor that neither Western-style NGOs nor limited government support are able to adequately address. The article further concludes that “mothers with many children” labor under precarious conditions and are subject to skepticism and censure, as their actions challenge idealized national scripts of proper womanhood in Kazakhstan. This research contributes to the study of labor, gender, and reproduction in Central Asia and calls for centering the study of gendered labor precarity within Central Asian studies.
Library profile: The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Authors: Fogden Fiona
Published: August 2023

Fiona Fogden has spent much of her career in law firm libraries, but she has recently taken on the role of Knowledge & Information Service Manager at RICS – the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. So, who better to give LIM an overview of the RICS Knowledge & Information service, describe what the collections contain, and also tell us how the service would be of interest to legal information professionals.
Getting your ducks in a ROE: understanding and working with the Register of Overseas Entities
Authors: Vickery Barry
Published: August 2023

In this paper, Barry Vickery returns to his legal information background and interviews Sam Lloyd, a Director at CRO Info, who has worked with Companies House for over 40 years and is one of the UK regulated agents authorised to complete verification checks on beneficial owners of overseas entities. Here they discuss the newly incorporated Register of Overseas Entities (ROE), share its brief history to date, the reasons for its introduction, and the challenges and benefits of creating and maintaining it.
A connected legal world – Lexis+ UK
Authors: Algie David
Published: August 2023

The LexisLibrary and LexisPSL legal content platforms are well known to legal information professionals and lawyers in the UK. The release of the Lexis+ UK service seamlessly brings together these resources on one platform for the first time, allowing the researcher to search and retrieve relevant and connected content through one search interface. David Algie, the Lexis+ Product Marketing Manager at LexisNexis, talks LIM readers through this innovative and ‘feature rich’ new product.
The impact of race on survival in metastatic prostate cancer: a systematic literature review
Authors: Freedland Stephen J. , Samjoo Imtiaz A. , Rosta Emily , Lansing Austin , Worthington Evelyn , Niyazov Alexander , Nazari Jonathan , Arondekar Bhakti
Published: August 2023

Background

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. While racial and ethnic differences exist in incidence and mortality, increasing data suggest outcomes by race among men with newly diagnosed PC are similar. However, outcomes among races beyond Black/White have been poorly studied. Moreover, whether outcomes differ by race among men who all have metastatic PC (mPC) is unclear. This systematic literature review (SLR) provides a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence relating race to survival in mPC.

Methods

An SLR was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE®, Embase, and Cochrane Library using the Ovid® interface were searched for real-world studies published from January 2012 to July 2022 investigating the impact of race on overall survival (OS) and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) in patients with mPC. A supplemental search of key congresses was also conducted. Studies were appraised for risk of bias.

Results

Of 3228 unique records identified, 62 records (47 full-text and 15 conference abstracts), corresponding to 54 unique studies (51 United States and 3 ex-United States) reporting on race and survival were included. While most studies showed no difference between Black vs White patients for OS (n = 21/27) or PCSM (n = 8/9), most showed that Black patients demonstrated improved OS on certain mPC treatments (n = 7/10). Most studies found no survival difference between White patients and Hispanic (OS: n = 6/8; PCSM: n = 5/6) or American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) (OS: n = 2/3; PCSM: n = 5/5). Most studies found Asian patients had improved OS (n = 3/4) and PCSM (n = 6/6) vs White patients.

Conclusions

Most studies found Black, Hispanic, and AI/AN patients with mPC had similar survival as White patients, while Black patients on certain therapies and Asian patients showed improved survival. Future studies are needed to understand what aspects of race including social determinants of health are driving these findings.
An aqueous electrolyte densified by perovskite SrTiO3 enabling high-voltage zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Deng Rongyu , He Zhenjiang , Chu Fulu , Lei Jie , Cheng Yi , Zhou You , Wu Feixiang
Published: August 2023

The conventional weak acidic electrolyte for aqueous zinc-ion batteries breeds many challenges, such as undesirable side reactions, and inhomogeneous zinc dendrite growth, leading to low Coulombic efficiency, low specific capacity, and poor cycle stability. Here, an aqueous densified electrolyte, namely, a conventional aqueous electrolyte with addition of perovskite SrTiO3 powder, is developed to achieve high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The densified electrolyte demonstrates unique properties of reducing water molecule activity, improving Zn2+ transference number, and inducing homogeneous and preferential deposition of Zn (002). As a result, the densified electrolyte exhibits an ultra-long cycle stability over 1000 cycles in Zn/Ti half cells. In addition, the densified electrolyte enables Zn/MnO2 cells with a high specific capacity of 328.2 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 500 cycles under an extended voltage range. This work provides a simple strategy to induce dendrite-free deposition characteristics and high performance in high-voltage aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
ATF3 induction prevents precocious activation of skeletal muscle stem cell by regulating H2B expression
Authors: Zhang Suyang , Yang Feng , Huang Yile , He Liangqiang , Li Yuying , Wan Yi Ching Esther , Ding Yingzhe , Chan Kui Ming , Xie Ting , Sun Hao , Wang Huating
Published: August 2023

Skeletal muscle stem cells (also called satellite cells, SCs) are important for maintaining muscle tissue homeostasis and damage-induced regeneration. However, it remains poorly understood how SCs enter cell cycle to become activated upon injury. Here we report that AP-1 family member ATF3 (Activating Transcription Factor 3) prevents SC premature activation. Atf3 is rapidly and transiently induced in SCs upon activation. Short-term deletion of Atf3 in SCs accelerates acute injury-induced regeneration, however, its long-term deletion exhausts the SC pool and thus impairs muscle regeneration. The Atf3 loss also provokes SC activation during voluntary exercise and enhances the activation during endurance exercise. Mechanistically, ATF3 directly activates the transcription of Histone 2B genes, whose reduction accelerates nucleosome displacement and gene transcription required for SC activation. Finally, the ATF3-dependent H2B expression also prevents genome instability and replicative senescence in SCs. Therefore, this study has revealed a previously unknown mechanism for preserving the SC population by actively suppressing precocious activation, in which ATF3 is a key regulator.