bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eosinophils in the tumor microenvironment: implications for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Ghaffari Sasan , Rezaei Nima
Published: August 2023

Despite being an integral part of the immune response in the tumor microenvironment (TME), few studies have mechanistically elucidated eosinophil functions in cancer outcomes. Eosinophils are a minor population of granulocytes that are mostly explored in asthma and allergic disorders. Their influence on primary and metastatic tumors, however, has recently come to light. Eosinophils’ diverse armamentarium of mediators and receptors allows them to participate in innate and adaptive immunity, such as type 1 and type 2 immunity, and shape TME and tumor outcomes. Based on TME cells and cytokines, activated eosinophils drive other immune cells to ultimately promote or suppress tumor growth. Discovering exactly what conditions determine the pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic role of eosinophils allows us to take advantage of these signals and devise novel strategies to target cancer cells. Here, we first revisit eosinophil biology and differentiation as recognizing eosinophil mediators is crucial to their function in homeostatic and pathological conditions as well as tumor outcome. The bulk of our paper discusses eosinophil interactions with tumor cells, immune cells—including T cells, plasma cells, natural killer (NK) cells—and gut microbiota. Eosinophil mediators, such as IL-5, IL-33, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and CCL11 also determine eosinophil behavior toward tumor cells. We then examine the implications of these findings for cancer immunotherapy approaches, including immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. Eosinophils synergize with CAR T cells and ICB therapy to augment immunotherapies.
Modified arthroscopic intra-articular transtendinous looped biceps tenodesis leads to satisfactory functional outcomes and less frequent Popeye deformity compared to biceps tenotomy
Authors: Chiang Chen-Hao , Ho Wei , Lin Chang-Hao , Chih Wei-Hsing , Su Wei-Ren , Hong Chih-Kai
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The present study aimed to propose a modified intra-articular transtendinous looped biceps tenodesis (mTLBT) using a suture anchor and to compare the functional outcomes and incidence of Popeye deformities between biceps tenotomy and mTLBT.

Methods

Medical records of patients who underwent either tenotomy or mTLBT for the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) lesion between January 2016 and April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were patients aged 40–70 years with LHBT pathologies, such as superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions > type II, LHBT pulley system rupture with bicipital instability, and intra-articular LHBT tear. The exclusion criteria were full-thickness supraspinatus tears, frozen shoulder, shoulder fracture, and postoperative traumatic events that affected the operated shoulder. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Popeye deformity, bicipital cramping pain, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and functional outcome scores (University of California at Los Angeles [UCLA] and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] scores) were recorded. Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square test were used for categorical variables, whereas the Mann–Whitney U test was used for nonparametric variables.

Results

The mTLBT and tenotomy groups included 15 and 40 patients, respectively. The incidence of Popeye deformity and biceps cramping pain in the tenotomy group (52.5% and 50%, respectively) was significantly higher than that in the mTLBT group (13.3% and 20%, respectively) (p = 0.009 and p = 0.045, respectively). The postoperative VAS, UCLA, and ASES scores were not significantly different between the two groups. One patient in the tenodesis group experienced metallic-anchor pullout.

Conclusion

mTLBT is an arthroscopic intra-articular top of the groove tenodesis that can be performed completely in the intra-articular space and is especially suitable for patients with an intact or partially torn rotator cuff. This technique is reliable for treating biceps pathologies as it results in similar functional outcome scores, lesser biceps cramping pain, and less frequent Popeye deformity compared to biceps tenotomy.

Level of Evidence

III.
Volume-targeted ventilation vs pressure-controlled ventilation for very low birthweight infants: a protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tang Jun , Gong Lingyue , Xiong Tao , Chen Chao , Tian Ke , Wang Aoyu , Huang Yi , Liu Wenli , Zhou Rong , Zhu Jun , Mu Dezhi
Published: August 2023

Background

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is essential in the management of critically ill neonates, especially preterm infants. However, inappropriate or prolonged use of invasive MV may result in ventilator-associated lung injury. A systemic review comparing pressure control ventilation (PCV) with volume-targeted ventilation mode (VTV) approved that VTV reduces the incidence of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in neonates; however, this study did not analyze subgroups of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the use of VTV and PCV in VLBW infants and to provide clinical evidence for reducing mortality and complications of MV in VLBW infants.

Method

A single-center randomized controlled trial will be performed. All eligible infants will be randomized and assigned to either VTV or PCV group with 1:1 ratio using sealed envelopes. Death or BPD at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age will be used as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include BPD, death, length of invasive MV, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, and oxygen use, length of hospital stay, failure of conventional MV, rate of using high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) as rescue therapy, rate of reintubation within 48 h, and hospital expenses.

Discussion

Systemic review suggested that VTV decreases the incidence of death or BPD in neonates compared to PLV; however, this study did not specifically analyze subgroups of VLBW infants. We designed this single-center randomized controlled trials (RCT) to add a significant contribution regarding the benefits of VTV for VLBW patients.
What is the role of randomised trials in implementation science?
Authors: Foy Robbie , Ivers Noah M. , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Wilson Paul M.
Published: August 2023

Background

There is a consistent demand for implementation science to inform global efforts to close the gap between evidence and practice. Key evaluation questions for any given implementation strategy concern the assessment and understanding of effects. Randomised trials are generally accepted as offering the most trustworthy design for establishing effectiveness but may be underused in implementation science.

Main body

There is a continuing debate about the primacy of the place of randomised trials in evaluating implementation strategies, especially given the evolution of more rigorous quasi-experimental designs. Further critiques of trials for implementation science highlight that they cannot provide ‘real world’ evidence, address urgent and important questions, explain complex interventions nor understand contextual influences. We respond to these critiques of trials and highlight opportunities to enhance their timeliness and relevance through innovative designs, embedding within large-scale improvement programmes and harnessing routine data.

Our suggestions for optimising the conditions for randomised trials of implementation strategies include strengthening partnerships with policy-makers and clinical leaders to realise the long-term value of rigorous evaluation and accelerating ethical approvals and decluttering governance procedures for lower risk studies.

Conclusion

Policy-makers and researchers should avoid prematurely discarding trial designs when evaluating implementation strategies and work to enhance the conditions for their conduct.
Honokiol induces apoptosis-like death in Cryptocaryon irritans Tomont
Authors: Zhao Zi-Chen , Jiang Man-Yi , Huang Ji-Hui , Lin Chuan , Guo Wei-Liang , Zhong Zhi-Hong , Huang Qing-Qin , Liu Shao-Long , Deng Heng-Wei , Zhou Yong-Can
Published: August 2023

Background

Cryptocaryon irritans, a common parasite in tropical and subtropical marine teleost fish, has caused serious harm to the marine aquaculture industry. Honokiol was proven to induce C. irritans tomont cytoplasm shrinkage and death in our previous study, but the mechanism by which it works remains unknown.

Methods

In this study, the changes of apoptotic morphology and apoptotic ratio were detected by microscopic observation and AnnexinV-FITC/PI staining. The effects of honokiol on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), reactive oxygen species (ROS), quantity of DNA fragmentations (QDF) and caspase activities were detected by Fluo-3 staining, JC-1 staining, DCFH-DA staining, Tunel method and caspase activity assay kit. The effects of honokiol on mRNA expression levels of 61 apoptosis-related genes in tomonts of C. irritans were detected by real-time PCR.

Results

The results of the study on the effects of honokiol concentration on C. irritans tomont apoptosis-like death showed that the highest levels of prophase apoptosis-like death rate (PADR), [Ca2+]i concentration, ROS, the activities of caspase-3/9 and the lowest necrosis ratio (NER) were obtained at a concentration of 1 μg/ml, which was considered the most suitable for inducing C. irritans tomont apoptosis-like death. When C. irritans tomonts were treated with 1 μg/ml honokiol, the [Ca2+]i concentration began to increase significantly at 1 h. Following this, the ROS, QDF and activities of caspase-3/9 began to increase significantly, and the ΔΨm began to decrease significantly at 2 h; the highest PADR was obtained at 4 h. The mRNA expression of 14 genes was significantly upregulated during honokiol treatment. Of these genes, itpr2, capn1, mc, actg1, actb, parp2, traf2 and fos were enriched in the pathway related to apoptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

Conclusions

This article shows that honokiol can induce C. irritans tomont apoptosis-like death. These results suggest that honokiol may disrupt [Ca2+]i homeostasis in ER and then induce C. irritans tomont apoptosis-like death by caspase cascade or mitochondrial pathway, which might represent a novel therapeutic intervention for C. irritans infection.

Graphical abstract
The impact of health insurance enrollment on health outcomes in Kenya
Authors: Mugo Mercy G
Published: August 2023

Background

The achievement of the global agenda on universal health coverage (UHC) is pivotal in ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being of all. However, achieving healthy lives and wellbeing of all has been hampered by the challenge of health care financing. As such, healthcare financing, through health insurance is gaining popularity in developing countries such as Kenya, in their pursuit to achieve universal health coverage. The primary purpose of health insurance and delivery is to improve health. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the effectiveness of health insurance in improving the health outcomes and health status of the Kenyan population. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the impact of health insurance on health outcomes in Kenya.

Methods

The study utilized the most recent nationally representative Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (KIHBS) 2015/16 dataset in order to analyze the impact of health insurance on health outcomes. The instrumental variable 2-stage least squares (IV 2SLS) and control function approach (CFA) estimation techniques were used to cater for potential endogeneity and heterogeneity biases present in ordinary least squares (OLS) estimators.

Results

Health insurance enrolment leads to a reduction in mortality, thereby improving the health status of the Kenyan population, despite low levels of insurance uptake. However, the insured population experienced higher chronic illnesses and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures raising concerns about financial risk protection. The fact that health insurance is linked to chronic illnesses not only reinforces the reverse causality of health insurance and health status, but also that the effects of potential adverse selection strongly drive the strength and direction of this impact.

Conclusions

We conclude that health insurance enrolment reduces mortality and hence has a beneficial impact in promoting health. Health insurance coverage therefore, should be promoted through the restructuring of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) fragmented schemes and by consolidating the different insurance schemes to serve different population groups more effectively and equitably. The government should revisit the implementation of a universal social health insurance scheme, as a necessary step towards UHC, while continuing to offer subsidies in the form of health insurance to the marginalized, vulnerable and poor populations.
Knowledge fields and emerging trends about extracellular matrix in carotid artery disease from 1990 to 2021: analysis of the scientific literature
Authors: Xu Ran , Li Tianhua , Li Zhiqing , Kong Wei , Wang Tao , Zhang Xiao , Luo Jichang , Li Wenjing , Jiao Liqun
Published: August 2023

Background

Stroke is a heavy burden in modern society, and carotid artery disease is a major cause. The role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the development and progression of carotid artery disease has become a popular research focus. However, there is no published bibliometric analysis to derive the main publication features and trends in this scientific area. We aim to conduct a bibliometric analysis to reveal current status of ECM in carotid artery disease and to predict future hot spots.

Methods

We searched and downloaded articles from the Web of Science Core Collection with “Carotid” and “Extracellular Matrix” as subject words from 1990 to 2021. The complete bibliographic data were analyzed by Bibliometrics, BICOMB, gCLUTO and CiteSpace softwares.

Results

Since 1990, the United States has been the leader in the number of publications in the field of ECM in carotid artery disease, followed by China, Japan and Germany. Among institutions, Institut National De La Sante Et De La Recherche Medicale Inserm, University of Washington Seattle and Harvard University are in the top 3. “Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology” is the most popular journal and “Circulation” is the most cited journal. “Clowes AW”, “Hedin Ulf” and “Nilsson Jan” are the top three authors of published articles. Finally, we investigated the frontiers through the strongest citation bursts, conducted keyword biclustering analysis, and discovered five clusters of research hotspots. Our research provided a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental data, knowledge organization, and dynamic evolution of research about ECM in carotid artery disease.

Conclusions

The field of ECM in carotid artery disease has received increasing attention. We summarized the history of the field and predicted five future hotspots through bibliometric analysis. This study provided a reference for researchers in this fields, and the methodology can be extended to other fields.
Modeling genotype × environment × management interactions for a sustainable intensification under rainfed wheat cropping system in Morocco
Authors: Mamassi Achraf , Balaghi Riad , Devkota Krishna Prasad , Bouras Hamza , El-Gharous Mohamed , Tychon Bernard
Published: August 2023

Under the conditions of Moroccan rainfed agricultural areas, wheat cropping systems—the population’s basic staple food—are subject to a set of limitations that seasonally impact crop production and farmers’ incomes, thus national food security. In the last decades, the major constraints were often related to the country’s Mediterranean-type climate, through the intense recurrence of drought events and high inter- and intra-annual rainfall fluctuations. Similarly, various forms of soil degradation inhibit the potential of this slowly renewable resource to support wheat crop intensification and ensure livelihoods. However, the limitations sometimes surpass the environmental factors to implicate the inappropriate crop management strategies applied by farmers. In Moroccan rainfed areas, production problems linked to crop management practices result principally from a shortage in the provision of knowledge to Moroccan small farmers, or their indigent economic situation that limits farmers’ capacity to adopt, qualitatively and quantitatively, efficient strategies. Advanced technologies (remote sensing or crop modeling) play key roles in assessing wheat cropping systems in Moroccan rainfed areas. Due to the difficulties of using conventional experience-based agronomic research to understand Genotype × Environment × Management (G × E × M) interactions, the substantial benefits of crop modeling approaches present a better alternative to provide insights. They allow the provision of simpler, rapid, less expensive, deep, and potentially more accurate predictive knowledge and understanding of the status of cropping systems. In the present study, we highlight the constraints that surround wheat cropping systems in Moroccan rainfed conditions. We emphasize the efficiency of applying crop modelling to analyze and improve wheat cropping systems through three main themes: (i) preserving food security, (ii) supporting general adaptation strategies to face climate change effects and extreme events, and (iii) recommending within-season and on-farm crop management advice. Under Moroccan context, crop modeling works have mainly contributed to increase understanding and address the climate change effects on wheat productivity. Likewise, these modeling efforts have played a crucial role in assessing crop management strategies and providing recommendations for general agricultural adaptations specific to Moroccan rainfed wheat.
Determining the utility of diagnostic genomics: a conceptual framework
Authors: Mallett Andrew , Stark Zornitza , Fehlberg Zoe , Best Stephanie , Goranitis Ilias
Published: August 2023

Background

Diagnostic efficacy is now well established for diagnostic genomic testing in rare disease. Assessment of overall utility is emerging as a key next step, however ambiguity in the conceptualisation and measurement of utility has impeded its assessment in a comprehensive manner. We propose a conceptual framework to approach determining the broader utility of diagnostic genomics encompassing patients, families, clinicians, health services and health systems to assist future evidence generation and funding decisions.

Body

Building upon previous work, our framework posits that utility of diagnostic genomics consists of three dimensions: the domain or type and extent of utility (what), the relationship and perspective of utility (who), and the time horizon of utility (when). Across the description, assessment, and summation of these three proposed dimensions of utility, one could potentially triangulate a singular point of utility axes of type, relationship, and time. Collectively, the multiple different points of individual utility might be inferred to relate to a concept of aggregate utility.

Conclusion

This ontological framework requires retrospective and prospective application to enable refinement and validation. Moving forward our framework, and others which have preceded it, promote a better characterisation and description of genomic utility to inform decision-making and optimise the benefits of genomic diagnostic testing.
Examining psychometric properties of the Iranian version of exclusive breastfeeding social support scale (EBFSS)
Authors: Mashayekh-Amiri Sepideh , Hosseinzadeh Mina , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Soltani Sepideh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: August 2023

Background

The exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is undeniably proven significant in mothers’ health and infants’ growth and survival. Its persistence has many familial, social, and economical benefits. Social support is known to be an effective factor in EBF’s success and sustainability. However, Exclusive breastfeeding social support (EBFSS) scale validity and reliability is not evaluated in Iran. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of EBFSS during postpartum period in Tabriz city, Iran.

Methods

It is a cross-sectional study with descriptive survey method performed between March 2021 and August 2022. Psychometric properties were determined for the Persian version of EBFSS in six stages: translation process, evaluating content validity, face validity, construct validity, discriminant validity, and reliability. A group of experts (n = 10), followed by a group of women with EBF (n = 10), evaluated the instrument’s items based on content and face validities, respectively. A cross-sectional study using the multi-stage cluster random sampling method on 348 women with EBF in the first four months after delivery was conducted to determine the construct validity. The internal consistency and repeatability (test-retest on 30 women, 2 weeks apart) were used to find out the reliability.

Results

Content validity ratio (CVR), content validity index (CVI), and impact score were 0.98, 0.98, and 3.54 for EBFSS, respectively. This indicates a good content and face validity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on 16 items to examine the construct validity identified emotional, instrumental, and informational factors. These factors explained 59.26% of the cumulative variance. The fit indices (CFI = 0.98، TLI = 0.95، χ2/df = 4.20، RMSEA = 0.07 and SRMSEA = 0.05) confirmed the validity of the model in a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The internal consistency was examined through Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients that were 0.90 and 0.92, respectively. Finally, Repeatability and reproducibility were found 0.97 (95% CI: 0.92 to 0.99) using Intra-class correlation. This shows an appropriate reliability of the instrument.

Conclusions

The research findings indicate that the Persian version of the EBFSS has appropriate psychometric properties for evaluating the social support in Iranian women with EBF. This means healthcare providers can use it for screening social support in EBF. Researchers also can use it as a valid instrument.
Effect of educational program on the psychological challenges of electronic learning among university nursing students: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Mohammed Bakheeta AbdEl-Aziz , Mohammed Ikram Ibraheem , Ahmed Hossam Khalifa , Abd El-Naser Amera Azzet
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a paradigm shift in educational methodologies worldwide, necessitating a swift transition to e-learning platforms. Consequently, nursing students pursuing university degrees have encountered unique obstacles as they adapt to the e-learning milieu. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational program on e-learning challenges for enhancing the psychological well-being of university nursing students. A quasi-experimental approach utilizing pretest–posttest evaluations was employed to appraise the program’s effects on diverse psychological well-being variables. In the initial phase, an extensive literature review was conducted to identify pertinent challenges encountered by nursing students regarding e-learning. Based on this review, an educational program was formulated to address these challenges and fostering psychological well-being. The participants consisted of 341 students who were selected from the Faculty of Nursing at Assiut University. To evaluate the impact of the program, multiple psychological well-being variables, such as anxiety levels, motivation, and satisfaction with the e-learning experience, were measured both before and after the intervention. Psychological challenges towards electronic learning questionnaires were utilized as data collection tools. This study endeavors to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the educational program in enhancing the psychological well-being of university nursing students. Here we show that by addressing these challenges and promoting psychological well-being, the educational program has the potential to contribute to the overall success and satisfaction of nursing students in their academic pursuits. Subsequent investigations should delve into the enduring repercussions of such programs and assess their efficacy in diverse academic fields.
The impact of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion on early postoperative pain after complex spine surgeries
Authors: Hassan Eslam Reda , Fawaz Ahmed Ali , Hefny Sameh Salem , Abdelrahman Tamer Nabil
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aimed to assess the effect of intravenous lidocaine infusion affected on early postoperative pain control after complex spin surgeries.

Ninety patients who were scheduled for complex spine surgery were included in this prospective double-blinded controlled trial. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: L and P. Patients in group L received a loading dose of lidocaine 1 mg/kg then followed by 1.5 mg/kg/h infusion till the end of the surgery, while in group P, lidocaine was replaced with normal saline.

Results

The pain score assessed by VAS at rest showed statistically significant lower values in group L at 30 min, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. VAS during movement was significantly higher in group P only after 24 h postoperatively. The entire dose of intraoperative fentanyl consumed was significantly lower in group L. The time elapsed to ask for the first dose of rescue analgesia was significantly longer in group L. The first rescue dose of nalbuphine was significantly lower in group L. In group P, the overall dose of narcotics consumed in the first postsurgical day was significantly higher.

Conclusions

When compared to placebo, lidocaine infusion significantly reduced the postoperative pain scores, as well as the entire dose of intraoperative and postoperative narcotics used.
Effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Sexual Function and Hypogonadal Symptoms in Men with Hypogonadism
Authors: Pencina Karol M , Travison Thomas G , Cunningham Glenn R , Lincoff A Michael , Nissen Steven E , Khera Mohit , Miller Michael G , Flevaris Panagiotis , Li Xue , Wannemuehler Kathleen , Bhasin Shalender
Published: August 2023

Context

Few long-term randomized trials have evaluated the efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in improving sexual function and hypogonadal symptoms in men with hypogonadism and whether effects are sustained beyond 12 months.

Objective

The Testosterone Replacement therapy for Assessment of long-term Vascular Events and efficacy ResponSE in hypogonadal men (TRAVERSE) study evaluated the effect of TRT on major adverse cardiovascular events in middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism. The Sexual Function Study, nested within the parent trial, determined testosterone's efficacy in improving sexual activity, hypogonadal symptoms, libido, and erectile function among men reporting low libido.

Methods

Among 5204 men, 45-80 years, with 2 testosterone concentrations <300 ng/dL, hypogonadal symptoms, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or increased CVD risk enrolled in the TRAVERSE trial, 1161 with low libido were enrolled in the Sexual Function Study (587 randomized to receive 1.62% testosterone gel and 574 to placebo gel for the duration of their participation in the study). Primary outcome was change from baseline in sexual activity score. Secondary outcomes included hypogonadal symptoms, erectile function, and sexual desire.

Results

TRT was associated with significantly greater improvement in sexual activity than placebo (estimated mean [95% CI] between-group difference 0.49 [0.19,0.79] and 0.47 [0.11, 0.83] acts per day at 6 and 12 months, respectively; omnibus test P = .011); treatment effect was maintained at 24 months. TRT improved hypogonadal symptoms and sexual desire, but not erectile function, compared with placebo.

Conclusion

In middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism and low libido, TRT for 2 years improved sexual activity, hypogonadal symptoms, and sexual desire, but not erectile function.
Luteal Lipid Droplets: A Novel Platform for Steroid Synthesis
Authors: Plewes Michele R , Talbott Heather A , Saviola Anthony J , Woods Nicholas T , Schott Micah B , Davis John S
Published: August 2023

Progesterone is an essential steroid hormone that is required to initiate and maintain pregnancy in mammals and serves as a metabolic intermediate in the synthesis of endogenously produced steroids, including sex hormones and corticosteroids. Steroidogenic luteal cells of the corpus luteum have the tremendous capacity to synthesize progesterone. These specialized cells are highly enriched with lipid droplets that store lipid substrate, which can be used for the synthesis of steroids. We recently reported that hormone-stimulated progesterone synthesis by luteal cells requires protein kinase A–dependent mobilization of cholesterol substrate from lipid droplets to mitochondria. We hypothesize that luteal lipid droplets are enriched with steroidogenic enzymes and facilitate the synthesis of steroids in the corpus luteum. In the present study, we analyzed the lipid droplet proteome, conducted the first proteomic analysis of lipid droplets under acute cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-stimulated conditions, and determined how specific lipid droplet proteins affect steroidogenesis. Steroidogenic enzymes, cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B), were highly abundant on lipid droplets of the bovine corpus luteum. High-resolution confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of active HSD3B on the surface of luteal lipid droplets. We report that luteal lipid droplets have the capacity to synthesize progesterone from pregnenolone. Lastly, we analyzed the lipid droplet proteome following acute stimulation with cAMP analog, 8-Br-cAMP, and report increased association of HSD3B with luteal lipid droplets following stimulation. These findings provide novel insights into the role of luteal lipid droplets in steroid synthesis.
Allostasis in Neuroendocrine Systems Controlling Reproduction
Authors: Carrasco Rodrigo A , Breen Kellie M
Published: August 2023

Allostasis provides a supporting role to the homeostatic control of biological variables in mammalian species. While the concept of homeostasis is related to the control of variables within a set point or range that are essential to life, allostasis refers to systems that facilitate adaptation to challenges that the organism faces and the new requirements for survival. Essential for such adaptation is the role played by the brain in eliciting neural and neuroendocrine responses. Reproductive function is fundamental for the survival of species but is costly in energetic terms and requires a synchrony with an ever-changing environment. Thus, in many species reproductive function is blocked or delayed over immediate challenges. This review will cover the physiological systems and neuroendocrine pathways that supply allostatic control over reproductive neuroendocrine systems. Light, hypoxia, temperature, nutrition, psychosocial, and immune mediators influence the neuroendocrine control of reproductive functions through pathways that are confluent at the paraventricular nucleus; however, understanding of the integrative responses to these stimuli has not been clarified. Likely, the ultimate consequence of these allostatic mechanisms is the modification of kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal activity, thus compromising reproduction function in the short term, while preserving species survivability.
Human in vivo medial gastrocnemius gear during active and passive muscle lengthening: effect of inconsistent methods and nomenclature on data interpretation
Authors: Pinto Matheus Daros , Nosaka Kazunori , Wakeling James M. , Blazevich Anthony J.
Published: August 2023

‘Muscle gear’ is calculated as the ratio of fascicle-to-muscle length change, strain, or velocity. Inconsistencies in nomenclature and definitions of gear exist across disciplines partly due to differences in fascicle [curved (Lf) versus linear (Lf,straight)] and muscle [whole-muscle belly (Lb) versus belly segment (Lb,segment)] length calculation methods. We tested whether these differences affect gear magnitude during passive and active muscle lengthening of human medial gastrocnemius of young men (n=13, 26.3±5.0 years) using an isokinetic dynamometer. Lb, Lb,segment, Lf and Lf,straight were measured from motion analysis and ultrasound imaging data. Downshifts in belly gear but not belly segment gear occurred with muscle lengthening only during active lengthening. Muscle gear was unaffected by fascicle length measurement method (P=0.18) but differed when calculated as changes in Lb or Lb,segment (P<0.01) in a length-dependent manner. Caution is therefore advised for the use and interpretation of different muscle gear calculation methods and nomenclatures in animal and human comparative physiology.
CRISPR-based knockout and base editing confirm the role of MYRF in heart development and congenital heart disease
Authors: Doering Lino , Cornean Alex , Thumberger Thomas , Benjaminsen Joergen , Wittbrodt Beate , Kellner Tanja , Hammouda Omar T. , Gorenflo Matthias , Wittbrodt Joachim , Gierten Jakob
Published: August 2023

High-throughput DNA sequencing studies increasingly associate DNA variants with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, functional modeling is a crucial prerequisite for translating genomic data into clinical care. We used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated targeting of 12 candidate genes in the vertebrate model medaka (Oryzias latipes), five of which displayed a novel cardiovascular phenotype spectrum in F0 (crispants): mapre2, smg7, cdc42bpab, ankrd11 and myrf, encoding a transcription factor recently linked to cardiac-urogenital syndrome. Our myrf mutant line showed particularly prominent embryonic cardiac defects recapitulating phenotypes of pediatric patients, including hypoplastic ventricle. Mimicking human mutations, we edited three sites to generate specific myrf single-nucleotide variants via cytosine and adenine base editors. The Glu749Lys missense mutation in the conserved intramolecular chaperon autocleavage domain fully recapitulated the characteristic myrf mutant phenotype with high penetrance, underlining the crucial function of this protein domain. The efficiency and scalability of base editing to model specific point mutations accelerate gene validation studies and the generation of human-relevant disease models.
An examination of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021: prospects, challenges, and the way forward
Authors: Borha David Oladeji Ehijie , Olujobi Olusola Joshua
Published: August 2023

Background: The study examines the gaps in the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that could hinder the effective application of the Act in attaining its objectives. The repealed Petroleum Act of 1969 became obsolete and largely incapable of meeting the emerging global best practices in the industry due to inadequate sanctions, failure to address the aspirations of the people of the oil-bearing states, among others. Hence, the need for the PIA of 2021 to overhaul the industry to meet global standards though some controversial provisions that pose challenges to its proper implementation.

Methods: The study examines the PIA to identify its prospects, challenges, and the way forward. The methodology the study utilises is doctrinal research with reports from existing literature and tertiary data sources such as newspapers, the Internet, and websites. Pertinent data collected from these sources were theoretically analysed and argued with current literature on the subject.

Results: The finding is that the PIA does not make adequate provisions for the energy transition in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris agreement; the PIA was provided for weak institutions, which translates to weak implementation and enforcement of the law which further widening the gap between the law and reality.

Conclusions: The study concluded that, although the Act delivered the much-needed stability in the petroleum industry in Nigeria, there is a need for an overhaul of the Act to further protect the interest of host communities and allow for co-ownership of petroleum resources by the state government.
Graph neural network-based anomaly detection for river network systems
Authors: Buchhorn Katie , Santos-Fernandez Edgar , Mengersen Kerrie , Salomone Robert
Published: August 2023

Background: Water is the lifeblood of river networks, and its quality plays a crucial role in sustaining both aquatic ecosystems and human societies. Real-time monitoring of water quality is increasingly reliant on in-situ sensor technology.

Anomaly detection is crucial for identifying erroneous patterns in sensor data, but can be a challenging task due to the complexity and variability of the data, even under typical conditions. This paper presents a solution to the challenging task of anomaly detection for river network sensor data, which is essential for accurate and continuous monitoring.

Methods: We use a graph neural network model, the recently proposed Graph Deviation Network (GDN), which employs graph attention-based forecasting to capture the complex spatio-temporal relationships between sensors. 

We propose an alternate anomaly threshold criteria for the model, GDN+, based on the learned graph. To evaluate the model's efficacy, we introduce new benchmarking simulation experiments with highly-sophisticated dependency structures and subsequence anomalies of various types. We also introduce software called gnnad.

Results: We further examine the strengths and weaknesses of this baseline approach, GDN, in comparison to other benchmarking methods on complex real-world river network data.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that GDN+ outperforms the baseline approach in high-dimensional data, while also providing improved interpretability.
Universal iron supplementation: the best strategy to tackle childhood anaemia in malaria-endemic countries?
Authors: Karthikappallil Roshan , Atkinson Sarah H.
Published: August 2023

Iron deficiency presents a major public health concern in many malaria-endemic regions, and both conditions affect young children most severely. Daily iron supplementation is the standard public health intervention recommended to alleviate rates of iron deficiency in children, but there is controversy over whether universal supplementation could increase the incidence and severity of malaria infection. Current evidence suggests that iron supplementation of deficient individuals is safe and effective in high-transmission settings when accompanied by malaria prevention strategies. However, low-resource settings often struggle to effectively control the spread of malaria, and it remains unclear whether supplementation of iron replete individuals could increase their risk of malaria and other infections. This review explores the evidence for and against universal iron supplementation programmes, and alternative strategies that could be used to alleviate iron deficiency in malaria-endemic areas, while minimising potential harm.
The genome sequence of the Whirlpool Ramshorn snail, Anisus vortex (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Skipp Sue , Ablett Jonathan ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual Anisus vortex (the Whirlpool Ramshorn snail; Mollusca; Gastropoda; Hygrophila; Lymnaeoidea; Planorbidae). The genome sequence is 869.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 13.57 kilobases in length.
Application of nuclear medicine techniques in sports medicine
Authors: Zuziak Patrycja , Ilnicka Natalia , Matyja Daria , Sadlik Maria , Abod Leila
Published: August 2023

Introduction and purpose: To briefly introduce the reader to the application of nuclear medicine studies in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders developed among athletes.   
Materials and methods: To prepare this review, publications indexed in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases were analyzed. Special attention was given to full-text articles published in English between 2015 and 2023, as well as to the references cited by the authors of selected publications.
Description of the state of knowledge: Nuclear medicine is applied in the diagnosis and therapy of orthopedic conditions. Commonly used nuclear medicine techniques include planar bone scintigraphy (WBS), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT).
Summary: The utilization of nuclear medicine techniques allows for proper diagnosis and early treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, including pathologies resulting from sports-related physical activity.
Modafinil. Armodafinil. The use of eugeroics in assisting the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Benefits, drawbacks, and adverse effects
Authors: Kandefer Norbert , Jaremek Anna , Kępa Joanna , Wyszkowski Michał , Grabarczyk Aleksandra , Pawlak Anna , Grad Sylwia , Gregorek Paweł , Gregorek Małgorzata , Loryś Laura , Klimczak Klaudia
Published: August 2023

Modafinil is used to treat narcolepsy with cataplexy and is also being extensively studied to find new therapeutic uses. In recent years, there have been reports suggesting the potential benefits of modafinil in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses such as depression and bipolar depression. In the case of depression, modafinil can be used as an adjuvant or as monotherapy in patients who do not respond sufficiently to antidepressants. Studies have shown that modafinil improves symptoms of depression, reduces fatigue and improves cognitive function. There are also reports of a beneficial effect of modafinil in the treatment of seasonal depression. For bipolar depression, modafinil can be used as an adjunct therapy during the depressive phase, particularly in patients experiencing slowness, lethargy and loss of pleasure. Studies suggest that modafinil may improve depressive symptoms without inducing manic episodes. There are also data indicating modafinil's potential efficacy in treating negative symptoms and improving cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia. In conclusion, modafinil appears to be a promising drug in aiding the treatment of various psychiatric illnesses.
Poemas
Authors: Silva Vicentonio Regis do Nascimento
Published: August 2023

Trata-se de resenha de RIVERA, Amiel Nassar. Poemas de amor e de esperas. 1ª edição. São Paulo: Mentes Abertas, 2022.
Nurturing, nudging and navigating the increasingly precarious nature of cooperation in public health: the cases of vaccination and organ donation
Authors: Larson Heidi J. , Toledo Alexander H.
Published: August 2023

Many public health initiatives encouraging positive health behaviours require patient cooperation in the face of perceived costs and health risks. Ongoing public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the organ shortage, underscore the necessity of incorporating an understanding of human cooperation and the motivators for cooperation into social and public health policy. We explore the costs, benefits and motivators regarding cooperation in the cases of vaccination and organ donation. We likewise explore policy incentives that have successfully encouraged cooperation with these positive health behaviours. We find that appeals to morality, reciprocity and reputation are important behavioural predictors of cooperation. However, we find that cooperation is a fragile state, vulnerable to the individual’s perceptions of the risks, as well as external social, cultural and political forces, such as social media-disseminated misinformation, which can sway attitudes to health behaviours, including cooperation. Drawing from the literature, we conclude by calling for a nuanced understanding of cooperation in a number of policy recommendations. Notably, we underscore: the volatile emotional levers affecting cooperation; the risks of overusing restrictive mandates; the consideration of short- and long-term consequences of social policies; and the need for locally and culturally tailored, as well as nationally relevant, policies.
The Climate Crisis, Climate Anxiety and Children’s Rights: A Psychological Perspective on Human Health and Security
Authors: Cowley-Cunningham Michelle , Carey Alexis , Rogers Elaine
Published: August 2023

The climate crisis affects children’s well-being and threatens future generations’
enjoyment of the right to the highest standard of health and security. This paper
discusses a submission by the PSI Special Interest Group in Human Rights and
Psychology to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. As health profession
stakeholders we highlight how environmental degradation and children’s
awareness of climate change present an important linkage to children’s mental
health. We provide a psychological health account of climate anxiety and its
effects on children, and a psychological perspective on the UN Convention on
the Rights of the Child regarding health and participation. We detail how interventions
mindful of children’s educational and participatory capacity offer the
potential to moderate effects of climate anxiety. We discuss limitations of the
term ‘climate anxiety’ for describing the experience of children from the Global
South, preferring a narrative of physical and mental health parity.
Ablation depth enhancement on a copper surface using a dual-color double-pulse femtosecond laser
Authors: Liu Zhaohui , Wan Yuexin , Li Xiaolong , Fu Botao , Yi Zhen , Chen Wei , Qi Jia , Cheng Ya
Published: August 2023

We investigate the femtosecond laser ablation of copper with a dual-color double-pulse femtosecond laser at the wavelengths of 515 nm and 1030 nm. By properly choosing the energy of the 515 nm pulse, the optical properties such as surface reflectivity and absorption coefficient on copper surface can be modified to increase the absorption of the subsequent 1030 nm pulse. The ablation depth of dual-color double-pulse laser is at least 50% higher than the total ablation depth of both the 515 nm and 1030 nm pulses, provided that the inter-pulse delay of the double-pulse laser is within the electron–phonon coupling time. The ablation depth enhancement on a copper surface using a dual-color double-pulse femtosecond laser is of significant interest for scientific research and industrial application.
Using high-diffraction-efficiency holographic optical elements in a full-color augmented reality display system
Authors: He Long , Chen Xiangqian , Yang Yuhua , Liu Xiangzhong , Chen Yuantong , Xu Lixin , Gu Chun
Published: August 2023

Holographic optical elements (HOEs) play an important role in augmented reality (AR) systems. However, the fabrication of full-color HOEs is difficult and the diffraction efficiency is low. In this paper, we use the time-scheduled iterative exposure method to fabricate full-color HOEs with high diffraction efficiency. Through this method, a full-color HOE with an average diffraction efficiency of 73.4% was implemented in a single photopolymer, the highest rate yet reported. In addition, the AR system is simulated by the geometric optics method combining k-vector circle and ray tracing and structured by combining laser micro-drop and high diffraction efficiency HOEs. A good color blending effect was achieved in a full-color AR system by using the reconstruction wavelength consistent with the recording light. It can present clear holographic images in a full-color AR display system.