bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TLR2 regulates hair follicle cycle and regeneration via BMP signaling
Authors: Xiong Luyang , Zhevlakova Irina , West Xiaoxia Z , Gao Detao , Murtazina Rakhilya , Horak Anthony , Brown J Mark , Molokotina Iuliia , Podrez Eugene A , Byzova Tatiana V
Published: September 2023

The etiology of hair loss remains enigmatic, and current remedies remain inadequate. Transcriptome analysis of aging hair follicles uncovered changes in immune pathways, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Our findings demonstrate that the maintenance of hair follicle homeostasis and the regeneration capacity after damage depend on TLR2 in hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). In healthy hair follicles, TLR2 is expressed in a cycle-dependent manner and governs HFSCs activation by countering inhibitory BMP signaling. Hair follicles in aging and obesity exhibit a decrease in both TLR2 and its endogenous ligand carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP), a metabolite of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Administration of CEP stimulates hair regeneration through a TLR2-dependent mechanism. These results establish a novel connection between TLR2-mediated innate immunity and HFSC activation, which is pivotal to hair follicle health and the prevention of hair loss and provide new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Association of genetic variation in COL11A1 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Yu Hao , Khanshour Anas M , Ushiki Aki , Otomo Nao , Koike Yoshinao , Einarsdottir Elisabet , Fan Yanhui , Antunes Lilian , Kidane Yared H , Cornelia Reuel , Sheng Rory R , Zhang Yichi , Pei Jimin , Grishin Nick V , Evers Bret M , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Herring John A , Terao Chikashi , Song You-qiang , Gurnett Christina A , Gerdhem Paul , Ikegawa Shiro , Rios Jonathan J , Ahituv Nadav , Wise Carol A
Published: September 2023

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common and progressive spinal deformity in children that exhibits striking sexual dimorphism, with girls at more than fivefold greater risk of severe disease compared to boys. Despite its medical impact, the molecular mechanisms that drive AIS are largely unknown. We previously defined a female-specific AIS genetic risk locus in an enhancer near the PAX1 gene. Here, we sought to define the roles of PAX1 and newly identified AIS-associated genes in the developmental mechanism of AIS. In a genetic study of 10,519 individuals with AIS and 93,238 unaffected controls, significant association was identified with a variant in COL11A1 encoding collagen (α1) XI (rs3753841; NM_080629.2_c.4004C>T; p.(Pro1335Leu); p=7.07E–11, OR = 1.118). Using CRISPR mutagenesis we generated Pax1 knockout mice (Pax1-/-). In postnatal spines we found that PAX1 and collagen (α1) XI protein both localize within the intervertebral disc-vertebral junction region encompassing the growth plate, with less collagen (α1) XI detected in Pax1-/- spines compared to wild-type. By genetic targeting we found that wild-type Col11a1 expression in costal chondrocytes suppresses expression of Pax1 and of Mmp3, encoding the matrix metalloproteinase 3 enzyme implicated in matrix remodeling. However, the latter suppression was abrogated in the presence of the AIS-associated COL11A1P1335L mutant. Further, we found that either knockdown of the estrogen receptor gene Esr2 or tamoxifen treatment significantly altered Col11a1 and Mmp3 expression in chondrocytes. We propose a new molecular model of AIS pathogenesis wherein genetic variation and estrogen signaling increase disease susceptibility by altering a PAX1-COL11a1-MMP3 signaling axis in spinal chondrocytes.
Astrocytes gate long-term potentiation in hippocampal interneurons
Authors: Shen Weida , Tang Yejiao , Yang Jing , Zhu Linjing , Zhou Wen , Xiang Liyang , Zhu Feng , Dong Jingyin , Xie Yicheng , Zeng Ling-Hui
Published: September 2023

Long-term potentiation is involved in physiological process like learning and memory, motor learning and sensory processing, and pathological conditions such as addiction. In contrast to the extensive studies on the mechanism of long-term potentiation on excitatory glutamatergic synapse onto excitatory neurons (LTP
E→E
), the mechanism of LTP on excitatory glutamatergic synapse onto inhibitory neurons (LTP
E→I
) remains largely unknown. In the central nervous system, astrocytes play an important role in regulating synaptic activity and participate in the process of LTP
E→E
, but their functions in LTP
E→I
remain incompletely defined. Using electrophysiological, pharmacological, confocal calcium imaging, chemogenetics and behavior tests, we studied the role of astrocytes in regulating LTP
E→I
in the hippocampal CA1 region and their impact on cognitive function. We show that LTP
E→I
in stratum oriens of hippocampal CA1 is astrocyte independent. However, in the stratum radiatum, synaptically released endocannabinoids increases astrocyte Ca
2+
via type-1 cannabinoid receptors, stimulates D-serine release, and potentiate excitatory synaptic transmission on inhibitory neuron through the activation of (N-methyl-D-aspartate) NMDA receptors. We also revealed that chemogentic activation of astrocytes is sufficient to induce NMDA-dependent
de novo
LTP
E→I
in the stratum radiatum of hippocampus. Furthermore, we found that disrupt LTP
E→I
by knockdwon γCaMKII in interneurons of stratum radiatum resulted in dramatic memory impairment. Our findings suggest that astrocytes release D-serine, which activates NMDA receptors to regulate LTP
E→I
, and that cognitive function is intricately linked with the proper functioning of this LTP
E→I
pathway.
Persistence of intact HIV-1 proviruses in the brain during antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Rassadkina Yelizaveta , Gao Ce , Collens Sarah Isabel , Lian Xiaodong , Solomon Isaac H. , Mukerji Shibani , Yu Xu G. , Lichterfeld Mathias
Published: September 2023

HIV-1 reservoir cells that circulate in peripheral blood during suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been well characterized, but little is known about the dissemination of HIV-1-infected cells across multiple anatomical tissues, especially the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we performed single-genome, near full-length HIV-1 next-generation sequencing to evaluate the proviral landscape in distinct anatomical compartments, including multiple CNS tissues, from 3 ART-treated participants at autopsy. While lymph nodes and, to a lesser extent, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tissues represented tissue hotspots for the persistence of intact proviruses, we also observed intact proviruses in CNS tissue sections, particularly in the basal ganglia. Multi-compartment dissemination of clonal intact and defective proviral sequences occurred across multiple anatomical tissues, including the CNS, and evidence for the clonal proliferation of HIV-1-infected cells was found in the basal ganglia, in the frontal lobe, in the thalamus and in periventricular white matter. Deep analysis of HIV-1 reservoirs in distinct tissues will be informative for advancing HIV-1 cure strategies.
Enhancing CRISPR prime editing by reducing misfolded pegRNA interactions
Authors: Zhang Weiting , Petri Karl , Ma Junyan , Lee Hyunho , Tsai Chia-Lun , Joung J. Keith , Yeh Jing-Ruey Joanna
Published: September 2023

CRISPR prime editing (
PE
) requires a Cas9 nickase-reverse transcriptase fusion protein (known as PE2) and a prime editing guide RNA (
pegRNA
), an extended version of a standard guide RNA (
gRNA
) that both specifies the intended target genomic sequence and encodes the desired genetic edit. Here we show that sequence complementarity between the 5’ and the 3’ regions of a pegRNA can negatively impact its ability to complex with Cas9, thereby potentially reducing PE efficiency. We demonstrate this limitation can be overcome by a simple pegRNA refolding procedure, which improved ribonucleoprotein-mediated PE efficiencies in zebrafish embryos by up to nearly 25-fold. Further gains in PE efficiencies of as much as 6-fold could also be achieved by introducing point mutations designed to disrupt internal interactions within the pegRNA. Our work defines simple strategies that can be implemented to improve the efficiency of PE.
Using social media and personality traits to assess software developers’ emotional polarity
Authors: Silva Leo , Gurgel de Castro Marília , Bernardino Silva Miriam , Santos Milena , Kulesza Uirá , Lima Margarida , Madeira Henrique
Published: September 2023

Although human factors (e.g., cognitive functions, behaviors and skills, human error models, etc.) are key elements to improve software development productivity and quality, the role of software developers’ emotions and their personality traits in software engineering still needs to be studied. A major difficulty is in assessing developers’ emotions, leading to the classic problem of having difficulties understanding what cannot be easily measured. Existing approaches to infer emotions, such as facial expressions, self-assessed surveys, and biometric sensors, imply considerable intrusiveness on developers and tend to be used only during normal working periods. This article proposes to assess the feasibility of using social media posts (e.g., developers’ posts on Twitter) to accurately determine the polarity of emotions of software developers over extended periods in a non-intrusive manner, allowing the identification of potentially abnormal periods of negative or positive sentiments of developers that may affect software development productivity or software quality. Our results suggested that Twitter data can serve as a valid source for accurately inferring the polarity of emotions. We evaluated 31 combinations of unsupervised lexicon-based techniques using a dataset with 79,029 public posts from Twitter from sixteen software developers, achieving a macro F1-Score of 0.745 and 76.8% of accuracy with the ensemble comprised of SentiStrength, Sentilex-PT, and LIWC2015_PT lexicons. Among other results, we found a statistically significant difference in tweets’ polarities posted during working and non-working periods for 31.25% of the participants, suggesting that emotional polarity monitoring outside working hours could also be relevant. We also assessed the Big Five personality traits of the developers and preliminarily used them to ponder the polarities inferences. In this context, Openness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion were frequently related to neutral and positive posts, while Neuroticism is associated with negative posts. Our results show that the proposed approach is accurate enough to constitute a simple and non-intrusive alternative to existing methods. Tools using this approach can be applied in real software development environments to support software team workers in making decisions to improve the software development process.
Ecological engineering in low land rice for brown plant hopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) management
Authors: Yele Yogesh , Chander Subhash , Suroshe Sachin S. , Nebapure Suresh , Tenguri Prabhulinga , Pattathanam Sundaran Arya
Published: September 2023

Rice field bunds and edges can act as near crop habitats, available for planting flowering plants to attract and conserve the natural enemies. We evaluated the effect of ecological engineering on the incidence of Brown Planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera; Delphacidae) and the abundance of its predators in the rice variety Pusa Basmati-1121. Plots included the oilseed crops viz. sesamum, sunflower and soybean, with plantings of flowering crops marigold, balsam and gaillardia as bund flora around the edges of rice plots. Ecologically engineered plots contained both crops+flowers and resulted in a significantly reduced BPH population per hill in rice plots for 2019 (6.3) and 2020 (9.4) compared to the control plots (9.8 and 14.4). Ecologically engineered plots also witnessed the delayed appearance of BPH during each growing season. Peak BPH populations are lower in the ecologically engineered plots than in the control grounds. Furthermore, the activity of natural enemies, viz., spiders, mirid bugs and rove beetles was the highest in rice fields planted with oilseed crops like sesamum, sunflower and soybean. Olfactory response studies showed that the attraction response of spiders toward sesamum and balsam leaves was more significant than in other crop plants. Rice yield was enhanced in plots planted with crops+flowers during both seasons compared to control plots. Planting of oilseed crops plants such as sesamum, sunflower and soybean with flowering crops such as marigold, balsam and gaillardia as bund flora on the bunds around the main rice field enhanced the natural enemy activity, suppressed the planthopper population, and increased yields. Based on the results, we recommend including ecological engineering techniques as one of the management components in the Integrated Pest Management programme for rice crops.
Clinical value of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet indexes in predicting lymph node metastasis and recurrence of endometrial cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Xiong Ying , Yong Yuanyuan , Wang Yanhua
Published: September 2023

Objective

To study the clinical importance of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) indexes in predicting lymph node metastasis and recurrence of endometrial cancer.

Methods

From July 2016 to July 2020, 158 patients suffering from endometrial cancer who visited the gynecology department of General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from were collected. Employing the X-Tiles program, the ideal HALP cut-off value was established, and the patients were separated into low and high HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine the relationship between HALP score and lymph node metastasis and recurrence of endometrial cancer.

Results

The optimal cut-off value of HALP score was established to be 22.2 using X-Tiles software, and the patients were separated into high HALP group (HALP score > 22.2, with 43 cases) and low HALP group (HALP score ≤ 22.2, 115 cases). Endometrial cancer patients’ HALP scores were strongly connected with differentiation, the degree of myometrial invasion, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), although not with age, menopausal status, or stage (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the HALP score (OR = 2.087) was the influencing factor for lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The ROC curve suggested that the AUC of HALP score in predicting lymph node metastasis was 0.871, which had high diagnostic value. When compared to patients without recurrence, HALP scores of patients with recurrence were considerably lower (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HALP score (OR = 2.216) was the influencing factor for the occurrence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The ROC curve suggested that the AUC of HALP score in predicting relapse was 0.855, with high diagnostic value.

Conclusion

The HALP score shows good predictive performance in predicting lymph node metastasis and recurrence of endometrial cancer, and has high clinical value, which helps in improving the accuracy and effectiveness of clinical diagnosis and prognosis research.
Rivaroxaban, a direct inhibitor of coagulation factor Xa, attenuates adverse cardiac remodeling in rats by regulating the PAR-2 and TGF-β1 signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhang Zhongfan , Chen Weiwei , Zheng Haikuo , Si Daoyuan , Zhang Wenqi
Published: September 2023

Background

Factor Xa (FXa) not only plays an active role in the coagulation cascade but also exerts non-hemostatic signaling through the protease-activated receptors (PARs). This study aimed to investigate whether the FXa inhibitor, Rivaroxaban (RIV), attenuates adverse cardiac remodeling in rats with myocardial infarction (MI) and to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms it uses.

Methods

An MI model was induced in eight-week-old, male Wistar rats, by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. MI rats were randomly assigned to receive RIV or protease-activated receptors 2-antagonist (PAR-2 antagonist, FSLLRY) treatment for four weeks. Histological staining, echocardiography and hemodynamics were used to assess the cardioprotective effects of RIV. Meanwhile, pharmacological approaches of agonist and inhibitor were used to observe the potential pathways in which RIV exerts antifibrotic effects in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). In addition, real-time PCR and western blot analysis were performed to examine the associated signaling pathways.

Results

RIV presented favorable protection of left ventricular (LV) cardiac function in MI rats by significantly reducing myocardial infarct size, ameliorating myocardial pathological damage and improving left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Similar improvements in the PAR-2 antagonist FSLLRY and RIV groups suggested that RIV protects against cardiac dysfunction in MI rats by ameliorating PAR-2 activation. Furthermore, an in vitro model of fibrosis was then generated by applying angiotensin II (Ang II) to neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Consistent with the findings of the animal experiments, RIV and FSLLRY inhibited the expression of fibrosis markers and suppressed the intracellular upregulation of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), as well as its downstream Smad2/3 phosphorylation effectors in Ang II-induced fibrosis, and PAR-2 agonist peptide (PAR-2 AP) reversed the inhibition effect of RIV.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that RIV attenuates MI-induced cardiac remodeling and improves heart function, partly by inhibiting the activation of the PAR-2 and TGF-β1 signaling pathways.
Enhancing survivorship and growth of juvenile Montipora capitata using the Hawaiian collector urchin Tripneustes gratilla
Authors: Barrows Andrew R. , Hancock Joshua R. , Cohen David L. , Gorong Patrick , Lewis Matthew , Louie Sean , Musselman Lani , Caruso Carlo , Miller Spencer , Drury Crawford
Published: September 2023

The biodiversity of coral reef habitats is rapidly declining due to the effects of anthropogenic climate change, prompting the use of active restoration as a mitigation strategy. Sexual propagation can maintain or enhance genetic diversity in restoration of these ecosystems, but these approaches suffer from a range of inefficiencies in rearing and husbandry. Algal overgrowth of juveniles is a major bottleneck in the production of sexually propagated corals that may be alleviated by co-culture with herbivores. We reared juvenile Montipora capitata alongside juvenile native Hawaiian collector urchins, Tripneustes gratilla, for 15 weeks and documented significant ecological benefits of co-culture. Urchin treatments significantly increased the survivorship of coral aggregates (14%) and individual settlers (24%). We also documented a significant increase in coral growth in the presence of urchins. These results demonstrate the utility of microherbivory in promoting coral growth and survivorship in ex situ conditions, providing valuable insight for restoration pipelines of native Hawaiian coral species.
Farmer’s Perception and Satisfaction towards Farmer Producer Organization in Jamnagar District, Gujarat, India
Authors: Solanki K. L. , Jadeja R. M. , Vaghela P. M. , Solanki B. P.
Published: September 2023

The present study had been undertaken in Lalpur, Jamjodhpur, Jamnagar and Jodiya talukas of Jamnagar district. Multistage sampling technique was adopted to select the districts, talukas and villages. 120 farmers were selected from the 20 villages of Jamnagar district. The study was mainly based on primary data, which were collected through personal interview with the help of structured survey schedule. Result revealed that 45.83 per cent of respondents belonged to middle age group (35 to 50 years) followed by 35.00 per cent respondents were above 50 years. Majority of farmers were male i.e., 91.67 per cent followed by female i.e., 8.33 per cent. Result indicates that 47.50 per cent respondent have studied up to primary level followed by secondary level. The result revealed that 80.83 per cent of the farmers have annual income of ₹200942.45 to ₹892350.89 and 39.17 per cent farmers had semi-medium land holding. 40.83 per cent farmers were engaged in both farming and animal husbandry followed by 24.17 per cent farmers were involved in farming with business. Majority farmers (48.33%) had source open well for irrigation. Observed that 81.67 per cent farmers had more than 15 years of farming experience and 70.83 per cent farmers had 1 to 1.5 years of membership in FPO. The information about per hectare benefits received to farmer members by FPO. Result found that total crop production of farmers increased. Total cost of cultivation decreased, Overall crop price increased and overall income of farmer increased.
The Impact of Roof Coating and Solar PV System in the Tropical Region of Ghana
Authors: Opare Wisdom , Adjardjah Winfred , Afonaa-Mensah Stephen , Addor John Awuah
Published: September 2023

Adding PV module to roof has impacts on building`s electricity energy consumption. The aim of this paper is to assess the energy consumption performance of buildings by integrating solar Photovoltaic (PV) system into buildings with roof coating.  An experiment was conducted to verify the efficient outcome of PV module using a building from the Anaji area of Takoradi in the Western region of Ghana. A framework energy model was proposed to analyse the integrated contribution of coating and PV performance using PVSOL. The temperature of the coated roof surfaces underneath the PV panels were significantly lower than that of the exposed roof in the daytime. The system integrated energy efficiency for flat and tilted overhead PV roofs are 63.35 % and 62.73 %, respectively. Using the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) performance criterion, the monthly energy savings for coated roofs with solar PV is 28.86 kW or GH¢ 340.21; while the monthly energy savings for coated roofs without PV is 25.91 kW or GH¢ 303.00. Overall, the proposed integrated coated roof with PV outperforms the coated roof without PV. Validating the model, the mean relative errors (MRE) were all below 10%, while the accuracy of Power-Added Efficiency (PAE) were all beyond 95%. Thus, the proposed integrated roof coating and solar PV model for optimizing energy consumption is reliable.
Effects of Methanolic Turmeric Extract, Alum on E. coli in Borehole & Sachet Water PH.
Authors: Amadi Lawrence O. , Mark Happines C.  , Nrior, R. R.
Published: September 2023

The aim of this research were to determine the antibiogram and effects of methanolic turmeric extract and alum on Escherichia coli in some borehole and sachet water in Rivers State respectively. The various concentrations (100mg/ml,50mg/ml,25mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml) of these combinations, methanolic turmeric extract, Alum, MTE+ Alum were tested respectively for antibacterial activity on some strains of E. coli isolated from borehole and sachet water samples. These were compared with an antibiotic standard, using chloramphenicol as a positive control. Antibacterial activity was assessed using disc diffusion method (DDM) respectively. Of these combinations, methanolic turmeric extracts in synergism with Alum (MTE+Alum) exhibited the lowest mean diameter of inhibitory zone (DIZ) values of 5.0-20.0mm and Alum exhibited the largest mean of inhibitory zone (DIZ) values of 8.0-20.0mm on the test organism using disc diffusion method (DDM) respectively. There was no inhibitory zone with MTE+Aum at 12.5 concentration whereas (DIZ) values for methanolic turmeric extract ranged from 8.0-16.0mm by DDM. The susceptibility of combinations were more pronounced against CP064383 E. coli (20.0mm), CP089272 E. coli (14.0mm), AF099077 E.coli (14.0mm) and LG142154 E.coli (18.0mm) respectively. This results revealed that chloramphenicol inhibited the largest DIZ values. However, the activity of chloramphenicol revealed that purified and tested antibiotic should be used as the drug of choice for treatments. And the synergistic effects of methanolic turmeric extract plus Alum was effective against all strains of E.coli with concentration of 100mg/ml and can be used as second line of treatment against infections caused by E.coli. E. coli isolates with a prevalence of 100% were obtained as the test organisms. Susceptibility pattern of the test isolates showed 100% susceptibility to Gentamycin,75% by chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin and Vancomycin. They were resistant to Cefotaxime (75%) and Cotriazole (25%) respectively. Multiple antibiotic resistance index for test isolates revealed 3(75%) of four E.coli strains was >0.2.The results for total heterotrophic bacterial count showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the mean counts sampling locations Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor and Phalga. Faecal Coliform Count revealed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the mean counts with sachet water having the highest values of (2.77±0.14, 2.76±0.09 and 2.77±0.17) Log10CFU/ml while borehole water revealed least counts of (1.46±1.29, 0.79±1.18 and 1.86±1.44) Log10CFU/ml. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potentials of Alum, MTE in synergism with alum as choice of treatment caused by E. coli in water samples from the study area.
The Effect of Profitability, Liquidity, and Company Size on Company Value in The Banking Subsector
Authors: Cahyani Ni Kadek Sanex Indrawati , Pradnyani Ni Luh Putu Sri Purnama , Artaningrum Rai Gina
Published: September 2023

This study examines the effect of profitability, liquidity, and firm size on firm value. Quantitative research in this study with secondary data in the form of financial statements and annual reports of banking sub-sector companies listed on the IDX from 2019 to 2021. The sample determination method used purposive sampling with the following criteria: 1) banking subsector companies listed on the IDX during the study period, 2) banking subsector companies that presented consistent and complete financial statements and annual reports during the study period, 3) banking subsector companies that did not experience or suffer losses during the research period from 2019-2021, so as to obtain data of 45 observations. The data analysis approach used in this study is multiple linear regression analysis, with the assistance of SPSS 20 for data display. The present study involves the examination of data via the use of the SPSS analysis tool, namely version 20, in order to conduct an analysis of multiple linear regression. The findings of this research suggest that the relevance of profitability positively impacts the valuation of a corporation. The presence of liquidity has a favorable impact on the valuation of firms. The size of a corporation has a favorable impact on its worth. The findings indicate that the value of the business is influenced by three key criteria, namely profitability, liquidity and firm size. Investors are likely to take this element into account when making investment decisions, since a rise in the value of a firm is often accompanied by an increase in its stock price, so as to guarantee that investors may get maximum returns on their investments.
Scientific production on quality and safety in obstetric care: bibliometric studytric / Produção Científica Sobre Qualidade e Segurança na Assistência Obstétrica estudo bibliométrico
Authors: Lucio Poliana Silva , Cabral Juliana Juliana da Rocha , Freire Daniela de Aquino , De Oliveira Regina Célia
Published: September 2023

Objetivo: analisar a frequência de palavras correlacionando com o título e resumo da produção científica sobre a qualidade e segurança na assistência obstétrica à luz da Lei de Zipf (frequência de palavras).  Método: trata-se de um estudo bibliométrico, que possibilita compreender os padrões de produtividade científica ao longo dos anos. realizaram-se buscas nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE, Bdenf e SCOPUS (Elsivier) mediante utilização dos seguintes descritores oriundos do DeCS: obstetrícia/ obstetrics, segurança do paciente/ patient safety, qualidade dos serviços/ quality of health care; associou-se a esses termos o operador booleano AND. Resultados: após realizado o levantamento bibliométrico foram identificados 14 artigos relacionados que contemplaram à temática em estudo. Estes artigos estão publicados em 13 periódicos distintos. Conclusão: com base nos resultados apresentados, evidencia-se que, dentre os 14 artigos recrutados – desde 2014 a 2021, foram predominantes os estudos cuja abordagem relaciona-se intrinsecamente à temática qualidade e segurança na assistência obstétrica.
Epidemiological profile and prevalence of clinical and serological disability among candidates for blood donation / Perfil epidemiológico e prevalência de inaptidão clínica e sorológica entre candidatos à doação de sangue
Authors: Eleuterio Tatiana de Araujo , Costa Larissa Said Lima , Woodtli Raquel Ramos , Faria Magda Guimarães de Araújo , Bandeira Flavia Miranda Gomes de Constantino
Published: September 2023

Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico e identificar as causas prevalentes de inaptidão clínica e sorológica entre os candidatos à doação nos últimos cinco anos. Método: trata-se de um estudo seccional, exploratório e analítico. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do Sistema Hemote Plus®. Resultados: a maioria dos candidatos eram homens (50,9%), de 20 a 29 anos (34,0%), brancos (66,7%), solteiros (59,9%) com ensino médio completo (33,3%) e motivação espontânea (65,5%). Dentre eles,25,9% foram considerados inaptos. As causas mais prevalentes de inaptidão foram: anemia (27,7%) e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (12,4%). Tenderam mais à inaptidão as mulheres (57,9%), indivíduos menor nível de escolaridade (53,9%), e com menos de 39 anos (65,5%). Conclusão: evidencia-se a necessidade de práticas educativas e orientação sobre comportamentos de risco na captação de doadores e triagem clínica, ressaltando a importância do profissional de enfermagem neste contexto.
Development and implementation of a surgery management system aimed at a university hospital / Desenvolvimento e implementação de sistema de gerenciamento de cirurgias voltado a um hospital universitário
Authors: Silva Romero de Melo , Flores José Guilhermo Berenguer , Machado Daniel Aragão , Silva Alexandre Sousa da
Published: September 2023

Objetivos: desenvolver e implementar o sistema de gerenciamento de cirurgias contendo a Lista Cirúrgica e Mapa Cirúrgico. Método: este estudo é de natureza exploratória e descritiva do tipo pesquisa metodológica aplicada. A metodologia utilizada baseia-se no processo de desenvolvimento de software fundamentada no modelo de ciclo de vida de desenvolvimento de sistemas de Pressman. Resultados: o sistema foi desenvolvido e disponibilizado em todos os computadores do hospital em sua rede interna. Implementado em todos as áreas cirúrgicas e Centro Cirúrgico. Conclusão: o sistema de gerenciamento de cirurgias disponibiliza informações em tempo real de informações dos pacientes cirúrgicos a todos setores envolvidos com pacientes cirúrgicos.
Polygenic Risk Score Added to Conventional Case Finding to Identify Undiagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Zhang Jingzhou , Hobbs Brian D. , Silverman Edwin K. , Sparrow David , Ortega Victor E. , Xu Hanfei , Zhang Chengyue , Dupuis Josée , Walkey Allan J. , O’Connor George T. , Cho Michael H. , Moll Matthew
Published: January 2025

Importance

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often undiagnosed. Although genetic risk plays a significant role in COPD susceptibility, its utility in guiding spirometry testing and identifying undiagnosed cases is unclear.

Objective

To determine whether a COPD polygenic risk score (PRS) enhances the identification of undiagnosed COPD beyond a case-finding questionnaire (eg, the Lung Function Questionnaire) using conventional risk factors and respiratory symptoms.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional analysis of participants 35 years or older who reported no history of physician-diagnosed COPD was conducted using data from 2 observational studies: the community-based Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and the COPD-enriched Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) study.

Exposures

Modified Lung Function Questionnaire (mLFQ) scores and COPD PRS.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was spirometry-defined moderate to severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration/forced vital capacity [FEV1/FVC] <0.7 and FEV1 [percent predicted] <80%). The performance of logistic models was assessed using the PRS, mLFQ score, and PRS plus mLFQ score for predicting spirometry-defined COPD.

Results

Among 3385 FHS participants (median age, 52.0 years; 45.9% male) and 4095 COPDGene participants (median age, 56.8 years; 55.5% male) who reported no history of COPD, 160 (4.7%) FHS and 775 (18.9%) COPDGene participants had spirometry-defined COPD. Adding the PRS to the mLFQ score significantly improved the area under the curve from 0.78 to 0.84 (P < .001) in FHS, 0.69 to 0.72 (P = .04) in COPDGene non-Hispanic African American, and 0.75 to 0.78 (P < .001) in COPDGene non-Hispanic White participants. At a risk threshold for spirometry referral of 10%, the addition of the PRS to the mLFQ score correctly reclassified 13.8% (95% CI, 6.6%-21.0%) of COPD cases in FHS, but not in COPDGene.

Conclusions and Relevance

A COPD PRS enhances the identification of undiagnosed COPD beyond a conventional case-finding approach in the general population. Further research is needed to assess its impact on COPD diagnosis and outcomes.
Combination of Baricitinib and Phototherapy in Adults With Active Vitiligo
Authors: Seneschal Julien , Guyon Mathilde , Merhi Ribal , Mazereeuw-Hautier Juliette , Andreu Nicolas , Cazenave Sarah , Ezzedine Khaled , Passeron Thierry , Boniface Katia
Published: January 2025

Importance

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder leading to skin depigmentation and reduced quality of life (QOL). Patients with extensive and very active disease are the most difficult to treat.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and adverse events of baricitinib combined with narrowband UV-B in adults with severe, active, nonsegmental vitiligo.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This academic, multicenter, double-blind, noncomparative randomized clinical trial was conducted at 4 dermatology departments between July 2021 and April 2023 and included adult patients with extensive and active nonsegmental vitiligo. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of baricitinib plus narrowband UV-B based solely on the results from this experimental group. The placebo group was used as a calibration group. Data were analyzed from August to November 2023.

Interventions

Participants were randomized 3:1 to baricitinib, 4 mg per day, or placebo for 36 weeks alone for the first 12 weeks and then in combination with narrowband UV-B twice a week from weeks 12 to 36.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was mean percentage change in total Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score from baseline to week 36 (baricitinib group). The prespecified aim of the study was to show that the reduction in the baricitinib plus narrowband UV-B was significantly greater than 42.9%, a repigmented surface threshold previously observed in patients treated with narrowband UV-B alone. Adverse events and secondary outcomes of change in disease activity and QOL were assessed. Post hoc analyses were additionally performed.

Results

Of 49 included patients, 35 (71%) were female, and the median (IQR) age was 49.9 (38.4-59.8) years. A total of 37 patients were randomized to the baricitinib group and 12 to the placebo group. The mean change in total VASI at week 36 was −44.8% (95% CI, −58.4% to −31.3%) for the baricitinib group and −9.2% (95% CI, −27.7% to 24.7%) for the placebo group. This was not significantly greater than the sufficient repigmented surface threshold of 42.9%. Post hoc analyses showed a significant difference at week 36 for total VASI score in the baricitinib plus narrowband UV-B group compared with placebo plus narrowband UV-B (−44.8% vs −9.2%, respectively; P = .02). There was a greater improvement in disease activity and QOL in the baricitinib group vs placebo group and no significant difference in the number of adverse events.

Conclusions and Relevance

This proof-of-concept randomized clinical trial confirmed the efficacy of baricitinib combined with narrowband UV-B in the treatment of patients with extensive and active vitiligo.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04822584
Robust acute myeloid leukemia engraftment in humanized scaffolds using injectable biomaterials and intravenous xenotransplantation
Authors: Busa Daniel , Herudkova Zdenka , Hyl Jan , Vlazny Jakub , Sokol Filip , Matulova Kvetoslava , Folta Adam , Hynst Jakub , Vojtova Lucy , Kren Leos , Repko Martin , Racil Zdenek , Mayer Jiri , Culen Martin
Published: January 2025

Patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs) can be improved by implantation of a humanized niche. Nevertheless, the overall complexity of the current protocols, as well as the use of specific biomaterials and procedures, limits the wider adoption of this approach. Here, we identify the essential minimum steps required to create the humanized scaffolds and achieve successful acute myeloid leukemia (AML) engraftment. We compared seven biomaterials, which included both published and custom‐designed materials. The highest level of bone marrow niche was achieved with extracellular matrix gels and custom collagen fiber, both of which allowed for a simple non‐surgical implantation. The biomaterial selection did not influence the following AML infiltration. Regarding xenotransplantation, standard intravenous administration produced the most robust engraftment, even for two out of four otherwise non‐engrafting AML samples. In contrast, direct intra‐scaffold xenotransplantation did not offer any advantage. In summary, we demonstrate that the combination of an injectable biomaterial for scaffold creation plus an intravenous route for AML xenotransplantation provide the most convenient and robust approach to produce AML PDX using a humanized niche.
Tailored Colloidal Shapes in Precursor Solutions for Efficient Blade‐Coated Perovskite Solar Modules
Authors: Yang Yongrui , Wu Jingjing , Zhang Kun , Wang Yang , Gao Jie , Guo Mengmeng , Min Fanyi , Wang Yumeng , Guo Lutong , Chen Yu , Qiao Yali , Song Yanlin
Published: January 2025

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for next‐generation photovoltaic technologies. However, perovskite films deposited by blade‐coating usually exhibit inferior film morphology compared to those fabricated by spin‐coating, which hinders the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of the scalable perovskite solar modules (PSMs). Herein, ellipsoidal colloids are tailored in the perovskite precursor solution by incorporating perovskite colloids and polymer additives. Compared to unregulated spherical colloids, the ellipsoidal colloids demonstrate more oriented packing during the blade‐coating process, which is due to the anisotropic driven force from the fluidic flow in the meniscus. As a result of the improved film morphology, the regulated PSCs and PSMs achieve superior PCE of 24.31% and 21.67% (21.37% certified), respectively, for aperture areas of 0.09 and 13.94 cm2, and 89% initial PCE after 600 h continuous operation.
γ‐Terpinene: Biorenewable Reductant for the Molybdenum‐Catalyzed Reduction of Sulfoxides, N‐Oxides and Nitroarenes
Authors: Hernández‐Ruiz Raquel , Solas Marta , Suárez‐Pantiga Samuel , Pedrosa María R. , Sanz Roberto
Published: January 2025

A molybdenum‐catalyzed deoxygenation of sulfoxides, pyridine and quinoline N‐oxides, N‐hydroxybenzotriazoles, as well as the reduction of nitroarenes to anilines, has been developed using monocyclic terpenes such as γ‐terpinene as an environmentally benign hydrogen surrogate. The only byproducts generated are water and p‐cymene, under neat reaction conditions in which the terpene acts as both solvent and reducing agent. These features make this approach a highly attractive and sustainable alternative for the reduction of S‐O and N‐O containing compounds. Additionally, the reaction exhibited excellent chemoselectivity, tolerating a wide variety of functional groups.
Attractor Landscape Analysis Reveals a Reversion Switch in the Transition of Colorectal Tumorigenesis
Authors: Shin Dongkwan , Gong Jeong‐Ryeol , Jeong Seoyoon D. , Cho Youngwon , Kim Hwang‐Phill , Kim Tae‐You , Cho Kwang‐Hyun
Published: January 2025

A cell fate change such as tumorigenesis incurs critical transition. It remains a longstanding challenge whether the underlying mechanism can be unraveled and a molecular switch that can reverse such transition is found. Here a systems framework, REVERT, is presented with which can reconstruct the core molecular regulatory network model and a reversion switch based on single‐cell transcriptome data over the transition process is identified. The usefulness of REVERT is demonstrated by applying it to single‐cell transcriptome of patient‐derived matched organoids of colon cancer and normal colon. REVERT is a generic framework that can be applied to investigate various cell fate transition phenomena.
Confining Surface Oxygen Redox in Double Perovskites for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity and Stability
Authors: Hales Natasha , Huang Jinzhen , Sjølin Benjamin Heckscher , Garcia‐Padilla Alvaro , Borca Camelia Nicoleta , Huthwelker Thomas , Castelli Ivano E. , Skoupy Radim , Clark Adam H. , Andrzejewski Michal , Casati Nicola , Schmidt Thomas J. , Fabbri Emiliana
Published: January 2025

Nickel‐based double perovskites AA′BB′O6 are an underexplored class of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts, in which B‐site substitution is used to tune electronic and structural properties. BaSrNiWO6, with a B‐site comprised of alternating Ni and W, exhibits high oxygen evolution activity, attributed to the evolution of a highly OER active surface phase. The redox transformation of Ni2+(3d8) to Ni3+(3d7) combined with partial W dissolution into the electrolyte from the linear Ni(3d)‐O(2p)‐W(5d) chains drives an in situ reconstruction of the surface to an amorphized, NiO‐like layer, promoting oxygen redox in the OER mechanism. However, the high valence W6+(5d0) acts as a stabilizing electronic influence in the bulk, preventing the mobilization of lattice oxygen which is bound in highly covalent W─O bonds. It is proposed that the surface generated during the OER can support a lattice oxygen evolution mechanism (LOEM) in which oxygen vacancies are created and preferentially refilled by electrolytic OH−, while bulk O species remain stable. This surface LOEM (sLOEM) allows BaSrNiWO6 to retain structural integrity during OER catalysis. With a Tafel slope of 45 mV dec−1 in 0.1 m KOH, BaSrNiWO6 illustrates the potential of Ni‐based double perovskites to offer both OER efficiency and bulk stability in alkaline electrolysis.
South Korean study to prevent cognitive impairment and protect brain health through multidomain interventions via face‐to‐face and video communication platforms in mild cognitive impairment (SUPERBRAIN‐MEET): A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moon So Young , Park Yoo Kyoung , Jeong Jee Hyang , Hong Chang Hyung , Jung Jiwoo , Na Hae Ri , Cho Soo Hyun , Kim Hyun Sook , Song Hong‐Sun , Choi Muncheong , Ku Bon D. , Moon Yeon Sil , Han Hyun Jeong , Hong Yun Jeong , Kim Eun‐Joo , Kim Geon Ha , Kim Ko Woon , Jang Hyemin , Yoon Soo Jin , Kim Hee‐Jin , Choi Seong Hye
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the efficacy of a multidomain intervention (MI) via face‐to‐face and video communication platforms using a tablet personal computer application in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

METHODS

Three hundred participants with MCI and ≥ 1 modifiable dementia risk factor, aged 60‐85 years, were randomly assigned to either the MI group, who underwent a 24‐week intervention, or the control group, who received usual care.

RESULTS

The overall adherence rate to MI was 84.7%. The adjusted mean change from baseline at 24 weeks in the total scale index score of the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status was 8.43 in the MI group and 4.26 in the control group (difference, 4.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.92‐6.43; p < 0.001). MI showed significant beneficial effects on cognition in both apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriers and noncarriers.

DISCUSSION

MI can exert beneficial effects on the cognition of patients with MCI.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05023057

Highlights

Although the controls also demonstrated improved performance in cognition, multidomain interventions showed significantly greater benefits for cognition in MCI compared to the controls in a randomized controlled trial.

Multidomain interventions improved depression and quality of life.

Multidomain interventions significantly positively impacted cognition in both APOE ε4 carriers and noncarriers.

Multidomain interventions may be more effective for amnestic than nonamnestic MCI.
Light‐Driven Stepwise Reduction of Aliphatic Carboxylic Esters to Aldehydes and Alcohols
Authors: Wei Delian , Bu Jiawei , Zhang Shengfu , Chen Shiyu , Yue Ling , Li Xipan , Liang Kangjiang , Xia Chengfeng
Published: January 2025

The reduction of carboxylic esters to aldehydes and alcohols is a fundamental functional group transformation in chemistry. However, the inertness of carbonyl group and the instability of ketyl radical anion intermediate impede the reduction of carboxylic esters via photochemical strategy. Herein, we described the reduction of aliphatic carboxylic esters with synergistic dual photocatalysis via phenolate‐catalyzed single electron transfer process and thiol‐catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer process. The competitive back electron transfer process was effectively inhibited by protonation of the ketyl‐type radical anion. This protocol enabled the efficient reduction of carboxylic esters to alcohols under mild conditions. By interruption of the reduction with prolinol, the step‐controlled reduction of carboxylic esters to aldehydes was accomplished. The developed process was also successfully applied to the preparation of deuterated alcohols and aldehydes from esters with D2O as the deuterium source.
Tandem Catalysis for Plastic Depolymerization: In Situ Hydrogen Generation via Methanol Aqueous Phase Reforming for Sustainable Polyethylene Hydrogenolysis
Authors: Lee Junsung , Kwon Taeeun , Hyuk Kang Ki , Won Wangyun , Ro Insoo
Published: January 2025

Depolymerizing plastic waste through hydrogen‐based processes, such as hydrogenolysis and hydrocracking, presents a promising solution for converting plastics into liquid fuels. However, conventional hydrogen production methods rely heavily on fossil fuels, exacerbating global warming. This study introduces a novel approach to plastic waste hydrogenolysis that utilizes in situ hydrogen generated via the aqueous phase reforming (APR) of methanol, a biomass‐derived chemical offering a more sustainable alternative. Our results show that a bimetallic Ru−Pt/TiO2 catalyst achieved high conversion (85.1 %) and selectivity (81.0 %) towards liquid fuels and lubricant oils in a tandem process combining polyethylene (PE) hydrogenolysis and methanol APR. By tuning the metal loading, we identified that Pt enhances hydrogen production through methanol APR, while Ru drives C−C bond cleavage, which is crucial for PE hydrogenolysis. Isotope labeling analysis confirmed that hydrogen generated from methanol APR is effectively utilized in the PE hydrogenolysis reaction. This method was also successfully applied to post‐consumer polyolefin waste, with selectivity toward valuable products ranging from 75.0 % to 88.9 %. This study highlights an innovative strategy to reduce reliance on fossil‐fuel‐derived hydrogen in plastic waste depolymerization, promoting both sustainability and environmental protection.