bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“She mimicked the manipulations on my hand”: fostering embodied care among children with recurrent acute respiratory tract infections in Southern China
Authors: Yin Lingjia , Chang Bei , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby , Wu Darong , Alvesson Helle Mølsted
Published: October 2024

Introduction

When young children experience recurrent respiratory infections, caregivers face the challenge of preventing new episodes whilst maintaining close rapport with their children. Pediatric massage, such as pediatric Tuina, entails soft massage of the skin, administered by trained providers. This non-pharmaceutical measure is used to prevent new respiratory infections in China. The aim of this study is to deepen our understanding of caregivers’ experiences and perceptions of providing pediatric Tuina treatment to their children with recurrent respiratory tract infections.

Methods

A qualitative study, based on semi-structured interviews, was conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Sixteen mothers from Southern China, whose children had received pediatric Tuina for recurrent respiratory tract infections, participated online. Analysis was conducted according to the principles of reflexive thematic analysis, using the NVivo qualitative research software.

Results

The overarching theme was “Fostering embodied care with children”. Caregivers assessed pediatric Tuina by hearing others’ experiences of pediatric Tuina, as well as observing the manipulations on their child’s body and their bodily reactions during pediatric Tuina sessions. Caregivers also closely observed children’s bodily changes after pediatric Tuina sessions. Embodied attachment between children and adults was nurtured through the pediatric Tuina. Compared to other treatments or medical consultations, children were more relaxed and more involved in embodied care, which involved direct skin touching and verbal communication from the pediatric Tuina provider. Children also took the initiative to bring pediatric Tuina into their family life, by asking caregivers to perform it on them and mimicking the manipulations on the caregivers’ hand.

Conclusions

Pediatric Tuina served as a means of interaction between children and adults, fostering an embodied care on both a physical and emotional level. Beyond its potentially preventive effect on recurrent respiratory tract infections, pediatric Tuina could be a support for parents of children with recurrent or chronic disease at home.
Protocol for a randomized controlled trial: exercise-priming of CBT for depression (the CBT+ trial)
Authors: Meyer Jacob D. , Kelly Shania J. E. , Gidley John M. , Lansing Jeni E. , Smith Seana L. , Churchill Sydney L. , Thomas Emily B. K. , Goldberg Simon B. , Abercrombie Heather C. , Murray Thomas A. , Wade Nathaniel G.
Published: October 2024

Background

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and treatments could be more effective. Identifying methods to improve treatment success has the potential to reduce disease burden dramatically. Preparing or “priming” someone to respond more effectively to psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT]) by preceding sessions with aerobic exercise, a powerful neurobiological activator, could enhance the success of the subsequently performed therapy. However, the success of this priming approach for increasing engagement of working mechanisms of psychotherapy (e.g., increased working alliance and behavioral activation) has yet to be formally tested.

Methods

The CBT + trial will be a parallel-arm randomized controlled trial that will recruit 40 adult participants with DSM-5 diagnosed depression (verified with clinical interview) via referrals, mass emails, local flyers, and social media posts. Participants will be randomized to an ActiveCBT or CalmCBT condition. The ActiveCBT group will receive an 8-week CBT intervention primed with 30 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (cycling on a stationary bike at a 13 rating of perceived exertion). The CalmCBT group will receive the same 8-week CBT intervention while resting for 30 min before CBT (i.e., cycling vs no cycling is the only difference). The primary outcome measures will be mean working alliance (assessed with the client version of the Working Alliance Inventory—Short Revised) and mean behavioral activation (self-reported Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale) recorded at each of the 8 therapy sessions. Secondary outcomes include evaluation of state anhedonia and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor before the active/calm conditions, between the condition and therapy, and after the therapy. Additional exploratory analyses will evaluate group differences in algorithm-generated ratings of therapist-participant interactions via the Lyssn platform.

Discussion

The novel approach of priming CBT with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (CBT + trial) has the potential to demonstrate the usefulness of exercise as an augmentation strategy that improves working mechanisms of therapy and overall treatment outcomes for adults with depression.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06001346. Registered on August 21, 2023.
Design and rationale for an empirical investigation of the resource use and costs of investigator-initiated randomized trials in Switzerland, the UK, and Germany
Authors: Griessbach Alexandra , Speich Benjamin , Dutilh Gilles , Treweek Shaun , Schwenkglenks Matthias , Briel Matthias ,   on behalf of the MAking Randomized Trials Affordable (MARTA) Group
Published: October 2024

Background

Conducting high-quality randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is challenging, time consuming, and resource intense. Academic investigators usually depend on scarce financial resources; however, current literature lacks systematically collected empirical data on the detailed resource use and costs of investigator-initiated RCTs.

Methods

The aim of this study is to generate a database of detailed empirical resource use and cost data from 100 investigator-initiated RCTs in Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. Investigators enter their empirical costs data into an online data collection form, which is followed by a short interview and a detailed cost report. We plan to investigate cost patterns and cost drivers and examine planned versus actual RCT costs as well as explore different strata of costs across the planning, conduct, and finalization phases, in drug and non-drug trials, and across medical fields and countries.

Discussion

This study will add detailed empirical data to the limited research on investigator-initiated RCT costs currently available. A study limitation will be that cost data will be retrospective and self-reported, which might be inaccurate depending on how costs were recorded.

Trial registration

Open Science Framework (OSF) https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QY2GU. Registered on June 4, 2021.
Inclusion of people with multiple long-term conditions in pregnancy research: patient, public and stakeholder involvement and engagement in a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Vowles Zoë , Ashworth Danielle C. , Barron Rebecca L. , Conti-Ramsden Frances , Wilson Hannah , Leighton Lisa , Wall Louise , Walter Cherrelle , Myers Jenny , Chappell Lucy C.
Published: October 2024

Background

Both pregnant women and those with multiple long-term conditions are under-served groups in clinical research. Informing and improving research through patient and public involvement, including pregnant women with two or more long-term health conditions, is critical to increasing their inclusion in maternity research. Giant PANDA is a randomised controlled trial, evaluating the effect of a treatment initiation strategy with nifedipine versus labetalol on severe maternal hypertension and a composite outcome of fetal/neonatal death, or neonatal unit admission. We aimed to undertake a mixed methods study-within-a-project within the Giant PANDA trial to understand barriers and facilitators to participation, understand and optimise current representativeness of clinical trial delivery of those with multiple long-term conditions and co-create a checklist to support their inclusion in pregnancy research.

Methods

We undertook online workshops with women with lived experience and hybrid workshops with healthcare professionals who look after women with multiple long-term conditions. A site audit of Giant PANDA sites provided insights into research delivery capacity and health system set-up, and how this influences inclusion. An extension to the Giant PANDA screening log captured data on multiple long-term conditions enabling analysis of the impact of these health conditions on women’s inclusion in the trial. We co-created a checklist of recommendations for those designing and recruiting to similar clinical trials.

Results

Five key recommendations were identified including a need to (1) involve women with multiple long-term conditions as partners in maternity research and (2) minimise barriers that stop them from taking part through (3) designing and delivering research that is flexible in time and place (4) consider research as part of care for everyone, including those with multiple long-term conditions and (5) measure and report inclusion of those with two or more health conditions in maternity research. Multiple long-term conditions were not a barrier to recruitment or randomisation in the Giant PANDA trial.

Conclusion

Women with multiple long-term conditions would like opportunities to find out about and participate in research which accounts for their needs. Our checklist aims to support those designing and delivering maternity research to optimise inclusion of individuals with multiple-long term conditions.

Trial registration: Giant PANDA: EudraCT number: 2020-003410-12, ISRCTN: 12,792,616.
Revitalizing subterranean spaces: a comprehensive study on enhancing air quality in underground shopping malls for sustainable urban living
Authors: Kim Kichul , Kim Jiwoong , Lee Yun Gyu , Wi Seunghwan , Kim Sumin
Published: October 2024

Cities worldwide are increasingly turning to underground spaces to address the challenges posed by high population density. These subterranean areas are now utilized for various purposes such as offices, shopping malls, subway terminals, and underground sidewalks. However, the semi-closed nature of most underground spaces presents difficulties in ensuring a comfortable environment due to the lack of natural ventilation. This study focuses on a representative underground shopping mall in South Korea, utilizing preliminary surveys and long-term sensor monitoring to identify existing problems. The aging ventilation system was retrofitted to enhance and assess indoor air quality. As a result, concentrations of carbon dioxide, total volatile organic compounds, and radon were reduced by over 33, 74, and 98%, respectively, while particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) concentrations remained the same as before. This not only contributed to maintaining proper indoor air quality, but also led to a reduction in total energy consumption. The goal of this project is to improve air quality in facilities located in underground spaces, such as underground shopping malls, where indoor air quality management is challenging, thereby creating a safe and healthy environment for users and enhancing the overall functionality of the facility.
Reporting three rare pathogenic variants at the CFTR gene in two unrelated Iranian Azeri children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Hosseini-Asl S. Erfan , Khalafi Jafar , Seyedhashemi Effat , Farajollahi Reza , Ahkavan Homa , Hosseini-Asl S. Saied
Published: October 2024

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive inherited life-threatening disease that causes changes in the electrolyte transport system, leading to high absorption of sodium and water. Disease-causing variants of the CFTR gene are responsible for this disease. In the present study, three rare pathogenic variants were identified in two unrelated Iranian Azeri children with CF.

Case presentation

One child affected with CF was found to have two rare variants, c.1545_1546delTA and c.3196C > T, detected through Sanger sequencing of the entire coding region and promoter of the CFTR gene. Another patient was identified as compound heterozygous for the variant c.1545_1546delTA and a rare variant, c.2998delA, which has not been previously reported. The variants were found to be in trans, as both parents were heterozygous for the variants.

Conclusion

The rare variant c.1545_1546delTA has been previously reported as a known variant in certain populations, including Azeris in northwest Iran. Our results, along with previous findings, suggest that this variant may be considered a founder mutation in specific geographical regions. The variant c.2998delA has not been previously reported as pathogenic. Following the guidelines of the American College of Genetics and Genomics and considering the proband's symptoms, we classified this variant as pathogenic based on criteria PVS1, PS4, PM3, PP1, and PM2. The identified variants in the CFTR gene as well as the previously reported variants could serve as a basis for future genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in Iran.
A new approach for optimal design of intensive care unit
Authors: Wahed Manal Abdel , Saleh Neven
Published: October 2024

Planning and budgeting for healthcare facilities necessitate precise estimation and a thoughtful analysis of the required area for each department, as well as extensive knowledge of the most important elements that can influence the design and provide an appropriate environment for staff and patients. A gross conversion factor is influential in calculating the entire area of a department. However, there is no precise standard indicating how this factor should be calculated. To address this problem, quality function deployment (QFD) has been implemented. The intensive care unit (ICU) is one of the highly equipped departments that should be properly planned; therefore, it was selected for application. The five steps of the QFD are used to identify and rank the most important and efficient design features. Only the top factors are considered in calculating the required area for the ICU department. This approach presents a unique method for estimating the gross square area based on calculating the gross conversion factor. To demonstrate the proposed approach’s efficacy, it was applied to two Egyptian public hospitals. The results reveal that 15–16% of the total space of both hospitals can be reduced from the total department space. Moreover, an outstanding reduction in ICU design and preparation expenses has been achieved. The design reduces the required budget for a project while maintaining the same construction material quality and accommodating extra beds. Additionally, the QFD proves its ability to redesign the ICU department while reducing costs.
Socioeconomic Status and Obesity
Authors: Autret Kristen , Bekelman Traci A
Published: October 2024

Obesity is a pervasive public health problem that causes debilitating complications across the life course. One opportunity for preventing the onset of obesity is to focus on its social determinants. Socioeconomic status (SES), which includes factors such as income, educational attainment, occupational prestige, and access to resources, is a key determinant of obesity. In this scoping mini-review, we summarized review articles and meta-analyses of the SES-obesity association. From the 1980s to the present, cross-sectional studies have demonstrated a persistent socioeconomic gradient in obesity in which the association is negative in developed countries and positive in developing countries. Longitudinal studies have revealed the bidirectionality of the SES-obesity association; some studies demonstrate that socioeconomic adversity precedes the onset of obesity, while others provide evidence of reverse causality. While earlier studies relied on anthropometric assessments of weight and height to define obesity, the use of modern technologies like dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance have demonstrated that the socioeconomic gradient in obesity is robust across multiple indicators of body composition, including direct measures of lean and fat mass. More recently, examination of mediators and moderators of the SES-obesity association have highlighted causal pathways and potential intervention targets, with a focus on health behaviors, environmental conditions, psychological factors, and biological processes. We describe current gaps in knowledge and propose opportunities for future innovation to reduce the burden of obesity and related socioeconomic disparities.
Nuclear instance segmentation and tracking for preimplantation mouse embryos
Authors: Nunley Hayden , Shao Binglun , Denberg David , Grover Prateek , Singh Jaspreet , Avdeeva Maria , Joyce Bradley , Kim-Yip Rebecca , Kohrman Abraham , Biswas Abhishek , Watters Aaron , Gal Zsombor , Kickuth Alison , Chalifoux Madeleine , Shvartsman Stanislav Y. , Brown Lisa M. , Posfai Eszter
Published: October 2024

For investigations into fate specification and morphogenesis in time-lapse images of preimplantation embryos, automated 3D instance segmentation and tracking of nuclei are invaluable. Low signal-to-noise ratio, high voxel anisotropy, high nuclear density, and variable nuclear shapes can limit the performance of segmentation methods, while tracking is complicated by cell divisions, low frame rates, and sample movements. Supervised machine learning approaches can radically improve segmentation accuracy and enable easier tracking, but they often require large amounts of annotated 3D data. Here, we first report a previously unreported mouse line expressing near-infrared nuclear reporter H2B-miRFP720. We then generate a dataset (termed BlastoSPIM) of 3D images of H2B-miRFP720-expressing embryos with ground truth for nuclear instances. Using BlastoSPIM, we benchmark seven convolutional neural networks and identify Stardist-3D as the most accurate instance segmentation method. With our BlastoSPIM-trained Stardist-3D models, we construct a complete pipeline for nuclear instance segmentation and lineage tracking from the eight-cell stage to the end of preimplantation development (>100 nuclei). Finally, we demonstrate the usefulness of BlastoSPIM as pre-train data for related problems, both for a different imaging modality and for different model systems.
Symmetry breaking and fate divergence during lateral inhibition in Drosophila
Authors: Phan Minh-Son , Kim Jang-mi , Picciotto Cara , Couturier Lydie , Veits Nisha , Mazouni Khallil , Schweisguth François
Published: October 2024

Lateral inhibition mediates alternative cell fate decision and produces regular cell fate patterns with fate symmetry breaking (SB) relying on the amplification of small stochastic differences in Notch activity via an intercellular negative-feedback loop. Here, we used quantitative live imaging of endogenous Scute (Sc), a proneural factor, and of a Notch activity reporter to study the emergence of sensory organ precursor cells in the pupal abdomen of Drosophila. SB was observed at low Sc levels and was not preceded by a phase of intermediate Sc expression and Notch activity. Thus, mutual inhibition may only be transient in this context. In support of the intercellular feedback loop model, cell-to-cell variations in Sc levels promoted fate divergence. The size of the apical area of competing cells did not detectably bias this fate choice. Surprisingly, cells that were in direct contact at the time of SB could adopt the sensory organ precursor cell fate, albeit at low frequency (10%). These lateral inhibition defects were corrected by cellular rearrangements, not cell fate change, highlighting the role of cell-cell intercalation in pattern refinement.
A protocol for the systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials of interventions to improve sleep in people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Authors: Crowley Patrick , Flanagan Evelyn , O'Caoimh Rónán
Published: October 2024

Background While sleep disturbance is common in advanced dementia, leading to negative outcomes, there is growing evidence that sleep disturbance begins early in prodromal dementia and may contribute to cognitive decline. Sleep is therefore an important treatment target throughout the natural history of dementia. The existing literature regarding interventions for sleep in people with cognitive impairment is beset by wide heterogeneity in the sleep measurement tools used and outcome measures reported, which limits data synthesis and impedes the development of a robust evidence base for these interventions. Aim We propose to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the evidence base from clinical trials for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to improve sleep in people with cognitive impairment. We will also extract data regarding the sleep measurement tools and outcome measures used in these studies to underpin the development of a core outcome set for future clinical trials in the area. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis will include randomised and non-randomised controlled clinical trials that assess interventions to improve sleep in participants with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane CENTRAL database will be searched from inception to present. A flow chart will illustrate the study selection process in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The methodological quality and risk of bias of included studies will be assessed. Heterogeneity will be tested. A narrative synthesis will be undertaken where meta-analysis is not feasible. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis will help inform clinical practice by evaluating the available evidence for interventions to improve sleep in people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. It will also facilitate the development of a core outcome set that will improve the coherence and utility of data emerging from future clinical trials.
Post-trial access practice in malaria, tuberculosis, and NTDs clinical trial studies in Sub-Saharan African countries, quantitative study
Authors: Seralegne Yemisrach , Wangamati Cynthia Khamala , Bernabe Rosemarie de la Cruz , Mdala Ibrahim , Zewdie Martha , Adane Hawult Taye
Published: October 2024

Background According to CIOMS, 2016 post-trial access (PTA) refers to the ethical imperative that requires the sponsor, researchers, and relevant public health authority, "to make available as soon as possible any intervention or product developed, and knowledge generated, for the population or community in which the research is carried out." PTA is stipulated and recommended by different international research guidelines like CIOMS, and it was acknowledged that PTA should be accessible to those who actively participated in the trial study and the community and/or host country. Law, policy, and practical guidance for PTA has so far been vague but has recently attracted and increased attention in the context of benefit sharing of scientific research results with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Even though the number of clinical trials conducted in the Sub-Saharan countries has increased in the past two decades, PTA plan and practice is underreported or very low. Objective to evaluate PTA plan and implementation practice on TB, Malaria and NTD clinical trial studies conducted in the sub-Saharan African countries. Method a quantitative, cross sectional study survey approach is used to evaluate the PTA plan and practice of PI, trial coordinators, and sponsors in Sub-Saharan African countries. Finding misunderstanding of the term PTA, lack of plan, discussion, and arrangement on PTA between research stakeholders. Conclusion PTA training should be prepared and facilitated for researchers, IRB members, PIs, funders, and sponsors; discussion and arrangement on PTA should be done before the conduct of the trial; and there should be written agreement between the parties to guarantee PTA to study participants and community after the end of the trial study.
Empiric gram-negative antibiotics usage among critically ill patients across 13 ICUs of Nepal: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Neupane Maniraj , Bhusal Surendra , Luitel Subekshya , Amatya Isha , Paudel Sushila , Shakya Roshni , Aryal Diptesh ,   ICU Registry Network
Published: October 2024

Background This study aims to investigate the associations between patient characteristics and the receipt of empiric broad-spectrum gram-negative antimicrobials among adult patients admitted to ICUs in Nepal. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 13 ICUs in Nepal between January 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2022. Empiric antibiotic use was defined as receiving gram-negative antibiotics within the first two days of ICU admission without evidence of infection from culture. Patient characteristics between patients receiving narrow-spectrum antibiotics and broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics were compared. Continuous variables were compared using mean and standard deviation, with mean differences and 95% confidence intervals calculated. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. A multi-level multivariable regression model assessed the relationship between selected variables and broad-spectrum antibiotic usage, treating admitting ICU as a random factor. Results Among 12,349 eligible patients, 8720 (70.6%) received Empiric gram-negative antibiotics. Of those, 3240 (37.15%) received empiric narrow-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics, and 5480 (62.8%) received Empiric broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics. Patients receiving broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics were older (57.4 vs 53.8 yrs); had higher mean heart rates (97.3 vs 89.5 bpm), respiratory rates (24 vs 21.9), a fraction of inspired oxygen ( 50% vs 40%), blood sugar levels (163.4 vs 153.9 mg/dl), total leucocyte counts (12,685 vs 10,647 cells/cu mm) and serum creatinine (2.06 vs 1.03 umol/l) compared to narrow spectrum antibiotics. Similarly, patients receiving broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics had lower systolic blood pressure (122.6 vs 126.5 mm Hg), partial pressure of oxygen (96.7 vs 105.3), and pH ( 7.33 vs 7.36) compared to narrow-spectrum antibiotics. On multivariable regression; patients with readmission, cardiac support, and mechanical ventilation were more likely to receive broad-spectrum antibiotics. Conclusion The rate of empiric broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics usage in intensive care units is significantly high and associated with features of increased severity of illness.
The genome sequence of Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd.
Authors: Schley Rowan J. , Pennington R. Toby , Twyford Alex D. , Dexter Kyle G. , Kidner Catherine , Michael Todd P. ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual of Inga laurina (Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Fabales; Fabaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 899.60 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules, supporting the individual being an autotetraploid with 2n=4x=52. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 1,261.88 kilobases and 176.27 kilobases, respectively. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 33,101 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Black-horned Gem soldier fly, Microchrysa polita (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Microchrysa polita (the Black-horned Gem; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Stratiomyidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 846.60 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.07 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19,601 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of the giant tachinid fly, Tachina grossa (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors:   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Tachina grossa (the giant tachinid fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Tachinidae). The genome sequence spans 936.90 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.82 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,428 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of the common alder, Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. (Betulaceae)
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M. , Goodwin Zoë , Bell David G. , Martin Claudia A. ,   Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Genome Acquisition Lab,   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly of a diploid specimen of Alnus glutinosa (the common alder; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Fagales; Betulaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 456.80 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 14 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome assemblies have lengths of 505.23 and 155.85 kilobases and the plastid genome is 160.82 kilobases long. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 23,728 protein-coding genes.
Is fluoride the best we've got? The most common toothpaste active ingredients and their influence on caries and oral health: A brief review of the literature
Authors: Kowalska Klaudia , Weronika Kiełt  , Julia Kozłowska  , Gabriela Broniec  , Barbara Wajdowicz  , Aleksandra Kudła  , Rozalia Czapiewska  , Aleksandra Dziewulska  , Aleksandra Wróbel  , Laura Pacek
Published: October 2024

Aim of the study 
Toothpaste is a paste or gel to be used with a toothbrush to maintain and improve oral health and aesthetics. Nowadays there is a great variety of ingredients that might have different effects on caries development or oral health in general. Society continues to seek ways to replace fluoride or include more natural ingredients in everyday hygiene products. The aim of our study is to present current knowledge of various ingredients in toothpastes regarding their influence on teeth and intraoral soft tissues and the possibility of replacing fluoride with other substances.
Material and methods
Our review is based on the analysis of materials collected in„Pubmed”, „Google Scholar” and other scientific articles using keywords: „toothpaste”, „fluoride”, „ingredients”, “hydroxyapatite”, „chlorhexidine”, “triclosan”, “propolis”, “aloe vera”, “charcoal”, “oleanolic acid”, “SLS”, “xylitol”
Conclusions
Despite numerous studies, there is space for further research in finding substances that might improve toothpastes with or without extracting fluoride from them. Fluoride has the most proven effectiveness in caries prevention, with fluorosis as its most damaging side effect, while hydroxyapatite shows promising results. Although, there are many substances that might be useful in oral health care products.
Huizinga, tudo é “play” ou de como tudo, afinal, pode ser “falso-play”. Alguns problemas.
Authors: Antunes Paulo
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo vai considerar alguns problemas da obra de Huizinga, Homo Ludens, onde foi proposto o fator social “play” como constante e base da civilização humana, enfim, que “tudo é play”. A crítica terá em conta parte dos principais argumentos aí apresentados, o que resulta na análise do que se considera ser uma confusão conceptual entre “play” e “game”, ou “ludicidade” e “jogo”; uma contradição entre os próprios termos do autor aquando de uma comparação entre um suposto “play” do passado e o que entende ser o do presente; e um engagement que se co-relaciona com os dois pontos anteriores. Com este trajeto, a hipótese huizingiana de um “falso-jogo” também deve ficar esclarecida.
Aportaciones latinoamericanas al pensamiento económico: dependencia, extractivismo y buen vivir.
Authors: Coq Huelva Daniel
Published: October 2024

En las siguientes líneas van a repasarse algunas aportaciones al pensamiento económico, distintivamente latinoamericanas, no solo porque nacen en América Latina sino también porque se orientan a explicar problemas específicamente latinoamericanos. Dentro de ellas vamos a destacar la Teoría de la Dependencia y las conceptualizaciones sobre Extractivismo y Buen Vivir, exponiendo resumidamente sus preocupaciones y el contenido de sus aportaciones. Como se verá, en los tres casos existe una amplia genealogía de contribuciones diversas que confluyen sobre una serie de temáticas y perspectivas comunes. Se trata, además, de desarrollos teóricos que, en todos los casos, tienen un fuerte carácter realista, basados en la observación de una serie de problemáticas identificadas sobre la base de aproximaciones histórico-estructurales. Sobre esta base se construyen aportaciones que, de una u otra forma, suponen una enmienda a las formas dominantes de comprensión y gestión de la economía. En este sentido, resultan una de las expresiones más destacadas de la heterodoxia económica en el último siglo. En este contexto, no solo proponen otras formas de entender las cosas, sino también otros modos de interaccionar con la realidad, es decir, otras políticas.
Breve Esbozo de forma democrática de gobierno en una carta al Señor Paoli. Catharine Macaulay Graham.
Authors: Hurtado Simó Ricardo
Published: October 2024

En 1767, la filósofa inglesa Catharine Macaulay Graham envió al líder corso Pasquale Paoli una carta donde enunciaba su propuesta de gobierno democrático para Córcega, siguiendo muy de cerca el republicanismo de James Harrington y Jean Jacques Rousseau. Confiada en el avance de la razón y la Ilustración, considera que la independencia de la isla puede suponer el primer paso para crear un marco político capaz de reducir las desigualdades y promover la libertad de la ciudadanía a través de su participación activa en las instituciones.
Development and evaluation of a one-stop surgical outpatient clinic to tackle waiting lists
Authors: Lassman Eliza King , Butnari Valentin , Mansuri Ahmer , Murphy Patricia , Amalesh Thangadorai , Shatkar Veeranna
Published: October 2024

Background/Aims

The COVID-19 pandemic caused substantial disruption to elective surgery, with NHS trusts still trying to work through their backlogs and reduce waiting lists. This study aimed to design, implement and evaluate a novel one-stop general surgical outpatient clinic to tackle long waiting lists post COVID-19.

Methods

General surgical outpatient clinics were held on 6 days between April and October 2021. The impact of these clinics was retrospectively measured using data collected from the trust's electronic database on the length of waiting lists, number of weeks before appointment and financial expenditure associated with the project.

Results

There were 1440 fewer patients on the outpatient waiting list after the clinics were implemented compared to before, with a 100% reduction in the number of patients waiting longer than 52 weeks for an appointment. Across the six clinic days, 93.7% of available slots were booked and patients attended 90.5% of booked slots. A net financial benefit of £128 700 was calculated.

Conclusions

Lessons from this project could be applied in other specialties and NHS trusts to tackle waiting lists and outpatient clinic backlog post COVID-19.
La	experiencia	histórica:	teoría	y	práctica	del profesorado de educación secundària
Authors: Meneses Varas Belén
Published: October 2024

El artículo presenta el modelo conceptual de Experiencia Histórica (EH) de Meneses (2020) que surge de una investigación realizada con docentes de secundaria de Cataluña. La propuesta propone favorecer el aprendizaje significativo a partir de procesos de enseñanza que desarrollen tres dimensiones de la EH: vivencial, cognitiva y aplicada. Es una investigación cualitativa que analiza teorías y prácticas de tres docentes de escuelas concertadas de Cataluña, a partir de los resultados obtenidos de las observaciones de aula y de las entrevistas. Se pudo reconocer la presencia de distintos aspectos de la EH en los discursos y en las prácticas de estos docentes, destacándose la dimensión vivencial por sobre la cognitiva y aplicada. Se observa relevancia en sus discursos y en sus prácticas, la inclusión de las vivencias personales, de historias familiares y del trabajo con la memoria histórica al abordar los distintos contenidos disciplinares. Dos docentes otorgan importancia al proceso cognitivo de interpretación de fuentes y al uso de procedimientos historiográficos en las clases de historia.
Un estudio sobre los relatos de ficción del alumnado de educación secundaria: distopías y organización social
Authors: Pascual Moncada Yolanda
Published: October 2024

Esta investigación indaga en las representaciones sobre la organización social del alumnado a partir de su aproximación a los relatos de ficción. Desde la perspectiva de la enseñanza hemos querido utilizar las distopías, muy presentes en los medios de comunicación digitales y con mucha influencia en los jóvenes. La perspectiva del aprendizaje se concreta en los relatos del alumnado, en sus testimonios, en sus escritos y en sus reflexiones. La distopía nos ha permitido situarnos entre la realidad y la ficción, dando lugar a una crítica social contemporánea, que a su vez nos permite conectar con la educación para el futuro, pero también del presente, transformándose en una herramienta muy útil. En la investigación, nos permite acercarnos a las representaciones sociales del alumnado y a sus posibilidades de cambio. En cuanto a la innovación educativa es una estrategia magnífica para trabajar a partir de problemas o conflictos sociales.
¿Hacer pasar a Milton Friedman por John Rawls? Entre la retórica de la justicia liberal en el urbanismo social y las injusticias socioespaciales de la provisión neoliberal de la vivienda social en Medellín (2004-2020)
Authors: Santana Rivas Luis Daniel
Published: October 2024

Las teorías sobre la justicia espacial permiten construir distintos recortes analíticos y comprender variadas facetas discursivas y prácticas de los procesos de producción de las injusticias espaciales. El caso del ‘urbanismo social’ en Medellín, y de su particular traducción local del modelo habitacional nacional en las dos primeras décadas del siglo XXI, permite por un lado, reflexionar sobre las contradicciones inherentes a la concepción de la justicia liberal -empleada como retórica de los gobiernos locales entre 2004 y 2011- y sobre todo cómo ésta obscurece las prácticas concretas de producción de injusticias espaciales en la provisión neoliberal de vivienda social. Por otro, también es un caso pertinente para proponer una interpretación de las categorías de escalas de justicia de Fraser como instrumento de crítica geográfica a la producción de injusticias espaciales. Así, el objetivo del artículo es analizar las contradicciones de dicho modelo habitacional, rawlsiano en la retórica, pero subsidiario en la práctica, haciendo énfasis en los procesos de producción de injusticias socioespaciales. Estas implicaron la emergencia de conflictos políticos en el borde urbano-rural (no reconocimiento y no representación), así como la agravación de los patrones macro y micro de la segregación residencial y la intensificación de la escasez habitacional (no redistribución).
(In)justicia espacial y otredades en la Ciudad de México. Experiencias urbanas de jóvenes de la periferia oriente
Authors: Bayón María Cristina , Moncrieff Zabaleta Henry
Published: October 2024

La forma espacial de la injusticia social se hace patente en los diversos recorridos urbanos por las grandes metrópolis. Mediante imágenes de lugar negativas que tienden a asociar tipos de lugares (barrios, escuelas, calles, plazas) con tipos de gente, se criminaliza a los grupos subalternos y a los espacios que habitan y transitan, construidos como otredades demonizadas y despreciadas que habitan en los imaginarios sociales de las diversas ciudades de la orbe. Esta estigmatización recae más fuertemente sobre los jóvenes que residen en las periferias populares, lo que contribuye a reproducir la desigualdad y el control social a través del temor, el rechazo y el desprecio, y afecta profundamente su experiencia urbana y sus relaciones con diversas instituciones y espacios (la policía, la escuela, el barrio, la calle, el trabajo). En este artículo analizamos la (in)justicia espacial a partir de las experiencias cotidianas y recorridos urbanos de jóvenes residentes en una colonia popular fuertemente estigmatizada de la periferia oriente de la Ciudad de México. Reinterpretamos nuestras investigaciones etnográficas previas en clave de (in)justicia espacial,  articulando el análisis sobre juventudes populares, periferias y apegos locales, con el papel central y activo del espacio en la estructuración y reproducción de las desigualdades urbanas.
Repensar as políticas de habitação e de planeamento a partir do Bairro Novo de Évora
Authors: Alves Sónia
Published: October 2024

A investigação de processos históricos no campo dos estudos urbanos e da habitação permite melhorar a compreensão da relação entre factos e eventos ocorridos no passado, incluindo os relacionados com o desenho e a implementação de políticas públicas, e os resultados observados no presente.
A partir de metodologias de investigação histórica, nomeadamente de recolha e análise de informação primária em arquivos e de revisão da literatura, o artigo contribui para a compreensão das condições políticas, socioeconómicas e culturais que levaram à construção do Bairro Novo de Évora como um espaço caracterizado por uma mistura de regimes de habitação e de classes sociais.
Os resultados produzidos pela investigação empírica contribuem ainda para o debate teórico sobre: i) o modo como as ideologias e as expetativas normativas dominantes num sistema político e legal condicionam as possibilidades de ação ao nível local; ii) a inexistência de um nexo de causalidade (inequívoco) entre políticas do Estado Novo e processos de segregação socio-espacial; e iii) a importância, paralela, das ideias que circulam ao nível internacional e da agência dos atores locais para, mesmo num contexto de forte centralização política, moldarem as concretizações ao nível dos territórios.
“No todo es coser y cantar”. Explorando los espacios domésticos de mujeres migrantes
Authors: Cearreta-Innocenti Tania
Published: October 2024

Este artículo busca comprender cómo se (sobre)vive en los márgenes urbanos desde la domesticidad de un grupo de mujeres migrantes que acuden semanalmente a un taller de costura en Torrassa (L’Hospitalet de Llobregat). Pese a sus historias de lucha, migraciones y una realidad marcada por la precariedad, ellas encuentran en el taller un espacio socializador, movilizador y catártico; un valioso pretexto para compartir anhelos y frustraciones que trascienden su propio hogar, puesto que éste no deja de ser un espacio de trabajo más donde cargan con sus obligaciones, cuidados y su reproducción social. El ámbito doméstico se convierte aquí en un concepto difuso, que desdibuja los límites del hogar y cuyas actividades despojan a las mujeres de un espacio y tiempo propios.
Mediante métodos de investigación cualitativos poco comunes como la creación de mapas de vida textiles, se busca profundizar en los quehaceres y las emociones de estas mujeres costureras y en las complejidades del habitar destacando su papel esencial dentro de sus propios hogares y comunidades. Asimismo, se busca comprender cómo, a través de sus estrategias diarias de resistencia subyacente y silenciosa, sostienen la vida en los márgenes-
Harnessing physics-guided neural networks for tailoring the orbital angular momentum spectrum in second harmonic generation
Authors: Ghavami Sabouri Saeed , Sadat Hashemi Somayeh
Published: October 2024

The management of orbital angular momentum (OAM) in frequency conversion processes is
essential for numerous applications such as quantum and classical
optical communications. This paper presents a wavefront modulation
approach for the fundamental beam in second harmonic generation (SHG)
to efficiently control the OAM spectrum. We employ an inverse design
method to derive the necessary wavefront shape of the fundamental beam
for achieving a desired SHG OAM spectrum. Specifically, we introduce
an efficient inverse design technique based on physics-guided neural
networks (PGNNs) that incorporates the coupled equations governing
SHG, aimed at tailoring the OAM spectrum of SHG. Utilizing the
proposed PGNN, we design the phase pattern for a spatial light
modulator (SLM) to shape the wavefront of the fundamental beam.
Furthermore, we present a novel loss function, to our knowledge, that
effectively links the OAM of the SHG spectrum and efficiency to the
SLM phase pattern and crystal temperature, independent of empirical
weight coefficients. The proposed PGNN facilitates the purification of
the SHG OAM spectrum, even when the fundamental beam comprises mixed
Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) modes. Additionally, we demonstrate the
generation of desired SHG spectra using the proposed PGNN framework.
This study introduces what we believe to be a groundbreaking inverse
design method for developing photonic devices with customized
functionalities, addressing challenges associated with traditional
data-driven deep learning techniques.