bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Update on Recommendations for Cancer Screening and Surveillance in Children with Genomic Instability Disorders
Authors: Nakano Yoshiko , Kuiper Roland P. , Nichols Kim E. , Porter Christopher C. , Lesmana Harry , Meade Julia , Kratz Christian P. , Godley Lucy A. , Maese Luke D. , Achatz Maria Isabel , Khincha Payal P. , Savage Sharon A. , Doria Andrea S. , Greer Mary-Louise C. , Chang Vivian Y. , Wang Lisa L. , Plon Sharon E. , Walsh Michael F.
Published: September 2024

Genomic instability disorders are characterized by DNA or chromosomal instability, resulting in various clinical manifestations, including developmental anomalies, immunodeficiency, and increased risk of developing cancers beginning in childhood. Many of these genomic instability disorders also present with exquisite sensitivity to anticancer treatments such as ionizing radiation and chemotherapy, which may further increase the risk of second cancers. In July 2023, the American Association for Cancer Research held the second Childhood Cancer Predisposition Workshop, where multidisciplinary international experts discussed, reviewed, and updated recommendations for children with cancer predisposition syndromes. This article discusses childhood cancer risks and surveillance recommendations for the group of genomic instability disorders with predominantly recessive inheritance, including the DNA repair disorders ataxia telangiectasia, Nijmegen breakage syndrome, Fanconi anemia, xeroderma pigmentosum, Bloom syndrome, and Rothmund–Thomson syndrome, as well as the telomere biology disorders and mosaic variegated aneuploidy. Recognition of children with genomic instability disorders is important in order to make the proper diagnosis, enable genetic counseling, and inform cancer screening, cancer risk reduction, and choice of anticancer therapy.
The Epstein–Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen 1 Variant Associated with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Defines the Sequence Criteria for Serologic Risk Prediction
Authors: Warner Benjamin E. , Patel Japan , Wang Renwei , Adams-Haduch Jennifer , Gao Yu-Tang , Koh Woon-Puay , Wong Ka Wo , Chiang Alan K.S. , Yuan Jian-Min , Shair Kathy H.Y.
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

Antibodies to select Epstein–Barr virus proteins can diagnose early-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We have previously shown that IgA against Epstein–Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) can predict incident NPC in high- and intermediate-risk cohorts 4 years before diagnosis. Here, we tested EBNA1 variants, with mutants, to define the sequence requirements for an NPC risk assay.

Experimental Design:

Mammalian-expressed constructs were developed to represent EBNA1 variants 487V and 487A, which can differ by ≥15 amino acids in the N- and C-termini. Denatured lysates were evaluated by a refined IgA and IgG immunoblot assay in a case-control study using prediagnostic NPC sera from two independent cohorts in Singapore and Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China.

Results:

At 95% sensitivity, 487V yielded a 94.9% specificity compared with 86.1% for 487A. EBNA1 deleted for the conserved glycine–alanine repeats (GAr) reduced false positives by 22.8%. NPC sera reacted more strongly to the C-terminus than healthy controls, but the C-terminal construct (a.a. 390–641) showed lower specificity (84.8%) than the EBNA1 GAr–deleted construct (92.4%) at 95% sensitivity.

Conclusions:

Although EBNA1 IgA was present in healthy sera, most epitopes localized to the immunodominant GAr. We conclude that a refined EBNA1 antigen deleted for the GAr, but with residues consistently detected in Southeast Asian NPC tumors, is optimized for risk prediction with an extended sojourn time of 7.5 years. Furthermore, distinct EBNA1 serologic profiles enhanced the utility of the EBNA1 IgA assay for risk stratification. This illustrates the importance of serologically relevant EBNA1 sequences for NPC risk prediction and early detection.
Table 1 from Targeting TREX1 Induces Innate Immune Response in Drug-Resistant Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Murayama Takahiko , Mahadevan Navin R. , Meador Catherine B. , Ivanova Elena V. , Pan Yuqiao , Knelson Erik H. , Tani Tetsuo , Nakayama Jun , Ma Xueying , Thai Tran C. , Hung Yin P. , Kim William , Watanabe Hideo , Cai Kathy Q. , Hata Aaron N. , Paweletz Cloud P. , Barbie David A. , Cañadas Israel
Published: September 2024

Information of patients with SCLC
Supplementary Protocol S1 from A Phase II Trial of the WEE1 Inhibitor Adavosertib in SETD2-Altered Advanced Solid Tumor Malignancies (NCI 10170)
Authors: Maldonado Edward , Rathmell W. Kimryn , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Takebe Naoko , Rodon Jordi , Mahalingam Devalingam , Trikalinos Nikolaos A. , Kalebasty Arash R. , Parikh Mamta , Boerner Scott A. , Balido Celene , Krings Gregor , Burns Timothy F. , Bergsland Emily K. , Munster Pamela N. , Ashworth Alan , LoRusso Patricia , Aggarwal Rahul R.
Published: September 2024

Supplementary Protocol S1 shows the entire clinical trial protocol to supplement the Materials and Methods section.
Supplementary Figure S2 from A Phase II Trial of the WEE1 Inhibitor Adavosertib in SETD2-Altered Advanced Solid Tumor Malignancies (NCI 10170)
Authors: Maldonado Edward , Rathmell W. Kimryn , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Takebe Naoko , Rodon Jordi , Mahalingam Devalingam , Trikalinos Nikolaos A. , Kalebasty Arash R. , Parikh Mamta , Boerner Scott A. , Balido Celene , Krings Gregor , Burns Timothy F. , Bergsland Emily K. , Munster Pamela N. , Ashworth Alan , LoRusso Patricia , Aggarwal Rahul R.
Published: September 2024

Supplementary Figure S2 shows an example of no loss of H3K36me3 by IHC (A) and loss of H3K36me3 by IHC (B). Images are at 40x power. Of note, the portal did not allow for uploading of a TIFF file alone as a "supplemental data" file, so the image included in this document is a TIFF file. We can easily provide the TIFF file if needed as well.
Long-Term Change in BMI for Children with Obesity Treated in Family-Centered Lifestyle Interventions
Authors: Jørgensen Rasmus Møller , Støvring Henrik , Østergaard Jane Nautrup , Hede Susanne , Svendsen Katrine , Vestergaard Esben Thyssen , Bruun Jens Meldgaard
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Several evaluations of lifestyle interventions for childhood obesity exist; however, follow-up beyond 2 years is necessary to validate the effect. The aim of the present study was to investigate long-term weight development following children participating in one of two pragmatic family-centered lifestyle interventions treating childhood obesity. Methods: This real-life observational study included Danish children 4–17 years of age classified as having obesity. Data from 2010 to 2020, from two community-based family-centered lifestyle interventions (designated hereafter as the Aarhus- and the Randers-intervention) were merged with national registers and routine health check-ups, including height and weight. Adjusted mixed effect models were used to model changes in body mass index (BMI) z score. We performed exploratory analyses of the development in BMI z-score within stratified subgroups of children treated in the interventions before investigating potential effect modifications induced by sex, age, family structure, socioeconomic, or immigration status. Results: With a median follow-up of 2.8 years (interquartile range: 1.3; 4.8), 703 children participated in an intervention (445 the Aarhus-intervention; 258 the Randers-intervention) and 2,337 children were not invited to participate (no-intervention). Children in both interventions experienced a comparable reduction in BMI z-scores during the first 6 months compared to the no-intervention group (Aarhus-intervention: −0.12 SD/year and Randers-intervention: −0.25 SD/year). Only children in the Randers-intervention reduced their BMI z-score throughout follow-up (Aarhus-intervention vs. no-intervention: 0.01 SD/year; confidence interval [CI]: −0.01; 0.04; Randers-intervention vs. no-intervention: −0.05 SD/year; CI: −0.08; −0.02). In subgroup comparisons, combining the two interventions, family income below the median (−0.05 SD/year, CI: −0.02; −0.09), immigrant background (0.04 SD/year, CI: 0.00; 0.07), or receiving intervention less than 1 year (0.04 SD/year, CI: 0.00; 0.08) were associated with a yearly increase in BMI z score. In addition, effect modification analyses did not observe any interaction by sex, age, family structure, socioeconomic, or immigration. Conclusions: Although the more dynamic intervention with longer duration obtained and sustained a minor reduction in BMI z score, the clinical impact may only be modest and still not effective enough to induce a long-term beneficial development in BMI in children with obesity.
Identification of Biomarkers for Assessing Treatment Efficacy of Chemotherapy plus Nivolumab as the First Line in Patients with Unresectable Advanced or Recurrent Gastric Cancer: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Nakazawa Nobuhiro , Sohda Makoto , Hosoi Nobuhiro , Watanabe Takayoshi , Kumakura Yuji , Yamashita Toshiki , Tanaka Naritaka , Saito Kana , Kimura Akiharu , Kasuga Kengo , Nakazato Kenji , Yoshinari Daisuke , Shimizu Hisashi , Ubukata Yasunari , Hosaka Hisashi , Sano Akihiko , Sakai Makoto , Ogawa Hiroomi , Shirabe Ken , Saeki Hiroshi
Published: September 2024

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to identify biomarkers for predicting treatment outcomes and efficacy of chemotherapy plus nivolumab, as well as predict immune-related adverse events (irAEs) characteristics of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: This multicenter study included 104 patients who received chemotherapy plus nivolumab as the primary treatment for unresectable advanced recurrent gastric cancer. Blood test results were collected before the start and after two courses of treatment. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, prognostic nutritional index, and lactate dehydrogenase/albumin ratio (LAR) were examined after treatment in each case to determine changes compared to values before the start of treatment. Results: A total of 57 (54.8%) patients experienced a complete or partial response. The LAR of the stable disease/progressive disease group significantly increased (p = 0.018). An examination of the presence of grade ≥3 irAEs and changes in related factors showed that the LAR of all patients increased. Conclusion: The LAR was correlated with the best therapeutic response; therefore, it may be a potential biomarker of treatment outcomes and efficacy.
Glomerular Hematuria as a Predictor of Renal Prognosis in Malignant Hypertension Patients with Thrombotic Microangiopathy: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of a Biopsy-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Zhaocai , Shi Wanxin , Yu Shengyou , Yu Jianwen , Huang Naya , Zhong Zhong , Huang Fengxian , Chen Wei , He Feng , Li Jianbo
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Malignant hypertension (mHTN) is a hypertensive emergency. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a widespread complication of mHTN. Few studies have evaluated whether glomerular hematuria provides prognostic information for renal dysfunction in patients with mHTN-associated TMA. Methods: This observational cohort study included 292 patients with mHTN-associated TMA based on renal biopsy. Propensity-score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to adjust for clinical characteristics in a comparison between with and without glomerular hematuria. Cox regression was employed to identify risk factors for renal prognosis. Results: A total of 70 patients with glomerular hematuria were compared to 222 patients with non-glomerular hematuria. After PSM, 67 pairs of patients with mHTN-associated TMA were matched. Patients with glomerular hematuria exhibited lower serum albumin levels, higher 24-h proteinuria, and a higher prevalence of glomerular sclerosis than those with non-glomerular hematuria. Glomerular hematuria was independently associated with deteriorated renal function compared with non-glomerular hematuria (HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29–0.89, p = 0.019). This association remained significant after PSM (HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28–0.91, p = 0.022). Additionally, glomerular hematuria was independently associated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) (HR: 3.14; 95% CI: 2.06–5.66, p < 0.001). This difference remained significant after PSM comparison (HR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.34–4.33, p = 0.003). Furthermore, despite intensive blood pressure control, patients with glomerular hematuria experienced a higher incidence of RRT and a poorer recovery in renal function, specifically a 25% reduction of creatinine levels, compared to patients with non-glomerular hematuria. Conclusion: Glomerular hematuria is significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse renal outcomes in patients with mHTN-associated TMA.
Description of two new nematode species: Ingenia major sp. nov. (Tripyloididae) and Linhystera filiformis sp. nov. (Xyalidae) from an intertidal beach of the Yellow China Sea
Authors: YANWEI LV , WEN GUO , MENGNA WANG
Published: September 2024

Two new free-living nematode species, Ingenia major sp. nov. and Linhystera filiformis sp. nov., are described from the Yellow China Sea. Ingenia major sp. nov. is characterized by a large body size, six outer labial setae articulated, buccal cavity barrel-shaped with three teeth, amphidial fovea small and unispiral, spicules thin and almost straight with a pair of ventro-laterally directed teeth hooked distally, gubernaculum kidney-shaped with triangular cuticularized projection, tail conical and with swollen-terminus. Relationship between Ingenia and Bathylaimus is discussed, and Ingenia communis Gagarin & Thanh, 2007 is transferred as Bathylaimus communis comb. n. based on the buccal cavity shape. Linhystera filiformis sp. nov. is characterized by filiform body, buccal cavity minute and slit-like, six outer labial setae and four cephalic setae in the same circle and with the same length, amphidial fovea relatively small and circular, spicules short and sickle-shaped, gubernaculum boat-shaped, tail filiform with three terminal setae. An identification key for valid species of Linhystera is also given.
Developing a System Which Supports the Commuters’ Experience in Heavy Urban Traffic: Case Study of Delhi, India
Authors: Halder Soumik , Kumar Akash
Published: September 2024

The research is performed keeping in view the traffic congestion in urban areas, especially metro cities in India. Getting stuck in jams for hours is a habitual matter. The peak hours are a peril. In just four metro cities in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru), traffic congestion is so high that the fuel that is burnt due to idling of vehicles at traffic jams costs around 1.5 lakh crore annually ($18.75 billion). The situation is worst in the nation’s capital, New Delhi, with over $8.5 billion. Overall growth in population and economic upliftment, especially in the middle-class section, shaped an upsurge in demand for private transportation. Uber research estimates that the transport demand has increased by more than eight times since 1980 in urban India (Financial Express, 2018). According to findings by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) in the nation’s capital, New Delhi, every day 39,806 kg of fuel is burnt due to idling of vehicles at traffic jams (Adak, 2014). The article highlights problems faced by commuters, taking into account New Delhi as a case study. It is also largely because Delhi is affected by one of the highest vehicle densities among all the cities in the world (Adak, 2014). The assessment includes continuous observation and interview process of commuters belonging to different socio-economic classes in different areas of the city on (a) mode of transport used by them/preferred by them, (b) decision making towards the preferred mode of transport in the face of uncertainty, that is, traffic and (c) problems faced due to lack of consistent information regarding traffic. The article also discusses redefining the user interface and thereby their experience and forming an efficient and planned social system.
Activating pyruvate kinase improves red blood cell integrity by reducing band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation
Authors: Le Kang , Wang Xunde , Chu Jonathan , Lundt Maureen , Lee Yuan Yee , Conrey Anna , Frey Ingrid , Giannini Silvia , Kosinski Penelope A. , Hausman John M. , Low Philip S. , Jeffries Neal , Desai Sanjay A. , Thein Swee Lay
Published: September 2024

In a phase 1 study (NCT04000165), we established proof of concept for activating pyruvate kinase (PK) in sickle cell disease (SCD) as a viable antisickling therapy. AG-348 (mitapivat), a PK activator, increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and decreased 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels while patients were on treatment, in line with the mechanism of the drug. We noted that the increased hemoglobin (Hb) persisted for 4 weeks after stopping AG-348 until the end of study (EOS). Here, we investigated the pathways modulated by activating PK that may contribute to the improved red blood cell (RBC) survival after AG-348 cessation. We evaluated frozen whole blood samples taken at multiple time points from patients in the phase 1 study, from which RBC ghosts were isolated and analyzed by western blotting for tyrosine phosphorylation of band 3 (Tyr-p-bd3), ankyrin-1, and intact (active) protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) levels. We observed a significant dose-dependent decrease in mean Tyr-p-bd3 from baseline in the patients, accompanied by an increase in the levels of membrane-associated ankyrin-1 and intact PTP1B, all of which returned to near baseline by EOS. Because PTP1B is cleaved (inactivated) by intracellular Ca2+-dependent calpain, we next measured the effect of AG-348 on ATP production and calpain activity and the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase pump–mediated efflux kinetics in HbAA and HbSS erythrocytes. AG-348 treatment increased ATP levels, decreased calpain activity, and increased Ca2+ efflux. Altogether, our data indicate that ATP increase is a key mechanism underlying the increase in hemoglobin levels upon PK activation in SCD. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT04000165.
Outcomes with single-agent gilteritinib for relapsed or refractory FLT3-mutant AML after contemporary induction therapy
Authors: Othman Jad , Hwang Angela , Brodermann Maximillian , Abdallah Islam , McCloskey Kayleigh , Gallipoli Paolo , Clarke Georgina , Dang Raymond , Vidler Jennifer , Krishnamurthy Pramila , Basheer Faisal , Latif Anne-Louise , Palanicawandar Renuka , Taylor Tom , Khan Asra , Campbell Victoria , Hogan Francesca , Kanellopoulos Alex , Fleming Kathryn , Collins Angela , Dalley Chris , Loke Justin , Marshall Scott , Taussig David , Munisamy Sreetharan , Loizou Eleana , Yassin Heba , Dennis Mike , Zhao Rui , Belsham Edward , Murray Duncan , Fowler Nicole , O'Nions Jenny , Khan Anjum , Sellar Rob , Dillon Richard
Published: September 2024

Gilteritinib is the current standard of care for relapsed or refractory fms related receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)–mutated acute myeloid leukemia in many countries, however outcomes for patients relapsing after contemporary first-line therapies (intensive chemotherapy with midostaurin, or nonintensive chemotherapy with venetoclax) are uncertain. Moreover, reported data on toxicity and health care resource use is limited. Here, we describe a large real-world cohort of 152 patients receiving single-agent gilteritinib in 38 UK hospitals. Median age was 61 years, and 36% had received ≥2 prior lines of therapy, including a FLT3 inhibitor in 41% and venetoclax in 24%. A median of 4 cycles of gilteritinib were administered, with 56% of patients requiring hospitalization in the first cycle (median, 10 days). Over half of patients required transfusion in each of the first 4 cycles. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 21%, and CR with incomplete recovery (CRi) in a further 9%. Remission rates were lower for patients with FLT3–tyrosine kinase domain or adverse karyotype. Day-30 and day-60 mortality were 1% and 10.6%, respectively, and median overall survival was 9.5 months. On multivariable analysis, increasing age, KMT2A rearrangement, and complex karyotype were associated with worse survival whereas RUNX1 mutations were associated with improved survival. Twenty patients received gilteritinib as first salvage having progressed after first-line therapy with venetoclax, with CR/CRi achieved in 25% and median survival 4.5 months. Real-world results with gilteritinib mirror those seen in the clinical trials, but outcomes remain suboptimal, with more effective strategies needed.
Exploring the diverse applications of sol–gel synthesized CaO:MgAl2O4 nanocomposite: morphological, photocatalytic, and electrochemical perspectives
Authors: Jahnavi H. K. , Prasad S. Rajendra , Nagaswarupa H. P. , Naik Ramachandra , Basavaraju N. , Ravikumar C. R. , Goud Burragoni Sravanthi , Kim Jae Hong
Published: September 2024

A nanocomposite of CaO:MgAl2O4 was synthesized through a straightforward and cost-effective sol–gel method. The investigation of the novel CaO:MgAl2O4 nanocomposite encompassed an examination of its morphological and structural alterations, as well as an exploration of its photocatalytic activities and electrochemical characteristics. XRD analysis revealed a nanocomposite size of 24.15 nm. The band gap, determined through UV studies, was found to be 3.83 eV, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated flake-like morphological changes in the CaO:MgAl2O4 samples. TEM, HRTEM, and SAED studies of a CaO:MgAl2O4 nanocomposite would reveal important details about its morphology, crystallography, and nanostructure. Photocatalytic activity was quantified by studying the degradation of Acid Red-88 (AR-88) dye in a deionized solution, achieving a 70% dye degradation under UV irradiation in 120 min. Plant growth examinations were carried out using dye degraded water to test its suitability for agriculture. The electrochemical energy storage and sensing applications of the prepared nanocomposite were examined using CaO:MgAl2O4 modified carbon paste electrode through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In conclusion, the synthesized CaO:MgAl2O4 nanocomposite demonstrated promising morphological and structural characteristics, efficient photocatalytic activity, and potential applications in electrochemical energy storage, highlighting its versatility for various technological and environmental applications.

Graphical abstract
Mitochondrial sequence variants: testing imputation accuracy and their association with dairy cattle milk traits
Authors: Dorji Jigme , Chamberlain Amanda J. , Reich Coralie M. , VanderJagt Christy J. , Nguyen Tuan V. , Daetwyler Hans D. , MacLeod Iona M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Mitochondrial genomes differ from the nuclear genome and in humans it is known that mitochondrial variants contribute to genetic disorders. Prior to genomics, some livestock studies assessed the role of the mitochondrial genome but these were limited and inconclusive. Modern genome sequencing provides an opportunity to re-evaluate the potential impact of mitochondrial variation on livestock traits. This study first evaluated the empirical accuracy of mitochondrial sequence imputation and then used real and imputed mitochondrial sequence genotypes to study the role of mitochondrial variants on milk production traits of dairy cattle.

Results

The empirical accuracy of imputation from Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) panels to mitochondrial sequence genotypes was assessed in 516 test animals of Holstein, Jersey and Red breeds using Beagle software and a sequence reference of 1883 animals. The overall accuracy estimated as the Pearson’s correlation squared (R2) between all imputed and real genotypes across all animals was 0.454. The low accuracy was attributed partly to the majority of variants having low minor allele frequency (MAF < 0.005) but also due to variants in the hypervariable D-loop region showing poor imputation accuracy. Beagle software provides an internal estimate of imputation accuracy (DR2), and 10 percent of the total 1927 imputed positions showed DR2 greater than 0.9 (N = 201). There were 151 sites with empirical R2 > 0.9 (of 954 variants segregating in the test animals) and 138 of these overlapped the sites with DR2 > 0.9. This suggests that the DR2 statistic is a reasonable proxy to select sites that are imputed with higher accuracy for downstream analyses. Accordingly, in the second part of the study mitochondrial sequence variants were imputed from real mitochondrial SNP panel genotypes of 9515 Australian Holstein, Jersey and Red dairy cattle. Then, using only sites with DR2 > 0.900 and real genotypes, we undertook a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for milk, fat and protein yields. The GWAS mitochondrial SNP effects were not significant.

Conclusion

The accuracy of imputation of mitochondrial genotypes from the SNP panel to sequence was generally low. The Beagle DR2 statistic enabled selection of sites imputed with higher empirical accuracy. We recommend building larger reference populations with mitochondrial sequence to improve the accuracy of imputing less common variants and ensuring that SNP panels include common variants in the D-loop region.
Impact of sample refrigeration and freezing on the bacteriological counts of different bedding materials for dairy cows
Authors: Fusar Poli Sara , Monistero Valentina , Pollera Claudia , Freu Gustavo , Bronzo Valerio , Piccinini Renata , Nocetti Marco , Sala Giulia , Veiga dos Santos Marcos , Moroni Paolo , Addis M. Filippa
Published: September 2024

Background

Different organic and inorganic bedding materials can be used in dairy farms. Among organic materials, there is an increasing interest in alternative substrates based on recycled manure solids (RMS). Microbiological analyses are crucial to monitor the microbial load and evaluate the presence of pathogens impacting animal welfare and health. However, logistic factors may hamper the possibility of immediately sending fresh samples to the laboratory, requiring storage in cooled conditions before analysis.

Methods

We assessed the impact of sample refrigeration and freezing of different organic and inorganic bedding substrates including separated raw manure solids (SRMS), anaerobically digested manure solids (ADMS), and new sand (NS), on the total bacterial count (TBC) and on different microbial classes.

Results

The TBC was higher in fresh NS and ADMS than in refrigerated and frozen samples of the same substrates; in addition, the TBC of ADMS was higher in refrigerated than frozen samples. The TBC of SRMS did not change significantly with refrigeration and freezing. Freezing reduced the total Gram-negative bacterial count more than refrigeration in all substrates. In fresh NS, Gram-negatives were higher than in both refrigerated and frozen NS. Escherichia coli counts were significantly lower in frozen than in refrigerated SRMS. However, both refrigeration and freezing of ADMS resulted in no E. coli growth. The coliform counts were also lower in frozen than refrigerated NS and SRMS. Frozen NS and ADMS showed lower counts compared to refrigeration for Gram-negative bacteria other than E. coli and coliforms. On the other hand, cold storage did not significantly impact the streptococci and streptococcus-like organisms (SSLO) count of all evaluated bedding substrates.

Conclusion

Refrigeration and freezing affect the bacteriological results of bedding substrates, with freezing generally leading to lower counts than refrigeration. Whenever possible, preference should be given to analyzing fresh bedding samples, however, when necessary, refrigeration would be recommended over freezing, while acknowledging that the measured bacterial load might underestimate the actual microbial content.
The effect of alcohol consumption on human physiological and perceptual responses to heat stress: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Morris Nathan B. , Ravanelli Nicholas , Chaseling Georgia K.
Published: September 2024

Background

Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) consumption is ostensibly known to increase the risk of morbidity and mortality during hot weather and heatwaves. However, how alcohol independently alters physiological, perceptual, and behavioral responses to heat stress remains poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted a systematic scoping review to understand how alcohol consumption affects thermoregulatory responses to the heat.

Methods

We searched five databases employing the following eligibility criteria, studies must have: 1) involved the oral consumption of ethanol, 2) employed a randomized or crossover-control study design with a control trial consisting of a volume-matched, non-alcoholic beverage, 3) been conducted in healthy adult humans, 4) reported thermophysiological, perceptual, hydration status markers, and/or behavioral outcomes, 5) been published in English, 6) been conducted in air or water at temperatures of > 28°C, 7) involved passive rest or exercise, and 8) been published before October 4th, 2023.

Results

After removing duplicates, 7256 titles were screened, 29 papers were assessed for eligibility and 8 papers were included in the final review. Across the 8 studies, there were a total of 93 participants (93 male/0 female), the average time of heat exposure was 70 min and average alcohol dose was 0.68 g·kg1. There were 23 unique outcome variables analyzed from the studies. The physiological marker most influenced by alcohol was core temperature (lowered with alcohol consumption in 3/4 studies). Additionally, skin blood flow was increased with alcohol consumption in the one study that measured it. Typical markers of dehydration, such as increased urine volume (1/3 studies), mass loss (1/3 studies) and decreased plasma volume (0/2 studies) were not consistently observed in these studies, except for in the study with the highest alcohol dose.

Conclusion

The effect of alcohol consumption on thermoregulatory responses is understudied, and is limited by moderate doses of alcohol consumption, short durations of heat exposure, and only conducted in young-healthy males. Contrary to current heat-health advice, the available literature suggests that alcohol consumption does not seem to impair physiological responses to heat in young healthy males.
Ageing results in an exacerbated inflammatory response to LPS by resident lung cells
Authors: Diaz-Nicieza Celia , Sahyoun Laura , Michalaki Christina , Johansson Cecilia , Culley Fiona J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Ageing is associated with an increased risk of lung infection and chronic inflammatory lung disease. Innate immune responses are the first line of defence in the respiratory tract, however, age-related changes to innate immunity in the lung are not fully described. Both resident haematopoietic cells, such as alveolar macrophages, and non-haematopoeitic cells, such as epithelial and endothelial cells can contribute to inflammatory and immune responses in the lung. In this study we aimed to determine the impact of ageing on early innate responses of resident cells in the lung.

Results

Aged and young mice were inoculated intranasally with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After 4 h, aged mice recruited higher numbers of neutrophils to the airways and lung. This exacerbated inflammatory response was associated with higher concentrations of chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2 and CCL2 in the airways. Next, precision cut lung slices (PCLS) were stimulated ex vivo with LPS for 16 h. Gene expression of Cxcl2, Tnf and Il1b were all higher in PCLS from aged than young mice and higher levels of secretion of CXCL2 and TNF were detected. To determine which lung cells were altered by age, LPS was intranasally administered to aged and young mice and individual populations of cells isolated by FACS. RT-PCR on sorted cell populations demonstrated higher expression of inflammatory cytokines Cxcl2, Ccl2 and Tnf in epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages and higher expression of Cxcl2 by endothelial cells of aged mice compared to young. These differences in expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines did not correspond to higher levels of Tlr4 expression.

Conclusions

Ageing leads to a heightened neutrophilic inflammatory response in the lung after LPS exposure, and higher expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by resident lung cells, including alveolar macrophages, epithelial cells and endothelial cells. The responses of multiple resident lung cell populations are altered by aging and contribute to the exacerbated inflammation in the lung following LPS challenge. This has implications for our understanding of respiratory infections and inflammation in older people.
Harm reduction in severe and long-standing Anorexia Nervosa: part of the journey but not the destination—a narrative review with lived experience
Authors: Birch Edwin , Downs James , Ayton Agnes
Published: September 2024

Questions remain about the best approaches to treatment for the subset of patients with severe and long-standing Anorexia Nervosa, commonly described in the literature as “Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa.” When discussing the optimal strategies and goals for treating this group, there is uncertainty over whether to focus on refining current treatment methods or exploring alternative approaches. One such alternative is “harm reduction,” which has generated a wave of positive interest from patients and clinicians alike because of its emphasis on individual autonomy, personal goals and quality of life. While harm reduction can provide an attractive alternative to seemingly endless cycles of ineffective treatment, this narrative review builds on previous work to highlight the inadequate terminology and possible dangers of considering harm reduction as the endpoint of treatment. In conjunction with perspectives from a lived experience author, we consider wider contextual and ethical issues in the field of eating disorders, which should inform the role of harm-reduction approaches in this patient group.
Vegetarians’ and vegans’ experiences with and attitudes towards ultra-processed foods (UPF): a qualitative study
Authors: Haneberg Johanne , Molin Marianne , Gjeitung Byfuglien Marte , Garnweidner-Holme Lisa
Published: September 2024

Background

The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is increasing in many countries. Simultaneously, there is a growing number of consumers that follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, many due to its possible positive impact on sustainability and food waste. However, little is known about attitudes towards and experiences with UPF among vegetarians and vegans. Thus, this study investigates vegetarians’ and vegans’ experiences with and attitudes towards UPFs.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured, individual interviews with 14 participants between September and December 2021. The participants were from different areas in Norway. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke.

Results

In general, participants appeared to have diverse knowledge of and divergent attitudes towards UPFs. However, participants mainly associated substitute products (e.g. meat substitutes, dairy substitutes) as UPFs. They appreciated the increased availability of vegetarian and vegan UPF which made it easier for them to follow a plant-based diet. They enjoyed the taste and consistency of vegetarian and vegan UPF. However, participants expressed concerns about the effects that industrial processing has on the products’ nutritional content.

Conclusion

This study indicated that there was a diverse knowledge of and various attitudes towards UPFs among the participating vegetarians and vegans. Public information and guidelines about using UPF (e.g. meat substitutes, dairy substitutes) in vegetarian and vegan diets are needed, as well as information about their possible impact on health and sustainability.
Cryptocurrencies under climate shocks: a dynamic network analysis of extreme risk spillovers
Authors: Guo Kun , Kang Yuxin , Ji Qiang , Zhang Dayong
Published: September 2024

Systematic risks in cryptocurrency markets have recently increased and have been gaining a rising number of connections with economics and financial markets; however, in this area, climate shocks could be a new kind of impact factor. In this paper, a spillover network based on a time-varying parametric-vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) model is constructed to measure overall cryptocurrency market extreme risks. Based on this, a second spillover network is proposed to assess the intensity of risk spillovers between extreme risks of cryptocurrency markets and uncertainties in climate conditions, economic policy, and global financial markets. The results show that extreme risks in cryptocurrency markets are highly sensitive to climate shocks, whereas uncertainties in the global financial market are the main transmitters. Dynamically, each spillover network is highly sensitive to emergent global extreme events, with a surge in overall risk exposure and risk spillovers between submarkets. Full consideration of overall market connectivity, including climate shocks, will provide a solid foundation for risk management in cryptocurrency markets.
Outcomes of Traditional Dual Growing Rods With Apical Control Techniques for the Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis: Comparison With Patients Treated With Traditional Dual Growing Rods Only With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up After Graduation
Authors: Li Chenkai , Ye Xiaohan , Yang Yang , Lin Guanfeng , Shen Jianxiong , Zhao Yu , Wu Nan , Zhuang Qianyu , Wang Shengru , Zhang Jianguo
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Correction with traditional dual growing rods (TDGR) might not be sufficient for severe and rigid spinal deformity. TDGR combines with apical control techniques (ACT) could theoretically improve curve correction and decrease the incidence of mechanical complications. However, long-term results for TDGR with ACT are limited. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review and compare the outcomes of patients who graduated from TDGR with or without ACT.

METHODS:

Patients who were treated by TDGR with or without ACT with a minimum 2-year follow-up after graduation were enrolled. According to the intervention for the apex, patients were further divided into the TDGR group, the TDGR + apical control pedicle screws group (without apical fusion), and the TDGR + hybrid technique group. Clinical outcomes, radiological parameters, pulmonary function, and complications were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTS:

A total of 76 patients (51 patients in the TDGR group, 10 patients in the apical control pedicle screws group, and 15 patients in the hybrid technique group) were enrolled. Compared with TDGR, TDGR + ACT achieved better main curve correction, better control of apical vertebral translation and rotation, and lower incidence of complications and revision surgery (P < .05) while maintaining development of the spine and chest. Although the difference was not significant, patients in the TDGR + ACT group had better pulmonary function at the last follow-up (P > .05). The percentage of patients receiving final fusion in the TDGR + ACT group was significantly lower than that in the TDGR group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION:

Compared with TDGR, TDGR + ACT can achieve better curve correction and apical control and comparable clinical outcomes while maintaining the growth of the spine and chest. Patients may derive more benefits from treatment with TDGR + ACT, including a lower incidence of mechanical complications and revision surgery, better pulmonary function, and the avoidance of final fusion.
Mudanças tecnológicas, trabalho e desigualdades na América Latina: repensar as alternativas de proteção social no pós-pandemia
Authors: Castro Mario Henrique de Oliveira , Provasi Lanzara Arnaldo
Published: September 2024

Este artigo analisa os efeitos da crise sanitária gerada pela pandemia de Covid-19 nos mercados de trabalho heterogêneos e desiguais da América Latina e enfatiza a necessidade de os países da região repensarem suas alternativas de proteção social diante dos problemas relacionados ao crescimento da informalidade e da precarização do trabalho. Além de demonstrar a incidência bastante desigual desses efeitos nos países da região, o artigo destaca os principais riscos que os países latino-americanos enfrentam no atual cenário de intensas transformações no sistema produtivo e nas relações de emprego, em parte precipitadas pelo advento da pandemia. Por fim, discute-se a importância de algumas medidas intersetoriais e coordenadas de proteção social para enfrentar esses problemas, tais como o fortalecimento das capacidades estatais de implementação de políticas passivas e ativas de emprego, bastante deficientes na região, e a criação de efetivos sistemas públicos de qualificação profissional.
Εκπαίδευση, Καινοτομία, Βιώσιμη Ανάπτυξη και Δημοσιονομική Πολιτική
Authors: Μαματζάκης Μανώλης
Published: September 2024

Ομιλία του Καθηγητή Εμμανουήλ Μαματζάκη
Οι απόψεις των εκπαιδευτικών για τους παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν το βαθμό της επαγγελματικής τους ικανοποίησης
Authors: Μαρίνη Μαρία
Published: September 2024

Σκοπός της παρούσης μελέτης είναι να διερευνήσει και να αναδείξει μέσα από τις απόψεις των εκπαιδευτικών τους παράγοντες εκείνους που επηρεάζουν την ποιότητα της επαγγελματικής ζωής και συνδέονται με την επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση των Ελλήνων εκπαιδευτικών Δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης στη σύγχρονη εκπαιδευτική πραγματικότητα. Για την έρευνα επιλέχθηκε ποσοτική προσέγγιση και τα δεδομένα συλλέχθηκαν με ερωτηματολόγια «κλειστού τύπου». Η μελέτη ανέδειξε υψηλό βαθμό ικανοποίησης των εκπαιδευτικών από τους παράγοντες που αφορούν στη φύση της εργασίας. Επίσης, το δείγμα εμφανίστηκε αρκετά ικανοποιημένο από την εργασία τους όσον αφορά τους παράγοντες της επικοινωνίας με τους συναδέλφους. Μέτριος εμφανίζεται ο βαθμός ικανοποίησης από την αναγνώριση που λαμβάνουν οι εκπαιδευτικοί για την εργασία τους. Υψηλό βαθμό ικανοποίησης φάνηκε να λαμβάνουν οι εκπαιδευτικοί από τις γενικότερες συνθήκες εργασίας καθώς και από τους περισσότερους παράγοντες που αφορούν τη σχέση τους με τον προϊστάμενό τους. Αντιθέτως, χαμηλός βαθμός επαγγελματικής ικανοποίησης αναδείχθηκε από τους παράγοντες της αμοιβής και των δυνατοτήτων εξέλιξης.
Διερεύνηση προτάσεων εργαζομένων για ζητήματα επίλυσης συγκρούσεων στις Τοπικές Ομάδες Υγείας και η αναγκαιότητα της δια βίου εκπαίδευσης
Authors: Χατζηδημητρίου Ευθυμία , Τριαντάρη Σωτηρία , Γκανάτσιου Μαργαρίτα Αιμιλία
Published: September 2024

Σκοπός της παρουσίασης είναι να διερευνηθούν οι απόψεις των εργαζομένων των Τοπικών Ομάδων Υγείας της 3ης Υγειονομικής Περιφέρειας για την επίλυση των συγκρούσεων και να αναδειχθεί η αναγκαιότητα της δια βίου μάθησης στην αποφυγή τους. Πραγματοποιήθηκε μια πρωτογενής, ποσοτική, περιγραφική, συγχρονική και συγκριτική έρευνα χρησιμοποιώντας το αξιόπιστα και έγκυρα ερωτηματολόγια των Tengilimoglu και Kisa και των Wong και Law. Στην έρευνα συμμετείχαν 143 εργαζόμενοι, κυρίως γυναίκες, έγγαμες, 26-45 ετών, Ιατροί, Νοσηλευτές, και Διοικητικό προσωπικό. Η αξιοκρατική διαχείριση του προσωπικού, ο καταμερισμός των εργασιών, και η άμεση πρόσληψη προσωπικού όλων των ειδικοτήτων σε όλα τα τμήματα, θα μειώσουν τις συγκρούσεις στον χώρο εργασίας. Η εκπαίδευση του προσωπικού στην Συναισθηματική Νοημοσύνη αναμένεται να συμβάλει θετικά στη δημιουργία ενός ειρηνικού εργασιακού περιβάλλοντος στις δομές. Τα αποτελέσματα μπορούν να αξιοποιηθούν για κριτικό προβληματισμό από τη διοίκηση αλλά και για εμπλουτισμό των γνώσεων στην αντιμετώπιση των συγκρούσεων.
Metaverse biomes with Design Thinking for TESOL and exponential language acquisition
Authors: Galani Helena
Published: September 2024

This paper evaluates the efficiency of using metaverse biomes to facilitate Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and raises awareness of their emergence in the English language classroom embracing the new era. Through a case study, it highlights the process in which language-learning experience can enhance accelerated acquisition and low affective filter (Krashen, 1988) in a four-step Design Thinking approach evolving around observation, compassion, creativity and critical thinking. Despite limited existing bibliography in Immersive Design Thinking, through a case study of using the metaverse on contemporary online courses with an Adult Educational Institution, and through class surveys, the paper reveals the benefits of immersion in language teaching. By immersing learners in simulations, machinima creation, A.I. and interactivity built in biomes in Virtual Reality and Virtual Worlds, the teacher goes through steps of human-centric and solutions-based Design Thinking activity. The conclusions are useful for curriculum designers and teaching professionals, interdisciplinarily.
Keywords: Metaverse, Design Thinking, Immersion, VR/VWs/A.I., TESOL.
Εκπαίδευση Εκπαιδευτικών στη χρήση προσαρμοστικής παιχνιδοποίησης στις Φυσικές Επιστήμες
Authors: Ζουρμπάκης Αλκίνοος Ιωάννης , Καλογιαννάκης Μιχαήλ , Παπαδάκης Σταμάτης
Published: September 2024

Περίληψη
Η παρούσα έρευνα διερευνά την εκπαίδευση των εκπαιδευτικών στη χρήση ενός προσαρμοστικού εργαλείου παιχνιδοποίησης για τη διδασκαλία των Φυσικών Επιστημών. Συγκεκριμένα, οι εκπαιδευτικοί επιμορφώθηκαν με βάση το μοντέλο Τεχνολογικής Παιδαγωγικής Γνώσης των Επιστημών (TPASK) για την αποτελεσματική χρήση ενός προσαρμοστικού περιβάλλοντος παιχνιδοποίησης στην εκπαίδευση των Φυσικών Επιστημών. Ο κύριος στόχος ήταν να αξιολογηθεί μέσω της χρήσης κατάλληλων ερωτηματολογίων η αντίληψη των εκπαιδευτικών σχετικά με την ετοιμότητα, την αυτοπεποίθηση και τα κίνητρά τους για την ενσωμάτωση αυτού του ψηφιακού εργαλείου στις τάξεις τους πριν και μετά την εκπαίδευσή τους. Έξι εκπαιδευτικοί πήραν μέρος στην έρευνα. Τα αποτελέσματα φανερώνουν ότι οι εκπαιδευτικοί είχαν υψηλά ποσοστά αναφορικά με τις ικανότητές τους σχετικά με το TPASK, με αξιοσημείωτη βελτίωση στην κατανόησή τους για το προσαρμοστικό περιβάλλον παιχνιδοποίησης και την εφαρμογή του στη διδασκαλία. Όμως δεν μπορούν να γενικευτούν λόγω του περιορισμένου δείγματος της έρευνας. Επιπλέον, εμφάνισαν αυξημένη αυτό-αποτελεσματικότητα μετά την εκπαίδευση και μεγαλύτερα κίνητρα για τη χρήση της εφαρμογής. Η παρούσα μελέτη υποδηλώνει μια αυξανόμενη ανάγκη για παρόμοιες σύγχρονες πρωτοβουλίες εκπαίδευσης της εκπαιδευτικής κοινότητας στο άμεσο μέλλον.
Abstract
This research explores teachers' training in using an adaptive gamification tool for teaching elementary science education concepts. Specifically, teachers in this study received training based on the Technological Pedagogical and Science Knowledge (TPASK) model to effectively employ an adaptive gamification environment in science education. The main objective was to assess teachers' perceptions of their preparedness, confidence, and motivation to integrate this digital tool into their classrooms before and after their training, as determined by questionnaires. Six teachers took part in the survey. The results indicate that teachers generally held an above-average perception of their TPASK-related abilities, with a notable improvement in their understanding of the adaptive gamification environment and its application in teaching. However, they cannot be generalized due to the small sample size. Furthermore, the teachers demonstrated increased self-efficacy following the training and greater motivation to use the application. Consequently, this study suggests a growing demand for similar training initiatives.
The Rates of Return of Private Investments οn Second Chance Schools of Greek Life Long Learning
Authors: Kravvariti Iliana , Chanis Stefanos , Tsamadias Constantinos
Published: September 2024

The paper examines the rate of return of private investments on Second Chance Schools (SCS). Additional estimates the rates of return, by gender. The paper uses the Mincerian earnings function and the data has been collected through primary research throughout the country. Empirical analysis reveals that the rate of return of private investment on SCS is 3.99%. According to the findings, the investment on SCS is beneficial for the graduates.