bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promotion of breastfeeding in Italian Maternity Hospitals: a pre-intervention study
Authors: Davanzo Riccardo , Salvatori Guglielmo , Baldassarre Mariella , Cetin Irene , Viora Elsa , Scarpato Elena ,   on behalf of the “HPB Project” Working Group
Published: October 2024

Background

In Italy, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates at hospital discharge range unsatisfactorily between 20–97%.

Methods

In 2023, the Project for Hospital Policy on Breastfeeding (HPB) has been launched to promote breastfeeding in Italian Maternity Hospitals (MHs) as a joint initiative of the Italian Scientific Societies involved in perinatal care together with the National Midwife (FNOPO) and Nurse (FNOPI) Boards and with Vivere Onlus, a family association. The HBP Project has been designed as an uncontrolled before-after study to increase EBF rate at hospital discharge in the population of healthy, term infant with a normal weight at birth following an intervention bundle comprising: 1) Establishment of a local hospital Working Group; 2) Adoption of a hospital policy; 3) Implementation of breastfeeding monitoring; 4) Training for perinatal care professionals; 5) Enhanced implementation of the practices of skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and mother-baby rooming-in; 6) Development/Improvement of perinatal care protocols.

Results

We report the pre-intervention assessment of 89 out of the 111 enrolled MHs (80.2%) at the beginning of the Project (Time 1 or T1). Almost all MHs (96.6%) have a multi-professional Breastfeeding Working Group, while a hospital policy on breastfeeding is available only in 48.2%. Moreover, only 56.2% of the 9,777 perinatal health workers have been trained in breastfeeding. Over a 1-month period, SSC has been practiced in the delivery room by 76.9% of 6,304 term healthy newborn infants and rooming-in by 83.4% of 6,735 healthy term newborns of normal weight at birth. Over a 4-month period, 69.1% of 33,367 healthy term newborns of normal birth weight were exclusively breastfed at hospital discharge. Noticeably, EBF rate of MHs ranges from 4% up to 100%, the second quartile being 73%.

Conclusion

At T1 of the HPB Project, breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge for healthy, term infants with a normal weight at birth appear to be suboptimal among Italians MHs. Particularly, the range of EBF rates among participating centers is wide, with 50% of the MHs having EBF rate lower than 73%. Therefore, the ongoing HPB Project might represent not only an opportunity to increase the initiation of breastfeeding and to improve quality of health care in the whole study group of MHs, but possibly also to level differences between centers.
pan-Draft: automated reconstruction of species-representative metabolic models from multiple genomes
Authors: De Bernardini Nicola , Zampieri Guido , Campanaro Stefano , Zimmermann Johannes , Waschina Silvio , Treu Laura
Published: October 2024

The accurate reconstruction of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) for unculturable species poses challenges due to the incomplete and fragmented genetic information typical of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). While existing tools leverage sequence homology from single genomes, this study introducespan-Draft, a pan-reactome-based approach exploiting recurrent genetic evidence to determine the solid core structure of species-level GEMs. By comparing MAGs clustered at the species-level,pan-Draftaddresses the issues due to the incompleteness and contamination of individual genomes, providing high-quality draft models and an accessory reactions catalog supporting the gapfilling step. This approach will improve our comprehension of metabolic functions of uncultured species.
Whole genome sequencing of M. tuberculosis for disease control in high-burden settings: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating different community-wide intervention strategies in rural Madagascar
Authors: Ametepe Emmanuelle Sandra Adjoa , Andriamanoha Noela , Andrianomanana Fanantenana Randria , Point Floriane , Mangahasimbola Reziky Tiandraza , Dyachenko Alina , Hall Michael , Gamana Theodora Mayouya , Knoblauch Astrid M. , Razafindrasoa Yemimah Yededyah , Nimalan Arianminpathy , Behr Marcel , Durand Madeleine , Johri Mira , Iqbal Zamin , Rakotoarivelo Andry Rivo , Randremanana Rindra Vatosoa , Rakotosamimanana Niaina , Lapierre Simon Grandjean
Published: October 2024

Background

Retrospective and descriptive molecular epidemiology studies have shown that Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole genome sequencing can identify outbreaks and disease transmission events with higher resolution than conventional epidemiological investigations. Those studies have strengthened our understanding of genomic polymorphisms correlating with person-to-person transmission and helped resolve putative transmission clusters. To date, systematic genomic surveillance programs implemented for M. tuberculosis were only implemented in low-incidence settings. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an impact of routine M. tuberculosis whole genome sequencing on tuberculosis case detection in a high-incidence setting.

Methods

A cluster randomized controlled trial will be performed. Forty-eight rural village groups (or Fokontany) in the Vohibato district of Madagascar will be randomized to one of three interventions arms. Arm 1 (standard of care) involves healthcare facility-based passive case detection with smear microscopy testing. Arm 2 (best practice) consists of active case finding and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra PCR testing followed by household contact investigations. Arm 3 (novel intervention) includes the same interventions as arm 2, with addition of sputum culture and M. tuberculosis whole genome sequencing for all newly diagnosed cases. In arm 3, molecular suggested putative outbreaks are investigated, and additional TB suspects are appropriately tested. The intervention observational period will be 2 years. The primary outcome will be the number of detected cases/100,000/year in each arm after 1 year of intervention.

Discussion

This study is designed to determine whether there is an impact of prospective whole genome sequencing-based molecular typing on tuberculosis case detection in high-incidence settings. Investigating potential outbreaks and focusing active case finding in spatiotemporal settings where disease transmission is suggested by genomic typing is hypothesized to improve case detection in rural communities.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05406453. Retrospectively registered on June 6, 2022.
Spatial and temporal characterization of Aedes albopictus oviposition activity in candidate urban settings for sterile insect technique testing in La Reunion Island
Authors: Le Goff Gilbert , Damiens David , Ruttee Abdoul-Hamid , Jean Frédéric , Payet Laurent , Lebon Cyrille , Taconet Paul , Gaudillat Benjamin , Habchi-Hanriot Nausicaa , Dehecq Jean-Sébastien , Simard Frédéric , Gouagna Louis-Clément
Published: October 2024

Background

Understanding of mosquito spatiotemporal dynamics is central to characterize candidate field sites for the sterile insect technique (SIT) testing, and is critical to the effective implementation and evaluation of pilot sterile male release programs. Here, we present a detailed description of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) egg-laying activity over a 6-year period in urban areas identified as potential SIT testing sites on Reunion Island.

Method

Weekly entomological collections using ovitraps were carried out in residential and adjacent uninhabited habitats in two urban areas, Duparc and Bois Rouge, in the municipality of Sainte Marie, Reunion Island. Time-series data incorporating the frequency of positive ovitraps and the total number of eggs/ovitrap recorded each time at each locality during the study period from May 2013 to December 2018 were analyzed with multifaceted statistical approaches including descriptive statistics and spatiotemporal analyses incorporating the role of climatic factors on overall ovitrap productivity.

Results

During the ovitrap survey, the proportion of egg-positive ovitraps differed among study sites (χ2 = 50.21, df = 2, P < 0.001), being relatively lower in Duparc (89.5%) than in Bois-Rouges (95.3%) and the adjacent buffer zone (91.2%). Within each neighborhood, Ae. albopictus egg abundance varied by month in a roughly seasonal pattern marked by a single peak occurring more regularly February each year, a decline at the onset of the austral winter in July, followed by a period of lower ovitrap productivity in August and September. Fluctuation in both positivity rate and eggs densities per ovitraps were related to annual and seasonal variations in local temperature and rainfall (P < 0.001 in all cases). The spatial analysis also captured substantial between- and within-habitats heterogeneity, whereby the overall ovitrap productivity was higher in residential areas than in the buffer zone.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results reveal that the distribution of Ae. albopictus oviposition activity is shaped by local habitat heterogeneity and seasonal climatic factors. Overall, this study provides baseline insights into the reproductive dynamics of Ae. albopictus, which would assist in planning locally tailored SIT interventions, while addressing concerns related to focal areas of high egg-laying intensity and potential immigration of females from natural areas.
Autophagy and autophagic cell death in sepsis: friend or foe?
Authors: Iba Toshiaki , Helms Julie , Maier Cheryl L. , Ferrer Ricard , Levy Jerrold H.
Published: October 2024

In sepsis, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies endanger cellular homeostasis and survival. Autophagy is primarily a mechanism of cellular survival under fasting conditions. However, autophagy-dependent cell death, known as autophagic cell death, is proinflammatory and can exacerbate sepsis. Autophagy also regulates various types of non-inflammatory and inflammatory cell deaths. Non-inflammatory apoptosis tends to suppress inflammation, however, inflammatory necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagic cell death lead to the release of inflammatory cytokines and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and amplify inflammation. The selection of cell death mechanisms is complex and often involves a mixture of various styles. Similarly, protective autophagy and lethal autophagy may be triggered simultaneously in cells. How cells balance the regulatory mechanisms of these processes is an area of interest that is still under investigation. Therapies aimed at modulating autophagy are considered promising. Enhancing autophagy helps clear and recycle damaged organelles and reduce the burden of inflammatory processes while inhibiting excessive autophagy, which could prevent autophagic cell death. In this review, we introduce recent advances in research and the complex regulatory system of autophagy in sepsis.
Real-time volume rendering for three-dimensional fetal ultrasound using volumetric photon mapping
Authors: Zou Jing , Qin Jing
Published: October 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) fetal ultrasound has been widely used in prenatal examinations. Realistic and real-time volumetric ultrasound volume rendering can enhance the effectiveness of diagnoses and assist obstetricians and pregnant mothers in communicating. However, this remains a challenging task because (1) there is a large amount of speckle noise in ultrasound images and (2) ultrasound images usually have low contrasts, making it difficult to distinguish different tissues and organs. However, traditional local-illumination-based methods do not achieve satisfactory results. This real-time requirement makes the task increasingly challenging. This study presents a novel real-time volume-rendering method equipped with a global illumination model for 3D fetal ultrasound visualization. This method can render direct illumination and indirect illumination separately by calculating single scattering and multiple scattering radiances, respectively. The indirect illumination effect was simulated using volumetric photon mapping. Calculating each photon’s brightness is proposed using a novel screen-space destiny estimation to avoid complicated storage structures and accelerate computation. This study proposes a high dynamic range approach to address the issue of fetal skin with a dynamic range exceeding that of the display device. Experiments show that our technology, compared to conventional methodologies, can generate realistic rendering results with far more depth information.
Incidence of symptomatic discoid meniscus in Korea: epidemiologic big data analysis from HIRA database
Authors: Kim Jin Seong , Kim Jung Hoon , Choi Moon Young , Ha Jeong Ku , Baek Seung Hun , Chung Kyu Sung
Published: October 2024

Background

There is a lack of evidence of the diagnosis and treatment-related epidemiological studies of symptomatic discoid meniscus. This study analyzed the national epidemiological data for discoid meniscus in South Korea.

Methods

From 2011 to 2019, data related to the diagnosis and procedure codes of discoid meniscus were obtained from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. All patients encoded as discoid meniscus were included. Data were extracted and further analyzed as follows: (1) the total number and the incidence (cases per 100,000) of discoid meniscus diagnosis per year, (2) sex distribution, (3) age distribution, (4) discoid meniscus ratio (total discoid meniscus coding per total meniscus injury coding), and (5) surgical procedures after discoid meniscus injury.

Results

The total number of discoid meniscus diagnosed was 4576 in 2011 and increased to 6639 in 2019, representing a 45.1% increase. The incidence was 9.5 in 2011 and increased to 13.0 in 2019. Concerning sex, discoid meniscus was more common in females (55%) than in males (45%) over the study period. Regarding age, the peak age of discoid meniscus in 2011 was “under 19,” whereas in 2019, the peak age was observed in the 50s. The discoid meniscus ratio range was 2.12–2.60% from 2011 to 2019. The total number of meniscectomy increased by 20% from 2000 in 2011 to 2475 in 2014. However, the total number of meniscus repairs was 318 in 2011 and increased to 502 in 2019, indicating an increase of 58%.

Conclusions

The total number and incidence of symptomatic discoid as well as the discoid meniscus ratio and the incidence of total discoid meniscus repair steadily increased from 2011 to 2019. The number of meniscus repair procedures increased more rapidly than that of meniscectomy. The current study helps understand the epidemiology of symptomatic discoid meniscus, its prevention, and cost-saving measures in South Korea.
The battle against dental caries: defeating biofilm formed by bacterial isolates using vanillin and plant essential oils: in vitro and ex vivo approaches
Authors: Ahmed Manar M. , Yousef Nehal E. , Askoura Momen , Yahya Galal , El-Ganiny Amira M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria have significantly linked to dental plaque and caries. The aim of this study is to assess efficacy of some natural compounds in inhibition and eradication of biofilm formed by bacterial isolates from dental infections.

Results

Bacterial isolates were recovered from dental plaque/caries and identified using standard microbiological tests and 16S rDNA sequencing. The isolated bacterial strains include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method and revealed that the majority of isolates showed high antibiotic resistance, and 61% of isolates were found to be multidrug resistant. The biofilm formation capacity of isolates was investigated using microtiter plate assay. Among the 77 bacterial isolates, seventeen showed moderate biofilm formation capacity, twenty-two showed near-moderate, thirty-four had weak biofilm-forming capacity, and four were non-biofilm producers. The antibiofilm activity of tested compounds (rose and jasmine oils, propolis, vanillin, and vinegar) was evaluated against isolates with highest biofilm-forming capacity. The in vitro antibiofilm ability of tested substances were investigated alone or in combination with each other to evaluate their ability to prevent biofilm formation or destroy preformed single-/multispecies biofilms. Finally, antibiofilm ability of tested combination was evaluated ex vivo on natural teeth. Our results showed that vanillin in combination with rose or jasmine oils showed promising biofilm inhibition and biofilm eradication activities in both the in vitro and ex vivo models.

Conclusions

Dental plaque and caries can be successfully prevented using combination of vanillin with rose or jasmine oils, and these compounds can be incorporated in new anticaries dental formulations.
Should face-to-face in-person therapy be preserved for some clients with anxiety? Evaluation of Anxiety UK's psychological therapy services before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Paton Lewis W. , Bee Penny , Bosanquet Kate , Bower Peter , Fell Jason , Gellatly Judith , Lidbetter Nicky , Lukoseviciute Beatrice , McMillan Dean , Smithson Dave , Tiffin Paul A.
Published: October 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic initiated a mass switch to psychological therapy being delivered remotely, including at Anxiety UK, a national mental health charity. Understanding the impact of this forced switch could raise implications for the provision of psychological therapies going forwards.

Aims

To understand whether the forced switch to remote therapy had any impact on outcomes, and if certain groups should continue to be routinely offered certain delivery modalities in future.

Method

Data were available for 2323 individuals who accessed Anxiety UK services between January 2019 and October 2021. Demographic data, baseline and discharge anxiety and depression symptoms, and mode of therapy delivery were available.

Regression models were built to model (a) the mode of therapy delivery received pre-pandemic using logistic regression, and (b) outcomes pre- and post-pandemic onset within demographic groups.

Results

No statistically significant changes in baseline anxiety symptoms, demographics or outcomes were observed before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pre-pandemic, males were more likely to receive online video therapy than telephone therapy (Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) 1.42, [1.01, 1.99]), while older clients were less likely to receive online video therapy (RRR 0.98, [0.97, 0.99]). However, no differences in outcomes were observed post-pandemic onset within these groups, with only the number of sessions of therapy being a significant predictor of outcomes.

Conclusions

Anxiety UK services remained effective throughout the pandemic. We observed no evidence that any demographic group had worse outcomes following the forced switch to remote therapy.
Suicide among post-Arabellion refugees in Germany
Authors: Le Nensy Thu Ha , Genuneit Jon , Brennecke Gerald , von Polier Georg , White Lars , Radeloff Daniel
Published: October 2024

Background

Although immigrants are considered to be vulnerable to mental illness, there is limited knowledge regarding their suicide mortality.

Aims

To investigate standardised mortality ratios (SMR) for suicide among the largest immigrant populations in Germany before and after the refugee movement of 2015.

Method

Data on immigrants and the general population in Germany between 2000 and 2020 were provided by the scientific section of the Federal Statistical Office. SMR with 95% confidence intervals were calculated by indirect standardisation for gender, age and calendar year for the pre-2015 and post-2015 time interval, first for all the immigrant populations studied and second for the Syrian, Afghan and Iraqi populations separately.

Results

Immigrants from the countries studied showed a lower suicide risk compared with the German reference population (SMR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.35–0.41). No differences in SMR were found between pre- and post-2015 time intervals, in either the aggregate data for all populations or the data for Syrian, Afghan and Iraqi populations. Post-2015, Afghan immigrants (SMR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54–0.83) showed a higher SMR than Syrians (SMR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.25–0.36) or Iraqis (SMR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.26–0.48).

Conclusions

Despite the many and varied stresses associated with flight, comparison of the pre- and post-2015 time intervals showed that the suicide risk of the populations studied did not change and was considerably lower than that of the German reference population. We attribute this to lower suicide rates in the countries of origin but also to flight-related selection processes that favour more resilient individuals.
Investigation of Fibrillar Aggregates Formed by Pathogenic Pre-pro-vasopressin Mutants that Cause ADNDI
Authors: Vaizoglu Refika Dilara , Erdem Beril , Gul Mehmet , Acar Ceren , Ozdemirel Huseyin Ozgur , Saglar Ozer Emel , Mergen Hatice
Published: October 2024

Context

Aggregations of unfolded or misfolded proteins, both inside and outside cells, are implicated in numerous diseases, collectively known as amyloidosis. Particularly, autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (ADNDI) is a rare disease caused by mutations in the AVP-NPII gene, leading to the inability to secrete arginine vasopressin. These misfolded proteins accumulate within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causing cellular dysfunction.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the formation of amyloid-like aggregates within the cell resulting from misfolded mutant precursor proteins, which induce disulfide-linked oligomers due to the G45C, 207_209delGGC, G88V, C98X, C104F, E108D-1, E108D-2 and R122H mutations identified by our group in the AVP-NPII gene of ADNDI patients.

Methods

Deglycosylation studies were performed to analyze the glycosylation patterns of mutant protein precursors. The involvement of these precursors in the ER-related degradation pathway was studied by conducting protease inhibition experiments. Disulfide-linked oligomer analysis determined the oligomerization status of the mutant precursors. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy studies provided evidence of aggregate structures in the ER lumen. In vitro studies involved bacterial expression and fibril formation in Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Results

Our findings demonstrated that the N-glycan structure of mutant precursors remains intact within the ER. Protease inhibition experiments indicated the involvement of these precursors in the ER-related degradation pathway. Disulfide-linked oligomer analysis revealed homo-oligomer structures in mutations. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy studies confirmed the presence of aggregate structures in the ER lumen. In vitro studies showed that mutant precursors could form fibril structures in E. coli.

Conclusion

Our study may support the idea that ADNDI belongs to the group of neurodegenerative diseases due to the formation of fibrillar amyloid aggregates in the cell.
A Long Way to Find a Small Tumor: The Hunt for an Insulinoma
Authors: Arjunan Durairaj , Grossman Ashley B , Singh Harmandeep , Rai Rakesh , Bal Amanjit , Dutta Pinaki
Published: October 2024

We report a case of a 35–year-old woman with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia. Biochemical investigation was suggestive of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, and hence a provisional diagnosis of insulinoma was made. Despite extensive investigation using magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, and 68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning, the tumor could not be localized. Long-distance travel allowed her to undergo a 68Ga-Exendin-4 PET/CT scan that identified a lesion in the uncinate process of the pancreas, subsequently confirmed by intraoperative ultrasound. Enucleation of the 1.5-cm lesion was performed, and histopathology confirmed a well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Postoperatively, the patient has remained free of hypoglycemic episodes and has shown normalization of glucose levels. This case underscores the efficacy of 68Ga-Exendin-4 PET/CT in the localization of an occult insulinoma, facilitating timely and curative surgical intervention, and the importance of patients having access to such a facility when not locally available.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Adding Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block to Interpectoral-Pectoserratus Plane Block in Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Gu Bin , Huang Zhang-Xiang , Zhou Hui-Dan , Lian Yan-Hong , He Shuang , Ge Meng , Jiang Hui-Fang
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

The interpectoral-pectoserratus plane block is expected to anesthetize the lateral breast, but it is unclear whether the deep parasternal intercostal plane block may enhance recovery by providing analgesia to the medial breast.

METHODS:

Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery were randomly assigned to receive either the interpectoral-pectoserratus block (single block) or interpectoral-pectoserratus combined with deep parasternal intercostal block (combined block). The primary outcome was the quality of recovery-15 questionnaire score assessed at 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary measures included dermatomal block assessment, pain severity, opioid consumption, opioid-related adverse events, hospital length of stay, and chronic postsurgical pain at 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS:

One hundred and sixteen patients were recruited, 58 in the single block group and 58 in the combined block group. There was no important difference in the 24-hour quality of recovery scores with mean (standard deviation [SD]) 123.6 (6.3) in the single block group and 123.2 (7.1) in the combined block group (mean difference, 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.0 to 2.9; P =.731). There was greater dermatomal block on medial breast in the combined block group. There were no differences in other secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Addition of deep parasternal intercostal plane block was not superior to interpectoral-pectoserratus plane block alone for the quality of recovery in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.
Measuring maximum heart rate to study cardiac thermal performance and heat tolerance in fishes
Authors: Gilbert Matthew J. H. , Hardison Emily A. , Farrell Anthony P. , Eliason Erika J. , Anttila Katja
Published: October 2024

The thermal sensitivity of heart rate (fH) in fishes has fascinated comparative physiologists for well over a century. We now know that elevating fH is the primary mechanism through which fishes increase convective oxygen delivery during warming to meet the concomitant rise in tissue oxygen consumption. Thus, limits on fH can constrain whole-animal aerobic metabolism. In this Review, we discuss an increasingly popular methodology to study these limits, the measurement of pharmacologically induced maximum fH (fH,max) during acute warming of an anaesthetized fish. During acute warming, fH,max increases exponentially over moderate temperatures (Q10∼2–3), but this response is blunted with further warming (Q10∼1–2), with fH,max ultimately reaching a peak (Q10≤1) and the heartbeat becoming arrhythmic. Because the temperatures at which these transitions occur commonly align with whole-animal optimum and critical temperatures (e.g. aerobic scope and the critical thermal maximum), they can be valuable indicators of thermal performance. The method can be performed simultaneously on multiple individuals over a few hours and across a broad size range (<1 to >6000 g) with compact equipment. This simplicity and high throughput make it tractable in lab and field settings and enable large experimental designs that would otherwise be impractical. As with all reductionist approaches, the method does have limitations. Namely, it requires anaesthesia and pharmacological removal of extrinsic cardiac regulation. Nonetheless, the method has proven particularly effective in the study of patterns and limits of thermal plasticity and holds promise for helping to predict and mitigate outcomes of environmental change.
Co-creation of the Digital Democracy and Data Commons Manifesto: alternative sociotechnical visions of data
Authors: Senabre Hidalgo Enric , Calleja Antonio , Espelt Ricard , Suárez Gonzalo Sara , Fuster Morell Mayo , Belsunces Andreu
Published: October 2024

Amid public concern surrounding the proprietary and exploitative use of personal data by corporations and public institutions, and its consequences from a sociotechnical perspective, narratives around digital commons have recently emerged, framing potential alternatives. This paper presents the co-creation of the Digital Democracy and Data Commons Manifesto through a collaborative writing sprint, drawing on principles of openness, diversity, and inclusivity. The manifesto articulates a technopolitical vision for data governance that prioritizes community control over data. We analyze the manifesto's evolution throughout the process, demonstrating its capacity to address contemporary concerns such as data extractivism and algorithmic governance. Our approach is based on participatory design methods, more concretely on a collaborative writing sprint, to co-create a manifesto on alternatives to current datafication, digital inequalities, and lack of citizen control over personal data. On the one hand, we describe the process of implementing a sprint approach for collaboratively writing a topic-specific manifesto, in the context of the broader EU project DECODE (Decentralised Citizen Owned Data Ecosystems). On the other hand, we present and analyse the main results from the content structure of the manifesto over its initial and final versions, which moved progressively as a cohesive text away from a scholarly and policy-oriented tone.
On the need to better integrate the social environment in research on climate change and health: recommendations and thinking tools
Authors: Mabile Laurence , Neufcourt Lola , Chersich Matthew , Leroy Valériane , Delpierre Cyrille , Kelly-Irving Michelle
Published: October 2024

Social inequality impacts health, is aggravated by the consequences of climate change, and may be influenced by inappropriate policy responses. These interdependent effects create a self-perpetuating loop exacerbating the impact of climate dysregulation on health in an uncontrolled and poorly understood way. Holistic approaches to public health such as One Health, EcoHealth or Planetary Health are well suited to tackling the considerable and complex environmental and social issues underlying climate dysregulation. However, the extent to which research using such frameworks investigates social determinants of health is not clear. In this paper we discuss the ways in which the social environment has so far been considered in the literature to problematize and analyze the relationship between climate dysregulation and health within holistic frameworks and provide tools and recommendations to facilitate their apprehension. Social factors are investigated empirically only in a minor fraction of studies addressing the relation between climate and health in holistic frameworks, and not systematically. Barriers to such approaches are discussed. This work also provides two analytical tools (a process diagram and a knowledge framework) and a set of recommendations to help include the social environment more meaningfully in such frameworks. They are meant to facilitate our understanding of the current status of this type of research and to encourage trans-disciplinary and trans-sectorial endeavors towards directions which need to be taken to ensure societal factors and inequalities are placed at the center of research on climate and health and the ensuing policy response.
Microhomology-mediated end-joining Knock-In approaches to delete the allergenic domain of trout parvalbumin beta-1. Preliminary results in F0 animals and feedback
Authors: Lebret Veronique , Duret Cecile , Herpin Amaury , Rescan Pierre-yves
Published: October 2024

Background Gene editing techniques offer new opportunities to improve important traits in aquaculture. The allergenicity of fish flesh is a major problem in aquaculture. Parvalbumin (Parv) is the most prevalent fish allergen. For instance, in salmonids, a single parvalbumin beta-1 protein (parvb1) has been identified as an allergen in specific patients. Therefore, generating trout carrying two parvb1 alleles deleted from the allergenic peptide-encoding region could prevent allergies in these sensitive individuals. Methods Here, we describe the application of the Crispr/cas9 system in an attempt to delete parvb1 exon 2 encoding the allergenic peptide and, alternatively, to replace exon 2 of parvb1 with exon2 of parvalbumin beta-2 protein (parvb2,) which does not encode the allergenic peptide. Exon skipping and swapping were pursued through microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) knock-In using specifically designed double-stranded donor DNA. Results Genotyping of approximately 200 F0 fingerlings originating from eggs injected with donor DNA designed for exon 2 skipping led to the identification of only one animal carrying an allele lacking exon 2. Genotyping of approximately 150 fingerlings originating from eggs injected with donor DNA for exon 2 swapping did not result in any trout carrying the expected modified allele. Conclusions These preliminary results indicate the potential difficulties associated with the MMEJ KI experiments performed in farmed fish. Finally, new genomic techniques in aquaculture are further discussed in the context of lively debates taking place in the European parliament regarding a possible revision of the current law that determines the legal status of farm animals modified by genome editing. Gene editing, microhomology-mediated end-joining knock-in, parvalbumin, allergenicity, trout, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Ethical Impact Assessment of Sharing Nanosafety Data
Authors: MALSCH Ineke , Willighagen Egon , Sánchez Burmester Candida F. , Mody Cyrus
Published: October 2024

Decades of research on environmental, health and safety impacts of nanomaterials have generated large amounts of nanosafety data, but not all data are available online following the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) principles. This lack of FAIR data delays progress in regulatory research, needed by regulators to develop evidence-based policies. In this context, researchers collaborating in the EU NanoSafety Cluster (www.nanosafetycluster.eu) engaged in a discussion on the ethical impacts related to (not) sharing nanosafety data. Screening the potential ethical impacts suggested that openly sharing nanosafety data relevant to risk governance of nanomaterials could give rise to ethical issues related to health and to liberties, and that these data might be misused. On the other hand, not openly sharing such nanosafety data could raise issues related to health, equity, common good, environment, and sustainability. A small-scale Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA) was performed between June 2022 and April 2024 to identify and evaluate more specific ethical issues and to propose recommendations for remediating ethical concerns. Preliminary results were presented in scientific conferences (one poster and three oral presentations), while the comments of the participants were incorporated in the final version of the presented paper. The EIA identified ethical issues and value conflicts related to the following sectors: intellectual property, social justice, public health, dual use, environmental ethics and animal ethics. Some recommendations for remediation are the competence of research organisations. Other recommendations call for societal dialogue and engagement. Yet other recommendations call for political action.
Comparison of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness among patients with intermittent exotropia according to fixation preference: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Lim Yeon Ju , Lee Soo Jung
Published: October 2024

Background: This study was performed to compare the thickness of the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) depending on the presence or absence of fixation preference in patients with intermittent exotropia (IXT) with refractive values close to emmetropia and with no amblyopia. Methods: The study recruited pediatric patients diagnosed with IXT with a spherical equivalent within ±1.25 diopter and no amblyopia. The patients were categorized into two groups: a monocular exotropia group with fixation preference and an alternating exotropia group without fixation preference. GCIPL thickness was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and the macula was divided into nine sectors according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). GCIPL thickness in each sector was compared between the monocular and alternating exotropia groups.Results: In the monocular exotropia group, GCIPL thickness was significantly thinner in the dominant eye than in the nondominant eye in the S1 sector (91.2±7.4 μm vs. 93.3±5.2 μm, p=0.019). However, in the alternating exotropia group, there were no significant differences between the eyes across all ETDRS sectors. When comparing the interocular differences in GCIPL thickness between the two groups, the monocular exotropia group (absolute value of the dominant eye minus the nondominant eye) exhibited significantly greater differences in several ETDRS sectors than the alternating exotropia group (absolute value of the right eye minus the left eye).Conclusion: The significant interocular difference in GCIPL thickness in the monocular exotropia group suggests that fixation preference may influence the anatomical structure of the macula in patients with IXT.
Pregnancy outcome following various doses of antioxidants such as Vitamin E supplementation – current state of knowledge
Authors: Skalska-Dziobek Nina , Małagocka Weronika , Chybowska Karolina , Rozpłoch-Sapa Maria , Orłowski Mateusz , Naruszewicz Maria , Midro Aleksandra , Cetnarowski Przemysław , Zagórski Karol , Kozik Mateusz
Published: October 2024

Introduction and purpose: Vitamin E is an antioxidant substance. It has been noted that the pathomechanism of many diseases in pregnancy is rooted in oxidative stress. Much of them have an incompletely understood mechanism, and thus treatment is not as effective. Vitamin E is a readily available and important antioxidant. It is reasonable to investigate whether there are links between supplementation with this vitamin and improved outcomes of conditions in pregnant women. Conditions such as preeclampsia (also in a group of women with type 1 diabetes), preterm premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous preterm birth, respiratory diseases were considered.
Material and method: The literature was reviewed in the Pubmed database, GoogleScholar, in the Via Medica journal database, the positions of the Polish gynecological society with the use of keywords.
State of knowledge: According to the cited studies, routine use of vitamin E in combination with other supplements has no discernible benefit. No differences were found in groups taking antioxidants from placebo groups in the context of pregnancy diseases. There were side effects of supplementation and for this reason supplementation with this antioxidant should not be ordered without clear indications.
Conclusions: The information gathered does not indicate the usefulness of vitamin E supplementation in pregnancy. The issue of the use of antioxidants in the fight against diseases that occur during pregnancy requires further research.
Risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in the developmental age
Authors: Sionek-Wręga Irena , Jakubowska Eliza , Hoppe-Mitera Ewa , Ślemp Julia , Pakuła Anita , Kuźma Krzysztof , Wręga Jakub , Bierć Karolina , Grochowska Marcelina , Kisiel-Cybula Ewelina
Published: October 2024

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent respiratory sleep disorder in children, associated with severe health consequences, including hypertension, cardiac dysfunction, and neurocognitive impairment. Despite extensive research on OSAS in adults, the risk factors for pediatric OSAS remain underexplored.
Objective: This literature review aims to identify and present the key risk factors associated with pediatric OSAS based on contemporary studies.
Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted for literature published between 2016 and 2024. Search terms included “obstructive sleep apnea,” “children,” and “risk factors.” A total of 93 relevant studies were reviewed after excluding non-pediatric and irrelevant papers from an initial pool of 283.
Results: The most commonly identified risk factors for pediatric OSAS include adenoid and tonsillar hypertrophy, obesity, craniofacial abnormalities, and asthma. Additional risk factors such as allergic rhinitis, recurrent upper respiratory infections, nasal stenosis, congenital diseases, low vitamin D levels, and preterm birth were also noted.
Conclusion: Pediatric OSAS is influenced by multiple factors, including anatomical, physiological, and genetic components. Further research is required to explore emerging risk factors, such as role of vitamin D deficiency and microbiota, and to clarify the impact of variables like ethnicity and breastfeeding.
Didaktika j metodika navčannâ polʹsʹkoї movi âk іnozemnoї v ukraїnsʹkomu kontekstі
Authors: E. Gębal Przemysław , Miodunka Władysław T. , Vaseiko Yuliia
Published: October 2024

Didactics and Methodology of Teaching Polish as a Foreign Language is a monographic work on the basics of Polish language glottodidactics. It presents basic issues, covering the most important theoretical, research and practical areas of contemporary learning and teaching Polish as a foreign language in a Ukrainian context. The content included in the book includes aspects of an interdisciplinary nature, combining language didactics with pedagogy, psychology of learning and psycholinguistics. The publication offers a comprehensive view of issues related to the process of guided learning and teaching languages. The volume has the character of an academic monograph. It consists of thematically grouped lectures covering individual theoretical issues, supplemented with programming and practical solutions. This structure of the book corresponds to the division of the didactic introductory course into lectures and exercises, usually carried out in the form of conversational classes, implemented at universities. In its pedeutological format, the concept of the volume is oriented towards the implementation of the humanistic emancipatory-critical model of teacher education. According to its assumptions, the aim and primary means of teaching is to free students from dogmatic thinking and encourage them to critically reflect on the content provided, activities and didactic tasks. The aim of the study is to support the education of reflective practitioners, who are simultaneously characterised by a high level of didactic self-awareness and autonomy. The concept of the book, implementing the didactic assumptions of constructivism, will include previous educational experiences in the education process of future and existing teachers and encourages them to create their own original didactic solutions. It plays the role of a substantive point of reference, which constitutes a kind of bridge between the collected experiences and ideas and the educational practice for which its users are substantively prepared.
Historical and Legal Perspectives on Contraceptive Accessibility in Canada: The Case for Comprehensive Pharmacare
Authors: Kuroś Aleksandra
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines the availability of contraception in Canada. More precisely, it explores the difficulties encountered by numerous Canadian women as a result of the exorbitant expenses associated with some contraceptive methods. This problem is exacerbated by the absence of reimbursement for these agents in the majority of jurisdictions, rendering them unaffordable for low-income individuals. The article offers a concise account of the historical development of birth control in Canada, delineates the existing legal framework, including the recent enactment of Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare, and explores the impact of contraceptive expenses on Canadian women’s reproductive health.
Health Equity and Birth: The Accessibility of Indigenous Midwifery and Birth Workers in Canadian Healthcare
Authors: Kwiatek Gabriela
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines the intersections of health equity, birthing, and Indigeneity in present-day Canada, outlining the current state of midwifery healthcare policy, with a specific focus on policies and measures intended to increase Indigenous selfdetermination in relation to childbirth. At the same time, it presents a decolonial approach to midwifery and doula practices as a means to address and counteract systemic discrimination against Indigenous women and gender diverse individuals within healthcare systems. A postcolonial lens is employed to highlight prospective initiatives aimed at reviving Indigenous birthing traditions and regaining authority over reproductive health. This chapter also highlights policy reforms and healthcare practices that prioritize Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, as well as increased governmental support for Indigenous midwives and doulas.
Gender Equality in Canada through the Prism of Political Party Documentation and Programs
Authors: Sowa Kamil
Published: October 2024

This chapter critically examines gender equality within Canadian party politics, with a specific focus on six principal political entities: the Liberal Party of Canada, the Conservative Party of Canada, the Bloc Québécois, the New Democratic Party, the Green Party of Canada, and the People’s Party of Canada. It investigates the extent to which these parties address women’s rights and gender equality within their respective party documentation and programmatic agendas. Utilizing a comparative analytical approach, it seeks to elucidate both convergences and divergences in how Canadian political parties address gender equality concerns. To this end, a lexicometric analysis was employed to quantify the occurrence of terms such as ‘woman’, ‘female’, and ‘gender’ in party documentation. Additionally, qualitative methodologies were applied to contextualize the utilization of such terminology. Mirroring patterns observed in other countries, left-leaning and liberal parties are expected to demonstrate greater attentiveness to women’s rights and gender equality issues in their official documents compared to their conservative counterparts. However, this pattern primarily applies to the constitutions of Canadian parties. Regarding the programmatic space, there is a broad consensus encompassing the majority of Canadian parties. It is only questioned by the People’s Party of Canada. An interesting position is also held by the Bloc Québécois, which, despite supporting feminist demands, as a separatist party, pays less attention to gender equality. The prominence of concerns regarding Indigenous women in the agendas of most Canadian parties underscores the progression of Canadian feminism.