bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase Equilibria Evidence for Intermediate P/T Metamorphism in the Nashoba Terrane and Implications for Acadian Tectonics in Ganderia
Authors: Yao Jannitta T. , Castro Adrian E. , Roberts Nicolas M. , Wolfe Oliver M. , Brunet Isabella M. , Vasey Dylan A.
Published: January 2024

The bedrock exposed in the Nashoba terrane of east-central Massachusetts records a complex history of deformation and metamorphism associated with the collision of Avalonia with the Laurentian margin during the Devonian Acadian orogeny. Although the structural history of the terrane has been well studied, its pressure-temperature (P–T) history is less well constrained, and the mechanisms by which the upper amphibolite facies Nashoba terrane was juxtaposed between greenschist facies rocks to the southeast and northwest have not been established. Here, we apply phase equilibria modeling, geothermobarometry, and petrographic analysis to three garnet-bearing migmatitic rocks from the Nashoba terrane to determine their P–T histories and provide key metamorphic constraints relevant to Acadian orogenic processes. All three samples are from the Nashoba Formation, a unit within the Nashoba terrane consisting of volcaniclastic rocks likely deposited in an arc/back-arc setting near the trailing edge of the Ganderia terrane. Peak subsolidus conditions are determined via the integration of petrographic analysis and thermodynamic modeling. Peak anatectic conditions are constrained with garnet-biotite thermometry + GASP barometry, garnet intersecting rim isopleths, and thermodynamic modeling.

Phase equilibria constraints suggest peak subsolidus conditions ranging from ~550°C to 700°C and ~6–12 kbar. Geothermobarometry, phase equilibria modeling, and garnet rim isopleths constrain biotite-out anatexis to ~700°C–715°C and ~5–8.5 kbar, up to ~2–4 kbar deeper than previously suggested. This synthesis of phase equilibria modeling and petrographic analysis suggests that all three samples record a clockwise P–T path with peak pressures achieved before anatexis associated with the Acadian orogeny at ~394 Ma. These results are inconsistent with a previously interpreted pre-Acadian period of low P/T metamorphism (<5 kbar peak pressures). Instead, this implies a previously unrecognized phase of intermediate P/T crustal thickening preceding anatexis, which we interpret as a result of Acadian orogenesis. We suggest that the Nashoba terrane exposes mid-crustal levels of the Acadian hinterland.
Complement-fixation by antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Chishimba Sandra , Reiling Linda , Boyle Michelle , Kurtovic Liriye , Beeson James
Published: January 2024

In malaria, the fixation and activation of serum complement proteins by antibodies can support immunity by mediating parasite lysis, inhibiting host cell motility and invasion and promoting phagocytosis. Antibodies, bound to malaria antigens, may bind to C1q via their Fc region, initiating the classical complement cascade; C1q is the first step in the classical activation pathway. This protocol measures C1q-fixation by antibodies that target whole Plasmodium falciparum parasites, which can include merozoites, sporozoites, or gametocytes/gametes. The procedure is similar to an ELISA and has the advantage of having high reproducibility, good quantification, and is amenable to high throughput.
A Practical Approach for Targeting Structural Variants Genome-wide in Plasma Cell-free DNA
Authors: Tanaka Hisashi , Murata Michael , Igari Fumie , Urbanowicz Ryan , Mouakkad Lila , Kim Sungjin , Chen Zijing , Vizio Dolores Di , Posadas Edwin , Giuliano Armando
Published: January 2024

Interrogating plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to detect cancer offers promise; however, no current tests scan structural variants (SVs) throughout the genome. Here, we report a simple molecular workflow to enrich a tumorigenic SV (DNA palindromes/fold-back inversions) that often demarcates genomic amplification and its feasibility for cancer detection by combining low-throughput next-generation sequencing with automated machine learning (Genome-wide Analysis of Palindrome Formation, GAPF-seq). Tumor DNA signal manifested as skewed chromosomal distributions of high-coverage 1-kb bins (HCBs), differentiating 39 matched breast tumor DNA from normal DNA with an average AUC of 0.9819. In a proof-of-concept liquid biopsy study, cfDNA from 0.5 mL plasma from prostate cancer patients was sufficient for binary classification against matched buffy coat DNA with an average AUC of 0.965. HCBs on the X chromosome emerged as a determinant feature and were associated with AR amplification. GAPF-seq could generate unique cancer-specific SV profiles in an agnostic liquid biopsy setting.
The Impact of Premature Birth on Multisensory Processes in Very Preterm Schoolchildren
Authors: Décaillet Marion , Denervaud Solange , Huguenin-Virchaux Cléo , Besuchet Laureline , Fumeaux Céline Fischer , Murray Micah , Schneider Juliane
Published: January 2024

Interactions between stimuli from different sensory modalities and their integration are central to daily life, contributing to improved perception. Being born prematurely and the subsequent hospitalization can have an impact not only on sensory processes, but also on the manner in which information from different senses is combined – i.e., multisensory processes. Very preterm (VPT) children (< 32 weeks gestational age) present impaired multisensory processes in early childhood persisting at least through the age of five. However, it remains largely unknown whether and how these consequences persist into later childhood. Here, we evaluated the integrity of auditory-visual multisensory processes in VPT schoolchildren. VPT children (N = 28; aged 8–10 years) received a standardized cognitive assessment and performed a simple detection task at their routine follow-up appointment. The simple detection task involved pressing a button as quickly as possible upon presentation of an auditory, visual, or simultaneous audio-visual stimulus. Compared to full-term (FT) children (N = 23; aged 6–11 years), reaction times of VPT children were generally slower and more variable, regardless of sensory modality. Nonetheless, both groups exhibited multisensory facilitation on mean reaction times and inter-quartile ranges. There was no evidence that standardized cognitive or clinical measures correlated with multisensory gains of VPT children. However, while gains in FT children exceeded predictions based on probability summation and thus forcibly invoked integrative processes, this was not the case for VPT children. Our findings provide evidence of atypical multisensory profiles in VPT children persisting into school-age. These results could help in targeting supportive interventions for this vulnerable population.
Integrative Multiomics Network Analysis of Genetic Risk Factors to Infer Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Alsaedi Sakhaa , Mineta Katsuhiko , Tamura Naoto , Gao Xin , Gojobori Takashi , Ogasawara Michihiro
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Understanding the interplay between multiomics genetic risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is key to developing effective treatments. Although network genetic-medicine approaches have identified key regulatory nodes of RA, there has been limited analysis of the molecular interactions between its risk actors.
Methods: To identify the significant pathways and predict therapeutic targets of RA, we implemented a workflow to enable the computational multiomics network analysis of its associated risk factors using disease mapping and molecular function similarities.
Results: We identified 28 common risk factors and biomarkers between three main biological pathways. Two key proteins are discovered as potential RA drug targets and a causal RA risk factor is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Conclusion: This analysis suggests that drugs approved for other diseases mapped with RA could be repurposed for other diseases with the same pathways. This study provides insight into disease pathogenesis and enhances drug discovery for RA and other complex multifactorial diseases.
Loss of ERRγ promotes lineage plasticity towards neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Giguere Vincent , Li Ting , Dufour Catherine , Han Lingwei
Published: January 2024

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a lethal subtype of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of CRPC toward NEPC remain incompletely understood and effective treatments to be discovered. Herein, we report that loss of the nuclear receptor ERRγ expression promotes neuroendocrine differentiation of PTEN-deficient prostate adenocarcinoma. Using human datasets, we first established that expression of ESRRG is downregulated in both treatment-induced and de novo NEPC. In agreement with these findings, Esrrg expression is also decreased in mouse models of the disease while prostate-specific deletion of Esrrg accelerates the development of NEPC characteristics in PTEN-deficient mice. In cellular models of human prostate cancer (PCa), rescuing ERRγ expression reverses high levels of NEPC markers, inhibits NEPC differentiation, and impedes growth of PTEN-deficient PCa cells supported by suppression of oncogenic metabolic reprogramming. Loss of ERRγ also results in the activation of a neuroendocrine transcriptional program marked by the expression of EZH2 and RET kinase whose pharmacological inhibition impedes the growth of ERRγ-deficient prostate cancer tumor organoids. Altogether, our findings reveal that loss of ERRγ drives adeno-to-neuroendocrine lineage plasticity in PCa and offer potential therapeutic strategies to prevent the development of poor outcome NEPC.
Inferring Carbon Emissions from Human Mobility Data
Authors: Lu Xin , Wang Mengning , Zhang Xiaoling , Tan Suoyi , Zhang Qing , Sai Bin , Cai Mengsi , Guo Shuhui , Wrathall David , Obersteiner Michael , Li Mengjun , Liu Zhu , Chen Xiaohong
Published: January 2024

Accurate identification, quantification, and continual monitoring of carbon emissions constitute pivotal elements for proactive climate interventions. Conventional methodologies like direct measurement, including point-source assessments or remote sensing, often face challenges related to high costs or limited accuracy. Especially in low- and middle-income nations experiencing escalating emissions, carbon monitoring heavily relies on the administrative capabilities of local governments, which frequently lack adequate monitoring infrastructures. Addressing this predicament, our study introduces a computational framework to forecast CO2 emissions by leveraging comprehensive observable human activity data from third-party sources. Our findings elucidate a robust correlation between multi-origin CO2 emissions and human mobility (r = 0.89). Notably, machine learning models adeptly predict these emissions by integrating characteristics extracted from temporally aggregated, anonymized mobility networks (R2≈1.0). We demonstrate that the model effectively captures the notable reduction in CO2 emissions during the COVID-19 lockdown, with both human mobility and CO2 emissions in China decreasing by 56.97% and 32.45%, respectively. The prediction accuracy remains high for countries with varying social economic development, such as the U.S., Italy and Mexico. This study presents an inexpensive, real-time, and robust method of quantifying CO2 emissions on a large scale with high precision, and it could facilitate tailored CO2 emission reduction strategies, grounded in robust scientific evidence derived from the dynamics of human mobility.
The role of tailored climate scenario information for the
perceived legitimacy of climate policy paths
Authors: Hulkkonen Mira , Mielonen Tero , Leppänen Saara , Laakso Anton , Kokkola Harri
Published: January 2024

How does personally tailored climate impact information affect the attitudes towards climate policy paths? We developed an interactive online tool to depict the outcomes of downscaled climate models and a personalized vulnerability estimate. A survey (n=1017) representing Finnish public was conducted to find out the level of knowledge, attitudes towards climate policies and psychological distance to climate change among different demographic groups before and after using the tool. Based on the results, tailored information about climate scenarios increases knowledge on climate impacts, but the effect on the perceived legitimacy of climate policy paths depends on demographic group and personal vulnerability. After using the tool, the respondents' confidence in own knowledge increased and the potential of climate policies to alleviate changes in the living environment was perceived as higher. No polarization in attitudes towards climate science and policy was found between respondents with urban and rural domicile. However, age and income level were associated with differences in attitudes and psychological distance to climate impacts. The respondents perceived climate impacts as spatially proximal, while the temporal and social dimensions of distance indicated more variation. For those with low vulnerability level, climate impacts appeared as more distant after obtaining tailored information.
Risk of severe case in COVID-19 patients and Azvudine: A Retrospective cohort study after exit from ‘zero-COVID’ policy
Authors: Li Lishan , Li Li , Ye Lihua , Lu Baijie , Wang Jieling , Wei Guanhua , Bian Zhuang
Published: January 2024

Background COVID-19 leaded to significant morbidity and mortality. To investigate contributing factors to severity and examine whether Azvudine can reduce mortality, we conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study.Method 4201 COVID-19 patients discharged from our hospital were enrolled. Logistic regression analysis and ROC curve were used to investigate the role of comorbidities, laboratory parameters and clinical manifestation on progression of COVID-19. Propensity-score models conditional on baseline characteristics and Univariate Cox regression model were used to examine whether Azvudine can reduce the mortality of COVID-19.Result Age, male sex, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, tumor and chronic lung disease were associated with elevated risk of mortality and chronic kidney disease contributed the most risk. Uric acid showed a U-shape risk of severity. Both hyperuricemia and hypouricemia increased the risk of severity. D-dimer, NT-BNP, LDH and FT3 were the most sensitive and specific markers for the prediction of mortality. Poor appetite, consciousness deterioration, polypnea and persistent high fever were associated with elevated risk of severity. Compared with no antiviral group, Azvudine can reduce the COVID-19 mortality (hazard ratio 0.708(95% confidence interval 0.516 to 0.971), P = 0.032. There was no significant difference in mortality reduction between Molnupiravir and Azvudine(P = 0.486).Conclusions Among COVID-19 patients, age, male sex and comorbidities can affect progression of COVID-19. D-dimer, NT-BNP, LDH, FT3, UA, poor appetite, consciousness deterioration, polypnea and persistent high fever can help doctors predict severe illness. Azvudine is neck and neck with Molnupiravir in the mortality reduction among COIVD-19.
Exploring Ecologically-Friendly Urbanization: The Impact of Physical Activity on Achievement Emotions and Academic Performance among Jiangsu Higher Vocational College Students
Authors: Shang Yanfeng , Shang Yanxia , Keat Ooi Boon
Published: January 2024

The study closely relates to the experiences of students at Jiangsu Higher Vocational College. These young individuals, who represent the process of urbanization in many countries, deal with the difficulties and advantages that come with modern urban living. Within the context of the fast-paced urban development in Jiangsu Province, students encounter a multifaceted combination of academic stress, city life, and emotional welfare. The importance of physical activity in enhancing cognitive function, academic performance, and emotional balance is strongly felt within this group, reflecting the worldwide discussion on the connection between exercise, academic success, and emotional well-being. Our systematic study aimed to investigate the complex relationships between physical activity, academic achievement, and emotional well-being, focusing primarily on students enrolled at Jiangsu Higher Vocational College. Upon analyzing previous studies conducted till early 2009, our research uncovered limited but favorable correlations between physical activity/fitness and academic achievement. This highlights the need for customized treatments and more investigation targeted at this particular set of students. This research highlights the significant knowledge gap about the intricate relationship between physical activity, cognitive function, and academic outcomes specific to urban adolescents, despite the absence of definitive data. Our findings support the need for detailed and thorough studies that explore the complex connections between physical exercise, emotional well-being, and academic success, with a special focus on the urbanization environment of Jiangsu. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these processes is crucial in promoting an environmentally sustainable urban setting that facilitates both academic achievement and emotional well-being among the students at Jiangsu Higher Vocational College.
Single dose of peg GCSF compared with daily GCSF in de novo acute myeloid leukemia patients on high dose cytarabine consolidation chemotherapy (HIDAC)
Authors:   1.	Bilal Kazi,   2.	Prakas Kumar Mandal,   3. Sumit Mitra,   4.	Imaan Rumani,   5.	Soma Mandal,   6.	Tuphan Kanti Dolai, Ghosh Reshma
Published: January 2024

Background: Consolidation therapy with high dose cytarabine (HIDAC) for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)is associated with significant neutropenia , resultant infections and associated morbidities. In this prospective study on de novo AML patients we attempted to compare efficacy of peg GCSF vs GCSF in ameliorating the duration and severity of neutropenia.
Material and methods: Fifty eight cycles of HIDAC(1,3,5) from 20 patients were studied. Twenty four hours after the consolidation chemotherapy, patients were randomized to receive either once daily short-acting GCSF (5 µg/kg) or single dose of long acting peg GCSF(6mg/100 µg per kg).
Results: The median duration of neutropenia and episodes of febrile neutropenia were 9.0 and 15 in the GCSF arm and 9.8 days and 17 in the peg GCSF arm, respectively (p >0.05).. Incidence of positive microbiological cultures and mean duration of hospital stay was similar in the two arms.
Conclusion: The results of this study failed to show any difference in the incidence and duration of febrile neutropenia, incidence of infections and associated morbidities, with the use of GCSF compared to peg GCSF in patients of AML on HIDAC consolidation therapy.
Role of aldosterone in various target organ damage in patients with hypertensive emergency: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Suzuki Toshihiko , Miyake Akihiro , Endo Keita , Hayashi Koichi , Hirai Taro , Hara Yuki , Takano Keisuke , Horikawa Takehiro , Yoshino Kaede , Sakai Masahiro , Kitamura Koichi , Ito Shinsuke , Imai Naohiko , Fujitani Shigeki
Published: January 2024

Hypertensive emergency is a critical disease that causes multiple organ injuries. Although the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) is enormously activated in this disorder, whether the RAS contributes to the development of the organ damage has not been fully elucidated. This cross-sectional study was conducted to characterize the association between RAS and the organ damage in patients with hypertensive emergencies. We enrolled 54 patients who visited our medical center with acute severe hypertension and multiple organ damage between 2012 and 2020. Upon admission, the hypertensive damage was evaluated, including severe kidney impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, SKI), severe retinopathy, concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (c-LVH), thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Among 54 patients, 30, 34 and 37 cases manifested SKI, severe retinopathy and c-LVH, respectively. Each population with these organ injuries had higher plasma aldosterone concentrations than the remaining subset but exhibited variable difference in systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Twenty-two patients had a triad of SKI, severe retinopathy and c-LVH, among whom 5 patients manifested TMA. Furthermore, the number of the damaged organs was correlated with plasma aldosterone levels (Spearman’s coefficient=0.47), with a strong association between plasma aldosterone (≥250 pg/mL) and 3 or more complications (odds ratio=8.49 [95%CI: 2.37-30.46]). In conclusion, in patients with hypertensive emergencies, a higher aldosterone level not only contributed to the development of the organ damage but also was associated with the number of damaged organs in each patient.
Chip collection of hepatocellular carcinoma based on O2 heterogeneity from patient tissue
Authors: Sung Hak-Joon , Baek Sewoom , Ha Hyun-Su , Park Jeong Su , Kim Hye-Seon , Chung Seyong , Kim Chansik , Kim Jueun , Kim Hyunjae , Yu Seung Eun , Cho Sungwoo , Yoon Ja Kyung , Choi Jin Sub , Han Dai Hoon , Lee Kyubae , Nam Yujin
Published: January 2024

As hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurs even after surgical operation, tumor avatar models have been suggested to approach the HCC type-specified clinical strategy. However, unlike other cancer environments, the dual supply from hepatic artery and vein drives the inherent heterogeneity in HCC characteristics with adaptation to the location-dependent oxygen concentration. This characteristic heterogeneity results in low success rate and lengthy process in producing the HCC avatar models. Here, these HCCs are separated and collected following the incremental and decremental oxygen concentrations in a chip by directly culturing tissues from 12 patients. The media perfusion with drug was set up in the perpendicular direction to the oxygen gradient, thereby examining drug responsiveness simultaneously with the HCC separation in the dual gradient fashions. The chip results are cross-validated in mice by modifying the PDX model to implant the same tissue-containing chips into normoxic normal limb, sub-hypoxic subcutaneous spot, and hypoxic ischemic hindlimb. In both chip and mice, the hypoxia-side HCCs exhibit most invasive and recurrent characteristics as confirmed by molecular expression, cell migration, and drug resistance in alignment with the clinical outcomes. The chip serves as a promising means to predict the treatment prognosis by identifying the dominant HCC type in each patient.
Safety and efficacy of a evidence-based nursing practice on early mobilization after surgery for glioma: a historical control study
Authors: Chen Xiaohang , Ye Qifa , Wan Lei , Wu Zhishui , He Chongxiang , Wang Bei
Published: January 2024

Early mobility has been proven to accelerate postoperative recovery in patients, but they have not yet been widely used in postoperative glioblastoma patients. The evidence-based nursing method was used to obtain clinical practice evidence. A standardized nursing care process for patients after surgery was developed which corresponds to different early mobilization plans for patients with different muscle strength and at different postoperative times. This plan Firstly, standardized training and examination were provided to department nurses (n = 48). Then the experimental group (n = 59) was subjected to the early mobilization rehabilitation nursing program plus routine nursing care, whereas the observation (n = 56) received only routine nursing care. The nurses reported that their awareness rate and passing rate on early mobilization health education improved substantially after the training program. Significant statistical differences were found in patients’ score of ADL, the first time of getting out of bed, the time of indwelling catheter, gastric tube, the central venous catheter, hospitalization time, and postoperative complications (P < 0.05). The rehabilitation of postoperative patients with glioma cancer who used evidence-based early mobilization health education is safe and reliable after craniotomy, which promotes the recovery of patients. Clinical trial registration: Our ethical approval has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. The ethical approval number is 2019258, and we are currently unable to provide a Clinical Trial registration number.
Feasibility and clinical value of linear endoscopic ultrasonography in the lower gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions
Authors: Tao Li , Chen Yajun , Fang Qianqian , Xu Fan , Yu Qianwei , Zhang Lijiu , Hu Xiangpeng
Published: January 2024

Linear endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has been extensively utilized as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic modality across various fields. However, there have been relatively few studies focusing on lower gastrointestinal lesions. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility, safety and clinical value of linear EUS in the lower gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions. This was a retrospective study involving patients with lower gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions diagnosed by linear EUS from August 2019 to April 2023 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The data, including basic clinical information, linear EUS features, technical success rate, complications, and follow-up, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. A total of 69 patients with lower gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions underwent examination by linear EUS. Excluding the rectum, the technical success rate of linear EUS was 90.6% (29/32). Apart from the 7 patients whose diagnosis remained unknown, 3 patients with no abnormal EUS findings, and 3 patients failed the procedure, 56 patients were included in the final diagnostic performance analysis. The most common locations of the lesions were the rectum (37/56, 66.1%) and sigmoid colon (7/56, 12.5%). Based on endoscopy findings and pathological results, the most prevalent types of subepithelial lesions in the lower gastrointestinal tract were neuroendocrine tumor (NET) (12/56, 20.3%), lipoma (8/56, 13.6%) and extraluminal compression (8/56, 13.6%). The majority of lesions ranged in diameter from 1 to 3 cm (χ2 = 18.750, p < 0.001). After undergoing linear EUS examination, 36 patients received EUS-FNA (3/36), biopsy (5/36), endoscopic resection (25/36), or surgical excision (3/36) respectively. The pathological results of 29 patients were entirely consistent with the diagnosis made using linear EUS, with an 80.6% (29/36) diagnostic accuracy rate. Follow-up indicated that the lesions remained unchanged within 6-36 months. All patients tolerated the procedure well without any complications. In conclusion, linear EUS demonstrates technical feasibility, safety, and a high diagnostic accuracy for subepithelial lesions in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Process evaluation of Project Daire: a food environment intervention that impacted food knowledge, wellbeing and dietary habits of primary school children
Authors: Anderson Naomi , Brennan Sarah F. , Lavelle Fiona , Moore Sarah E. , Olgacher Dilara , Junkin Amy , Dean Moira , McKinley Michelle C. , McCole Patrick , Hunter Ruth F. , Dunne Laura , O’Connell Niamh E. , Elliott Chris T. , McCarthy Danielle , Woodside Jayne V.
Published: January 2024

Background: The Project DAIRE trial aimed to improve children’s health-related quality of life, wellbeing, food knowledge and dietary habits via two multi-component interventions: Nourish, and Engage. Nourish was an intervention aiming to alter the school food environment, provide food-based experiences and expose pupils to locally produced foods. Engage was an age-appropriate cross-curricular food education intervention incorporating food, agriculture, nutrition science and related careers. The purpose of this study was to conduct a mixed methods process evaluation to evaluate DAIRE implementation, mechanisms of impact (MOI) and context, and inform scalable implementation of the DAIRE approach.
Methods: The Medical Research Council’s (MRC) framework for process evaluation was followed. Formal and informal methods were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data during the DAIRE trial in relation to process evaluation. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data via thematic analysis to identify key themes.
Results: Fifteen schools and 983 pupils (n=495 Key Stage 1 (KS1) and n=488 Key Stage 2 (KS2) pupils) were recruited for the 6-month DAIRE intervention; a 100% retention rate was observed at the school level and the interventions had a high level of acceptability. Nourish schools implemented a higher mean intervention dose (57.2%) than Engage (50%) schools but, overall, mixed implementation of both interventions occurred. DAIRE produced change through four key MOI: social learning, experimental learning, interactive engaging content and real-life connections. Lack of time was the main contextual barrier to DAIRE implementation and lack of financial cost to schools was indicated as a potential facilitator.
Conclusions: This process evaluation helped to identify important findings related to implementation, MOI and context. The most effective elements of the interventions which should be maintained include provision of interactive and engaging intervention elements and ensure these are at no financial cost to the school. Findings also identified suggestions for improvement including provision of increased teacher training, support and planning time, content reduction to facilitate easy integration into the school curriculum, and implementation across the full academic year. A sustainable funding and resourcing mechanism is required for successful future roll-out.
Trial Registration: The original trial referenced in this process evaluation is registered as follows: National Institute of Health (NIH) U.S. National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials.gov (ID: NCT04277312)
Investigating the Relationship between Missed/Rationed Nursing Care and Organizational Commitment in Nurses
Authors: Babaei Faranak , Nayeri Nahid Dehghan , Hajibabaee Fatemeh , Sharifi Farshad
Published: January 2024

Background
The primary objective of the nursing profession is to deliver comprehensive and suitable nursing care that aligns with the individual requirements of patients. However, instances of missed/rationed nursing care can jeopardize the provision of complete and secure healthcare, potentially endangering patients' lives. The level of organizational commitment demonstrated by nurses is likely to impact several individual and organizational factors. This study examines the relationship between missed/rationed care and organizational commitment.
Methods
This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study and 300 nurses working in general and intensive critical care units of Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals were randomly selected in 2023. Data collection included Allen and Mayer's organizational commitment questionnaires, Kalish's missed care questionnaire, and demographic variables. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the prediction of missed care by commitment and other variables.
Results
Half of the nurses reported occasionally missing nursing care. Additionally, more than half of the nurses reported moderate organizational commitment in all dimensions. The most significant reasons identified by nurses for missed care were financial resources, human resources, and communication (p < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between missed/rationed nursing care and organizational commitment (p = 0.042). In the multiple regression equation, a significant portion of missed care due to commitment was predicted when considering demographic variables (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Managers should prioritize addressing missed/rationed care to minimize its occurrence and improve healthcare quality, thereby preventing associated costs and consequences. Nursing managers should implement strategies to improve nurses' commitment status, reduce turnover rates, and enhance the quality of nursing care.
Soil Physiochemical Properties and Cucumber Productivity Assessment under Organic Fertilization
Authors: Agbor David Tavi , Egbe Leonel Enow , Tambe Agborante Agbor , Sama Desmond Kwayela , Lekelefeh Bezua Collins , Tabot Pascal Tabi , Mfombep Priscilla Mebong
Published: January 2024

Given the global increase in cucumber production due to its nutritional quality, high health risks are associated with cucumber consumption due to contamination by phytotoxic heavy metals resulting from synthetic fertilizers. Thus, producing contaminants-free cucumber fruits warrants the employment of eco-friendly fertilizers sources. This study, conducted in Kumba, Cameroon, explores the impact of organic manures; poultry droppings, cow dung, and cocoa pod husks, on organic cucumber cultivation and their effects on soil properties. The experiment, spanning the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons, employed a three-repeated randomized complete block design with four treatments: control, poultry droppings, cow dung, and cocoa pod husks. Results indicated a significant enhancement (P = .05) in soil fertility attributed to increased OC, OM, exchangeable Ca, K, Mg, Ntot, and Pavail, with poultry droppings exhibiting the most substantial impact. This improvement in soil quality translated into notable growth parameters for cucumbers. Poultry droppings resulted in the highest vine length (168 cm), leaf number (25), and branch number (12), while the control exhibited the lowest values. Cucumber yield significantly increased with poultry droppings leading (11.3 t/ha) and the control trailing (5.5 t/ha). Cucumber fruit length was influenced by the treatments, with the longest in poultry droppings (20 cm) and the shortest in the control (12 cm). Strong correlations were observed between cucumber yield and total nitrogen (r = 0.98995), available phosphorus (r = 0.99393), and potassium (r = 0.84688). Overall, the incorporation of organic manures, particularly poultry droppings, enhanced soil fertility, and boosted cucumber production.
Outcomes of Surgical vs. Conservative Management of Pediatric Acute Appendicitis in an Israeli Level 1 Surgical Center: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Romach Tal , Cohen Neta , Fuhrer Audelia Eshel , Rimon Ayelet , Capua Tali
Published: January 2024

Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common pediatric surgical emergency with considerable financial implications. Data on the comparative outcomes of surgical and conservative management approaches and their impact on healthcare resources are limited.
Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to compare surgical and conservative management outcomes of AA in an Israeli level 1 surgical center, focusing upon length of pediatric emergency department (PED) stay, hospital stay, revisit and readmission rates, and rates of eventual surgical intervention. The number of sick days needed by the child and caregiver during the first year post-diagnosis was also quantified.
Methods: Consecutive pediatric patients (<18 years of age) diagnosed with AA in our PED between August 2016 and February 2022 were included. Data on demographics, clinical examinations, outcomes, and resource utilization were collected. Patients with complicated appendicitis or severe chronic diseases were excluded.
Results: The 418 suitable patients were divided between 86 in the conservative management group and 332 in the surgical management group. Conservatively managed patients had longer-lasting PED visits, more PED revisits, more readmissions, and more ambulatory visits, resulting in more "sick days". Fifty (58%) of them eventually required surgery. Age ≥11 years emerged as an independent predictor for conservative treatment failure.
Conclusion: Conservative management of AA imposed a greater burden on PED resources. Despite similar initial lengths of PED stays, conservatively managed children had more numerous and longer-lasting readmissions. Surgical management was associated with relatively more favorable outcomes, reduction in healthcare resources utilization, and lower treatment failure rates. Age >11 years emerged as a predictor for conservative treatment failure. These findings warrant larger-scale studies to enhance treatment strategies and use of healthcare resources for children with AA. Hospital policies should take this data into account when deciding on protocols for appendicitis treatment.
An antifungal compound secreted by termite workers, phenylacetic acid, inhibits the growth of both termite egg-mimicking fungus and entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Nakashima Masaaki , Mitaka Yuki , Inagaki Tatsuya , Matsuura Kenji
Published: January 2024

Social insects live in closely related family groups but face risks of intrusion and infection by pathogenic and parasitic microbes. To cope with the microbes invading their nests and feeding sites, social insects produce various types of antimicrobial substances. Subterranean termites occupy microbe-rich decaying wood and soil at high density, expanding their nest area by exploring and feeding on wood outward from the royal chamber (room for kings and queens). Although antimicrobial agents have been identified in many termite species, few studies have investigated those used by foraging workers in unexplored decaying wood, which is richer in microbes than the well-sterilized royal chamber and its surroundings. Here we report that phenylacetic acid, an antifungal aromatic compound, is secreted by foraging workers of the Japanese subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus. The compound was detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of ethyl acetate extracts of shelter papers infested with the workers, and antimicrobial tests demonstrated that it inhibits the mycelial growth of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae and the termite egg-mimicking fungus Athelia termitephila. Our study provides new insights into the antimicrobial defense mechanisms of termites, including by combining different types of antimicrobial substances secreted by different castes, and thus the survival strategy of entomopathogenic and parasitic fungi in termite nests.
Cleansing efficacy of an oral irrigator with microburst technology in adolescent orthodontic patients. A randomized-controlled crossover study
Authors: gänzer hanna , Kasslatter Manuel , Wiesmüller Vera , Denk Lena , Sigwart Anna-Maria , Kapferer-Seebacher Ines , Crismani Adriano
Published: January 2024

Objectives
Simplifying interdental space cleaning is a constantly discussed topic. The present study aimed to compare the cleansing efficacy of an oral irrigator with that of dental flossing in adolescent patients with fixed braces after four weeks of home-use.
Materials and methods
The study design is a randomized, single-blinded cross-over study. Following a twenty-eight-day period of product utilization in a home setting, a comparative analysis was conducted on hygiene indices, specifically the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) and the Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), between the test group (oral irrigator) and the control group (dental floss).
Results
Seventeen adolescent individuals finalized the study. After 28 days of cleaning with the oral irrigator, RMNPI was 58.81% (55.31 – 66.47) compared to 59.46% (52.68 - 68.67) with dental floss (p = 0.070). Subgroup analyses did not classify either of the two methods as superior. GBI after the test phase with the oral irrigator was 28.93% (23.21 – 33.97) and insignificant higher compared to 26.40% (21.01 – 31.41) with dental floss (p = 0.1585).
Conclusions
None of the two products proved significantly superior in terms of cleaning efficiency. Therefore, no recommendation can be made in favor of one over the other. It is evident that through special attention to home oral hygiene, improved index values were achieved, leading to the conclusion that paying careful attention to daily dental cleaning is of highly importance.
Clinical relevance
It´s less about the tool but more about oral hygiene instruction and motivation provided by the orthodontist or the responsible guardians at home.
Making a scene – using GAN generated scenes to test the role of real-world co-occurence statistics and hierarchical feature spaces in scene understanding.
Authors: Kallmayer Aylin , Võ Melissa
Published: January 2024

Our visual surroundings are highly complex. Despite this, we understand and navigate them effortlessly. This requires a complex series of transformations resulting in representations that not only span low- to high-level visual features (e.g., contours, textures, object parts and objects), but likely also reflect co-occurrence statistics of objects in real-world scenes. Here, so-called anchor objects reflect clustering statistics in real-world scenes, anchoring predictions towards frequently co-occuring smaller objects, while so-called diagnostic objects predict the larger semantic context. We investigate which of these properties underly scene understanding across two dimensions – realism and categorisation – using scenes generated from Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) which naturally vary along these dimensions. We show that anchor objects and mainly high-level features extracted from a range of pre-trained deep neural networks (DNNs) drove realism both at first glance and after initial processing. Categorisation performance was mainly determined by diagnostic objects, regardless of realism and DNN features, also at first glance and after initial processing. Our results are testament to the visual system’s ability to pick up on reliable, category specific sources of information that are flexible towards disturbances across the visual feature hierarchy.
Scientific competence during medical education - insights from a cross- sectional study
Authors: Vogt Maximilian , Jahn Nadja , Geissler Mark Enrik , Bereuter Jean-Paul , Geissler Rona Berit , Glauche Ingmar , Gerdes Sebastian , Deußen Andreas , Günther Lydia
Published: January 2024

Background
Medical knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases is constantly evolving. To effectively incorporate these findings into professional practice, it is crucial that scientific competencies are a central component of medical education. This study seeks to analyse the current state of scientific education and students' desires for integration into the curriculum.
Methods
From October to December 2022, a survey was distributed at the Medical Faculty Dresden to all medical students from the 1st to 5th academic year (AY). The survey investigates current expectations of applying scientific competencies later in professional life, and the students were asked to self-assess various scientific skills and in relation to the National Competence Based Catalogue of Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Medical Education. The self-assessments were objectified through a competence test with ten multiple-choice questions. The desire for curricular teaching was inquired.
Results
860 students completed the survey. This corresponds to a response rate of 64%. In the 5th AY, approximately 80% of the participants stated that they expected to work with scientific literature on a daily to monthly basis in future professional life and to communicate corresponding scientific findings to patients. Only 30–40% of the 5th AY rate their scientific competencies as sufficient to do this appropriately. This corresponds with the self-assessed competencies that only slightly increased over the 5 AYs from 14.1 ± 11.7 to 21.3 ± 13.8 points (max. 52) and is also reflected in the competence test (1st AY 3.6 ± 1.75 vs. 5th AY 5.5 ± 1.68, max. 10 points). Half of the students in the 4th and 5th AYs were dissatisfied with the current teaching of scientific skills. The majority preferred the implementation of a science curriculum (56%), preferably as seminars dealing with topics such as literature research, analysis, and science communication.
Conclusions
The results show discrepancies between expectations of using scientific knowledge in everyday professional life, self-rated and objectively recorded competencies, and the current state of curricular teaching of scientific competencies. There is a strong need for adequate practical training, particularly in critical analyses of scientific literature, which enables the communication of scientific knowledge to patients.
Concurrent Clonal Expansion of Community-Associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Clones in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Hala Sharif , Fallatah Omniya , Bahaitham Wesam , Malaikah Mohammed , Alarawi Mohammed , Anasari Hifzur , Zhou Ge , Zakri Samer , Bazaid Abdurahman Abdullah Mohammed , Aljahdali Mutep Hamed Helal , Aljahdali Linah Hamed Helal , Ujaimi Hashim Adnan R , Masoud Abdulrahman Fadelallah , Alamri Ali Abdullah Ahmad , Abdulaziz Abdulaziz Atef Adel , Aboalola Doaa , Kaaki Mai , Bosaeed Mohammed , Shamrani Majed Al , Alamri Abdulfattah , Moradigaravand Danesh
Published: January 2024

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant public health threat due to its ability to cause a range of diseases in humans and its resistance to multiple classes of antimicrobials. Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains, originating in the community, are increasingly known to underlie hospital infections. However, the dynamics of CA-MRSA clones in hospital settings are not well-characterized. Methods In this study, we conducted a genomic survey of a systematic cross-sectional collection of MRSA isolated over one and a half years in a major tertiary hospital in Jeddah, southwest Saudi Arabia. We subjected 194 isolates recovered from different body sites of 175 patients over two years to whole-genome sequencing and integrated the genomic data with detailed clinical information from electronic health record (EHR) data. We employed a broad range of genomics and text and data mining approaches to decipher the dynamics of MRSA clones, including resistance and virulence mechanisms, and the clinical manifestation of MRSA infections. Results Our results revealed a diverse clonal population underlying the population diversity in the hospital, with six dominant sequence types (STs) concurrently expanding over the past six decades. The major clones in the population harbored hallmarks of CA-MRSA, belonging to ST5 (n = 33), ST672 (n = 36), ST97 (n = 14), ST6 (n = 15), ST88 (n = 19), and ST8 (n = 27). The PVL locus was found in 60% of the ST8 strains and three strains of ST97 and ST88. Phylodynamic analysis showed that ST97, ST6, and ST672 formed more recently than other clones over the past two decades. ST97 carriage was significantly linked to in-hospital mortality and the diagnosis of sepsis. We characterized multiple cases of cross-resistance and showed diverse symptoms associated with colonization/infection by each ST. We further identified the emergence of antimicrobial resistance determinants within each clone and found evidence of the sharing of plasmids carrying antimicrobial resistance genes across multiple MRSA lineages. Conclusion Altogether, the study presents an in-depth analysis of the complex dynamics of MRSA, reflecting the concurrent emergence of multiple clones in a single hospital and highlighting the multiple introductions of CA-MRSA strains into the hospital.