bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional Birth Attendant in the Maternal and Child Health Space in Nigeria: Ancient Practices and Modern Recommendations
Authors: AS Ibama , BC Unamba , E Jaja , C Ogbonna , RM Onawola , A Ugwuoke , RI Ibulubo , TG Ibulubo
Published: December 2023

Background: Arguments on the usefulness of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in maternal and child health care and the reduction of maternal and child morbidity and mortality indices or not, persist. This paper sought to explore the ancient practices of TBAs and to strike a balance to portray modern recommendations that would contribute to improved maternal and child health status. Methods: The method used was review of relevant literatures from open-access journals and google scholar data base, as well as research reports on variables of the subject in developing countries. Results: Findings revealed that the overlapping root of TBAs’ practice burden include poor social amenities, inadequate health facilities and services in rural areas where over 70% of the population reside. While evidencebased report showed that even when 93% of rural women registered for Ante-Natal Care, 49% were delivered at home by TBAs and 73% has sought help from them for retained placenta with bleeding. Also, 41% of women of child bearing age indicated that maternal and child infection is a risk associated with the patronage of TBAs, whereas 32.8% indicated that bleeding during and after delivery were equally risks associated with TBA-provided maternal health services. Such circumstances of service were associated with harmful practices with attendant health and medical complications to recipient mother and child. However, helpful ancient practices of TBAs include; home visiting to promote well-being of mother and child (9.84%), sitz bath (17.20%), encouraging breastfeeding up to 2years (18.90%) etc. The modern recommendations, x-rayed the remedial actions on the harmful practices and associated negative consequences to improving maternal and child health indices in Nigeria. Conclusion: For reasonable and sustainable reduction in the burden associated with the practices of TBAs in maternal and child health care in Nigeria, contextual focused training and continuous mentoring is a necessity.
Differential Protein Expression of mild to severe forms of Endometriosis in South Indian Ethnic patients
Authors: Rozati Roya , Mohiuddin Naila , Ayapati Vikram Aiman , Tabasum Wajeeda , Ayapati Gautam Mehdi , Ahmed Taalia Nazeer , Nayela Sumaiya , Khan Aleem Ahmed , Mohammad Afraa , Ali Abid
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Endometriosis is a prevalent, benign, estrogen-dependent, chronic gynecological disorder associated with pelvic pain and infertility. Despite its prevalence and impact on reproductive health, the underlying molecular mechanisms and differential protein expression patterns associated with different disease severity levels remain poorly understood. Key components such as extracellular matrix (ECM) components (laminins, fibronectins), adhesion molecules, cytokines, and growth factors have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of Endometriosis. However, the precise nature of these molecular networks and Signalling pathways remain incompletely understood, necessitating further investigation. In our study, we employed proteome profiling techniques to analyze endometrial tissue samples from women with severe forms of endometriosis, comparing them with samples from normal controls. Objective: It is to identify alterations and dysregulations in specific proteins and pathways associated with endometriosis. We utilized high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for protein expression analysis and identification during the mid-secretory phase. Findings: We identified thirty differentially expressed proteins, including ZC3H13, Tax1bp1, ANKRD36, ZNF658B, MALRD1, and PRRC2A. Notably, a strong association was observed among genes encoding three metabolic enzymes. Enrichment analysis revealed numerous pathways related to endometriosis-related morbidity in KEGG, WiKi, and Reactome databases, underscoring the significant role of these proteins. Conclusion: This study employed proteome profiling techniques to analyze endometrial tissue samples from women with severe forms of endometriosis, comparing them with samples from normal controls. The research identified thirty differentially expressed proteins, including ZC3H13, Tax1bp1, ANKRD36, ZNF658B, MALRD1, and PRRC2A. Notably, a strong association was observed among genes encoding three metabolic enzymes. Enrichment analysis revealed numerous pathways related to endometriosis-related morbidity, emphasizing the significant role of these proteins. This research enables the development of accurate diagnostic tools and personalized treatments by identifying specific proteins and pathways associated with endometriosis. The identified proteins also have the potential to serve as biomarkers for disease progression, aiding in monitoring and assessing treatment efficacy.
Conceitos matemáticos na escala de cordas do Sector de Thomas Hood: possibilidades para Educação Matemática
Authors: Alencar Lívia Bezerra de , Pereira Ana Carolina Costa
Published: December 2023

Durante os séculos XVI e XVII, diversos estudiosos ingleses debruçaram-se sobre estudos que possibilitassem sanar dificuldades na astronomia, navegação e agrimensura, por meio do desenvolvimento de obras que abordassem essas áreas. Dentre esses autores, destaca-se Thomas Hood (1556-1620), que escreveu o tratado intitulado The making and use of the geometricall instrument, called a Sector, apresentando a construção e o uso do Sector. Nesse instrumento são descritas três escalas para o seu funcionamento, sendo uma delas a escala de Cordas, que possuía fins para a resolução de problemas envolvendo regiões circulares. A metodologia adotada para esse trabalho tem como base uma pesquisa qualitativa de cunho documental. Ademais, essa pesquisa objetiva explorar aspectos matemáticos referentes à escala de Cordas incorporadas nesse instrumento, assim como explanar possíveis potencialidades a partir do Sector.
Left Further Behind after the COVID-19 School Closures: Survey Evidence on Rohingya Refugees and Host Communities in Bangladesh
Authors: Østby Gudrun , Gjerløw Haakon , Karim Sabrina , Dunlop Emily
Published: December 2023

School closures stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic led to the largest disruption of education in history, affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners worldwide. Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh were facing an education crisis even before the pandemic, as the Bangladesh government forbids unregistered Rohingya refugees from accessing the country's public schools. In place of these schools, the UN Children's Fund and international nongovernmental organizations provide nonformal education through informal learning centers in the Rohingya camps. Building on this pre-existing education crisis, the pandemic in Bangladesh led to some of the longest school closures in the world. Using original phone and in-person survey data, we explore the impact the closing of schools and learning centers during COVID-19 had on refugee and host community children in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. While we do not find clear evidence that the pandemic affected refugee education in general, we do identify an especially detrimental effect the closing of education services had on the attendance of teenage girls among the Rohingya refugees after the learning centers reopened. The heterogenous effects are important because they highlight how the pandemic differentially affected different groups of refugees.
Book Review: Becoming Rwandan: Education, Reconciliation, and the Making of a Post-Genocide Citizen by S. Garnett Russell
Authors: Jonathan Orelia
Published: December 2023

Orelia Jonathan's review of Becoming Rwandan: Education, Reconciliation, and the Making of a Post-Genocide Citizen by S. Garnett Russell highlights Russell's extensive investigation of the Rwandan government's attempt to consolidate a unified national identity after the 1994 genocide, partly through education. Russell notes, however, that the government's goals sometimes had unintended consequences. For example, unified historical narratives reinforced the divisions between Rwanda's ethnic communities and made it difficult for teachers to facilitate the kind of open discussion and critical thinking about the country's history that could promote reconciliation. Jonathan concludes by reminding readers that the complex relationship between education and peacebuilding requires EiE scholars and practitioners to consider a multifaceted approach to negotiating policy priorities.
Addressing Adolescence: Advocating for Age- and Gender-Responsive Social and Emotional Learning during Emergencies
Authors: Deitz Rena , Lahmann Heddy
Published: December 2023

Adolescents' uniquely gendered experiences during conflict are colored by the broader sociocultural context. Although interventions exist to address young people's social and emotional learning (SEL) during emergencies, little is known of these interventions' gendered effects. We systematically review studies of SEL in humanitarian contexts to determine gendered trends in effects and opportunities. Although existing studies largely fail to disaggregate findings by gender, when they are disaggregated, adolescent girls are consistently shown to benefit more in terms of social outcomes than their male peers, while males, especially older adolescents, frequently have better wellbeing outcomes than female adolescents. Studies that do disaggregate findings by both age and gender complicate these trends further and point to the challenge of supporting SEL outcomes as older adolescents move toward adulthood. When programs are incompatible with adolescents' realities or ignore structural issues and gender norms, they do not result in positive outcomes. Programs that are gender responsive show the most promise.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Connected Learning: Unveiling the Potential and the Limits of Distance Education in Dadaab Refugee Camp
Authors: Kim HaEun , Stella Mirco , Hiticha Kassahun
Published: December 2023

Over the last decade, York University, through the Borderless Higher Education for Refugees Project, has provided higher education in situ to refugee and local teachers in Dadaab, Kenya, one of the world's largest and longest standing refugee camps. In 2020, COVID-19 aggravated the insecurity and marginalization already present in Dadaab, which had profound effects on the education infrastructure and tested the university's capacity to continue to offer equitable and quality education. In this field note, we explore and reflexively capture the innovative responses to the complex challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic, and unpack the limits and the potential of distance education in Dadaab.
Monitoring the stress-strain state of rock mass at underground liquid radioactive waste disposal
Authors:   Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems SB RAS, Malyshkov S. Yu. , Kokorev O. N. ,   National Operator for Radioactive Waste Management, Gordeev V. F. ,   Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems SB RAS, Polivach V. I. ,   Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems SB RAS
Published: December 2023

Ensuring reliable isolation of nuclear industry radioactive waste is determined by the technology of their injection, as well as the geological conditions of the environment where the disposal is carried out. In order to confirm the localization of liquid radioactive waste within the established forecast boundaries and confirm the technically sound condition of underground structures, work is being carried out to monitor the state of the subsoil and underground structures. The obtained results of monitoring the state of the subsoil and underground structures are used as input data for verification of models developed and used to justify the long-term safety of models and, if necessary, optimization of disposal regimes. The purpose of the geophysical studies described in the article was to assess the response of the geological environment to a change in the operation of an injection well. The work was carried out by the method of the natural pulsed electromagnetic field of the Earth, which was used for these purposes for the first time. The results of assessing the change in the stress-strain state of rocks in response to changes in reservoir pressure are presented. The conducted studies have shown the high prospects of the method for geotechnological monitoring of deep disposal sites for nuclear industry waste. The paper proposes new criteria for assessing the stress-strain state of rocks.
Ecological ranking of distribution of Vavilovia formosa (Fabaceae) in the Republic of Dagestan (Northern Caucasus): new geosystem technologies
Authors:   Central Siberian Botanical Garden of SB RAS, Baikov K. S. , Baikova E. V. ,   Central Siberian Botanical Garden of SB RAS
Published: December 2023

The article suggests the original method for ecological suitability evaluation of the habitat for local populations of Vavilovia formosa (Steven) Al.Fed. in the Republic of Dagestan (Northern Caucasus). Particular attention is paid to the development of methodological issues of studying the state of rare species local populations. The improvement of the methodology for constructing predictive ranges and the expert evaluation procedure of the obtained results is illustrated by the example of the eastern range fragment detailed analysis of V. formosa in the North Caucasus. The research has identified the limiting factors complexes that determine the patterns of local populations spatial distribution on slopes of different exposure, steepness and absolute height in models of different spatial resolution. For the first time, the translation of the initial probability values into a new habitat suitability index has been proposed and implemented. This index allows working with probability values in the form of natural numbers, which greatly facilitated their comparison. Evaluation of predictors by their contribution to predictive models of different spatial resolution convincingly shows the need to build a full-term series of models that will include the entire range of available spatial resolutions – from 1/6 to 1/120 degrees. Only such an approach will allow the researcher to obtain the most meaningful information base for a correct assessment of the contribution of predictors, taking into account the levels of spatial climate data generalization. A promising direction for further research can be considered dis-cretization of predictive values of the habitat suitability index by dividing small climatic areas into even smaller ones, for example, with a dimension of 1/360 degrees in longitude and latitude.
Application of spatial analysis methods to determine the average mineralization of groundwater in the Kurgan region
Authors:   Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Kokorina I. P. , Martynov G. P. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Katsko S. Yu. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Karasyuk M. A. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies
Published: December 2023

In the Kurgan region there is a shortage of water resources and the issue of water supply is particularly acute in rural areas. Such a situation leads to an increase in water-related diseases and may result in an intensification of migration from the region. The aim of this study is to identify the correlation between the level of mineralization in the underground water used for drinking water supply in rural settlements of the region and the incidence of diseases among the population. As a result of the research, a map of the average mineralization of the first aquifer in the Kurgan region was created. A spatial analysis was conducted, which showed the proportion of areas with different levels of mineralization within the region. A correlation between the average mineralization of underground water and the incidence of diseases among the rural population of the region was established.
Civila insatspersoner från mikro- till makro-nivå – att sprida och stödja lokala initiativ
Authors: Pilemalm Sofie
Published: December 2023

Frivilliga i samarbete med kommunal räddningstjänst – civila insatspersoner, startade med initiativet Förstärkt Medmänniska i Medelpad för över ett decennium sedan. Det anammades först av landsbygd och små kommuner för att runt 2018 introduceras i storstad av Södertörns Brandsvarförbund. Vi har studerat konceptet från olika håll och som en form av hybrid samproduktion (de frivilliga är inte organiserade d v s tillhör en organisation men de är heller inte spontanfrivilliga) och tittat på exempelvis möjligheter, nytta, utmaningar, hinder och behov. Vi har också jämfört landsbygds- och storstadsmiljö. Vi vet civila insatspersoner där de finns – gör nytta. Liv har räddats, liksom material och restvärden. Trots detta har konceptet haft långsam spridning och många räddningstjänster uttrycker fortfarande ett motstånd mot samverkansformen. Hindren är dels organisatoriska, dels kopplade till IT-stödet för utlarmning, och är ofta interagerar de.
Idag är civila insatspersoner mer aktuella än någonsin och ett antal räddningstjänster inför konceptet under 2023. Brandskyddsföreningen har tagit på sig en koordinerande roll för att stödja räddningstjänster i processen. Ökad krisberedskap och ett civilt försvar har också aktualiserat frågan om civila insatspersoner har en roll att spela även här. Den här studien är baserad på över 10 års forskning och erfarenhet runt konceptet civila insatserpersoner. Vi presenterar tre olika modeller som tillsammans kan stödja lokala initiativ och sprida konceptet nationellt. Två av modellerna är lokala (mikronivå) och är anpassade mot landsbygds- respektive storstadsmiljö. Den tredje är övergripande (makronivå) och ska kunna erbjuda stöd till de lokala modellerna och koordinering av civila insatspersoner. IT-stödet spelar en central roll i samtliga modeller och studiens resultat diskuteras i termer av implikationer för digitaliserad samproduktion.
A preliminary study on methods for risk analysis in system of system- A case study on the Västmanland 2014 forest fire
Authors: Pettersson Marjorie
Published: December 2023

Crisis management in the twenty-first century is facing new challenges, due to the increasing complexity of contemporary society. To mitigate a societal crisis, it is often necessary for a collection of independent systems, people, and organizations to cooperate. These collaborating entities constitute an interconnected socio-technical system of systems (SoS) based on information exchange. An important question is how a crisis management SoS should be constructed to accurately handle a crisis and to minimize the risk of failure. SoS pose new challenges regarding how risk during interactions is analysed, due to their complex nature as they are interconnections of independent systems. Additionally, SoS are dynamic and evolve as the crisis unfolds. Available traditional risk analysis methods focus on individual systems. We believe that this does not work well for the SoS specific characteristics. To test this, we applied one of those methods to an SoS case, to learn what specific improvements are needed. The objectives were to find characteristics that cause risk during interactions in a SoS and to evaluate the usefulness of an existing risk analysis method in the context of crisis management. Applying STAMP (System-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes), a widely used risk analysis method, we analysed the system of system put together to handle the 2014 Västmanland forest fire by systematically analysing many existing investigations on that event. We documented this as a preliminary approach to creating a risk management process. Initial results show that in our study, STAMP was able to isolate characteristics that included inadequate preparedness, and insufficient capability, among others. However, the method was limited in identifying characteristics of risk related to dynamic SoS structure, and latent risks or existing characteristics only triggered as risk, during an operation. Thus, risks in SoS could arise from emergent behaviour and requires a different approach to risk analysis.
Brottsplatsdokumentation och visualisering av brottsplatser.
Authors: Larsson Håkan , Berggren Jimmy , Berggren Peter
Published: December 2023

Vid brottsutredningar är brottsplatsdokumentationen central, både för utredningen och som bevis. Därför försöker man i utredningssyfte att frysa brottsplatser, vilket betyder att brottsplatsen skall bevaras så som den såg ut när brottet begicks. Nationellt forensiskt centrum (NFC) testar, utvecklar metoder för och utbildar i brottsplastdokumentation. Dokumentationen innebär användning av olika informationskällor och sensorer, t ex kameror som fotar i olika våglängder, laserscanner (Dansdotter Nyström, 2020), övervakningskameror, eller till och med nyttjande av moderna mobilkameror. Bilder och skannade punktmoln kan användas till att skapa en 3D-modell av platsen (Polisen, 2021; Bergsten & Berggren, 2021). Olika sensorer och bearbetningar av rådata innebär att viss osäkerhet byggs in i dokumentationen (Iversen, 2022).
Utredande polis, åklagare och advokater använder sig alla av brottsplatsdokumentation. Utredande polis för att säkra bevis och komma vidare i utredningsarbetet, åklagare och advokater för att visa på koppling mellan misstänkta och gärning, men också för att förstå hur en händelse har utvecklats.

Denna presentation kommer att visa upp olika visualiseringar av händelser, i form av hur de har dokumenterats och vad dokumentationen kan användas till. Bland annat presenteras exempel på sprängning i tätbebyggt område, rekonstruktion av attack i publik miljö och mord i hemmamiljö.

Bergsten, L., & Berggren, J., (2021). Representationsstrategier osäkerhet och detaljnivå Inhämtande av insikter för utvecklande av riktlinjer för brottsplatsvisualisering i 3D.
Dansdotter Nyström, L. (2020). 3D-bevisning-En bevisrättslig undersökning av en ny sorts kriminalteknisk bevisning.
Iversen, K. (2022). Att representera osäkerhet i brottsplatsvisualiseringar Hur bör osäkerhetsanalyser för positioneringsestimering i 3D- modeller representeras? (No. KMC-FO-2022-03). Linköping: Region Östergötland.
Polisen. (2021) Beställning av undersökningar hos Nationellt forensiskt centrum – NFC. 2021- 09-08
Soil legacies in maize-edible legume intercropping alter maize growth and reduce Spodoptera frugiperda larval feeding
Authors: Jalloh Abdul A. , Yusuf Abdullahi Ahmed , Khamis Fathiya , Subramanian Sevgan , Mutyambai Daniel Munyao
Published: December 2023

Plant-soil feedback can influence aboveground interactions between plants and herbivores by affecting plant chemistry. Such interactions can be utilized in pest management. However, cropping systems such as maize-legume intercropping (MLI) can influence these interactions which is not well understood. In this study, we explored effects of MLI systems on soil physico-chemical properties, maize growth, larval feeding and development of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). We used sterile soil and soil conditioned by different MLI and maize-monoculture cropping systems to explore these interactions. Soil samples that included soil conditioned by different MLI and maize-monoculture cropping systems were collected from smallholder farmer fields in eastern Kenya, where different MLI and maize-monoculture cropping systems were being practiced. These soil samples were compared with sterile soils for physico-chemical properties using black oxidation and Walkley methods. Three-weeks-old maize plants grown in the different soil treatments in the greenhouse were used for larval feeding and development assays. Neonate S. frugiperda larvae were allowed to feed on maize leaf discs for 24 hours and another set of plants were inoculated with the neonates for 15 days and the larval survival and development monitored. Soil obtained from different maize-edible legume intercropping systems had a higher pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, organic carbon, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, exchangeable acidity, copper, clay and silt compared to maize-monoculture and sterile soil. Maize plants grown in MLI soil had better growth parameters compared to those in maize-monoculture and sterile soils. A high correlation was found between pH and plant biomass, while no significant correlation with other physico-chemical properties was noted. There were significant differences in larval feeding by S. frugiperda neonates when exposed to constitutive and induced maize leaf discs with more leaf tissue fed on maize grown in maize-monoculture and sterile soil. When allowed to feed for 15 days, S. frugiperda larval weight and length were significantly lower on maize plants grown in soils conditioned by MLI than those grown in soil conditioned by maize-monoculture and sterile soils. Findings from this study show how conditioning soil by MLI systems improve soil health, maize growth and reduces S. spodoptera larval feeding and development.
Development of soft tissue asymmetry indicators to characterize aging and functional mobility
Authors: Ricciardi Carlo , Ponsiglione Alfonso Maria , Recenti Marco , Amato Francesco , Gislason Magnus Kjartan , Chang Milan , Gargiulo Paolo
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The aging population poses significant challenges to healthcare systems globally, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of age-related changes affecting physical function. Age-related functional decline highlights the urgency of understanding how tissue composition changes impact mobility, independence, and quality of life in older adults. Previous research has emphasized the influence of muscle quality, but the role of tissue composition asymmetry across various tissue types remains understudied. This work develops asymmetry indicators based on muscle, connective and fat tissue extracted from cross-sectional CT scans, and shows their interplay with BMI and lower extremity function among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: We used data from 3157 older adults from 71 to 98 years of age (mean: 80.06). Tissue composition asymmetry was defined by the differences between the right and left sides using CT scans and the non-Linear Trimodal Regression Analysis (NTRA) parameters. Functional mobility was measured through a 6-meter gait (Normal-GAIT and Fast-GAIT) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) performance test. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, polynomial fitting curves, and regression analysis to uncover relationships between tissue asymmetry, age, and functional mobility.

Results: Findings revealed an increase in tissue composition asymmetry with age. Notably, muscle and connective tissue width asymmetry showed significant variation across age groups. BMI classifications and gait tasks also influenced tissue asymmetry. The Fast-GAIT task demonstrated a substantial separation in tissue asymmetry between normal and slow groups, whereas the Normal-GAIT and the TUG task did not exhibit such distinction. Muscle quality, as reflected by asymmetry indicators, appears crucial in understanding age-related changes in muscle function, while fat and connective tissue play roles in body composition and mobility.

Discussion: Our study emphasizes the importance of tissue asymmetry indicators in understanding how muscle function changes with age in older individuals, demonstrating their role as risk factor and their potential employment in clinical assessment. We also identified the influence of fat and connective tissue on body composition and functional mobility. Incorporating the NTRA technology into clinical evaluations could enable personalized interventions for older adults, promoting healthier aging and maintaining physical function.
Three-dimensional hydrogel with human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells towards nucleus pulposus niche
Authors: Mohd Isa Isma Liza , Zulkiflee Izzat , Ogaili Raed H. , Mohd Yusoff Nurul Huda , Sahruddin Natasya Nadia , Sapri Shaiful Ridzwan , Mohd Ramli Elvy Suhana , Fauzi Mh Busra , Mokhtar Sabarul Afian
Published: December 2023

Introduction: A regenerative strategy employing extracellular matrix (ECM)-based biomaterials and stem cells provide a better approach to mimicking the three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment of intervertebral disc for endogenous tissue regeneration. However, there is currently limited understanding regarding the human Wharton Jelly derived-mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) towards nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells. Our study focused on the development of 3D bioengineered hydrogel based on the predominant ECM of native NP, including type II collagen (COLII) and hyaluronic acid (HA), which aims to tailor the needs of the microenvironment in NP.

Methods: We have fabricated a 3D hydrogel using from COLII enriched with HA by varying the biomacromolecule concentration and characterised it for degradation, stability and swelling properties. The WJ-MSC was then encapsulated in the hydrogel system to guide the cell differentiation into NP-like cells.

Results: We successfully fabricated COLII hydrogel (2 mg/ml) and HA 10 mg/ml at a weight ratio of HA and COLII at 1:9 and 4.5:9, and both hydrogels physically maintained their 3D sphere-shaped structure after complete gelation. The higher composition of HA in the hydrogel system indicated a higher water intake capacity in the hydrogel with a higher amount of HA. All hydrogels showed over 60% hydrolytic stability over a month. The hydrogel showed an increase in degradation on day 14. The hWJ-MSCs encapsulated in hydrogel showed a round morphology shape that was homogenously distributed within the hydrogel of both groups. The viability study indicated a higher cell growth of hWJ-MSCs encapsulated in all hydrogel groups until day 14.

Discussion: Overall, our findings demonstrate that HA/COLII hydrogel provides an optimal swelling capacity, stability, degradability, and non-cytotoxic, thus mimics the NP microenvironment in guiding hWJ-MSCs towards NP phenotype, which is potentially used as an advanced cell delivery system for intervertebral disc regeneration.
Epigenetic control and genomic imprinting dynamics of the Dlk1-Dio3 domain
Authors: Weinberg-Shukron Ariella , Youngson Neil A. , Ferguson-Smith Anne C. , Edwards Carol A.
Published: December 2023

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic process whereby genes are monoallelically expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner. Imprinted genes are frequently found clustered in the genome, likely illustrating their need for both shared regulatory control and functional inter-dependence. The Dlk1-Dio3 domain is one of the largest imprinted clusters. Genes in this region are involved in development, behavior, and postnatal metabolism: failure to correctly regulate the domain leads to Kagami–Ogata or Temple syndromes in humans. The region contains many of the hallmarks of other imprinted domains, such as long non-coding RNAs and parental origin-specific CTCF binding. Recent studies have shown that the Dlk1-Dio3 domain is exquisitely regulated via a bipartite imprinting control region (ICR) which functions differently on the two parental chromosomes to establish monoallelic expression. Furthermore, the Dlk1 gene displays a selective absence of imprinting in the neurogenic niche, illustrating the need for precise dosage modulation of this domain in different tissues. Here, we discuss the following: how differential epigenetic marks laid down in the gametes cause a cascade of events that leads to imprinting in the region, how this mechanism is selectively switched off in the neurogenic niche, and why studying this imprinted region has added a layer of sophistication to how we think about the hierarchical epigenetic control of genome function.
Brewers’ spent grain pretreatment optimisation to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis of whole slurry and resuspended pellet
Authors: Castilla-Archilla Juan , Cermeño Maria , Tuohy Maria G. , FitzGerald Richard J. , Lens Piet N. L.
Published: December 2023

A thermal diluted acid pretreatment using brewers spent grain (BSG) was optimised to improve enzymatic hydrolysis while minimising energy and chemical inputs. First, the use of hydrochloric or sulfuric acid for pretreatment was compared, using hydrochloric acid for the next steps. Three different dilute acid thermal pretreatment combinations were optimised in terms of acid concentration, temperature and time using a response surface methodology. Optimization was based on i) highest remaining protein content in the solid fraction (C1: 0.49% HCl; 87.7°C; 92 min), ii) highest liquid recovery (C2: 0.80% HCl; 121.0°C; 142 min), iii) lowest acid concentration applied to achieve largest protein and lowest remaining solid levels (C3: 0.10% HCl; 104.0°C; 70 min); and iv) a final condition based on the lowest water retention capacity when using HCl (C4: 0.20% HCl; 121.0°C; 20 min). The efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis was evaluated, in the absence and presence of a large concentration of reducing carbohydrates, by centrifuging the slurry after acid pretreatment, recovering the solid fraction and resuspending it in fresh water. In C2, the enzyme (Depol 40L) was added directly to the entire slurry after pretreatment. For C1, C3, and C4 direct addition of enzyme to the whole slurry resulted in a higher release of carbohydrates during hydrolysis. Only in the case of C2 did the use of the resuspended solid result in a higher carbohydrate release. The overall carbohydrate recovery efficiency in the liquid fractions for C1, C2, C3 and C4 corresponded to 399.1 (±26.1), 535.8 (±28.7), 257.0 (±11.5), and 446.3 (±81.1) mg carbohydrate per Gram of BSG (dry weight), respectively. C1 and C4 were considered the optimal pretreatments as these combined a low acid concentration and energy input prior to enzymatic hydrolysis.
Effect of blood pressure on mortality in patients with cognitive impairment: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Shang YanChang , Wang ShuHui , Wei Chao , Gao ZhongBao , Xie HengGe , Wang ZhenFu
Published: December 2023

Background

Cognitive impairment is a prevalent condition that substantially elevates mortality rates among the elderly. The impact of hypertension on mortality in older adults with cognitive impairment is a subject of contention. This study aims to examine the influence of hypertension on both all-cause and CVD-specific mortality in elderly individuals experiencing cognitive impairment within a prospective cohort.

Methods

This study encompassed 2,925 participants (weighted 53,086,905) aged 60 years or older from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2011–2014. Incidence of all-cause and CVD-specific mortality was ascertained through linkage with National Death Index records until 31 December 2019. Survival was performed employing the Kaplan–Meier method. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated via Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Over the follow-up period of up to 9.17 years [with a median (IQR) time to death of 6.58 years], equivalent to 18,731.56 (weighted 3.46 × 108) person-years, there were a total of 576 recorded deaths. Participants with CI exhibited a 1.96-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality (95% CI: 1.55–2.49; p < 0.01) and a 2.8-fold higher risk of CVD-specific mortality (95% CI: 1.83–4.29; p < 0.01) in comparison to participants without CI. Among participants with CI, concurrent hypertension comorbidity was linked to a 2.73-fold elevated risk of all-cause mortality (95% CI: 1.78–4.17; p < 0.01) and a 5.3-fold elevated risk of CVD-specific mortality (95% CI: 2.54–11.04; p < 0.01). Further stratified analyses revealed that the combined effects of hypertension and CI on all-cause and CVD-specific mortality were more pronounced in participants aged 60–69 years compared to those aged 70–80 years (p for interaction <0.01). The primary findings exhibited resilience across a series of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Participants with CI exhibited a markedly elevated risk of all-cause and CVD-specific mortality when coexisting with hypertension. Appropriate management of hypertension in patients with CI may be helpful in reducing the excess risk of death.
Antithrombotic strategy in cancer patients comorbid with acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Tianbo , Liu Xiaohan , Zhu Yuxin , Zhang Yue , Zhang Zhen , Huang Gang , Xu Junbo
Published: December 2023

It has been shown that patients with cancer have a longer expected life duration, benefiting from advanced medical therapy. Meanwhile, the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been increasing with ageing. A growing number of studies have elucidated the association between cancer and CVD. Cancer, atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease share some common factors and interact with each other, such as obesity, aging, diabetes, and inflammation, but the potential specific mechanism is still unclear. In addition, cancer-specific and therapy-related factors may increase the risk of embolism and bleeding in patients with cancer than in general population. However, current available embolic and bleeding risk scores applied in patients with CVD may not be applicable for risk assessment in cancer patients, which would be difficult for clinicians to select an appropriate antithrombotic regimen and ensure the balance between bleeding and embolism. Moreover, different types of cancer have distinct risks, which may increase the complexity of antithrombotic therapy. In this review, we review the literature related to cancer, AF, and acute coronary syndrome, focusing on the epidemiological status, physiological mechanism, embolism and bleeding risks, and strategies of antithrombotic therapy.
The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in depression across the female reproductive lifecycle: current knowledge and future directions
Authors: Hantsoo Liisa , Jagodnik Kathleen M. , Novick Andrew M. , Baweja Ritika , di Scalea Teresa Lanza , Ozerdem Aysegul , McGlade Erin C. , Simeonova Diana I. , Dekel Sharon , Kornfield Sara L. , Nazareth Michelle , Weiss Sandra J.
Published: December 2023

The aim of this narrative review is to consolidate knowledge on the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in depression pathophysiology at different reproductive stages across the female lifespan. Despite growing evidence about the impact of gonadal hormones on mood disorders, no previous review has examined the interaction between such hormonal changes and the HPA axis within the context of depressive disorders in women. We will focus on HPA axis function in depressive disorders at different reproductive stages including the menstrual cycle (e.g., premenstrual dysphoric disorder [PMDD]), perinatally (e.g., postpartum depression), and in perimenopausal depression. Each of these reproductive stages is characterized by vast physiological changes and presents major neuroendocrine reorganization. The HPA axis is one of the main targets of such functional alterations, and with its key role in stress response, it is an etiological factor in vulnerable windows for depression across the female lifespan. We begin with an overview of the HPA axis and a brief summary of techniques for measuring HPA axis parameters. We then describe the hormonal milieu of each of these key reproductive stages, and integrate information about HPA axis function in depression across these reproductive stages, describing similarities and differences. The role of a history of stress and trauma exposure as a contributor to female depression in the context of HPA axis involvement across the reproductive stages is also presented. This review advances the pursuit of understanding common biological mechanisms across depressive disorders among women. Our overarching goal is to identify unmet needs in characterizing stress-related markers of depression in women in the context of hormonal changes across the lifespan, and to support future research in women’s mental health as it pertains to pathophysiology, early diagnosis, and treatment targets.
Spatiotemporal characteristics and zonal analysis of carbon balance in county-level regions: case study of Jiangsu Province
Authors: Peng Rui , Tian Xiaoxiong , Wu Dan
Published: December 2023

In China, county-level regions play a pivotal role in achieving dual carbon goals. In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal characteristics of carbon balance coefficients for counties in Jiangsu Province from 2000 to 2021. The logarithmic mean Divisia index decomposition method explored the factors influencing county-level carbon balance. The findings indicated that CO2 emissions in Jiangsu Province increased from 192 million tons in 2001 to 637 million tons in 2011 and exhibited a small fluctuation from 2012 to 2021. A “higher in the south, lower in the north” distribution pattern emerged, with high CO2 emission areas concentrated in the economically developed south. Vegetative carbon sequestration increased from 142 million tons in 2000 to 171 million tons in 2021 with a “higher boundary and lower at the center” distribution pattern. High carbon sequestration areas were mainly in regions with abundant natural resources and vegetation. The number of counties experiencing carbon imbalance rose from 63 in 2000 to 95 in 2021, with a spatial distribution similar to high carbon emissions. Economic development and urbanization accelerated carbon imbalance, whereas technological advancement and reduced regional carbon fixation pressure effectively alleviated it. Pursuing of dual carbon goals can be supported by reducing emissions and increasing carbon sinks.
Can cattle grazing contribute to butterfly habitat? Using butterfly behavior as an index of habitat quality in an agroecosystem
Authors: Bussan Samantha K. , Schultz Cheryl B.
Published: December 2023

The provision of habitat on private agricultural land is vital to the persistence of native species. This study aimed to understand how cattle grazing management strategies influence butterfly behavior. We conducted behavioral experiments with two species of common native butterflies, silvery blue butterflies (Glaucopsyche lygdamus columbia) and ochre ringlet butterflies (Coenonympha california eunomia), at two native prairies with no grazing; two pastures grazed according to “conventional” management; and two pastures grazed according to “conservation” management. We mapped butterfly flight paths to quantify behavioral response to grazing management to test the hypothesis that butterflies have lower diffusion rates in ungrazed and conservation grazed prairies. We used turning angles, step lengths, and flight time to calculate diffusion rates for each individual. We assessed butterfly movement parameters as a function of sex, management type, and their interaction using generalized linear mixed models and used partial least squares regression to assess the effects of resource availability (host plant volume and nectar inflorescence count) on butterfly diffusion rates. We observed the highest silvery blue female step lengths and diffusion rates in conventional grazing and lowest in native prairie. There was moderate evidence that female silvery blue diffusion rates were higher in conservation grazing than native prairie. Neither silvery blue nor ochre ringlet males differed in their movement parameters between management types. Silvery blue diffusion rates were closely associated with their primary host plants (Lupinus spp.). We conclude that there is potential for conservation grazing to contribute to butterfly habitat in the landscape if grazing management practices focus on supporting a diverse plant community with host plants for focal species.
The determinants of postpartum contraceptive use in Nigeria
Authors: Anyatonwu Obinna Princewill , Nwoku Kelechi Amy , Jonsson Håkan , Namatovu Fredinah
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Postpartum contraception is vital for maternal and child health, and reduces the risk of infant mortality. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a widely accepted framework for exploring health behaviors, such as contraceptive use. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing postpartum contraceptive use in Nigeria and to contextualize the findings within the framework of the HBM.

Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected from the Demographic Health Survey conducted in Nigeria (NDHS). In total, 28,041 women were included in this study. Self-reported contraceptive use was the outcome, while the explanatory variables included maternal age, place of residence, region of residence, religion, marital status, educational level, household wealth quintiles, knowledge of the ovulatory cycle, decision-maker for health care, and distance to health care facilities. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to summarize and identify factors influencing postpartum contraceptive use. The HBM was used to discuss the main findings.

Results

The prevalence of postpartum contraceptive use in Nigeria is 27%. Our findings showed that the odds of using contraceptives during the postpartum period were higher among women who knew their ovulation cycles, lived in urban areas in the southern region, had no distance barriers to health care, and were 25–49 years old. Education, wealth, and marital status also increase the odds of contraceptive use. However, women who lived in the northeast and northwest regions or shared decision-making with their partners had lower odds.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for region-specific and age-focused interventions to increase contraceptive use in Nigeria. Additionally, increasing accessibility and affordability of contraceptives for younger and economically disadvantaged women, along with promoting women's autonomy in decision-making, can further enhance contraceptive use across Nigeria.