bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ya no creemos en eso: Ideological impacts, racialized labor, and COVID-19 in the San Gabriel Valley restaurant industry
Authors: Prado Alejandro
Published: April 2024

The San Gabriel Valley is described in academic and popular discussions as an ethnoburb, given its significant Chinese and Asian diasporic population which impacts this region’s cultural, political, and economic composition. The culinary industry, specifically, has been central in capturing and marketing the authentic cultural appearance of this region. Nonetheless, while politics of authenticity drive this region the aim of this article is to uncover the essence of the San Gabriel Valley culinary industry, one that is inherently dependent on Latinx working-class immigrant labor. Specifically, in this project, I study how the COVID-19 pandemic uniquely impacted the Latinx immigrant restaurant workers in this region’s Chinese restaurants. Data collected comes from semi-structured interviews with Latinx immigrant restaurant workers and participant observation conducted with the Restaurant Opportunity Center-Los Angeles. Based on this research, I describe the racialized labor dimensions within the San Gabriel Valley restaurants and the inherent distrust of government aid by Latinx workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anchored in a critical political and economic framework, I argue for the expansion of the ethnoburb framework to center the ideological dimension of capitalism given that exploitation and oppression are central to the popularity of Los Angeles restaurants in general and to those in the San Gabriel Valley in particular. This institutionalized anti-immigrant violence facilitates low pay and precarious employment within the restaurants and the deliberate decisions by workers to avoid seeking government aid given a history of immigrant repression. Finally, this article has applications for nonprofit and government entities responsible for dispersing resources for the Latinx immigrant working class in the service sector and uncovering the labor realities within the San Gabriel Valley.
A(nother) democratic case for federalism
Authors: Da Silva Michael
Published: April 2024

This work offers a new democratic case for federalism, understood as a form of governance in which multiple entities in a country possess final decision-making authority (viz., can make decisions free from others substituting their decisions, issuing fines, etc.) over at least one subject (e.g., immigration, defense). It argues that leading solutions to the democratic boundary problem provide overlapping arguments for federalism. The underlying logic and many details of the most commonly cited solutions focused on those relevantly affected by and subject to decisions each support three distinct arguments (focused on voteshares, other forms of democratic influence, and persistent minorities) for multiple demoi possessing authority in a polity. Federalism is the best available method for recognizing the distinct demoi. This not only supports federal governance as opposed to unitary governance and subsidiarity. It also suggests that democracy and federalism are importantly related and have several implications for institutional design.
Building a Du Boisian Research Agenda on Gentrification
Authors: Golio AJ
Published: April 2024

The study of gentrification has traditionally found its theoretical roots among the debates between production- and consumption-focused scholars, lending the field a heavily class-based focus. Despite some sociological inquiry into gentrification as an urban process that is also racialized, there are several crucial gaps within this line of inquiry. I here argue that a research agenda inspired by the writings of W. E. B. Du Bois can help to more fully conceptualize the intersection of race and gentrification. Drawing particularly from The Philadelphia Negro while also incorporating key concepts from other works, I show that Du Boisian theory can help us to: (1) understand the role of whiteness as a construct that begets spatial privileges within gentrification processes; (2) articulate racialized displacement as a cultural and affective phenomenon; and (3) account for the agency of local residents in augmenting or living with gentrification processes. I conclude with a call to also pay attention to the transnational context.
On vehicle response under non-Gaussian road profile excitation
Authors: Xu Fei , Yang Huixian , Ahlin Kjell
Published: April 2024

Gaussian road profile is widely used to study vehicle response and fatigue damage potential, while field measured road profile often is non-Gaussian. In this paper, a new amplitude modulation method which has full control of cutoff frequency (denoted as Wcut) and amplitude of the amplitude modulation signal is firstly presented to synthesize non-Gaussian road profile with different kurtosis. The forced response of a quarter vehicle under non-Gaussian road profile excitation is then calculated using the ramp invariant digital filter method. The relationship between the vehicle response characteristics and the kurtosis of input non-Gaussian road profile are developed. A case study is used to verify the proposed method. The results show that a small Wcut should be selected so that the high kurtosis of the non-Gaussian road profile is correctly transferred to the vehicle response. The FDS of the vehicle response increases over the entire frequency range as the kurtosis of the input road profile increases.
The analysis of factors affecting medication adherence in patients with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Su Yining , Wang Xinxian , Xing Yuemeng , Wang Zhenni , Bu Hailing , Cui Xiaoyan , Yang Yunying , Cai Bingxing
Published: April 2024

Background:

Clinically, patients with myasthenia gravis are generally treated with drugs to improve their physical condition, and poor medication adherence can hinder their recovery. Many studies have shown the importance of medication adherence for effective treatment. Various factors may affect a patient’s medication adherence; however, studies concerning medication adherence in patients with myasthenia gravis are rare.

Objectives:

This study aimed to identify the factors related to medication adherence in patients with myasthenia gravis, and determine the possibility of predicting medication adherence.

Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among inpatients and outpatients with myasthenia gravis of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China. Data on patient demographics, disease-related characteristics, and medical treatment were collected. We evaluated medication adherence of the patients using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8, Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, and the Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale.

Results:

We distributed 200 questionnaires and finally retrieved 198 valid questionnaires. A total of 139 (70.2%) women participated in this study, and 81 (40.9%) among the 198 participants were aged 40–59 years. In total, 103 (52.0%) participants exhibited bad adherence to pharmacological treatment, and factors such as taking medication irregularly [odds ratio (OR) = 0.242, 95% CI = 0.093–0.627], the necessity of taking medicine (OR = 1.286, 95% CI = 1.142–1.449), the concerns of taking medicine (OR = 0.890, 95% CI = 0.801–0.988), and the self-efficacy for taking medications under difficult circumstances (OR = 1.194, 95% CI = 1.026–1.389) had statistically significant impacts on medication adherence.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that taking medication irregularly and concerns of taking medicine are the risk factors for medication adherence. Meanwhile, the necessity of talking medicine and self-efficacy for taking medications under difficult circumstances are the protective factors for medication adherence. Our findings can help medical staff to enhance patients’ medication adherence by informing patients necessary medical knowledge, emphasizing the necessity for medication, relieving patients’ concerns regarding medication, and improving the self-efficacy for taking medications under difficult circumstances.
Smart Algorithms for Efficient Insulin Therapy Initiation in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: An in Silico Study
Authors: Bonet Jacopo , Visentin Roberto , Dalla Man Chiara
Published: April 2024

Background:

Insulin-naive subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) start basal insulin titration from a low initial insulin dose (IID), which is adjusted weekly or twice per week based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) measurement as recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The procedure to reach the optimal insulin dose (OID) is time-consuming, especially in subjects with high insulin needs (HIN). The aim of this study is to provide a fast and effective, but still safe, insulin titration algorithm in insulin-naive T2D subjects with HIN.

Method:

To do that, we in silico cloned 300 subjects, matching a real population of insulin-naive T2D and used a logistic regression model to classify them as subjects with HIN or subjects with low insulin needs (LIN). Then, we applied to the subjects with HIN both a more aggressive insulin dose initiation (SMART-IID) and two newly developed titration algorithms (continuous glucose monitoring [CGM]-BASED and SMART-CGM-BASED) in which CGM was used to guide the decision-making process.

Results:

The new titration algorithm applied to HIN-classified individuals guaranteed a faster reaching of OID, with significant improvements in time in range (TIR) and reduction in time above range (TAR) in the first months of the trial, without any clinically significant increase in the risk of hypoglycemia.

Conclusions:

Smart basal insulin titration algorithms enable insulin-naive T2D individuals to achieve OID and improve their glycemic control faster than standard guidelines, without jeopardizing patient safety.
Toward Restorative Hospital Environment: Nature and Art in Finnish Hospitals
Authors: Heikkilä Miia , Verma Ira , Nenonen Suvi
Published: April 2024

This study explores the integration of nature and art in recent hospital construction projects in Finland, focusing on public hospitals. Interviews with 15 stakeholders, including hospital executives, workers, designers, artists, and architects, reveal the value placed on nature and nature-themed art in hospital settings. The research question presented was: How nature and art are incorporated in Finnish hospitals in order to achieve a restorative hospital environment? Findings highlight themes that appeared in different hospitals: (1) the desired atmosphere, (2) nature and multisensory experiences, (3) social support, and (4) sense of connection and belonging. Bringing nature inside the hospital, whether through natural elements or artworks, emerges as a promising approach. Despite positive outcomes, challenges such as cost and maintenance persist, indicating the need for further research to optimize these initiatives. Overall, incorporating nature and art in hospitals has the potential to enhance healing and well-being for patients, families, and healthcare workers.
Incidental actinomycosis in a 44-year-old female during total abdominal hysterectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding: A case report
Authors: Kyejo Willbroad , Ismail Allyzain , Kitua Abduel , Moshi Brenda , Ntiyakunze Gregory , Kaguta Munawar , Mwanga Ally
Published: April 2024

Actinomycosis, a rare chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, presents diagnostic challenges due to diverse clinical presentations. This report presents a case of peritoneal actinomycosis incidentally discovered during a total abdominal hysterectomy in a 44-year-old female with refractory abnormal uterine bleeding and a history of long-term intrauterine contraceptive device use. The patient presented with persistent abnormal uterine bleeding despite conservative management. Intraoperative findings during total abdominal hysterectomy revealed peritoneal involvement, prompting histopathological evaluation confirming actinomycosis. This case highlights diagnostic complexities associated with actinomycosis, emphasizing the significance of histopathological confirmation. Postoperative management with antibiotics demonstrated favorable outcomes, supporting their efficacy in treating actinomycosis. The case underscores the importance of considering uncommon infections in pelvic pathology, particularly in patients with prolonged intrauterine contraceptive device usage. It prompts further exploration of actinomycosis in relation to intrauterine contraceptive device use and highlights the need for timely intervention and histopathological confirmation for optimal patient care.
The Effectiveness of an Information-Motivation Behavioral Skill Health Promotion Video on Health Status Among Chiang Mai University Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Udomkhwamsuk Warawan , Chaisurin Patcharin , Pungchompoo Wanicha , Junsiri Tanutporn
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of the IMB Educational Health Promotion (IMBEHP) video for improving quality of life, health risk awareness, and health promotion among Chiang Mai University (CMU) personnel.

Methods:

This research was a quasi-experimental study with a 1-group pre-posttest design. The sample group included 528 CMU personnel who worked at the university between June 2020 and December 2021. Data collection was conducted before and after participants watched the IMB health promotion video.

Results:

After watching the video, the participants’ quality of life scores were at a medium level. Moreover, physical health, mental health, social relations, and total quality of life score measures showed statistically significant differences between before and after viewing, at P < .05. The mean total for quality of life increased from the prior intervention implementation. Understanding of health risks also increased after watching the video, and the levels of health risk increased as follows: low level of health risk increased to 343 (64.96%), followed by medium and high health risk, at 21.78% (n = 115) and 10.04% (n = 53), respectively. Lastly, awareness about nutrition was statistically significant at .05.

Conclusions:

The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of video in educating, motivating, and developing health-promoting skills among this population. After watching the video, CMU personnel increased their awareness of chronic disease risk factors, health promotion practice, illnesses prevention, healthy behaviors, and improvement of quality of life.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Congenital Cardiovascular Surgical Performance and Skills Retention Using Silicone-Molded Heart Models
Authors: Ponzoni Matteo , Alamri Rawan , Peel Brandon , Haller Christoph , Coles John , Vanderlaan Rachel D. , Honjo Osami , Barron David J. , Yoo Shi-Joon
Published: April 2024

Objective: Hands-on surgical training (HOST) for congenital heart surgery (CHS), utilizing silicone-molded models created from 3D-printing of patients’ imaging data, was shown to improve surgical skills. However, the impact of repetition and frequency of repetition in retaining skills has not been previously investigated. We aimed to longitudinally evaluate the outcome for HOST on two example procedures of different technical difficulties with repeated attempts over a 15-week period. Methods: Five CHS trainees were prospectively recruited. Repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and arterial switch operation (ASO) were selected as example procedures of relatively low and high technical difficulty. Procedural time and technical performance (using procedure-specific assessment tools by the participant, a peer-reviewer, and the proctor) were measured. Results: Coarctation repair performance scores improved after the first repetition but remained unchanged at the follow-up session. Likewise, CoA procedural time showed an early reduction but then remained stable (mean [standard deviation]: 29[14] vs 25[15] vs 23[9] min at 0, 1, and 4 weeks). Conversely, ASO performance scores improved during the first repetitions, but decreased after a longer time delay (>9 weeks). Arterial switch operation procedural time showed modest improvements across simulations but significantly reduced from the first to the last attempt: 119[20] versus 106[28] min at 0 and 15 weeks, P = .049. Conclusions: Complex procedures require multiple HOST repetitions, without excessive time delay to maintain long-term skills improvement. Conversely, a single session may be planned for simple procedures to achieve satisfactory medium-term results. Importantly, a consistent reduction in procedural times was recorded, supporting increased surgical efficiency.
Understanding Agency Within Context: The Case of Breeding Cooperatives Program for Transforming Small Ruminant Value Chain in Ethiopia
Authors: Kinati Wole , C. Temple Elizabeth , Baker Derek , Najjar Dina , Hailu Reta
Published: April 2024

The role of agency in women’s empowerment, whether individual or collective, has long been at the center of feminist discourse. Although, highly context dependent, studies on agency are less contextualized. Based on mixed methods, we generated in-depth understandings of what constitutes agency in livestock-based institutions, and associated contextual factors across three regions. Agency, the ability to make effective participation, conceptualization is based on four main dimensions, in turn associated with key agency enabling resources. The agency-enabling resources such as years of schooling, land holding, sheep flock size, number of women in the leadership committee, along with location and distance to extension services variables were associated with the ability to effectively participate. Study participants are aware of the influence of normative environment but lack the power to challenge it. If supported and used as a means, the collective action, breeding cooperative, itself could potentially generate its members such power.
How Regulatory Focus Associates With Chinese EFL Learners’ L2 Grit: The Mediating Effects of Achievement Emotions
Authors: Mei Yong , Yan Yabo , Shen Yunhua
Published: April 2024

Despite the rekindled interest in emotions and individual differences in second language acquisition (SLA) under the influence of positive psychology, the interrelationships among regulatory focus, L2 grit and achievement emotions remain under-researched. Drawing on structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, this study aimed to examine the predictive effects of regulatory focus on L2 grit through the mediation of achievement emotions. A total of 1043 non-English major undergraduates from a comprehensive university in central China participated in the study. Data were collected with a questionnaire adapted from three published scales and analyzed using multiple regression and multiple mediation analysis with a 1000-bootstrap method. Results showed that all three psychological constructs under investigation were correlated with each other and regulatory focus had an indirect predictive effect on L2 grit, which was mediated by achievement emotions. As with the mediating effect of achievement emotions, enjoyment and boredom had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between promotion focus and L2 grit, whereas hope and anxiety had a full mediating effect on the relationship between prevention focus and L2 grit. The findings are discussed in relation to the identified mediating mechanism for regulatory focus and L2 grit in boosting L2 learning motivation among Chinese English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners.
Health and demographic indicators of selected districts of India: An impact of Swasthya Rakshan Programme (SRP)
Authors: Sharma Vipin Kumar , Mahajon Bidhan , Jain Avinash Kumar , Singh Renu , Rana Rakesh , Makhija Pratap , Srikanth Narayanam , Dhiman Kartar Singh
Published: April 2024

Swasthya Rakshan Programme (SRP) provides health care services through Ayurveda, an initiative of the Government of India that aims to survey and create alertness of essential health appliances to ameliorate society from its grassroots level. The present study aimed to survey the prevailing health standards of residents in certain districts of India and to record the prevalence of diseases among them according to their living conditions, food habits, lifestyle, education, occupation and other socio-economic status. Data was collected through a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from April 2018 to March 2019 in 22 Districts of 19 states in India. A stratified multi-stage sampling design was adopted for the survey. Documentation of demographic profile, food habits, lifestyle, hygiene status, and existing health conditions was assessed. A pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire was used for the collection of the data. Before initiating the programme, written consent was obtained. In this study, from 162 selected villages/colonies/areas, a total of 562,913 population and 81,651 households were surveyed. Sixty-nine thousand three hundred nineteen patients were cared for various ailments through health camps. The study found that the most prevalent disease in the concerned population was ‘ Sandhivata’ (Osteo-arthritis), that is, 43.0%, followed by ‘ Dourbalya’ (Debility), that is, 11.7%. The study includes insightful analyses of comprehensive demographic and health indicators classified by various socio-economic categories. The collected data regarding the prevalence of diseases with their sociodemographic correlations may provide a better understanding of the locality and thus may help in all future health endeavours.
Nursing Students’ Learning Engagement Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Namibia: Implications for Nursing Education
Authors: Tomas Nestor , Munangatire Takaedza , Haita Sandrina Leila
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Ensuring strong student engagement in both traditional and virtual learning settings was essential for achieving positive educational results during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, fostering student engagement in both the traditional (face-to-face) and virtual learning environments has been accompanied by distinct challenges. There has been a lack of research specifically addressing the issue of nursing students’ engagement within a blended learning setting in Namibia.

Aim

To explore and describe nursing students’ learning engagement experiences at a university campus in Namibia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological study was employed to collect data from 10 purposively selected nursing students at a university campus in Namibia. Data from in-depth, face-to-face, individual interviews were collected using a semistructured interview guide. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method.

Results

The findings of the study describe students’ learning engagement experiences under four distinct themes: (a) conditions and contexts of engagement; (b) student acts of engagement: positionality of teacher- and student-facilitated engagement; (c) consequences of engagement in a blended learning environment; and (d) student engagement dispositions: students’ initiatives.

Conclusion

The research findings revealed that despite mental health challenges, both teacher-facilitated and student-facilitated engagement were necessary for positive learning engagement in the blended learning environment. Student-facilitated engagement was significantly responsible for enabling students to maintain focus, adhere to guidelines, and adapt to the blended learning environment. These findings are useful in understanding the challenges faced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings thus provide valuable data for future studies seeking to address challenges associated with the blended learning environment.
Religious Affiliation and Fertility in Vietnam: Exploring Desire for Additional Children and Actual Fertility
Authors: Nguyen Yen Thi Hai , Dang Truc Ngoc Hoang , Sukontamarn Pataporn , Teerawichitchainan Bussarawan
Published: April 2024

The authors investigate the relationship between reported religious affiliation and fertility among reproductive-age women in Vietnam using the nationally representative 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. Fertility includes (1) desire for additional children and (2) the hazard of having the next birth on the basis of actual fertility. The results of probit regression and survival analysis show that Christian women have a higher desire for additional children and actual fertility compared with those with no religious affiliation. In contrast, Buddhist affiliation is not significantly associated with both fertility behaviors. In addition to demonstrating the connection between religion and fertility decisions, this study shows that son preference is still prevalent in Vietnam and that both religion and son preference are significant determinants of fertility. The findings have implications for family planning policies.
Covid stories: A narrative exploration of experiences of the pandemic among members of an academic research group
Authors: Stancer Rebecca , Georgeson Jan , Bagchi Suparna , Myhill Craig , Gulliver Katherine , Vassallo Tara , Andrew Mandy , Tumkaya Gulsah , Southall Vivien , Merk Ramazan
Published: April 2024

A narrative longitudinal study of experiences and lessons learnt by an English academic research group during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the research group acted as both participants and researchers. Each member of the group wrote their own accounts of academic and personal experiences during the pandemic at two timepoints. Key lessons learnt included, Resilience, Redemption, Self-Discovery, Personal strategies, Academic skills, Realisation, Acceptance, and Resignation. At timepoint one, the stories were generally progressive and were best described as accounts of a journey. Performative aspects of the stories were found to include defended elements experienced as ‘holes’ in the narratives. At timepoint two, narratives were characterised by a sense of heaviness and ‘stuckness’ but a developing openness in the accounts and group discussions emerged. The research process was found to be therapeutic in supporting participants to create shared and personal meaning of events related to the pandemic, but also in developing a group identity, openness and shared bond.
Impact of SCOPE Program on Health-Related Quality of Life and Health Status of Children With Thalassemia: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: K Kavitha , A Padmaja , Sikandar Basheerahamed J.
Published: April 2024

Background: Iron chelation, blood transfusions, and complication management are typical hospital requirements for children with beta-thalassemia major. This affects their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the Supportive and Coping strategies, Ongoing Assessment, Prevention of Complications, and Empowerment (SCOPE) Program impacted the HRQoL and overall health of children with thalassemia. Method: The study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group with a sequential follow-up design. A nonprobability purposive sampling technique was used to include 80 children with beta-thalassemia major in the sample, ranging in age from 6 to 18. Data were gathered using a Demographic Profile, PedsQLTM Version 4.0, and a Clinical Profile. The children in the intervention group received the SCOPE Program over the course of 6 months. The data collection included a pretest and a posttest with four follow-up evaluations. Results: During the pretest, children with thalassemia had a very low HRQoL. However, the final assessment after the intervention showed a significant difference in the mean scores between the two groups in the areas of physical functioning ( p = .001), emotional functioning ( p = .0001), social functioning ( p = .001), and school functioning ( p = .001). Growth indicators also demonstrated a notable improvement in the intervention group of children. Discussion: The SCOPE Program may be a thorough and efficient intervention for enhancing the general health of children with thalassemia. It can be used as a cooperative, well-organized, family-focused care strategy. Further study with a larger sample size is suggested.
Gender Violence During the Three Ages of Life and the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Review
Authors: Di Donna Gaetano , Di Lorenzo Pierpaolo , Aquino Carmen Imma , Marisei Mariagrazia , Casella Claudia , Surico Daniela , Niola Massimo , Guida Maurizio
Published: April 2024

Children, women, and older people suffer different types of violence, which appears to have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and the relative lockdown. The aim of this study is to analyze the literature about gender violence and abuse in the different ages of life and during the COVID-19 lockdown. Data were obtained from an electronic literature search using various online sources such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science. The terms “child abuse” were the most frequently used, followed in frequency by “gender violence,” “femicide,” and, lastly, “elderly abuse.” The first studies considered gender-based violence as a purely physical problem, then, progressively, the analysis focused on the psychological point of view of the issue. There was a greater number of studies in 2020 about violence in comparison with previous years. The social and scientific attention to gender-based violence appeared to be very poor, especially in the case of older people abuse. It is necessary to increase general attention to the topic to correctly identify each form of abuse and to be able to take care of the subjects most at risk.
Tectonic architecture of the northern Dora-Maira Massif (Western Alps, Italy): field and geochronological data
Authors: Nosenzo Francesco , Manzotti Paola , Krona Mikaela , Ballèvre Michel , Poujol Marc
Published: April 2024

High-pressure and ultra-high-pressure metamorphic terrains display an internal architecture consisting of a pile (or stack) of several coherent tectonic thrust sheets or units. Their identification is fundamental for understanding the scale and mechanisms active during subduction and exhumation of these crustal slices. This study investigates the geometry of the northern Dora-Maira Massif and the kinematics of the major tectonic boundaries, combining field and geochronological data. The tectonic stack of the northern Dora-Maira Massif comprises the following units. The lowermost unit (the Pinerolo Unit) is mainly characterized by Upper Carboniferous fluvio-lacustrine (meta-)sediments. The Pinerolo unit is overthrust by a pre-Carboniferous basement. The latter is subdivided in two tectonic units (the Chasteiran and Muret Units) with different Alpine metamorphism (ultra-high-pressure and high-pressure, respectively). The pre-Carboniferous basement of the Muret Unit is thicker than previously thought for two main reasons. Firstly, some paragneisses, traditionally assumed to be Carboniferous and/or Permian in age, display detrital zircon ages indicating a main source at about 600 Ma. Secondly, three samples of the Granero Orthogneiss, previously assumed to be a Permian intrusive body, have provided zircon U–Pb ages of 447 ± 1 Ma, 456 ± 2 Ma and 440 ± 2 Ma, indicating a late Ordovician or early Silurian age for the protoliths. The uppermost unit (the Serre Unit) comprises porphyritic (meta-) volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks dated to the Permian (271 ± 2 Ma), on top of which remnants of the Mesozoic cover is preserved. Detailed mapping of an area about 140 km2 shows that (i) the ultra-high pressure Chasteiran Unit is localized at the boundary between the Pinerolo and Muret Units, (ii) the Granero Orthogneiss may be considered as the mylonitic sole of the Muret Unit, characterized by a top-to-W sense of shear, and (iii) the contact between the Muret and Serre Units displays ductile-to brittle structures (La Fracho Shear Zone), indicating a top-to-the-NW displacement of the hangingwall with respect to the footwall. A final episode of brittle faulting, cutting across the nappe stack (the Trossieri Fault), indicates an extensional stage in the core of the Alpine belt, as previously documented in more external zones. This work provides a necessary and robust basis before an accurate discussion of processes acting during continental subduction of the Dora-Maira Massif may be understood.
Unsatisfactory response to acute medications does not affect the medication overuse headache development in pediatric chronic migraine
Authors: Frattale Ilaria , Ferilli Michela Ada Noris , Ursitti Fabiana , Sforza Giorgia , Monte Gabriele , Proietti Checchi Martina , Tarantino Samuela , Mazzone Luigi , Valeriani Massimiliano , Papetti Laura
Published: April 2024

Background

Chronic migraine (CM) negatively impacts the quality of life of 2 to 4% of pediatric patients. In adults, CM is frequently linked to medication overuse headache (MOH), but there is a much lower prevalence of MOH in children. A suboptimal response to acute therapies may lead to their reduced use, thus preventing MOH development in children and adolescents. The frequency of patients with CM who do not respond to acute therapies was examined in the present study. We investigated whether the prevalence of MOH was different between responders and non-responders. We also examined whether patients receiving prophylactic therapy had an improved response to acute therapy. Finally, we investigated if there was a difference in the frequency of psychiatric comorbidities between responders and non-responders.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed clinical data of all chronic pediatric migraineurs under the age of 18 referred to the Headache Centre at Bambino Gesù Children Hospital in June 2021 and February 2023. ICHD3 criteria were used to diagnose CM and MOH. We collected demographic data, including the age at onset of migraine and the age of the CM course. At baseline and after 3 months of preventive treatment, we evaluated the response to acute medications. Neuropsychiatric comorbidities were referred by the children’s parents during the first attendance evaluation.

Results

Seventy patients with CM were assessed during the chosen period. Paracetamol was tried by 41 patients (58.5%), NSAIDs by 56 patients (80.0%), and triptans by 1 patient (1.4%). Fifty-one participants (73%) were non-responder to the abortive treatment. The presence of MOH was detected in 27.1% of the whole populations. Regarding our primary aim, MOH was diagnosed in 29% of non-responder patients and 22% of responders (p > 0.05). All patients received preventative treatment. After 3 months of preventive pharmacological therapy, 65.4% of patients who did not respond to acute medications achieved a response, while 34.6% of patients who were non-responder remain non-responder (p < 0.05). Prophylactic therapy was also effective in 69% of patients who responded to acute medication (p < 0.05). Psychiatric comorbidities were detected in 68.6% of patients, with no difference between responders and non-responders (72.2% vs. 67.3%; p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite the high prevalence of unresponsiveness to acute therapies in pediatric CM, it does not act as a protective factor for MOH. Moreover, responsiveness to acute drugs is improved by pharmacological preventive treatment and it is not affected by concomitant psychiatric comorbidities.
Coumarin derivative-functionalized nanoporous silica as an on–off fluorescent sensor for detecting Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions: a circuit logic gate
Authors: Mousavi Zahra , Ghasemi Jahan B. , Mohammadi Ziarani Ghodsi , Rahimi Shahnaz , Badiei Alireza
Published: April 2024

A highly efficient fluorescent sensor (S-DAC) was easily created by functionalizing the SBA-15 surface with N-(2-Aminoethyl)-3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane followed by the covalent attachment of 7-diethylamino 3-acetyl coumarin (DAC). This chemosensor (S-DAC) demonstrates selective and sensitive recognition of Fe3+ and Hg2+ in water-based solutions, with detection limits of 0.28 × 10–9 M and 0.2 × 10–9 M for Hg2+ and Fe3+, respectively. The sensor’s fluorescence characteristics were examined in the presence of various metal ions, revealing a decrease in fluorescence intensity upon adding Fe3+ or Hg2+ ions at an emission wavelength of 400 nm. This sensor was also able to detect ferric and mercury ions in spinach and tuna fish. The quenching mechanism of S-DAC was investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy, which confirmed a static-type mechanism for fluorescence quenching. Moreovre, the decrease in fluorescence intensity caused by mercury and ferric ions can be reversed using trisodium citrate dihydrate and EDTA as masking agents, respectively. As a result, a circuit logic gate was designed using Hg2+, Fe3+, trisodium citrate dihydrate, and EDTA as inputs and the quenched fluorescence emission as the output.

Graphic abstract
Key mRNAs and lncRNAs of pituitary that affect the reproduction of FecB + + small tail han sheep
Authors: Yang Jianqi , Tang Jishun , He Xiaoyun , Di Ran , Zhang Xiaosheng , Zhang Jinlong , Guo Xiaofei , Hu Wenping , Chu Mingxing
Published: April 2024

Background

The pituitary directly regulates the reproductive process through follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Transcriptomic research on the pituitaries of ewes with different FecB (fecundity Booroola) genotypes has shown that some key genes and lncRNAs play an important role in pituitary function and sheep fecundity. Our previous study found that ewes with FecB + + genotypes (without FecB mutation) still had individuals with more than one offspring per birth. It is hoped to analyze this phenomenon from the perspective of the pituitary transcriptome.

Results

The 12 Small Tail Han Sheep were equally divided into polytocous sheep in the follicular phase (PF), polytocous sheep in the luteal phase (PL), monotocous sheep in the follicular phase (MF), and monotocous sheep in the luteal phase (ML). Pituitary tissues were collected after estrus synchronous treatment for transcriptomic analysis. A total of 384 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (182 in PF vs. MF and 202 in PL vs. ML) and 844 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) (427 in PF vs. MF and 417 in PL vs. ML) were obtained from the polytocous-monotocous comparison groups in the two phases. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs in the two phases were enriched in signaling pathways known to play an important role in sheep fecundity, such as calcium ion binding and cAMP signaling pathways. A total of 1322 target relationship pairs (551 pairs in PF vs. MF and 771 pairs in PL vs. ML) were obtained for the target genes prediction of DELs, of which 29 DEL-DEG target relationship pairs (nine pairs in PF vs. MF and twenty pairs in PL vs. ML). In addition, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed to explore the regulatory relationships of DEGs, and some important regulatory relationship pairs were obtained.

Conclusion

According to the analysis results, we hypothesized that the pituitary first receives steroid hormone signals from the ovary and uterus and that VAV3 (Vav Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor 3), GABRG1 (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid A Receptor, Gamma 1), and FNDC1 (Fibronectin Type III Domain Containing 1) played an important role in this process. Subsequently, the reproductive process was regulated by gonadotropins, and IGFBP1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1) was directly involved in this process, ultimately affecting litter size. In addition, TGIF1 (Transforming Growth Factor-Beta-Induced Factor 1) and TMEFF2 (Transmembrane Protein With EGF Like And Two Follistatin Like Domains 2) compensated for the effect of the FecB mutation and function by acting on TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, an important pathway for sheep reproduction. These results provided a reference for understanding the mechanism of multiple births in Small Tail Han Sheep without FecB mutation.
Transcriptomic data reveals the dynamics of terpenoids biosynthetic pathway of fenugreek
Authors: Javan Sara Lamei , Kashkooli Arman Beyraghdar , Shojaeiyan AbdolAli , Majidian Sina
Published: April 2024

Medicinal plants are rich sources for treating various diseases due their bioactive secondary metabolites. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is one of the medicinal plants traditionally used in human nutrition and medicine which contains an active substance, called diosgenin, with anticancer properties. Biosynthesis of this important anticancer compound in fenugreek can be enhanced using eliciting agents which involves in manipulation of metabolite and biochemical pathways stimulating defense responses. Methyl jasmonate elicitor was used to increase diosgenin biosynthesis in fenugreek plants. However, the molecular mechanism and gene expression profiles underlying diosgening accumulation remain unexplored. In the current study we performed an extensive analysis of publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets to elucidate the biosynthesis and expression profile of fenugreek plants treated with methyl jasmonate. For this purpose, seven read datasets of methyl jasmonate treated plants were obtained that were covering several post-treatment time points (6–120 h). Transcriptomics analysis revealed upregulation of several key genes involved in diosgenein biosynthetic pathway including Squalene synthase (SQS) as the first committed step in diosgenin biosynthesis as well as Squalene Epoxidase (SEP) and Cycloartenol Synthase (CAS) upon methyl jasmonate application. Bioinformatics analysis, including gene ontology enrichment and pathway analysis, further supported the involvement of these genes in diosgenin biosynthesis. The bioinformatics analysis led to a comprehensive validation, with expression profiling across three different fenugreek populations treated with the same methyl jasmonate application. Initially, key genes like SQS, SEP, and CAS showed upregulation, followed by later upregulation of Δ24, suggesting dynamic pathway regulation. Real-time PCR confirmed consistent upregulation of SQS and SEP, peaking at 72 h. Additionally, candidate genes Δ24 and SMT1 highlighted roles in directing metabolic flux towards diosgenin biosynthesis. This integrated approach validates the bioinformatics findings and elucidates fenugreek’s molecular response to methyl jasmonate elicitation, offering insights for enhancing diosgenin yield. The assembled transcripts and gene expression profiles are deposited in the Zenodo open repository at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8155183.
The size diversity of the Pteridaceae family chloroplast genome is caused by overlong intergenic spacers
Authors: Gu Xiaolin , Li Lingling , Zhong Xiaona , Su Yingjuan , Wang Ting
Published: April 2024

Background

While the size of chloroplast genomes (cpDNAs) is often influenced by the expansion and contraction of inverted repeat regions and the enrichment of repeats, it is the intergenic spacers (IGSs) that appear to play a pivotal role in determining the size of Pteridaceae cpDNAs. This provides an opportunity to delve into the evolution of chloroplast genomic structures of the Pteridaceae family. This study added five Pteridaceae species, comparing them with 36 published counterparts.

Results

Poor alignment in the non-coding regions of the Pteridaceae family was observed, and this was attributed to the widespread presence of overlong IGSs in Pteridaceae cpDNAs. These overlong IGSs were identified as a major factor influencing variations in cpDNA size. In comparison to non-expanded IGSs, overlong IGSs exhibited significantly higher GC content and were rich in repetitive sequences. Species divergence time estimations suggest that these overlong IGSs may have already existed during the early radiation of the Pteridaceae family.

Conclusions

This study reveals new insights into the genetic variation, evolutionary history, and dynamic changes in the cpDNA structure of the Pteridaceae family, providing a fundamental resource for further exploring its evolutionary research.
Perioperative serum syndecan-1 concentrations in patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and its association with the occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Miyazaki Atsushi , Hokka Mai , Obata Norihiko , Mizobuchi Satoshi
Published: April 2024

Background

Various factors can cause vascular endothelial damage during cardiovascular surgery (CVS) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), which has been suggested to be associated with postoperative complications. However, few studies have specifically investigated the relationship between the degree of vascular endothelial damage and postoperative acute kidney injury (pAKI).

The objectives of this study were to measure perioperative serum syndecan-1 concentrations in patients who underwent CVS with CPB, evaluate their trends, and determine their association with pAKI.

Methods

This was a descriptive and case‒control study conducted at the National University Hospital. Adult patients who underwent CVS with CPB at a national university hospital between March 15, 2016, and August 31, 2020, were included. Patients who were undergoing preoperative dialysis, had preoperative serum creatinine concentrations greater than 2.0 mg dl−1, who were undergoing surgery involving the descending aorta were excluded. The perioperative serum syndecan-1 concentration was measured, and its association with pAKI was investigated.

Results

Fifty-two patients were included. pAKI occurred in 18 (34.6%) of those patients. The serum syndecan-1 concentration increased after CPB initiation and exhibited bimodal peak values. The serum syndecan-1 concentration at all time points was significantly elevated compared to that after the induction of anesthesia. The serum syndecan-1 concentration at 30 min after weaning from CPB and on postoperative day 1 was associated with the occurrence of pAKI (OR = 1.10 [1.01 to 1.21], P = 0.03]; OR = 1.16 [1.01 to 1.34], P = 0.04]; and the cutoff values of the serum syndecan-1 concentration that resulted in pAKI were 101.0 ng ml−1 (sensitivity = 0.71, specificity = 0.62, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.67 (0.51 to 0.83)) and 57.1 ng ml−1 (sensitivity = 0.82, specificity = 0.56, AUC = 0.71 (0.57 to 0.86)). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the serum syndecan-1 concentration on postoperative day 1 was associated with the occurrence of pAKI (OR = 1.02 [1.00 to 1.03]; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

The serum syndecan-1 concentration at all time points was significantly greater than that after the induction of anesthesia. The serum syndecan-1 concentration on postoperative day 1 was significantly associated with the occurrence of pAKI.

Trial registration

This study is not a clinical trial and is not registered with the registry.