bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Workers Experiences in Providing Comprehensive Abortion Care to Adolescents in the Eastern Region of Ghana: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Der Amanda Debuo , Ganle John K. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Globally, abortion rates among young women is a public health concern. The Eastern region of Ghana has a high rate of abortions with 17.8% occurring among adolescents in 2021. Adolescents face difficulty accessing comprehensive abortion care (CAC) due to conflict over their decision-making capacity and the requirement for parental consent. This study explored the experiences of healthcare workers in providing CAC to adolescents in the New Juaben Municipality in Eastern Region, Ghana.
Methods
A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted among 12 healthcare providers. Participants who had provided CAC services for at least 6 months were selected through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted and audio-recorded with permission from the participants. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductive thematic analysis was done using ATLAS. it. Results were presented using quotes.
Findings
: Many midwives reportedly felt bad, uncomfortable, and guilty about providing abortion care. Others also felt psychological trauma, which compelled them to stop providing CAC services. Many service providers including physician specialists and some midwives however continuously provided CAC services as part of their professional responsibility to save lives.
Conclusion
The experiences of CAC service providers are diverse. Values clarification workshops are necessary to help healthcare providers balance their religious beliefs and CAC provision. Public education on safe abortion care needs to be strengthened to normalise CAC discussions and reduce the stigma towards CAC service providers.
First demonstration of charge-domain content addressable memory based on ferroelectric capacitive memory for reliable and low-power one-shot learning
Authors: Gong Xiao , Zhou Zuopu , Zhong Hongtao , Jiao Leming , Zheng Zijie , Yang Huazhong , Kämpfe Thomas , Ni Kai , Li Xueqing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Non-volatile content addressable memories (NV-CAMs) accelerate the memory augmented neural networks (MANNs) by their in-memory-search capability and high parallelism, promising to realize brain-like efficient learning from a few examples or even one example with low energy consumption. However, most existing NV-CAMs operate in the current domain, which poses challenges in achieving reliable, low-power, and sensing-friendly Hamming distance (HD) computation essential for implementation of MANNs. To effectively address these key challenges, this work proposes transferring the computation to the charge domain using high-performance ferroelectric capacitive memory (FCM). For the first time, the demonstration of a charge-domain 2FCM CAM based on the inversion-type FCM with a large capacitance ratio is reported. By storing data as the device capacitance, this novel CAM structure is capable of directly outputting HD as stable multi-level voltages with a large margin and an ultra-high linearity, which significantly simplifies sensing processes and reduces peripheral costs. Moreover, the differential nature of the operation scheme further exhibits immunity to device variation, offering high accuracy in the computation of long data vectors. This work experimentally realizes parallel 16-bit HD computation using a fabricated 16×16 2FCM CAM array and reveals record performance at the array level: an ultra-low search energy consumption of 0.005 fJ/bit and a high accuracy of 97.5% on the classification of Omniglot dataset with one-shot learning. The proposed 2FCM CAM significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art current-domain CAMs, evidencing the superiority of charge-domain computation and showcasing tremendous potential for future in-memory-search applications.
Ancient genomes of Sitka black-tailed deer show evidence for postglacial stepping-stone dispersal along the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America
Authors: Coelho Flavio Augusto Silva , Tomlin Crystal M. , Prince Karlee K. , McLaren Duncan , Fedje Daryl , Latch Emily , Heffelfinger James R. , Baichtal James , Talbot Sandra L. , Heaton Timothy , Lindqvist Charlotte 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and its two distinct black-tailed deer (BTD) subspecies, Sitka and Columbian BTD, have a complex history in North America involving survival in Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) refugia, postglacial expansion along the Pacific Northwest Coast, evidence for incomplete lineage sorting and recent introgression between subspecies. Moreover, the differentiation process of the two black-tailed deer subspecies is poorly understood and could have been a consequence of the LGM. As such, they provide an exemplary system to explore patterns of population dynamics in response to climate change.
Results:
Here we analyzed genome-scale data from samples spanning the last 13,500 years to explore the evolutionary history of Sitka BTD in Southeast Alaska. Deer samples from Southeast Alaska older than 8,500 years ago shared a mitochondrial haplotype with mule deer, whereas samples younger than 6,000 years have the modern Sitka BTD haplotype. Discordantly, nuclear genomic data confirmed that all ancient individuals from Southeast Alaska are closely related to modern Sitka BTD, although the older group also shared ancestry with mule deer. Modern samples from Vancouver Island share more alleles with modern Sitka BTD than Columbian BTD. Our results support that they survived in the same glacial refugium south of the Cordilleran ice sheet, along today’s Oregon coast.
Conclusion:
The uneven deglaciation along the Northwest Pacific Coast following the LGM may have created temporary post-glacial refugia, or “stepping stones”, along the British Columbia Coast. Such dispersal, associated with genetic drift and isolation by distance, likely led to the emergence of the BTD subspecies, as well as the low genetic diversity observed in modern Sitka BTD.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of NOAC and LMWHs in Reducing Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Costa-Filho Rubens , Oliveira Amarino , Saddy Felipe , Costa João Luiz Ferreira , Azevedo Marcela Santos , Cerqueira Débora Fragoso , Barbosa Maria Izabel Neves de Holanda , Da-Cruz Alda Maria , Horta Marco Aurélio , Leite José Paulo Gagliardi , Neto Hugo Caire Castro Faria 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Severe COVID-19 is associated with increased prothrombotic and inflammatory responses, necessitating effective anticoagulation therapy. Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are being explored as alternatives to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).
Methods
This retrospective cohort study compared the effectiveness and safety of NOACs and LMWH in reducing mortality among 76 critically ill, unvaccinated patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cohort included 41 patients treated with LMWH and 35 with NOACs during their ICU stay. The primary outcomes focused on mortality, with secondary outcomes including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), bleeding episodes, and transfusion rates.
Results
Baseline characteristics, including demographic data and severity scores, were similar between the groups (mean age: LMWH, 74.5 ± 15.1 years [59% male]; NOAC, 71.6 ± 14.8 years [60% male]). Mortality was significantly greater in the LMWH group (51.21% [95% confidence interval (CI): 36.4–65.7]) than in the NOAC group (20% [95% CI: 10.0–35.9]; p = 0.005), with standardized mortality ratios of 1.61 and 0.71, respectively (p = 0.004). Elevated D-dimer levels are strongly associated with increased mortality risk. DVT occurred in 9.76% of LMWH patients and 5.71% of NOAC patients (p = 0.68). The bleeding and transfusion rates were comparable between the groups.
Conclusions
NOACs were associated with a significantly lower mortality rate than LMWHs in critically ill COVID-19 patients, reflecting an 81% reduced risk of death. These findings highlight the potential advantages of NOACs in managing severe COVID-19 and underscore the need for further research to optimize anticoagulation therapy and improve patient outcomes.
Tobacco use, tobacco-related cancer risk perceptions, and cancer worry among people experiencing homelessness: A qualitative study
Authors: Durazo Arturo , Katyal Toshali , Magaña Dalia , Ling Pamela M. , Vijayaraghavan Maya 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Tobacco-related cancers are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among people experiencing homelessness who are 50 years and older. We examined tobacco use, tobacco-related cancer risk, and cancer-related worry among people experiencing homelessness who smoke cigarettes.
Methods
Between October and November 2020, we recruited a convenience sample of 25 adults experiencing homelessness who reported current smoking and were staying in two shelters in San Francisco, CA. We used the common sense model (CSM) of self-regulation, a framework that connects illness-related beliefs and worry to behaviors that reduce the threat of disease. We focused on the cognitive and affective representations of tobacco-related cancer risk as outlined in the CSM of self-regulation. We conducted in-depth interviews to understand tobacco use, tobacco-related cancer beliefs, and cancer-related worry in the context of homelessness experiences. We obtained information on demographics, tobacco use, and cancer worry from each participant. We analyzed qualitative data using directed content analysis.
Results
Of the participants, 64% identified as belonging to underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, 80% reported smoking daily, and 80% intended to quit smoking. Participants reported cancer-related worry and attributed their cancer risk to internal (e.g., tobacco use) and external (e.g., secondhand smoke exposure) factors. While participants generally understood cancer and its health consequences, some held the misperception that nicotine, rather than tobacco use, caused cancer. Despite perceptions about the health risks associated with smoking, struggles related to securing basic needs, often preceded health concerns. Specifically, the experience of homelessness and its associated competing priorities posed significant challenges to taking actions, such as quitting smoking to reduce cancer risk.
Conclusions
Multi-level tobacco cessation interventions that combine structural interventions that reduce barriers to quitting with health messaging to address misperceptions around tobacco-related cancer risk are needed for people experiencing homelessness.
Effects of high pressure processing on the biosynthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid in cocoa beans fermented with Lactobacillus senmaizukei
Authors: Lin Yan-Han , Huang Bo-Chi , Song Xiao-Rou , Lin Zi-Jin , Chen Yu-Ying , Wang Chung-Yi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) pretreatment and inoculation with or without Lactobacillus senmaizukei (LS) on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) free amino acid content, glutamic acid (Glu) decarboxylase (GAD) activity, microflora, and physicochemical properties of the cocoa beans were investigated during fermentation, and microstructural changes of cocoa beans were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Raw cocoa beans had a GABA content of 21.12 mg/100 g, which increased to 31.26 mg/100 g after spontaneous (SPO) fermentation, while in HPP-LS fermented cocoa beans can be significantly increased to 66.35 mg/100g, due to higher GAD activity by ≥ 3-fold, which can improved the conversion efficiency of Glu to GABA. Therefore, the Glu content of HPP-LS cocoa beans dropped from 72.6 mg/100g to 26.1mg/100g at the end of the fermentation. Microbiological analysis showed that HPP-treatment altered the natural microbiomes of cocoa beans and reduced the counts of yeast and lactic acid bacteria. During the first 24 h of fermentation, yeast remained the dominant species in the presence/absence of LS inoculation. After 48 h, Lactobacillus spp. replaced yeast as the dominant species and acetic acid bacteria reached their maximum count after 120 h. After 72 h, the fermentation index of the HPP–LS cocoa beans was 1.02, whereas that of the SPO fermentation group reached 1.02 after 96 h; thus, HPP pre-treatment and LS inoculation reduced the fermentation time. HPP was shown to disrupt the microstructure of cocoa beans in SEM, increasing the probability of contact between GAD and Glu and upregulating GABA production. This findings can be used to evaluate the feasibility of producing GABA-enriched cocoa beans for functionality chocolate products development.
A topographic lung cell atlas reveals regional variation in cell-type specific gene programs and identifies healthy and diseased cellular neighborhoods
Authors: Samakovlis Christos , Firsova Alexandra , Salas Sergio Marco , Kümmerle Louis , Abalo Xesus , Larsson Ludvig , Mahbubani Krishna , Sountoulidis Alexandros , Theelke Jonas , Andrusivova Zaneta , Galicia Leire Alonso , Liontos Andreas , Balassa Tamas , Kovacs Ferenc , Horvath Peter , Chen Yuexin , Gote-Schniering Janine , Stoleriu Mircea-Gabriel , Behr Jürgen , Meyer Kerstin , Timens Wim , Schiller Herbert , Lücken Malte , Theis Fabian , Lundeberg Joakim , Nilsson Mats , Nawijn Martijn 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Integration of single cell mRNA sequencing data from millions of cells revealed a high diversity of cell types in the healthy and diseased human lung. In a large and complex organ, which is also constantly exposed to external agents, it is crucial to understand the influence of lung tissue topography or external factors on gene expression variability within each cell type. Here, we applied three spatial transcriptomics approaches, to: (i) localize the majority of lung cell types, including rare epithelial cells within the tissue topography, (ii) describe consistent anatomical and regional variability in gene expression within and across cell types, and (iii) reveal distinct cellular neighborhoods for specific anatomical regions and examine gene expression variations in them. We thus provide a spatially resolving tissue reference atlas including cell type composition and gene expression variations in three representative regions of the healthy human lung. We further demonstrate its utility by defining previously unknown imbalances of epithelial cell type compositions in diseased tissue from patients with stage II COPD. Our topographic atlas enables a precise description of characteristic regional cellular responses upon experimental perturbations or during disease progression.
The development of functional connectivity along the hippocampal long-axis in infants
Authors: Audrain Sam , Milleville Shawn , Wilson Jenna , Baffoe-Bonnie Jude , Gotts Stephen , Martin Alex 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We do not remember events experienced as infants. Infancy is a critical period of development for the memory system, yet we know little about the functional neural changes that occur during this time. In adults, hippocampal-neocortical coupling is needed to establish long-term memories, and differs along the anteroposterior axis. We investigated hippocampal-neocortical functional connectivity along the long-axis at rest in 212 infants. We found that functional differentiation of the anterior and posterior hippocampus occurs very early on (<6 months old). We also identified numerous cortical regions where connectivity with the hippocampus was changing with age. A clustering analysis revealed that anteroposterior hippocampal connectivity was changing with cortical regions associated with memory, but also with canonical networks associated with salience and attention. These findings raise the possibility that infantile amnesia is in part a disorder of immature functional interaction between memory, attention, and salience systems that engender memory formation in adults.
Hair in the Ureter: An unusual finding in a case of Posterior Urethral Valve
Authors: Prasad Gaurav , Bajpai Minu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Trichobezoars of the bladder are exceedingly rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature, primarily in adult patients with spinal cord injuries or pelvic surgeries. This case report presents a 4-year-old boy with an unusual finding of hair strands in the ureter, a rare occurrence in paediatric urology. The patient, was a follow-up case of Posterior Urethral Valve with prior urological surgeries, was found to have hair strands in the right ureter adjacent to the uretero-vesical junction during a routine cystoscopy. The hair was successfully removed to prevent potential complications, such as calculus formation. This case is significant as it highlights the possibility of ureteric hair in paediatric patients, even in the absence of prolonged catheterization or clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). In addition to discussing this rare finding, a review of previously reported cases of bladder trichobezoars and ureteric hair has been generated to provide insights into their aetiology, management, and prevention strategies. Paediatric urologists should remain aware of this rare entity to mitigate complications, and proper hygiene must be emphasized to caregivers when CIC is indicated for children with neurogenic bladder.
Arp2/3 and Type-I myosins control chromosome mobility and end-resection at double-strand breaks in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Haber James , Zhou Felix , Ashton Marissa , Jiang Yiyang , Arora Neha , Clark Kevin , Fitzpatrick Kate 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Using budding yeast, S cerevisiae, we show that Arp2/3 actin branching complex has an evolutionarily conserved role in promoting chromosome mobility of double-strand breaks (DSBs). Disrupting Arp2/3 activity after DSB induction, by drug treatment with CK-666 or auxin-induced degron depletion of nucleation promoting factors Las17WASP or the type-1 myosins (Myo3 and Myo5), markedly reduced the radius of confinement of DSBs. Arp2/3 was found to be required to initiate and maintain 5’to 3’ resection of DSB ends. Conversely, inhibiting Exo1 and Dna2- dependent long-range resection or deleting FUN30 impaired the mobility of the DSB, while overexpression of Exo1 suppressed resection inhibition by CK-666. Inactivation of Arp2/3 before DSB induction triggered a shortened checkpoint arrest through the Tel1ATM/Mre11 (TM) checkpoint, while inactivation of Arp2/3 after DSB induction caused cells to escape arrest prematurely. Shortened checkpoint arrest correlated with a reduction in repair by interchromosomal homologous recombination. These results suggest that Arp2/3 regulation plays an unanticipated role in the regulation of processing of DSB ends that is correlated with an increase in DSB mobility and DSB repair.
Cystic Plexiform Ameloblastoma – an important diagnostic challenge
Authors: Huang Michelle , Bradley Grace , Perez-Ordonez Bayardo , Klieb Hagen , Blanas Nick , Magalhaes Marco A. O. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Ameloblastoma is a benign, locally aggressive neoplasm of the jaws and accurate diagnosis is important to provide timely treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence and local destruction. Ameloblastoma may show various histologic patterns, including a cystic plexiform pattern that lacks the typical ameloblast-like features and causes difficulties in the interpretation of incisional biopsies.
Objectives This is a retrospective study to identify and characterize cases of ameloblastoma that presented only a cystic plexiform epithelial proliferation lacking the pathognomonic features of ameloblastoma on incisional biopsy.
Methods We reviewed cases of ameloblastoma in our diagnostic biopsy service from 2004 to 2023 inclusive. Cases with a microscopic description that included cystic plexiform epithelial proliferation were retrieved for review of histopathologic features and associated clinical and radiographic information.
Results We identified a rare subset of ameloblastoma (3.7%, 7 of 188 ameloblastoma cases) that presented exclusively the cystic plexiform pattern, with absent or inconspicuous ameloblast-like features (CP-AM). The histologic appearance was characteristically uniform throughout the incisional biopsy and differed from the plexiform subtype of conventional ameloblastoma and plexiform unicystic ameloblastoma. Careful clinical and radiographic correlation with histologic findings was essential for a definitive diagnosis to guide treatment. Immunohistochemical staining for the BRAF p.V600E mutation was performed retrospectively and shown to be a useful adjunct for diagnosis that should be considered for future cases of CP-AM.
Conclusion Our study highlighted an uncommon and challenging histologic pattern of ameloblastoma. A coordinated approach using clinical, radiographic, histologic, and molecular studies are needed for a timely and accurate diagnosis.
Biodistribution and dosimetry of the PET radioligand [18F]CHDI-650 in mice for detection of mutant huntingtin aggregates
Authors: Akkermans Jordy , Miranda Alan , Verhaeghe Jeroen , Elvas Filipe , Zajicek Franziska , Bard Jonathan , Liu Longbin , Khetarpal Vinod , Doot Robert , Staelens Steven , Bertoglio Daniele 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in the huntingtin gene which encodes the mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) that is associated with HD-related neuropathophysiology. Noninvasive visualization of mHTT aggregates in the brain, with positron emission tomography (PET), will allow to reliably evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in HD. This study aimed to assess the radiation burden of [18F]CHDI-650, a novel fluorinated mHTT radioligand, in humans based on both in vivo and ex vivo biodistribution in mice and subsequent determination of dosimetry for dosing in humans.
Results
Wild-type male and female CD-1 Swiss mice (n = 15/sex) were used to assess in vivo PET imaging-based and ex vivo biodistribution-based tracer distribution of [18F]CHDI-650 at 30-, 60-, 120-, 240- and 360-minutes post-injection. Three-dimensional volumes of interest of the organs were drawn on the co-registered PET/CT image and organs were collected after dissection. Organ radioactivity levels were determined using both modalities. The residence time was calculated and extrapolated to human phantoms. The absorbed and effective doses were computed with OLINDA/EXM 2.2 and IDAC-Dose2.1. Ex vivo and PET-imaging biodistribution of [18F]CHDI-650 showed rapid washout after 30 minutes in most of the organs with the highest uptake in the gallbladder and urine in mice. Extrapolation of the data to human phantoms with OLINDA showed a total mean in vivo based effective dose of 14.7 µSv/MBq with the highest effective organ dose in the urinary bladder wall (4.29 µSv/MBq). The total mean ex vivo based effective dose was calculated to be 20.6 µSv/MBq. The highest effective organ dose ex vivo in the urinary bladder wall was estimated to be 4.22 µSv/MBq. The predicted exposure in humans using IDAC-Dose correlated well to those obtained with OLINDA for both in vivo and ex vivo measurements (r = 0.9801 and r = 0.9364, respectively).
Conclusions
Dosimetry analysis indicated absorbed and effective doses of [18F]CHDI-650 are well below the recommended limits, suggesting that the radioligand is suitable for clinical assessment. Based on the highest effective dose estimates, an injection of 370 MBq in humans would result in a radiation dose of 7.62 mSv.