bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract PR14: Ex vivo models of pancreatic cancer that recapitulate the metabolic tumor microenvironment identify glycine as a chemoresistance-inducing oncometabolite
Authors: Cognet Guillaume , Sheehan Colin , Croley Grace , Hu Lyndon , Muir Alexander 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors are poorly perfused due to intense desmoplasia and dysfunctional vasculature. This limited perfusion leads to abnormal availability of nutrients and metabolic substrates in the tumor microenvironment. To understand how microenvironmetnal nutrient availability impacts PDAC biology, we performed quantitative metabolomics of the interstitial fluid (the local perfusate) of PDAC tumors to comprehensively characterize nutrient availability in the PDAC microenvironment. We have used this information to develop Tumor Interstitial Fluid Medium (TIFM), a cell culture medium that contains nutrient levels representative of the PDAC microenvironment, enabling the study of PDAC biology under physiological nutrition. By transcriptomic analysis, we show that PDAC cells cultured in TIFM, compared to standard ex vivo models, adopt a cellular state more similar to PDAC cells in tumors, identifying TME nutrient availability as a key microenvironmental factor regulating PDAC biology in vivo. Given that PDAC cells in TIFM adopt an in vivo-like cell state, we next asked if PDAC cells in TIFM would exhibit phenotypes that PDAC cells primarily exhibit in vivo, such as resistance to chemotherapeutic treatment. We found that TIFM culture dramatically increases the resistance of PDAC cells to chemotherapeutic challenge. As TIFM is chemically defined, we systemically screened microenvironmental nutrient cues to identify those triggering therapy resistance. We found that glycine, an amino acid that accumulates to high levels in the PDAC microenvironment, was necessary and sufficient to cause PDAC therapy resistance. Glycine, at the concentrations found in the PDAC microenvironment, has been found to broadly cytoprotective by inhibiting cell death elicited by diverse cellular stresses. In mechanistic experiments, we similarly find that microenvironmental glycine does not prevent chemotherapeutic damage of PDAC cells but blocks cell death in response to this damage. Thus, we propose glycine is a novel oncometabolite that PDAC tumors accumulate, enabling them to cope with diverse stresses, including chemotherapeutic challenge. Altogether, these data show that nutrient availability in the microenvironment is an important determinant of PDAC biology, and models incorporating tumor nutrition can enable mechanistic study of microenvironmentally-programmed PDAC phenotypes.
Citation Format: Guillaume Cognet, Colin Sheehan, Grace Croley, Lyndon Hu, Alexander Muir. Ex vivo models of pancreatic cancer that recapitulate the metabolic tumor microenvironment identify glycine as a chemoresistance-inducing oncometabolite [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PR14.
Corps d’adolescents et fonction du regard
Authors: Tissot Pascaline 
Published: January 2024

Cet article met en perspective la question du regard et le processus de subjectivation adolescent. Que veut dire voir et être vu lors de ce moment si particulier de l’existence qu’est l’adolescence ? Suite aux métamorphoses de la puberté, la question du regard sur un corps qui se transforme et échappe au sujet peut être source d’angoisse et amène parfois l’adolescent à le cacher ou à l’exhiber. À partir de monographies rédigées au cours de sa pratique professionnelle d’enseignante d’éducation physique et sportive au lycée, l’auteure revisite les trois temps de la pulsion scopique pour comprendre les difficultés qu’ont les adolescents à retisser un imaginaire percuté par le réel de l’irruption pubertaire.
Design and Feasibility Analysis of a Smartphone‐Based Digital Cognitive Assessment Study in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Sunderaraman Preeti , De Anda‐Duran Ileana , Karjadi Cody , Peterson Julia , Ding Huitong , Devine Sherral A. , Shih Ludy C. , Popp Zachary , Low Spencer , Hwang Phillip H. , Goyal Kriti , Hathaway Lindsay , Monteverde Jose , Lin Honghuang , Kolachalama Vijaya B. , Au Rhoda 
Published: January 2024

Background
Smartphone‐based digital technology is increasingly being recognized as a cost‐effective, scalable, and noninvasive method of collecting longitudinal cognitive and behavioral data. Accordingly, a state‐of‐the‐art 3‐year longitudinal project focused on collecting multimodal digital data for early detection of cognitive impairment was developed.

Methods and Results
A smartphone application collected 2 modalities of cognitive data, digital voice and screen‐based behaviors, from the FHS (Framingham Heart Study) multigenerational Generation 2 (Gen 2) and Generation 3 (Gen 3) cohorts. To understand the feasibility of conducting a smartphone‐based study, participants completed a series of questions about their smartphone and app use, as well as sensory and environmental factors that they encountered while completing the tasks on the app. Baseline data collected to date were from 537 participants (mean age=66.6 years, SD=7.0; 58.47% female). Across the younger participants from the Gen 3 cohort (n=455; mean age=60.8 years, SD=8.2; 59.12% female) and older participants from the Gen 2 cohort (n=82; mean age=74.2 years, SD=5.8; 54.88% female), an average of 76% participants agreed or strongly agreed that they felt confident about using the app, 77% on average agreed or strongly agreed that they were able to use the app on their own, and 81% on average rated the app as easy to use.

Conclusions
Based on participant ratings, the study findings are promising. At baseline, the majority of participants are able to complete the app‐related tasks, follow the instructions, and encounter minimal barriers to completing the tasks independently. These data provide evidence that designing and collecting smartphone application data in an unsupervised, remote, and naturalistic setting in a large, community‐based population is feasible.
The Microeconomic Consequences of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Altinay Mehmet , Altinay Fahriye , Dagli Gokmen , Altinay Zehra 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in quarantine measures, decreased consumer and investor confidence and a loss of workforce, which adversely affected the world economy. The resultant sharp decline in world stock markets and deteriorating supply chains negatively affected businesses. Since students are the employees of the future, the aim of this study was to examine the evaluations by students of the effects of Covid-19 on the micro economy, at individual, household and company levels. There were 60 participants in the study group, all of them African students at the University of Kyrenia, who were asked to evaluate the pandemic’s effects on microeconomic units in their home countries. Students who had enrolled in microeconomics courses in various disciplines were chosen because of knowing the topic better than other students. The snowball sampling method was employed in the selection of the participants. Semi-structured interviews were held one on one and the data was analysed. The findings show that individual poverty increased by at least two times, unemployment rose as a result of the pandemic, and people, families and companies faced financial hardship.
Thermal heterogeneity in a Mediterranean pond: perspectives for the thermal biology of amphibian larvae
Authors: Reques Ricardo , Camacho Agustín 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In Mediterranean climates, amphibian larvae often occupy temporary ponds where they must avoid deleterious temperatures and develop before these ponds dry out. We measured thermal heterogeneity in one of these ponds and discussed its relationship with development time and thermal tolerance in three observed species. We found large daily thermoclines that may reach 14°C and persist into the early evening. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such a large degree of thermal heterogeneity has been reported in temporary ponds. Thus, we raise hypotheses linking thermoregulation, habitat use, and growth that Mediterranean amphibian larvae, or other aquatic larvae inhabiting water bodies with strong thermoclines, might exhibit. We argue that studies on thermoregulation of larvae are badly needed to help us understand the responses of Mediterranean amphibians to global warming.
Maize meal (posho) served at selected boarding schools in western Uganda is highly contaminated with aflatoxins
Authors: Oyesigye E. , Nkurunungi J.B. , Mlahagwa W. , Raymond A. , Mahuku G. , Medina A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate food handling practices and assess the maize-bean supply chain in selected boarding schools of western Uganda. Additionally, it sought to determine the extent of aflatoxin exposure in the maize-bean meal consumed by students within the age range of 5 to 24. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two districts of Bushenyi and Sheema to gather 95 samples (31 beans, 32 maize flour, and 32 cooked maize flour-posho). In addition, 262 individual interviews were conducted. The findings revealed that only 9.38% of the schools store food as per World Health Organisation standards. The majority of schools (57.9%) purchase maize flour and beans from any stockist with no contractual obligations (random supplier), and all the 32 schools base on visual parameters, especially white colour, and smell to rule out aflatoxin contamination. Maize flour stored on the ground registered significantly (P = 0.0018) higher levels (54.3 ± 10.1 μg/kg) of total aflatoxins than that stored on a raised platform (14.7 ± 2.6 μg/kg). Likewise, the supplier significantly influenced total aflatoxins levels (P = 0.0064), with higher levels (44.6 ± 8.0 μg/kg) detected in maize flour supplied by a random supplier than a pre-qualified one (14.7 ± 2.6 μg/kg). Given the low levels (1.3 to 2.8 μg/kg), which are far less than the Maximum Tolerated Limit (MTL) of 10 μg/kg, aflatoxins do not pose a significant problem in beans. Aflatoxins exposure in younger children (5-12 years) was higher (61.5 ng/kg bw/day) than in older ones (13-24 years; 41.5 ng/kg bw/day). Similarly, the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma was greater in younger children (1.84 cases per 100,000 people) compared to older ones (1.24 cases per 100,000 people). The findings underscore an urgent need to formulate guidelines for procurement, storage, and food handling in schools, alongside intensifying inspection programmes for food handling. Additionally, there is need to expand the research scope by incorporating a greater number of schools from varied geographical areas within Uganda, while rigorously monitoring the entirety of the food supply chain.
Ad-hoc Security Initiatives in Africa: a New Type of Security Community?
Authors: Prah Andrea 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Specific transnational security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin (lcb), the Sahel, and parts of Central Africa have necessitated a collective response in the form of ad-hoc security initiatives (asi s). These asi s represent distinct structures and operations which could be viewed in contrast to the United Nations (UN) or African Union (au) peacekeeping operations, Regional Economic Communities (rec s) interventions or even other collective security approaches further afield such as, the North-American Treaty Organization (nato) or Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (osce). The asi s are therefore a display of a unique arrangement which warrants serious discussion within international relations theory. Through an analysis of the rci-lra, mnjtf and the G5 Sahel Joint Force, this paper seeks to examine whether these asi s can be identified as security communities using the conceptual framework initiated by Emmanuel Adler and Michael Barnett (1998). A careful examination of the task forces finds that while the asi s display convincing degrees of mutual trust and a collective identity – some defining features of a security community, its overall compatibility is limited by its inability to guarantee the expectation of peaceful change for citizens, based on its purely militarized approach. In addition, the asi s have not demonstrated the ability to operate independently from external sources of funding, which has the potential to influence dynamics within the arrangement. However, this discussion does point to useful ideas on how the framework of security communities needs to consider the complexity of contemporary conflicts in defining expectations of peaceful change.
Countering Terrorism through Peace Support Operations, Lessons from the African Union Mission in Somalia
Authors: Tadesse Bitania 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The African Union (au) has responded to the political and security crisis in Somalia by deploying the au Mission in Somalia (amisom) in 2007. The amisom was au’s largest and the most complex peace support operation and one of its strategic objectives became degrading Al-Shabaab and reducing the threat posed by terrorist groups. While amisom has contributed to reducing the territorial spread of the group, over the past 16 years, it has at a heavy cost of counterterrorism operations deployed in extremely risky conditions, resulting in high cost of human life. Drawing on some of the lessons of amisom, this paper examines the effectiveness and sustainability of African-led Peace Support Operations in countering terrorism. The paper illustrates some of the shortfalls of military heavy response and makes the case for a conceptual framework (comprehensive approach), for dealing with the threat of terrorism in Somalia driven by a number of underlying political, economic and social factors. Finally, the paper reflects on how amisom has shaped continental policies and responses to insecurity.
Numerical study on the three-dimensional flow of water film on the outer surface of the hollow stationary blade
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhao Yujuan , Zhang Xiaodan , Cao Yanhao , Li Liang 
Published: January 2024

In order to figure out the influence of water film on the performance of the turbomachinery, understand the mechanism of the interaction between the high-speed airflow and the water film in turbomachinery, and provide a reference for the design of the subsequent experiments and hollow stationary blade water removal by heating. The commercial software FLUENT with the Eulerian Wall Films model is used to establish a solution method for simulating the flow of water film on the blade. The accuracy of the solution method is verified by comparing it with the results of the water film thickness experiment on the surface of the plate. The distribution of the water film on the outer surface of the vane as well as the influence of the water film on the mainstream field are numerically studied in the condition of the wet steam mainstream. The results show that the gradient of water film thickness on the pressure surface is relatively gentle and is along the radial direction. The gradient of water film thickness on the suction side is along the axial direction, and the value is larger; There is a V-shaped water film agglomeration area on the suction surface near the trailing edge where the water film thickness is greater than 45.7 μm; The top areas on both the suction side and pressure side produce a local water film agglomeration area with the dual effect of the secondary flow and the centrifugal force of the mainstream; The water film flow on the blade surface has little influence of the steam velocity and the speed of the mainstream. The increase of local pressure on the surface leads to an increase in the pressure of the adjacent mainstream areas.
Initiation Rate of First-hour Breastfeeding in Healthy Term and Near Term Babies: Outcome Assessment After Quality Improvement Methods in Secondary Care District Hospital
Authors: Gedam D Sharad , Prajapati Rajanya , Verma Mamta 
Published: January 2024

Objective To improve the rate of first-hour breastfeeding in term and near-term healthy neonates by a quality improvement (QI) study at Secondary Care District Hospital. Design QI study. Setting Labor room-operation theatre of a secondary care district hospital. Participants Stable newborns ≥35 weeks of gestation born by normal vaginal delivery and by cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Procedure A team of nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians, and anesthetists analyzed possible reasons for delayed initiation of breastfeeding by flow chart and Fishbone analysis. Various change ideas were tested through sequential Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Outcome measure Proportion of eligible babies breastfed within 1 hour of delivery. Results The rate of first-hour initiation of breastfeeding increased from 69% to 88% in normal vaginal deliveries and from 17% to 61% in the cesarian section over the study period, which were sustained up to 80% in normal vaginal deliveries (NVD) and 55% in lower segment cesarean section. Conclusions A QI approach was able to accomplish sustained improvement in first-hour breastfeeding rates in normal and cesarean deliveries.
Global, Regional, and National Incidence Trend Analysis of Malignant Skin Melanoma Between 1990 and 2019, and Projections Until 2034
Authors: Yuan Jin , Li Xiaoyang , Yu Shengji 
Published: January 2024

Background The goal of this study was to evaluate the global burden of malignant skin melanoma (MSM) from 1990 to 2019 using MSM-related data from the Global Burden of Disease study. Methods The incidences’ relationships with the social-demographic index (SDI) and human developmental index (HDI) were investigated. To determine significant changes in incidence trends, the joinpoint regression model was used. To demonstrate trends in MSM mortality rates, an Age-Period-Cohort framework was conducted. For the projection of new cases and the age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of MSM incidence to 2034, the Nordpred method was used. Results In 2019, the ASR incidence per 100, 000 people for MSM was 3.6 (95% UI, 2.6–4.2). MSM prevalence increased in most countries between 1990 and 2019 (average annual percentage change >0). HDI and annual percentage change (APC) (ρ = .63, P < .001), as well as SDI and ASR, had a positive correlation. The total MSM mortality rate declined globally, with an APC of −.61%. Likewise, the mortality rate for the age group of people with ages <77.5 years declined. Predictive analysis demonstrated a declining trend in ASR incidence and a growing number of MSM. Conclusion There are significant differences in ASR incidence among regions and countries. Despite decreases in ASR incidence and fatality, MSM remains one of the leading sources of cancer mortality and morbidity globally. MSM necessitates more primary prevention measures and screening in high-risk areas.
Ameliorative Potential of Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita pepo L.) Against Tramadol-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ekpono Ezebuilo U. , Eze Ejike D. , Adam Afodun M , Ibiam Udu A. , Obasi Orji U. , Ifie Josiah E. , Ekpono Ejike U. , Alum Esther U. , Noreen Sana , Awuchi Chinaza G. , Aja Patrick M. 
Published: January 2024

Background of the Study The increase in the therapeutic use of tramadol in the management of moderate to severe pains in some disease conditions and its unregulated access has led to its associated toxicity and there is little or no information on the protection against its associated toxicity. Aim of the Study Considering the medicinal value of pumpkin seed oil, its availability, and neglected use, it becomes necessary to evaluate the possible potential of the seed oil in tramadol-induced oxidative stress in Wister Albino rats. Methods of the Study This study used fifty-six (56) albino rats to determine the impact of Cucurbita pepo seed oil (CPSO) on tramadol-induced oxidative stress. The rats were grouped into 7. After a week of acclimatization, rats in group 1 (normal control) had access to water and food, while rats in group 2 received 5 mL/Kg (b.w) of normal saline. 100 mg/kg of tramadol (TM) was delivered to groups 3–6 to induce toxicity. The third group (TM control) received no treatment, whilst the other 3 groups (TM-CPSO treatment groups) received 5, 2.5, and 1.5 mL/Kg of CPSO, respectively. Group 7 received only 5 mL/kg CPSO (CPSO group). Similarly, groups 2 through 7 had unrestricted access to food and water for 42 days and received treatments via oral intubation once per day. Indicators of oxidative stress were discovered in the brain homogenate. Results TM toxicity was demonstrated by a considerable increase ( P < .05) in the brain MDA level and a significant drop ( P < .05) in the brain GSH level, as well as a significant reduction ( P < .05) in GPx, catalase, SOD, GST, and quinone reductase activities. Conclusion The dose-dependent delivery of CPSO was able to restore not only the activity but also the concentrations of the altered markers.
Higher Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Prospective Association in the U.K. Biobank and Genetic Evidence by Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Dong Yimin , Ding Weizhong , Song Kehan , Li Feng 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that respiratory diseases are associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, whether there is a correlation between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and RA is not known. Due to the high incidence of CRS, it remains to be clarified whether we should pay additional attention to RA risk in the huge population of CRS.MethodsWe used a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal effects of CRS on the incidence of RA. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach was used as the main analysis in the MR randomization study. Then, we used the data from the U.K. Biobank to examine the association between RA and CRS at the individual level in a prospective cohort. We identified patients with CRS at the time of recruitment and further followed the incidence of RA until 2021. The risk of developing RA in patients with CRS was determined by a multivariate Cox regression model. We used 3 multivariate Cox models to adjust for individual characteristics, lifestyle factors and concomitant diseases, respectively.ResultsThe MR analysis by the IVW model suggested that the odds ratio of RA associated with genetically predicted CRS was 2.39 (95% CI [1.08-5.30]; p  =  .032). In the first multivariate model adjusting for individual characteristics, CRS was associated with a 47% increase of risk of developing RA (hazard ratio [HR]  =  1.47; 95% CI [1.12-1.90]). In the second multivariate model adjusting for lifestyle factors, the HR of RA associated with CRS was 1.48 (95% CI [1.15-1.90]). In the third multivariate model, chronic sinusitis was associated with a 32% increase in RA risk (HR  =  1.32; 95% CI [1.03-1.70]).ConclusionCRS has a genetically causal effect on the incidence of RA, and the risk of RA is greatly higher in CRS at the individual level. This is the first study to reveal an association between CRS and RA. Due to the high incidence of CRS, it is recommended that additional attention should be paid to the increased RA risk in patients with CRS compared to that in common people.