Specific Factors Research Articles

Epistasis facilitates functional evolution in an ancient transcription factor.

A protein's genetic architecture - the set of causal rules by which its sequence produces its functions - also determines its possible evolutionary trajectories. Prior research has proposed that the genetic architecture of proteins is very complex, with pervasive epistatic interactions that constrain evolution and make function difficult to predict from sequence. Most of this work has analyzed only the direct paths between two proteins of interest - excluding the vast majority of possible genotypes and evolutionary trajectories - and has considered only a single protein function, leaving unaddressed the genetic architecture of functional specificity and its impact on the evolution of new functions. Here, we develop a new method based on ordinal logistic regression to directly characterize the global genetic determinants of multiple protein functions from 20-state combinatorial deep mutational scanning (DMS) experiments. We use it to dissect the genetic architecture and evolution of a transcription factor's specificity for DNA, using data from a combinatorial DMS of an ancient steroid hormone receptor's capacity to activate transcription from two biologically relevant DNA elements. We show that the genetic architecture of DNA recognition consists of a dense set of main and pairwise effects that involve virtually every possible amino acid state in the protein-DNA interface, but higher-order epistasis plays only a tiny role. Pairwise interactions enlarge the set of functional sequences and are the primary determinants of specificity for different DNA elements. They also massively expand the number of opportunities for single-residue mutations to switch specificity from one DNA target to another. By bringing variants with different functions close together in sequence space, pairwise epistasis therefore facilitates rather than constrains the evolution of new functions.

Effects of Growth Factors on the Differentiation of Dental Stem Cells: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Part I).

To evaluate the biological interaction between dental stem cells (DSCs) and different growth factors in the field of regenerative endodontics. A systematic search was conducted in the electronic databases up to October 2021. This study followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Ex vivo studies evaluating the biological interactions of DSCs and growth factors were included. The meta-analysis was performed according to the type of growth factor. The outcomes were cell viability/ proliferation and mineralization. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were estimated using the random-effect maximum-likelihood method (P < .05). Additional analysis was performed to find any potential source of heterogeneity. Twenty articles were included in the systematic review; meta-analysis was performed for fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-β1) (n = 5). Results showed that use of FGF-2 significantly increased cell proliferation on day 1-(SMD = 3.56, P = 0.00), 3-(SMD = 9.04, P = 0.00), 5-(SMD = 8.37, P = 0.01), and 7 (SMD=8.51, P=0.00) than the control group. TGF-ß1 increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity more than control only on day 3 (SMD = 3.68, P = 0.02). TGF-β1 had no significant effect on cell proliferation on days 1 and 3 (P > 0.05) and on ALP activity on days 5 and 7 (P > 0.05). Meta-regression analysis showed that different covariates (i.e., cell type, passage number, and growth factors' concentration) could significantly influence the effect sizes at different follow- ups (P < 0.05). Specific growth factors might enhance the proliferation and mineralization of DSCs; however, the obtained evidence was weak. Due to the high heterogeneity among the included studies, other growth factors' inhibitory/stimulatory effects on DSCs could not be evaluated.

Anti-obesity effects of fucoidan from Sargassum thunbergii in adipocytes and high fat diet induced obese mice through inhibiting adipogenic specific transcription factor

The prevalence of obesity has increased and is a health concern worldwide. Due to the concerns regarding synthetic anti-obesity treatments, nowadays natural products become a trend. Previous studies proved that there is a potential to use marine algae as anti-obesity agents. Therefore, in this study, the lipid inhibitory effect of crude polysaccharide of amyloglucosidase-assisted hydrolysate from Sargassum thunbergii (STAC) and its fucoidan fractions (STAFs) on 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were investigated. According to the results, the STAF3, showed the highest xylose content and exhibited significant inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation by downregulating adipogenic and lipogenic proteins in 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, oral supplementation with STAC significantly declined gain in body weight and fat weight, and serum lipid contents in an HFD-induced obesity mouse model. Structural and chemical characterizations demonstrated that purified STAF3 has consistent surface morphology and small particle size, with similar structural characteristics as commercial fucoidan. Together, these results indicate that STAC and purified STAF3 from Sargassum thunbergia is a potent source to develop as ananti-obesity agents or functional food products to counter obesity.

Dynamic saccade context triggers more stable object-location binding.

Our visual systems rapidly perceive and integrate information about object identities and locations. There is long-standing debate about if and how we achieve world-centered (spatiotopic) object representations across eye movements, with many studies reporting persistent retinotopic (eye-centered) effects even for higher level object-location binding. But these studies are generally conducted in fairly static experimental contexts. Might spatiotopic object-location binding only emerge in more dynamic saccade contexts? In the present study, we investigated this using the spatial congruency bias paradigm in healthy adults. In the static (single-saccade) context, we found purely retinotopic binding, as before. However, robust spatiotopic binding emerged in the dynamic saccade context (multiple frequent saccades and saccades during stimulus presentation). We further isolated specific factors that modulate retinotopic and spatiotopic binding. Our results provide strong evidence that dynamic saccade context can trigger more stable object-location binding in ecologically relevant spatiotopic coordinates, perhaps via a more flexible brain state that accommodates improved visual stability in the dynamic world. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Examining Factors Influencing the Integration of Blockchain Technology in the Freight Logistics Sector of Pakistan

This study examines the blockchain usage of Pakistan's freight logistics industry. A structural equation model is used to explore latent dimensions such as perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, attitude, and behavioral intention. To understand the specific factors impacting technology adoption decisions in this geographical and industrial location, a diverse sample of 245 Pakistan goods logistics sector operators will be explored. The findings reveal that perceived ease of use influences logistics professionals' behavioral intentions. The significance of clever and user-friendly interfaces emphasizes technology experiences that satisfy the expectations of Pakistani goods logistics workers. However, the perceived utility has a complicated relationship with behavioral intention, emphasizing the need for targeted actions to boost the perceived value of Blockchain technology in Pakistan's logistics business. Subjective norm is a major predictor of behavioral intention. This demonstrates how social and cultural factors influence Pakistani logistics workers' ambitions to use Blockchain. The correlation matrix and covariance analysis demonstrate that there are significant positive relationships between attitude, behavioral intention, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and subjective norm. This detailed examination of the adoption environment offers practitioners, policymakers, and academics context-specific insights, setting the framework for informed freight logistics technology adoption and innovation activities in Pakistan.

Examining Factors Influencing the Integration of Blockchain Technology in the Freight Logistics Sector of Pakistan

This study examines the blockchain usage of Pakistan's freight logistics industry. A structural equation model is used to explore latent dimensions such as perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, attitude, and behavioral intention. To understand the specific factors impacting technology adoption decisions in this geographical and industrial location, a diverse sample of 245 Pakistan goods logistics sector operators will be explored. The findings reveal that perceived ease of use influences logistics professionals' behavioral intentions. The significance of clever and user-friendly interfaces emphasizes technology experiences that satisfy the expectations of Pakistani goods logistics workers. However, the perceived utility has a complicated relationship with behavioral intention, emphasizing the need for targeted actions to boost the perceived value of Blockchain technology in Pakistan's logistics business. Subjective norm is a major predictor of behavioral intention. This demonstrates how social and cultural factors influence Pakistani logistics workers' ambitions to use Blockchain. The correlation matrix and covariance analysis demonstrate that there are significant positive relationships between attitude, behavioral intention, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and subjective norm. This detailed examination of the adoption environment offers practitioners, policymakers, and academics context-specific insights, setting the framework for informed freight logistics technology adoption and innovation activities in Pakistan.

Assessment of the impact of the implemented learning spaces on science achievement: Building Resilience at General Tomas Mascardo National High School

General Tomas Mascardo National High School is currently facing a significant challenge of classroom shortages, posing a threat to the fundamental principle of "education for all." This study aims to evaluate the impact of makeshift classrooms on the academic performance of science subject to students during the school year 2023–2024, adopting a mixed-methods approach. The analysis reveals variations in mean percentage scores across sections and shifts, emphasizing the need to investigate specific factors influencing performance outcomes. Despite small attendance fluctuations, the overall trend suggests a high level of students’ presence, indicating a generally conducive learning environment. However, the study identifies significant disparities in academic performance, particularly in the Quarterly Assessment (Q.A) variable among makeshift classes. The negative impact on academic performance is evident, highlighted by a statistically significant deviation in Q.A scores, emphasizing a specific area of concern. Irregular attendance patterns during September and October further contribute to the negative effect on academic performance, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address attendance issues systematically. Themes emerging from student responses encompass environmental factors, comfort, focus, motivation, adaptation, preference for regular classrooms, teacher impact, external factors, and physical environment. Morning shift students highlight noise and discomfort as significant barriers, while afternoon shift students express mixed feelings, acknowledging spaciousness but preferring regular classrooms for comfort. Both shifts discuss motivation, with morning shift students suggesting adaptive measures and crediting supportive teachers. In contrast, afternoon shift students express various emotions, including decreased motivation due to negative thoughts and noise pollution affecting focus. External factors, distractions, and concerns related to the physical environment are prevalent in both shifts, underlining the complexity of challenges students face in makeshift classrooms. Recommendations include a comprehensive investigation into academic disparities, addressing the quality of answers, targeted interventions for attendance improvement, and a holistic approach to creating a conducive learning environment.

Lytic Activity Spectra of Bacteriophages

One of the central topics in bacteriophage research is the host specificity. It depends on the success of completing viral life cycle stages, including adsorption, penetration of the genetic material of the virus into the cell and its replication, assembly of phage particles and cell lysis. Laboratory assessments of the spectrum of lytic activity of phages are inextricably linked to significant methodological biases, and the often used spot test method can be associated with a large percentage of false-positive results. Along with the variety of types of phage specificity, there is temporal variability. The co-evolution of phages and bacteria leads to the acquisition of resistance to viruses by bacteria and the accumulation of mutations in the genomes of bacteriophages aimed at overcoming this resistance. At the same time, the adaptation of bacteriophages to bacteria that are evolutionarily distant from the isolation hosts is barely possible. This barrier is based on the peculiarities of metabolism, cell wall structures and mechanisms for the implementation of matrix processes. The spatial factor of phage specificity is manifested in the greater breadth of the spectra of lytic activity of bacteriophages on local samples of bacteria compared to the spectra assessed on samples of isolates from habitats geographically distant from the place of virus isolation.

RpoS acts as a global repressor of virulence gene expression in E. coli O104:H4 and enteroaggregative E. coli.

In 2011, in Germany, Escherichia coli O104:H4 caused the enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) outbreak with the highest incidence rate of hemolytic uremic syndrome. This pathogen carries an exceptionally potent combination of EHEC- and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC)-specific virulence factors. Here, we identified an E. coli O104:H4 isolate that carried a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the start codon (ATG > ATA) of rpoS, encoding the alternative sigma factor S. The rpoS ATG > ATA SNP was associated with enhanced EAEC-specific virulence gene expression. Deletion of rpoS in E. coli O104:H4 Δstx2 and typical EAEC resulted in a similar effect. Both rpoS ATG > ATA and ΔrpoS strains exhibited stronger virulence-related phenotypes in comparison to wild type. Using promoter-reporter gene fusions, we demonstrated that wild-type RpoS repressed aggR, encoding the main regulator of EAEC virulence. In summary, our work demonstrates that RpoS acts as a global repressor of E. coli O104:H4 virulence, primarily through an AggR-dependent mechanism.

Early development of infants born prematurely who were conceived through assisted reproductive technologies

ObjectiveThis study aims to determine physical and psychomotor development characteristics during the first 24 months of life in prematurely born children conceived with assistive reproductive technologies and to determine specific risk factors for deviation from typical development. Patients and methodsThe study included 308 prematurely born children (154 conceived with assistive reproductive technologies – ART group and 154 conceived naturally – NC group) hospitalized at the Institute for the Health Care of Children and Adolescents of Vojvodina in Serbia. The physical and psychomotor development was monitored during the first two years of life. ResultsBirth weight was statistically significantly higher in the NC group than in the ART group, and IUGR was more often present in the ART group than in the NC group of newborns. The mean values of body weight, length, and head circumference of children from both groups did not differ statistically significantly at 18 months. At 12 and 18 months, children from the ART group significantly more often had below-average scores on the test for assessment of psychomotor development (corrected GDQ <90) than children from the NC group, but not at 24 months. Logistic regression analysis has shown that at 12 and 18 months, multiple pregnancy is an independent risk factor for lower GDQ. ConclusionAt the age of 12 months, prematurely born children conceived with ART do not differ in physical development from prematurely born children after natural conception. At 12 and 18 months, prematurely born children conceived with ART achieve lower global developmental scores than children conceived naturally, but not at 24 months of age. Multiple pregnancies are an independent risk factor for lower achievement on the test for assessment of psychomotor development in prematurely born children.

Surface runoff in six years of rehabilitation of two areas after bauxite mining in Southeastern Brazil

The analysis of surface runoff pre-mining and during six years of rehabilitation with Eucalyptus plantation, post-mining, in bauxite mining areas was the central objective of this work. Surface runoff was monitored from January to May before mining and in the same months from the first to the sixth year of rehabilitation, being collected in seven plots in two bauxite mining areas in southeastern Brazil. The factors that interfere with runoff were characterized in all periods, statistically compared by the Wilcoxon test and submitted to principal component analysis (PCA). The total surface runoff in the five months before mining was 1.74 to 14.06 times greater than the runoff in the same months in the six years of rehabilitation. The average percentage runoff was <1% of the precipitation in all rehabilitation periods, in contrast before mining 1.3% of the precipitation of 556 mm became surface runoff. The highest slopes of the regression were for the first year of rehabilitation and for the pre-mining period, showing a greater influence of precipitation on the generation of surface runoff. Soil, litter and vegetation characteristics were the most explanatory factors in the six-year PCA. Specific factors must be viewed with caution on micro scale in each year of rehabilitation of surface bauxite mines, due to soil heterogeneity and consequent vegetation, seeking to minimize the negative effects on surface runoff. Gap in knowledge about surface runoff percentages in six years of rehabilitation in Brazil and tropical areas was filled. Mine managers can more clearly define the priority factors in strategies to mitigate the effects of mining on the environment from the first to the sixth year of rehabilitation in surface mined areas.

Assessment of psychosocial risks at work in supervisors of clothing stores during the pandemic context

The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate how to carry out a structured, sustained and objective assessment of psychosocial risks at work. Several studies in the literature on this topic are presented as risk assessments, when in fact they reflect the results from worker consultation procedures and/or surveys about the psychosocial work climate. As relevant as these studies are, many are not professional risk assessments. This assessment obeys a set of assumptions that must be strictly respected and performed by duly qualified professionals, as national and European legislation determine. Using a practical case with supervisors of clothing stores evaluated during the pandemic context, it is explained and applied an approach to perform this kind of risk assessment. The data presented show the effectiveness of the methodology applied. Regarding the results obtained in the practical case mobilized, a positive psychosocial work environment, even taking into account the pandemic context, with most risk factors showing acceptable or moderate incidences. It is possible to conclude that the pandemic period, despite creating contextual constraints, was not consider a specific risk factor in these stores and the supervisors felt safe in their workplace, because there was a robust system of preventive measures implemented. However, it is important to underline that exist also dissatisfaction with working conditions in some segments of supervisors, as well as a high level of risk of professional exhaustion, interpersonal conflicts at work and interference of work with personal/family life. For this reason, intervention measures were proposed to the company.

Optimizing Recurrent Glioblastoma Salvage Treatment: A Multicenter Study Integrating Genetic Biomarkers From the Korean Radiation Oncology Group (21-02).

Few studies have used real-world patient data to compare overall treatment patterns and survival outcomes for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). This study aimed to evaluate postprogression survival (PPS) according to the treatment strategy for rGBM by incorporating biomarker analysis. We assessed 468 adult patients with rGBM who underwent standard temozolomide-based chemoradiation. The impact of predictors on PPS was evaluated in patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type rGBM (n = 439) using survival probability analysis. We identified patients who would benefit from reirradiation (re-RT) during the first progression. Median PPS was 3.4, 13.8, 6.6, and 10.0 months in the best supportive care (n = 82), surgery (with/without adjuvant therapy, n = 112), chemotherapy alone (n = 170), and re-RT (with/without chemotherapy, n = 75) groups, respectively. After propensity score matching analysis of the cohort, both the surgery and re-RT groups had a significantly better PPS than the chemotherapy-only group; however, no significant difference was observed in PPS between the surgery and re-RT groups. In the surgery subgroup, surgery with chemotherapy (P = .024) and surgery with radio(chemo)therapy (P = .039) showed significantly improved PPS compared with surgery alone. In the no-surgery subgroup, radio(chemo)therapy showed significantly improved PPS compared with chemotherapy alone (P = .047). Homozygous deletion of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B, along with other clinical factors (performance score and progression-free interval), was significantly associated with the re-RT survival benefit. Surgery combined with radio(chemo)therapy resulted in the best survival outcomes for rGBM. re-RT should also be considered for patients with rGBM at first recurrence. Furthermore, this study identified a specific genetic biomarker and clinical factors that may enhance the survival benefit of re-RT.

A Comprehensive Risk Factor Exploration: Korean Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study of Sarcopenia Obesity in Young-Old Males-Investigating the Prevalence, Somatometric, Biochemical, and Behavioral Traits.

Sarcopenic obesity refers to the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity. This study assessed the prevalence of and risk factors for sarcopenic obesity in community-dwelling older males in Korea. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1060 community-dwelling participants. The participants were screened for sarcopenia and obesity. This study examined various risk factors, composed of somatometric, biochemical, and behavioral traits, including age; height; weight; body mass index; waist circumference; skeletal muscle mass index; fasting glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels; systolic and diastolic blood pressure; and smoking and drinking traits. The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in men had a weighted value of 9.09% (95% CI: 7.20-11.41). The clinical risk factors included short height, as well as high weight, body mass index, waist circumference, skeletal muscle mass index, triglyceride levels, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Specific prevalence and clinical risk factors for sarcopenic obesity were found among community-dwelling older men. These findings may be beneficial for primary care clinicians and healthcare professionals for identifying individuals with sarcopenic obesity and referring them for early detection and treatment.

Systematic characterization of p53-regulated long non-coding RNAs across human cancers reveals remarkable heterogeneity among different tumor types.

The p53 tumor suppressor protein, a sequence specific DNA binding transcription factor, regulates the expression of a large number of genes, in response to various forms of cellular stress. While the protein coding target genes of p53 have been well studied, less is known about its role in regulating long non-coding genes and their functional relevance to cancer. Here we report the genome-wide identification of a large set (>1000) of long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs) that are putative p53 targets in a colon cancer cell line and in human patient datasets from five different common types of cancer. These lncRNAs have not been annotated by other studies of normal unstressed systems. In the colon cancer cell line a high proportion of these lncRNAs are uniquely induced by different chemotherapeutic agents that activate p53, while others are induced by more than one agent tested. Further, subsets of these lncRNAs independently predict overall and disease-free survival of patients across the five different common cancer types. Interestingly, both genetic alterations and patient survival associated with different lncRNAs are unique to each cancer tested, indicating extraordinary tissue-specific variability in the p53 non-coding response. The newly identified non-coding p53 target genes have allowed us to construct a classifier for tumor diagnosis and prognosis. Implications: Our results not only identify myriad p53-regulated lncRNAs, they also reveal marked drug-induced, as well as tissue- and tumor-specific heterogeneity in these putative p53 targets and our findings have enabled the construction of robust classifiers for diagnosis and prognosis.

Galaxies in the zone of avoidance: Misclassifications using machine learning tools

Automated methods for classifying extragalactic objects in large surveys offer significant advantages compared to manual approaches in terms of efficiency and consistency. However, the existence of the Galactic disk raises additional concerns. These regions are known for high levels of interstellar extinction, star crowding, and limited data sets and studies. In this study, we explore the identification and classification of galaxies in the zone of avoidance (ZoA). In particular, we compare our results in the near-infrared (NIR) with X-ray data. We analyzed the appearance of objects in the Galactic disk classified as galaxies using a published machine-learning (ML) algorithm and make a comparison with the visually confirmed galaxies from the VVV NIRGC catalog. Our analysis, which includes the visual inspection of all sources cataloged as galaxies throughout the Galactic disk using ML techniques reveals significant differences. Only four galaxies were found in both the NIR and X-ray data sets. Several specific regions of interest within the ZoA exhibit a high probability of being galaxies in X-ray data but closely resemble extended Galactic objects. Our results indicate the difficulty in using ML methods for galaxy classification in the ZoA, which is mainly due to the scarcity of information on galaxies behind the Galactic plane in the training set. They also highlight the importance of considering specific factors that are present to improve the reliability and accuracy of future studies in this challenging region.

Development of a Pseudocellular System to Quantify Specific Interactions Determining the G-Quadruplex Function in Cells.

Intracellular chemical microenvironments, including ion concentrations and molecular crowding, play pivotal roles in cell behaviors, such as proliferation, differentiation, and cell death via regulation of gene expression. However, there is no method for quantitative analysis of intracellular environments due to their complexity. Here, we have developed a system for highlighting the environment inside of the cell (SHELL). SHELL is a pseudocellular system, wherein small molecules are removed from the cell and a crowded intracellular environment is maintained. SHELL offers two prominent advantages: (1) It allows for precise quantitative biochemical analysis of a specific factor, and (2) it enables the study of any cell, thereby facilitating the study of target molecule effects in various cellular environments. Here, we used SHELL to study G-quadruplex formation, an event that implicated cancer. We show that G-quadruplexes are more stable in SHELL compared with in vitro conditions. Although malignant transformation perturbs cellular K+ concentrations, environments in SHELL act as buffers against G-quadruplex destabilization at lower K+ concentrations. Notably, the buffering effect was most pronounced in SHELL derived from nonaggressive cancer cells. Stable G-quadruplexes form due to the binding of the G-quadruplex with K+ in different cancer cells. Furthermore, the observed pattern of G-quadruplex-induced transcriptional inhibition in SHELL is consistent with that in living cells at different cancer stages. Our results indicate that ion binding to G-quadruplexes regulates gene expression during pathogenesis.

Global, regional, and national temporal trends of diet-related ischemic stroke mortality and disability from 1990 to 2019.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability in the general population worldwide. However, the changing trend of ischemic stroke burden attributable to various dietary risk factors has not been fully revealed and may contribute to a better understanding of stroke epidemiology. Our article aimed to evaluate the temporal trend of diet-related ischemic stroke burden to inform future research and policy-making. This analysis was based on the data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 (spanning years 1990 to 2019), and we used the joinpoint regression to model temporal trends in diet-related ischemic stroke burden across countries and regions of the world during the study period. Six specific dietary factors known to influence stroke risk, including sodium, red meat, fiber, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits, were evaluated in the GBD study to determine their individual and joint impact on ischemic stroke. The changing trend was primarily measured by the average annual percent change (AAPC). Age-standardized rates (ASRs) of mortality and years lived with disability (YLD) per 100,000 population were used to evaluate disease burden. Finally, the socioeconomic background, which was quantified as sociodemographic index (SDI), and its association with diet-related ischemic stroke burden were also explored with the Pearson correlation coefficient. During the study period, the ischemic stroke ASR of mortality attributable to overall dietary risk decreased by an average of 1.6% per year, while the ASR of YLD decreased by an average of 0.2% per year. High sodium diet was still a key driver of diet-related ischemic stroke, accounting for 8.4% and 11.0% of deaths and disabilities, respectively, in 2019. In addition, we found a negative association between temporal evolution of stroke burden and socioeconomic background (r = -0.6603 for mortality and r = -0.4224 for disability, P < 0.001), which suggested that the developing countries with weak social and economic foundation faced greater challenges from the ongoing burden of diet-related strokes compared with developed countries. Our study found declining trends and revealed the current status of diet-related ischemic stroke mortality and disability. Interdisciplinary countermeasures involving the development of effective food policies, evidence-based guidelines, and public education are needed in the future to combat this global epidemic. The data used for analysis were open-access and can be obtained from https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/.

Exploring the Landscape of Sentencing for Terrorist Offenders: A Scoping Review

The field of counter-terrorism studies has witnessed significant growth over the past two decades. Despite this growth, research on the sentencing of terrorist offenders remains relatively limited. This scoping review aims to comprehensively map this research area in terms of volume, nature, and characteristics, adopting a rigorous and transparent approach, resulting in the inclusion of 59 studies. After mapping these studies according to their general characteristics (specifically the historical and geographical distribution, and the adopted research methods), this review delves deeper into the specific characteristics of quantitative studies (including the timeframe of each dataset, the sample sizes, the coded variables and the statistical strategies used). A thematic analysis of the studies reveals key findings concerning legislation and its impact on terrorism trials, sentencing principles and guidelines, as well as specific factors influencing sentencing outcomes. Additionally, the review features recommendations for future research, as outlined in existing studies. The discussion section outlines the implications for policy and practice, presents recommendations for scholars, and reflects on the limitations of this review. In particular, a plea is made for more mixed methods-driven research within European countries, by establishing open-source databases based on official documentation.

Translation and Validation of the City Birth Trauma Scale With Lithuanian Postpartum Women: Findings and Initial Results.

The childbirth experience and birth-related trauma are influenced by various factors, including country, healthcare system, a woman's history of traumatic experiences, and the study's design and instruments. This study aimed to validate the City Birth Trauma scale for Lithuanian women post-childbirth. Using a descriptive, cross-sectional survey with a nonprobability sample of 794 women who gave birth from 2020-2021, the study found good validity, reliability, and presented the prevalence of birth-related stress symptoms. A bifactor model, consisting of a general birth trauma factor and two specific factors for birth-related symptoms and general symptoms of PTSD, showed the best model fit. The Lithuanian version of the City Birth Trauma scale can be effectively used in research and clinical practice to identify birth-related trauma symptoms in women after giving birth.