bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between self-control and learning engagement among Chinese college students: the chain mediating roles of resilience and positive emotions
Authors: Yang Yue-Di , Zhou Chi-Liang , Wang Zi-Qing
Published: February 2024

Background

As the main driver of talent cultivation in colleges and universities, the learning and development level of college students is a core indicator of the quality of talent cultivation. The current status of college students' learning has always been a heavily researched topic. However, there is a lack of academic research on the potential mechanisms of self-control about how it affects college students' learning engagement. This study explored the relationship between college students' self-control and learning engagement and the potential mechanisms underlying this relationship with reference to a large sample.

Methods

A total of 765 college students from Guangxi, China, completed the self-control scale, the resilience scale, the positive emotions scale, and the learning engagement scale. SPSS 26.0 was used to conduct common method bias tests, descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and regression analyses. Structural equation modeling was constructed using AMOS 26.0, and mediation effects were tested.

Results

This article mainly used questionnaires to collect data and, on this basis, examined the relationship between self-control, resilience, positive emotions, and the learning engagement of college students. The results showed that (1) self-control positively affected college students' learning engagement; (2) resilience partially mediated the relationship between self-control and college students' learning engagement; (3) positive emotions partially mediated the relationship between self-control and college students' learning engagement; and (4) resilience and positive emotions played a chain-mediating role between self-control and college students' learning engagement.

Conclusion

The present study identifies the potential mechanism underlying the association between the self-control and learning engagement of college students. The results of this study have practical implications for enhancing the learning engagement of Chinese college students by increasing their psychological resources and improving the teaching of university teachers.
Prevalence and sociodemographic factors of depression, anxiety and stress in Saudi Arabia: a survey of respiratory therapists
Authors: Aldhahir Abdulelah M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Depression, anxiety and stress are prevalent among healthcare providers but limited data is available regarding respiratory therapists (RTs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress, and identify the associated sociodemographic factors among RTs in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to RTs in Saudi Arabia. Data were summarized using frequency and percentages. Stress, anxiety, and depression prevalence rates were expressed as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The associated factors of stress, anxiety, and depression were subjected to logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 988 (91%) RTs, 661 (66.9%) males, completed the online survey. The prevalence (95% CI) of depression, anxiety and stress among RTs was 81.3% (0.787, 0.837), 89.6% (0.875, 0.914), and 45.5% (0.424, 0.487), respectively. RT staff who were ≥41 years old, divorced, widowed or separated, or had > 10 years of clinical experience were more likely to experience stress. RTs who were (divorced, widowed or separated), did not live with their family, were current smokers, or worked the night shift were more likely to experience anxiety. RTs who were (divorced, widowed or separated), were current smokers, had >10 years of clinical experience were more likely to experience depression.

Conclusion

Stress, anxiety and depression are prevalent among RTs. Several sociodemographic factors are associated with the incidence of stress, anxiety and depression.
Lessons learned by adapting and implementing LUCHA: a deep-structure culturally tailored healthy eating randomized pilot intervention for ethnic-diverse Latinos
Authors: Mattei Josiemer , Caballero-González Areli , Maafs-Rodríguez Ana , Zhang Amelia , O’Neill H. June , Gago Cristina
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To report the adaptation and implementation of LUCHA (Latinos United for a Culturally Healthy Alimentation), a pilot intervention to improve dietary quality and behaviors (primary outcomes) of Latinos in Massachusetts, US, and the lessons learned during the process, including disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help shape future programs.

Methods

The cultural adaptation process was pre-planned using a framework, grounded in the Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior, and informed by formative mixed-methods research. A projected 75 self-identifying Latino adults (25–65y) were recruited with community-wide strategies and randomized to receive, in parallel, daily healthy eating text messages for 2 months, reinforced for 2 subsequent months, to either control (i.e., surface-level messages based on USDA MyPlate in Spanish), or intervention (i.e., deep-structure messages). The intervention messages were ethnically tailored to Caribbean or non-Caribbean heritages specifically, grounded in entrenched cultural attitudes, norms, and preferences. Trained research assistants administered questionnaires and clinical measurements at baseline, 2-months, and 4-months, in person (pre-pandemic) or via online video calls (at-pandemic). Clinicaltrials.gov registration #NCT04724382.

Results

LUCHA faced challenges and opportunities that conveyed lessons for future cultural adaptation and implementation of healthy eating programs. Recommendations are provided to improve digital programs for diverse ethnicities, such as widening language capabilities in texting services, using familiar video call applications, and instructing participants to measure their own clinical metrics at home using guided standardized protocols.

Conclusion

Tailoring nutrition programs with deep-structure cultural messages is essential when promoting healthy eating in diverse Latino heritages. LUCHA can inform programs for similar ethnic groups.
Positive mental health and sense of coherence among emergency medical service professionals
Authors: Mantas-Jiménez Susana , Reig-García Glòria , Roqueta-Vall-Llosera Marta , Camara-Liebana David , Masià-Plana Afra , Lluch-Canut Maria Teresa , Juvinya-Canal Dolors
Published: February 2024

Background

Positive mental health (PMH) is a construct used to define and evaluate health from a positive perspective. Healthcare professionals in the emergency ambulance service are more likely to experience mental health disorders than the overall population. The demographic and occupational variables and Sense of Coherence (SOC) can act as predictors of PMH and can serve as protective elements against stress and demanding situations in the work environment.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate PMH and its relationship with demographic and occupational variables and determine if SOC is a predictive variable for PMH in health professionals working in the emergency ambulance service.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted with a sample of 406 healthcare professionals from the emergency ambulance service in eight health regions of Catalonia, Spain. The following variables were analyzed: Age, biological sex, household members, dependents family members, professional category, type of contract, job satisfaction and sense of collaboration with other institutions. The following assessment instruments were used: Positive Mental Health Questionnaire and Sense of Coherence scale.

Results

High scores were obtained in Positive Mental Health (PMH). Study participants who reported feeling completely satisfied in their work also showed a significant relationship with all PMH factors: greater satisfaction with their personal life, in their helpful prosocial attitude toward others, in their capability to deal effectively with stress and navigate conflict scenarios, in their ability to solve problems and self-realization, greater empathy and ability to understand the feelings of others, greater ability to establish interpersonal relationships. Comprehensibility, as a dimension of SOC, was identified as a predictor for some factors of PMH: a greater personal satisfaction, self-control, autonomy, interpersonal skills and total PMHQ. More than 43% of positive mental health in health professionals is explained by higher Meaningfulness and Comprehensibility values of the SOC, the absence of dependent family members and having a non-graduate background.

Conclusion

Healthcare workers in the emergency ambulance service had high PMH. Meaningfulness (ME) and Comprehensibility (C), dimensions of SOC, were identified as model predictors of greater PMH, showing higher scores in most of PMH factors. To enhance SOC as a mental health promotion measure, resilience programs should be implemented to help professionals develop skills to face and overcome adverse situations. Educating in stress management thought networks are key elements to strengthen SOC. Managers in emergency medical services play a key role in transforming healthcare work environments to promote positive outcomes in the mental health of their healthcare workers.
Outcome of transarterial radioembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma as a first-line interventional therapy and after a previous transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Wagenpfeil Julia , Kupczyk Patrick Arthur , Bruners Philipp , Siepmann Robert , Guendel Emelie , Luetkens Julian Alexander , Isaak Alexander , Meyer Carsten , Kuetting Fabian , Pieper Claus Christian , Attenberger Ulrike Irmgard , Kuetting Daniel
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Due to a lack of data, there is an ongoing debate regarding the optimal frontline interventional therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the study is to compare the results of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) as the first-line therapy and as a subsequent therapy following prior transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in these patients.

Methods

A total of 83 patients were evaluated, with 38 patients having undergone at least one TACE session prior to TARE [27 male; mean age 67.2 years; 68.4% stage Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) B, 31.6% BCLC C]; 45 patients underwent primary TARE (33 male; mean age 69.9 years; 40% BCLC B, 58% BCLC C). Clinical [age, gender, BCLC stage, activity in gigabecquerel (GBq), Child–Pugh status, portal vein thrombosis, tumor volume] and procedural [overall survival (OS), local tumor control (LTC), and progression-free survival (PFS)] data were compared. A regression analysis was performed to evaluate OS, LTC, and PFS.

Results

No differences were found in OS (95% CI: 1.12, P = 0.289), LTC (95% CI: 0.003, P = 0.95), and PFS (95% CI: 0.4, P = 0.525). The regression analysis revealed a relationship between Child–Pugh score (P = 0.005), size of HCC lesions (>10 cm) (P = 0.022), and OS; neither prior TACE (Child–Pugh B patients; 95% CI: 0.120, P = 0.729) nor number of lesions (>10; 95% CI: 2.930, P = 0.087) correlated with OS.

Conclusion

Prior TACE does not affect the outcome of TARE in unresectable HCC.
Ceramic fragmentation after total hip arthroplasty: two case reports and literature review
Authors: Wu Tingyu , Guo Sijia , Jiang Yaping , Shi Weipeng , Wang Yingzhen , Li Tao
Published: February 2024

Background

Ceramic fragmentation is a rare but serious complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We reviewed the PubMed literature from 1990 to 2023 and found only 31 case reports of ceramic fragmentation after THA. Our case reports help to expand understanding of this rare complication. We shared our surgical experience and identified an ideal material for revision surgery, which can serve as a useful reference for other orthopedic surgeons to perform ceramic fragmentation revision surgery in the future. We also analyzed the possible causes, diagnosis, and treatment opinions of ceramic fragmentation.

Case presentation

This study presents two cases of ceramic fragmentation after THA. One patient had ceramic head fragmentation 10 years after the primary THA, and one patient had ceramic liner fragmentation 5 years after the primary THA. Both patients presented with pain, and one patient also reported a clicking sound in the hip. The two patients described here had BMIs of 23.7 and 23.1, respectively. Both patients' ceramic fragmentation were due to aseptic loosening, not periprosthetic joint infections, as confirmed by negative microbiological cultures. Radiographic examinations of both patients revealed radio-opaque wear debris around the hip joint prostheses and we describe the surgical protocols and intraoperative findings in both cases in detail.

Conclusion

Our cases and the literature suggest that ceramic fragmentation can occur at any time after THA. The most immediate symptoms are pain and noise, but some patients may be asymptomatic. Ceramic on polyethylene bearings is recommended for revision surgery whenever possible; metal bearings should be avoided.
Comorbidities and outcomes of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a real-world, nationwide, retrospective study from Hungary
Authors: Batar Peter , Alizadeh Hussain , Rokszin Gyorgy , Abonyi-Toth Zsolt , Demeter Judit
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to provide real-world evidence on the characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in Hungary between 2011 and 2019.

Patients and methods: This nationwide, retrospective study included patients who were newly diagnosed with CML in Hungarian clinical practice between January 2011 and December 2019. The analysis was based on the reimbursed prescription claims for imatinib, bosutinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, or ponatinib with the ICD-10 code C9210 in a public pharmacy between January 2009 and December 2019 using data from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) of Hungary. CML incidence and prevalence, TKI treatment patterns, comorbidities, and overall survival (OS) were examined.

Results: Between 2011 and 2019, altogether 1,407 patients were diagnosed with CML, with an annual average of 156 patients. The number of patients newly initiating first-line TKI therapy for CML significantly increased between 2011 and 2019 (2011: n = 136 vs. 2019: n = 191; p = 0.0043). Nilotinib was typically prescribed for younger patients (≤64 years), while older patients (≥65 years) mostly received imatinib. The most common comorbidity of CML patients was hypertension, and the proportion of patients with other malignancies was relatively high in all treatment groups. 5-year OS was 77.1% during the whole study period. Patients initiating first-line TKI treatment for CML in 2015 had significantly better 4-year OS compared to those starting treatment in 2011 (82.4% vs. 73.5%, respectively, (HR 0.53 (95%CI 0.32–0.87) p = 0.0118).

Conclusion: This study is the first to provide insights into the characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of CML patients treated with TKIs in Hungarian clinical practice between 2011 and 2019. We found slightly lower OS rates compared to other European countries, however, there was a statistically significant improvement in 4-year OS during the study period. The management of CML was in line with international guidelines and recommendations.
Multi-Objective Optimization Design of an Origami-Inspired Combined Cushion Airbag
Authors: Xu Yan , Yang Yilong , Huang He , Chen Gang , Li Guangxing , Chen Huajian
Published: February 2024

To improve the cushioning performance of soft-landing systems, a novel origami-inspired combined cushion airbag is proposed. The geometry size, initial pressure, and exhaust vent area of the cushion airbags are designed preliminarily using a theoretical model. The finite element models, including the returnable spacecraft and cushion airbags, are established via the control volume method (CVM) to analyze the impact dynamic behavior and cushioning performance during the landing attenuation process. The cushioning performance of the cushion airbags in complex landing environments are studied to investigate the influence of horizontal velocity, lateral velocity and nonhorizontal landing surfaces. Four design parameters of the cushion airbags, including the initial pressure, venting threshold pressure, exhaust vent area and polygon edge number, are employed to study their influence on the cushioning performance. A multi-objective optimization model of the cushion airbags based on the neural network and multi-objective water cycle algorithm is established to realize the rapid optimization design. The Pareto front of the maximum overload and specific energy absorption is obtained. The analysis results show that the maximum overload of the proposed combined cushion airbags is 7.30 g. The system with the anti-rollover design can avoid rollover and achieve outstanding cushioning performance in complex landing environments. The maximum overload of the returning spacecraft is decreased by 16.4% from 7.30 g to 6.10 g after multi-objective optimizations. This study could provide the technical support for the soft-landing system design of returnable spacecrafts.
The Crucial Role of Breeder and Dog Owners Associations in Safeguarding Genetic Heritage of Endangered Balearic Dog Breeds: Gender Preference and Registry Adscription
Authors: Puente José Manuel Alanzor , Barro Águeda Laura Pons , Ariza Antonio González , Navas Carmen Marín , Bermejo Juan Vicente Delgado , González Francisco Javier Navas
Published: February 2024

This study delves into the complex relationships between indigenous dog breeds in the Balearic Isles and their human counterparts, specifically breeders and owners. Using Canonical Correlation Analysis, the research examines variables such as breed registries and the number of breeders/owners, uncovering significant correlations within registries. For example, an increase in female auxiliary registrations corresponds to a decline in foundational registrations, indicating shifts in breed documentation dynamics. Similarly, a rise in definitive female registrations coincides with a decrease in foundational female registrations, suggesting increased pedigree awareness across generations. Beyond registries, the study explores the correlation between breeders/owners and various initial records, highlighting that a notable increase in breeders positively influences initial registrations, definitive totals, and overall counts, underscoring their crucial role in early breed stages. Gender preferences in registrations are noted, with a historical bias towards female entries during foundational stages gradually shifting in favor of males in definitive registrations. In conclusion, the research underscores the interconnected roles of breeders, owners, and comprehensive registries in preserving genetic diversity among Balearic dog breeds, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to address gaps in genealogical data for a more accurate understanding of breed dynamics.
Efficacy of Preemptive Analgesia with Amantadine for Controlling Postoperative Pain in Cats Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Guedes Paula Elisa Brandão , Pinto Taísa Miranda , Corrêa Janaína Maria Xavier , Niella Raquel Vieira , dos Anjos Carolina Moreira , de Oliveira Jéssica Natália Silva , Marques Claire Souza da Costa , de Souza Sophia Saraiva , da Silva Elisângela Barboza , de Lavor Mário Sérgio Lima
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the preemptive administration of amantadine on postoperative analgesia in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy and its influence on the physiological parameters. Twenty healthy domestic cats scheduled to undergo ovariohysterectomy at the Santa Cruz State University, Ilhéus, were divided into two groups: the control group (Group C; n = 10) and the amantadine group (Group A; n = 10). The cats in Group C received placebo capsules 30 min prior to the standard anesthetic protocol, whereas those in Group A received 5 mg/kg of amantadine orally 30 min prior to the standard anesthetic protocol. Postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analog scale and the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional scale for the evaluation of postoperative pain in cats. The administration of amantadine had no effect on the physiological parameters evaluated. The pain scores in Group A were lower than those in Group C, indicating that the frequency of rescue analgesic administration cats in Group A was lower. That way, preemptive oral administration of amantadine at a dose of 5 mg/kg was effective at controlling postoperative pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Moreover, no adverse effects or alterations in the physiological patterns were observed in the treated animals.
Mitigation of Aerosol and Microbial Concentration in a Weaning Piggery by Spraying Nanobubble Ozone Water with an Ultrasonic Sprayer
Authors: Yoshino Takumi , Ikeguchi Atuso
Published: February 2024

Enhancing biosecurity measures in livestock is an essential prerequisite for producing animal products with the highest levels of safety and quality. In Japan, 70% of the mortalities post-weaning are attributed to respiratory pathogens. The research has shown that microorganisms, including both viruses and bacteria, do not merely float in the air independently. Instead, they spread by adhering to aerosols. Therefore, improving the control of aerosol dissemination becomes a critical strategy for reducing pathogenic loads and boosting the overall efficiency of livestock production. This study focused on reducing concentrations of aerosol particles, airborne microbial concentrations, and airborne mass concentrations by spraying ozone solution with an ultrasonic sprayer. The experiments were conducted at a farm in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, known for its integrated management system, overseeing a herd of 200 sows. Nanobubble ozone water particles were dispersed using an ultrasonic sprayer, which allowed the particles to remain airborne significantly longer than those dispersed using a standard nozzle, at a rate of 30 mL per weaning pig 49 days old, for a 10 min period. This procedure was followed by a 10 min pause, and the cycle was repeated for 17 days. Measurements included concentrations of airborne bacteria, aerosol mass, and aerosol particles. The findings demonstrated a substantial reduction in airborne microbial concentrations of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the treated area compared to the control, with reductions reaching a peak of 85.7% for E. coli and 69.5% for S. aureus. Aerosol particle sizes ranging from 0.3–0.5 µm, 0.5–1.0 µm, 1.0–2.0 µm, 2.0–5.0 µm, to 5.0–10.0 µm were monitored, with a notable decrease in concentrations among larger particles. The average aerosol mass concentration in the test area was over 50% lower than in the control area.
DCTransformer: A Channel Attention Combined Discrete Cosine Transform to Extract Spatial–Spectral Feature for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Dang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xianhe , Zhao Hongwei , Liu Bing
Published: February 2024

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification tasks have been adopted in huge applications of remote sensing recently. With the rise of deep learning development, it becomes crucial to investigate how to exploit spatial–spectral features. The traditional approach is to stack models that can encode spatial–spectral features, coupling sufficient information as much as possible, before the classification model. However, this sequential stacking tends to cause information redundancy. In this paper, a novel network utilizing the channel attention combined discrete cosine transform (DCTransformer) to extract spatial–spectral features has been proposed to address this issue. It consists of a detail spatial feature extractor (DFE) with CNN blocks and a base spectral feature extractor (BFE) utilizing the channel attention mechanism (CAM) with a discrete cosine transform (DCT). Firstly, the DFE can extract detailed context information using a series of layers of a CNN. Further, the BFE captures spectral features using channel attention and stores the wider frequency information by utilizing the DCT. Ultimately, the dynamic fusion mechanism has been adopted to fuse the detail and base features. Comprehensive experiments show that the DCTransformer achieves a state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance in the HSI classification task, compared to other methods on four datasets, the University of Houston (UH), Indian Pines (IP), MUUFL, and Trento datasets. On the UH dataset, the DCTransformer achieves an OA of 94.40%, AA of 94.89%, and kappa of 93.92.
Research on the Identification of Typical Terrain Patterns in Yunnan Province Based on the K-Means Technology
Authors: Zhou Fangrong , Huai Xiaowei , Yan Pengcheng , Zhao Cailing , Jiang Xingliang , Pan Hao , Ma Yutang , Geng Hao
Published: February 2024

Wire icing is a prevalent challenge in both industrial and scientific domains, and it is widely acknowledged that terrain and water vapor are significant contributing factors in the formation of wire icing. Consequently, the identification of terrains that are prone to inducing water vapor uplift serves as the scientific foundation for predicting ice accumulation on power lines. Yunnan Province, a mountainous province in China, features a large elevation difference. In winter, this region is prone to wire, pole and tower icing, which can affect power transmission and cause economic and property losses. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on the identification of typical terrain patterns in this region. In previous terrain studies, more attention has been focused on slope and aspect, watershed analysis and terrain profile analysis. When the purpose of the terrain identification is to analyze which terrains are more prone to collecting water vapor, we hope to obtain slightly larger terrain blocks and analyze the water vapor sources for different terrains in order to identify typical terrains that are conducive to icing formation. A new technology for identifying terrain patterns based on the K-means clustering method is proposed in this study to explore the typical terrain in Yunnan province. Additionally, the influences of different terrain patterns on water vapor movement are also analyzed. The results indicate that the typical terrains in Yunnan are “Valley-Air Channel”, “Topographic Uplifting”, “Ravine”, “Mountain Pass” and “Alpine Divide” patterns. The results show that the identified typical terrain is consistent with observations from satellite images, which verifies the effectiveness of this identification method. Among these five typical terrains, the “Valley-Air Channel”, the “Topographic Uplifting” and the “Mountain Pass” terrains are prone to collecting water vapor and forming ice cover. The “Alpine Divide” terrain is also prone to accumulating water vapor on both sides to form ice cover. The identified typical terrain demonstrates that typical terrain patterns near water bodies are more prone to the occurrence of wire, pole and tower icing because these areas are abundant in water vapor, and the extensive water vapor is easily condensed under the effects of terrain uplifting and cooling. In these key areas, existing wires and towers, as well as those to be constructed in the future, deserve our special attention.
Diffusion-Based Continuous Real-Time Monitoring System for Total Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Hong Jiseok , Kim Ijung
Published: February 2024

In this study, a total volatile organic compound (TVOC) monitoring system was developed and employed for the continuous and real-time monitoring of TVOCs. Gas chromatography (GC) coupled with thermal desorption (TD) and a commercially available portable VOC detector were simultaneously applied to verify the performance of the developed system. Since the developed system was applicable with and without a pump, the effect of the pump on the monitoring performance was also investigated. Overall, the reliable accuracy and precision of the developed TVOC monitoring system were verified in the TVOC concentration of 50~5000 ppbv. Based on the simultaneous analysis with TD-GC, the TVOC monitoring system showed nearly identical performance to the TD-GC system regardless of the presence of the pump. When compared to the commercially available and portable VOC detector equipped with an internal pump, the maximum delayed response of the TVOC monitoring system was 15 min. In the VOC transport in soil, the breakthrough curve was successfully obtained compared to the case with the TD-GC system. Considering the measurement frequency of the TD-GC system, the TVOC monitoring system as a passive monitoring device can be effectively applied to the subsurface area with the TVOC concentration at or above 50 ppbv.
Comparison of Cold Pool Characteristics of Two Distinct Gust Fronts over Bohai Sea Bay in China
Authors: Xu Changyi , Xiao Xian
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have demonstrated that cold pools play a pivotal role in the initiation and organization of convection, yet their influence on the evolution of gust fronts (GFs) remains inadequately understood. A destructive wind event associated with a rearward gust front (RGF; 8 grade gale after passing GF) and a prior gust front (PGF; 10 grade gale before passing GF) over the north coast of China on 10 June 2016 was analyzed. Using multiple forms of observation data, as well as the four-dimensional Variational Doppler Radar Data Assimilation System (VDRAS), we found that the depth and intensity of the cold pool in RGF are relatively shallower and weaker, leading to a correspondingly reduced strength in both outflow and convergence. In contrast, the enhanced vertical shear and boundary northeaster inflow of PGF generate intensified and more organized downdrafts, resulting in a deeper cold pool, robust outflow, and convergence. Two schematic models were proposed to explain the discrepancy between GFs and associated cold pools. We further show that there is an internal correlation between meso-γ-scale vortices (MVs) and cold pools, the collision of MVs strengthened low-level convergence and updraft between these two GFs. Moreover, the consolidation of the two cold pools exacerbates low-layer instability and rotation, generating an intense horizontal vorticity that leads to rapid convective storm intensification. These findings offer novel insights into the diversity of GFs and associated cold pools.
Equivalent Minimum Hydrogen Consumption of Fuzzy Control-Based Fuel Cells: Exploration of Energy Management Strategies for Ships
Authors: Sun Yubo , Shang Qianming , Jiang Wanying
Published: February 2024

Aiming to solve the problems of insufficient dynamic responses, the large loss of energy storage life of a single power cell, and the large fluctuation in DC (direct current) bus voltage in fuel cell vessels, this study takes a certain type of fuel cell ferry as the research object and proposes an improved equivalent minimum hydrogen consumption energy management strategy, based on fuzzy logic control. First, a hybrid power system including a fuel cell, a lithium–iron–phosphate battery, and a supercapacitor is proposed, with the simulation of the power system of the modified mother ship. Second, a power system simulation model and a double-closed-loop PI (proportion integration) control model are established in MATLAB/Simulink to design the equivalent hydrogen consumption model and fuzzy logic control strategy. The simulation results show that, under the premise of meeting the load requirements, the control strategy designed in this paper improves the Li-ion battery’s power, the Li-ion battery’s SOC (state of charge), the bus voltage stability, and the equivalent hydrogen consumption significantly, compared with those before optimization, which improves the stability and economy of the power system and has certain practical engineering value.
Complement Activation in Nephrotic Glomerular Diseases
Authors: Nell Dominik , Wolf Robert , Podgorny Przemyslaw Marek , Kuschnereit Tobias , Kuschnereit Rieke , Dabers Thomas , Stracke Sylvia , Schmidt Tilman
Published: February 2024

The nephrotic syndrome holds significant clinical importance and is characterized by a substantial protein loss in the urine. Damage to the glomerular basement membrane or podocytes frequently underlies renal protein loss. There is an increasing belief in the involvement of the complement system, a part of the innate immune system, in these conditions. Understanding the interactions between the complement system and glomerular structures continually evolves, challenging the traditional view of the blood–urine barrier as a passive filter. Clinical studies suggest that a precise inhibition of the complement system at various points may soon become feasible. However, a thorough understanding of current knowledge is imperative for planning future therapies in nephrotic glomerular diseases such as membranous glomerulopathy, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and minimal change disease. This review provides an overview of the complement system, its interactions with glomerular structures, and insights into specific glomerular diseases exhibiting a nephrotic course. Additionally, we explore new diagnostic tools and future therapeutic approaches.
Potential for New Therapeutic Approaches by Targeting Lactate and pH Mediated Epigenetic Dysregulation in Major Mental Diseases
Authors: Nohesara Shabnam , Abdolmaleky Hamid Mostafavi , Thiagalingam Sam
Published: February 2024

Multiple lines of evidence have shown that lactate-mediated pH alterations in the brains of patients with neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia (SCZ), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and autism may be attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction and changes in energy metabolism. While neuronal activity is associated with reduction in brain pH, astrocytes are responsible for rebalancing the pH to maintain the equilibrium. As lactate level is the main determinant of brain pH, neuronal activities are impacted by pH changes due to the binding of protons (H+) to various types of proteins, altering their structure and function in the neuronal and non-neuronal cells of the brain. Lactate and pH could affect diverse types of epigenetic modifications, including histone lactylation, which is linked to histone acetylation and DNA methylation. In this review, we discuss the importance of pH homeostasis in normal brain function, the role of lactate as an essential epigenetic regulatory molecule and its contributions to brain pH abnormalities in neuropsychiatric diseases, and shed light on lactate-based and pH-modulating therapies in neuropsychiatric diseases by targeting epigenetic modifications. In conclusion, we attempt to highlight the potentials and challenges of translating lactate-pH-modulating therapies to clinics for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.
6-n-Butoxy-10-nitro-12,13-dioxa-11-azatricyclo[7.3.1.02,7]trideca-2,4,6,10-tetraene Improves the X-ray Sensitivity on Inhibiting Proliferation and Promoting Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis of Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Yang Kun-Han , Yen Ching-Yu , Wang Sheng-Chieh , Chang Fang-Rong , Chang Meng-Yang , Chan Chieh-Kai , Jeng Jiiang-Huei , Tang Jen-Yang , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: February 2024

This in vitro study examines the anti-oral cancer effects and mechanisms of a combined X-ray/SK2 treatment, i.e., X-ray and 6-n-butoxy-10-nitro-12,13-dioxa-11-azatricyclo[7.3.1.02,7]trideca-2,4,6,10-tetraene (SK2). ATP cell viability and flow cytometry-based cell cycle, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and DNA damage assessments were conducted. The X-ray/SK2 treatment exhibited lower viability in oral cancer (Ca9-22 and CAL 27) cells than in normal (Smulow–Glickman, S-G) cells, i.e., 32.0%, 46.1% vs. 59.0%, which showed more antiproliferative changes than with X-ray or SK2 treatment. Oral cancer cells under X-ray/SK2 treatment showed slight subG1 and G2/M increments and induced high annexin V-monitored apoptosis compared to X-ray or SK2 treatment. The X-ray/SK2 treatment showed higher caspase 3 and 8 levels for oral cancer cells than other treatments. X-ray/SK2 showed a higher caspase 9 level in CAL 27 cells than other treatments, while Ca9-22 cells showed similar levels under X-ray and/or SK2. The X-ray/SK2 treatment showed higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depletion than other treatments. Meanwhile, the mitochondrial superoxide (MitoSOX) and glutathione levels in X-ray/SK2 treatment did not exhibit the highest rank compared to others. Moreover, oral cancer cells had higher γH2AX and/or 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels from X-ray/SK2 treatment than others. All these measurements for X-ray/SK2 in oral cancer cells were higher than in normal cells and attenuated by N-acetylcysteine. In conclusion, X-ray/SK2 treatment showed ROS-dependent enhanced antiproliferative, apoptotic, and DNA damage effects in oral cancer cells with a lower cytotoxic influence on normal cells.
The Role of Autophagy in Human Uveal Melanoma and the Development of Potential Disease Biomarkers and Novel Therapeutic Paradigms
Authors: Wang Janney Z. , Paulus Paus , Niu Yihe , Zhu Ling , Morisseau Christophe , Rawling Tristan , Murray Michael , Hammock Bruce D. , Zhou Fanfan
Published: February 2024

Autophagy is a form of programmed cell degradation that enables the maintenance of homeostasis in response to extracellular stress stimuli. Autophagy is primarily activated by starvation and mediates the degradation, removal, or recycling of cell cytoplasm, organelles, and intracellular components in eukaryotic cells. Autophagy is also involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases, including several cancers. Human uveal melanoma (UM) is the primary intraocular malignancy in adults and has an extremely poor prognosis; at present there are no effective therapies. Several studies have suggested that autophagy is important in UM. By understanding the mechanisms of activation of autophagy in UM it may be possible to develop biomarkers to provide more definitive disease prognoses and to identify potential drug targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the current information regarding autophagy in UM that could facilitate biomarker and drug development.
Psychological Distress in Patients Who Needed Invasive versus Non-Invasive Ventilation Following SARS-CoV-2 Viral Infection
Authors: Abbruzzese Laura , Basagni Benedetta , Damora Alessio , Salti Giulia , Martinelli Giulia , Gambarelli Carmen , Maietti Alessandra , Scarselli Cristiano , Carlucci Leonardo , Zoccolotti Pierluigi , Mancuso Mauro
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of those who survived the illness but underwent long treatment and hospitalization. Much research has highlighted signs of emotional distress in those who experienced intensive care, and the procedures implemented to fight the infection. The present study investigated the effects of the illness experience in 40 subjects admitted to a rehabilitation unit after discharge from intensive care by focusing on the possibility of differences in emotional well-being depending on the type of ventilation. The results of the administration of psychological scales for anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder showed that many subjects experienced some form of emotional distress. There were no differences between patients who underwent invasive ventilation and those who did not.
Cost–Utility Analysis of Tenofovir Alafenamide and Entecavir in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A Markov Decision Model
Authors: Lai Chun-Huang , Shi Hon-Yi , Tsai Cheng-En , Yang Yuan-Chieh , Chiu Si-Un Frank
Published: February 2024

From the perspective of health economics, the evaluation of drug-related cost effectiveness and clinical utility is crucial. We conducted a cost–utility analysis of two first-line drugs, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and entecavir (ETV), in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. We performed inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to match the independent variables between the two treatment groups. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the two treatment groups was simulated using a decision tree with the Markov annual-cycle model. A total of 54 patients treated with TAF and 98 with ETV from January 2016 to December 2020 were enrolled. The total medical cost in the TAF group was NT$76,098 less than that in the ETV group, and TAF demonstrated more effectiveness than ETV by 3.19 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). When the time horizon was set at 30 years, the ICER of the TAF group compared with the ETV group was −NT$23,878 per QALY, suggesting more cost savings for TAF. Additionally, with the application of TAF, over NT$366 million (approximately US$12 million) can be saved annually. TAF demonstrates cheaper medical costs and more favorable clinical QALYs than ETV. To balance health insurance benefits and cost effectiveness, TAF is the optimal treatment for CHB.
Relationship between the Expression of CHK2 and p53 in Tumor Tissue and the Course of Papillary Thyroid Cancer in Patients with CHEK2 Germline Mutations
Authors: Gąsior-Perczak Danuta , Kowalik Artur , Kopczyński Janusz , Macek Paweł , Niemyska Kornelia , Walczyk Agnieszka , Gruszczyński Krzysztof , Siołek Monika , Dróżdż Tomasz , Kosowski Marcin , Pałyga Iwona , Przybycień Piotr , Wabik Olga , Góźdź Stanisław , Kowalska Aldona
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression of CHK2 and p53 in tumor tissue in carriers of germline CHEK2 mutations can serve as a prognostic marker for PTC, and whether CHEK2 and TP53 copy numbers correlates with the course of PTC disease. This study included 156 PTC patients previously tested for the presence of CHEK2. Clinicopathological features, treatment response, disease outcome, and germline mutation status of the CHEK2 gene were assessed with respect to CHK2 and p53 expression, and CHEK2 and TP53 gene copy statuses. In patients with and without a germline mutation in CHEK2 and with higher CHK2 expression, the chances of an excellent treatment response and no evidence of disease were lower than in patients without or with lower CHK2 expression. TP53 deletion was associated with angioinvasion. In patients with a truncating mutation, the chance of a CHEK2 deletion was higher than in patients with WT CHEK2 alone or those with WT CHEK2 and with the missense I157T mutation. Higher CHK2 expression was associated with poorer treatment responses and disease outcomes. Higher CHK2 expression and positive p53 together with a TP53 deletion could be a prognostic marker of unfavorable disease outcomes in patients with germline truncating mutations in CHEK2.
Inhibitory Effects of Alpha-Connexin Carboxyl-Terminal Peptide on Canine Mammary Epithelial Cells: A Study on Benign and Malignant Phenotypes
Authors: da Fonseca Ivone Izabel Mackowiak , Nagamine Marcia Kazumi , Sato Ayami , Rossatto-Jr Carlos Alberto , Yeh Elizabeth Shinmay , Dagli Maria Lucia Zaidan
Published: February 2024

Mammary cancer is highly prevalent in non-castrated female dogs. Cell-to-cell communication is an important mechanism to maintain homeostasis, and connexins are proteins that assemble to form the communicating gap junctions. In many cancers, communication capacity is reduced; several approaches are being tested in order to increase the communication capacity in cancer cells and, therefore, alter their viability. This study analyzed the effects of the alpha-connexin carboxyl-terminal peptide (αCT1) on canine mammary non-neoplastic and neoplastic epithelial cells. Seven canine epithelial mammary cell lines were used. Among these, one was a normal canine epithelial mammary cell line (LOEC-NMG), two canine mammary adenomas (LOEC-MAd1 and LOEC-MAd2), and four canine mammary adenocarcinomas (LOEC-MCA1, LOEC-MCA2, LOEC-MCA3 and CF41). The αCT1 corresponds to a short Cx43 C-terminal sequence linked to an internalization sequence called the antennapedia. After 24 h of incubation, the medium containing different αCT1 peptide concentrations was added to the cells, and only the culture medium was used for control. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used to quantify cell viability before treatment and 48, 72, and 96 h after the treatment. Results showed that the normal mammary epithelial cell line (LOEC-NMG) was resistant to treatment with αCT1, which is consistent with a previous study on human mammary cell lines. One of the adenoma cell lines (LOEC-MAd2) was also resistant to treatment with αCT1, although the other (LOEC-MAd1) was susceptible to treatment, mostly at 72 h after treatment. Regarding the four canine adenocarcinoma cell lines, they differ regarding the susceptibility to the treatment with αCT1. Three cell lines, canine mixed adenocarcinoma (LOEC-MCA1), canine complex adenocarcinoma (LOEC-MCA2), and commercial canine mammary adenocarcinoma cell line CF41, were susceptible to treatment with αCT1, while one canine mammary adenocarcinoma cell line (LOEC-MCA3) was resistant to treatment. In most αCT1 treated cell lines, Cx43 was strongly detected in cell membranes by immunofluorescence. We propose that αCT1 restored the cell-to-cell communication capacity of neoplastic cells and induced inhibitory effects on cell viability.
Identification of Tissue miRNA Signatures for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Caputo Carlo , Falco Michela , Grimaldi Anna , Lombardi Angela , Miceli Chiara Carmen , Cocule Mariateresa , Montella Marco , Pompella Luca , Tirino Giuseppe , Campione Severo , Tammaro Chiara , Cossu Antonio , Fenu Pintori Grazia , Maioli Margherita , Coradduzza Donatella , Savarese Giovanni , Fico Antonio , Ottaiano Alessandro , Conzo Giovanni , Tathode Madhura S. , Ciardiello Fortunato , Caraglia Michele , De Vita Ferdinando , Misso Gabriella
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract, is the most common pancreatic malignancy (90%) and the fourth highest cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Surgery intervention is currently the only strategy able to offer an advantage in terms of overall survival, but prognosis remains poor even for operated patients. Therefore, the development of robust biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognostic stratification in clinical practice is urgently needed. In this work, we investigated deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in tissues from PDAC patients with high (G3) or low (G2) histological grade and with (N+) or without (N−) lymph node metastases. miRNA expression profiling was performed by a comprehensive PCR array and subsequent validation by RT-qPCR. The results showed a significant increase in miR-1-3p, miR-31-5p, and miR-205-5p expression in G3 compared to G2 patients (** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001; *** p < 0.001). miR-518d-3p upregulation and miR-215-5p downregulation were observed in N+ compared to N− patients. A statistical analysis performed using OncomiR program showed the significant involvement (p < 0.05) of two miRNAs (miR-31 and miR-205) in the histological grade of PDAC patients. Also, an expression analysis in PDAC patients showed that miR-31 and miR-205 had the highest expression at grade 3 compared with normal and other tumor grades. Overall, survival plots confirmed that the overexpression of miR-31 and miR-205 was significantly correlated with decreased survival in TCGA PDAC clinical samples. A KEGG pathway analysis showed that all three miRNAs are involved in the regulation of multiple pathways, including the Hippo signaling, adherens junction and microRNAs in cancer, along with several target genes. Based on in silico analysis and experimental validation, our study suggests the potential role of miR-1-3p, miR-31-5p, and miR-205-5p as useful clinical biomarkers and putative therapeutic targets in PDAC, which should be further investigated to determine the specific molecular processes affected by their aberrant expression.