bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Challenges: Engaging Undergraduates in Project-Based Learning Online
Authors: Matthews-Denatale Gail , Poklop Laurie , Plews Rachel , English Mary
Published: February 2024

In summer 2020, Northeastern University developed a fully online curricular pathway for incoming fall first-year undergraduate students who could not learn in residence. This pathway included 18 Global Challenge (GC) courses, each designed around project-based learning (PBL), grounded in a complex problem defined by Northeastern University research faculty, and based on the classes’ individual research agendas (e.g., social justice, health, the environment). The GC courses were designed to help students develop key intrapersonal and interpersonal skills as well as academic proficiencies. The GC development team conducted a systematic study of the courses during the first three semesters of their development and implementation. The investigation’s guiding question was, “To what extent, and in what ways, can learning experience design, online structure, and facilitation support PBL learning, teamwork, and a sense of connection among students in asynchronous courses?” Data sources included student surveys, instructor reflections, and course observations. Findings highlighted the importance of a learning experience design infrastructure to support PBL challenge development; that design supports for challenge development are necessary, but not sufficient, and an online course architecture that reinforces PBL also needs to be developed; that student attention to course resources needs to be scaffolded within the course and optimized for the online modality; and that a system for instructor mentoring in online PBL pedagogy is important to course success.
Seat Selection as a Function of Cultural and Individual Differences: Insights from Undergraduate Students in China
Authors: Kehan Lu , Kaur Amrita , Yu Zhou , Yuzhen He , Yuchong Huang , Yinuo Zhan , Noman Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Students’ seating selection is a significant physical variable that has implications for both teachers and students. These seating preferences have been linked to students’ personalities, motivation, and academic performance. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the cultural influences on these preferences. In this exploratory qualitative study, we aim to investigate the cultural factors that influence the seating choices of undergraduate students. The study participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Face-to-face interviews and scenario simulation surveys were utilized to collect data, which was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study’s findings suggest that seating preferences are largely a function of individual differences and personal preferences, which often stem from personal and cultural factors. These factors are discussed under five primary themes: course academic value, gaining positive experiences, avoiding negative experiences, modesty and humility, and social belonging. These findings have implications for teaching and learning and for instructors, especially those from foreign cultures.
O Papel da Psiquiatria na Avaliação Multidisciplinar do Tratamento Cirúrgico da Obesidade
Authors: Neves Martins Sofia , Afonso Romano Carolina , Miranda Joana , Samouco Ana
Published: February 2024

N/a.
ERCAL, a regional initiative for rare diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Gonzaga-Jauregui Claudia , Salazar Carlos , MacDonald Jennifer , Reichardt Juergen K.V. , Groft Stephen C.
Published: February 2024

The importance of establishing programs to address the challenges of patients living with rare diseases has been recognized internationally, yet many countries, especially in low- and middle-income regions, are lagging in the recognition of the challenges and needs of patients and families. To improve this situation, the Enfermedades Raras en el Caribe y America Latina (ERCAL) initiative was established in 2020 with the vision of bringing together patients, patient representatives, organizations, researchers, clinicians, regulators, and all interested stakeholders in the rare diseases ecosystem under a common collaborative platform to sum efforts to improve the lives of patients and families living with rare diseases in the Latin American and the Caribbean region. Over the last three years, we have been working consistently to establish an agenda of priorities and objectives to guide the work of the initiative and address the major challenges faced by the rare disease community in the region.
Value-oriented storytelling: does it matter for destination performance?
Authors: FERDINAND Augusty Tae , GUNAWAN Yoseph Aldo Kresna , SANTOSA Suryono Budi
Published: February 2024

Purpose - The present study aims to propose a conceptual model for the management of destination marketing on the consumer side in order to fill a research gap in the literature regarding the ability of experiential value quality to increase destination loyalty. Design - The research, designed as a quantitative research, included data provided by 208 respondents related to culinary destination experience quality, value-oriented storytelling, destination image, and destination loyalty. Methodology - This quantitative study involved tourists visiting the culinary destination of Semarang city in Indonesia. The data collected from 208 visitors were analysed using a structural equation model (AMOS software). Findings - The primary finding of the research emerged from the result of the serial mediation hypothesis test, which stated that improving the quality of experience of a culinary destination would enhance the effectiveness of value-based storytelling, which in turn would improve the image of the culinary destination and strengthen the loyalty of the destination. Originality- The originality of this research lies in the introduction of two new concepts — first, the experiential quality of a culinary destination in two dimensions, hard-value experience and soft-value recall, and second, the concept of value-based storytelling developed as a perspective of service-dominant logic theory. We have integrated both concepts into a conceptual model and successfully tested them with tourists in culinary destinations.
Improved Antioxidant Activity of Low-Fat Herb-Fortified Cottage Cheese
Authors: Setyawardani Triana , Sumarmono Juni , Dwiyanti Hidayah , Rizqiati Heni , Arkan Naofal Dhia , A. Mohamed Tasnim Hunin
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the properties of low-fat cottage cheese with the addition of herbs. We conducted an experiment with nine treatments, namely P1: whole-milk cottage cheese; P2: low-fat cottage cheese; P3: low-fat cottage cheese + 20% bidara leaf extract; P4: low-fat cottage cheese + 20% bay leaf extract; P5: low-fat cottage cheese + 20% moringa oleifera leaf extract; P6: Low-fat cottage cheese + 10% bidara leaf extract + 10% bay leaf extract; P7: low-fat cottage cheese + 10% bidara leaf extract + 10% moringa oleifera leaf extract; P8: low-fat cottage cheese + 10% bay leaf extract + 10% moringa oleifera leaf extract; and P9: low-fat cottage cheese + 6.67% bidara leaf extract + 6.67% bay leaf extract + 6.67% moringa oleifera leaf extract. The microbial profile of cheese showed that the total LAB count was retained at 6.23-7.25 log CFU/g. While herb-fortified cottage cheese contained a significantly higher level of antioxidants, the lowest cholesterol level was observed in cottage cheese fortified with 20% bidara leaf extract. The general fatty acids in cheese without herb addition were saturated fatty acids (51.94%) and unsaturated fatty acids (15.67%), with palmitic acid being the most predominant fatty acid (36.62%). In conclusion, herbs can improve antioxidant levels and retain total fatty acid in low-fat cottage cheese.
A OFERTA DOS CONTEÚDOS DE ODONTOLOGIA LEGAL NO ENSINO SUPERIOR DO ESTADO DO PARANÁ
Authors: Cadorin Castelan Gabriele , Longo Ribeiro Júlia , Pereira de Souza Luiz Eduardo , Feijó Echevenguá Maria Victória , Barros Beatriz Alvares Cabral de
Published: February 2024

Com as crescentes ações indenizatórias e infrações cometidas no meio odontológico, para que cirurgiões dentistas exerçam sua profissão de forma segura, a odontologia legal deve ser abordada nas Faculdades de odontologia. O presente estudo analisou os currículos dos cursos de Odontologia das faculdades do estado do Paraná, avaliando se estão adequadas às diretrizes do ensino da Odontologia Legal, propostas pela ABOL e ABENO. Foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva de análise documental dos dados coletados de IES do Paraná cadastradas no e-MEC. O levantamento das informações ocorreu no período entre junho e agosto de 2021. Foi feita a análise dos currículos em comparação com as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais e com as diretrizes da ABENO e ABOL. Todas as 30 IES que disponibilizam as informações completas para estudo possuem em seu currículo ao menos uma disciplina relacionada ao conteúdo de Odontologia Legal, com carga horária média para Odontologia Legal de 60,1h. Destas, 26 (86,7%) IES ofertam apenas uma disciplina de Odontologia Legal. O Oeste paranaense (69h) e a região metropolitana de Curitiba (68,9h) obtiveram as maiores médias de horas para a disciplina e o Sudoeste paranaense a menor (39,5h). As IES do Estado do Paraná oferecem conteúdo de Odontologia Legal com carga horária abaixo da recomendada pelas diretrizes ABOL/ABENO. A grande maioria das IES oferece apenas uma disciplina que aborda conteúdos de Odontologia Legal.
ASPECTOS ÉTICOS E LEGAIS DA SEPARAÇÃO ENTRE O PACIENTE ODONTOLÓGICO E SEU ACOMPANHANTE – REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
Authors: Emanuelle Vogel Letícia , Pereira Baloneque Vítor , Rodrigues de Camargo Alessandra , Álvares Cabral de Barros Beatriz
Published: February 2024

Técnicas de manejo comportamental são debatidas com frequência no âmbito odontológico. Dentre elas, a presença/ausência dos responsáveis legais na sala durante o atendimento do paciente é, ao mesmo tempo, simples e desafiadora de ser aplicada. O aumento do desejo dos pais em permanecer no consultório durante o atendimento traz consigo a importância de discutir os conflitos éticos e legais do uso dessa técnica. A revisão de literatura proposta teve como base os descritores “Pediatric Dentistry”, “Child Behavior” e “Parents” e seus sinônimos, nas bases de dados Cochrane Library, LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO e Scopus, nos últimos 5 anos. Os resultados apontam divergências no estabelecimento de uma regra a ser seguida. Alguns trabalhos relatam que a presença de acompanhantes durante consultas odontológicas representa um importante apoio emocional para pacientes, resultando em melhor manejo de comportamento. Em contrapartida, a técnica de separação pode apresentar benefícios por consolidar a relação profissional-paciente. Contrapondo vantagens e desvantagens observadas na permanência e na separação dos acompanhantes em seus aspectos éticos (Código de Ética Odontológico) e legais (Código Civil, Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente e Código de Proteção e Defesa do Consumidor), a literatura científica assinala que a maioria dos acompanhantes e crianças expressa o desejo de não serem separados durante o atendimento. Pacientes considerados incapazes não têm como exercer autonomia nas decisões relacionadas à assistência odontológica. Para os adolescentes, a conquista da autonomia ocorre conforme a maturidade do indivíduo. A incorporação dos responsáveis legais na tomada de decisão divide responsabilidades e traz legitimidade às condutas terapêuticas
Self-Localization of Guide Robots Through Image Classification
Authors: Alam Muhammad S. , Mohamed Farhan B. , Hossain AKM B.
Published: February 2024

The field of autonomous robotic systems has advanced tremendously in the last few years, allowing them to perform complicated tasks in various contexts. One of the most important and useful applications of guide robots is the support of the blind. The successful implementation of this study requires a more accurate and powerful self-localization system for guide robots in indoor environments. This paper proposes a self-localization system for guide robots.  To successfully implement this study, images were collected from the perspective of a robot inside a room, and a deep learning system such as a convolutional neural network (CNN) was used. An image-based self-localization guide robot image-classification system delivers a more accurate solution for indoor robot navigation. The more accurate solution of the guide robotic system opens a new window of the self-localization system and solves the more complex problem of indoor robot navigation. It makes a reliable interface between humans and robots. This study successfully demonstrated how a robot finds its initial position inside a room. A deep learning system, such as a convolutional neural network, trains the self-localization system as an image classification problem.  The robot was placed inside the room to collect images using a panoramic camera. Two datasets were created from the room images based on the height above and below the chest. The above-mentioned method achieved a localization accuracy of 98.98%.
Strategi Kepala Sekolah dalam Memaksimalkan Supervisi melalui Pendidikan berbasis Budaya
Authors: Nur Qorimah Esti , Laksono Wisnu Cahyo
Published: February 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan pendidikan berbasis budaya, strategi implementasi pendidikan berbasis budaya, komponen pembelajaran berbasis budaya, kendala dan solusi dalam implementasi pendidikan berbasis budaya. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ialah literature review berisi tentang gambaran singkat dari suatu topik penelitian dan diorganisasikan secara kronologis serta tematik. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah : 1) Pendidikan berbasis budaya untuk menanamkan nilai budaya dalam diri seorang anak; 2) Strategi dalam pendidikan berbasis budaya dilakukan melalui pembelajaran berbasis budaya, integrasi pada tema pembelajaran, kegiatan pendukung pembelajaran, budaya sekolah; 3) komponen pembelajaran berbasis budaya terdiri dari  substansi (materi) dan kompetensi atau bidang ilmu, kebermaknaan dan proses pembelajaran, penilaian hasil belajar, dan peran budaya; 4) Kendala dalam mengimplementasikannnya, yaitu media ajar kurang, guru sulit untuk menemukan budaya lokal yang terdapat pada lingkungan sekitar sekolah, guru kesulitan dalam mengintegrasikan budaya dengan materi yang akan diajarkan, guru belum kreatif untuk mengembangkan media pembelajaran atau bahan ajar.
Language Harmony in the Song 'Raiso Dadi Siji': Code Switching and Code Mixing, the Realization of Multilingual Education
Authors: Agus Tri Wardana Agoes Hendriyanto , Astuti Sofia Rahma Dwi
Published: February 2024

Qualitative descriptive research by collecting data on the lyrics of the song "Raiso Dadi Siji". This song tells the story of a man who is married and has a wife, but still loves his affair very much. Data was collected through listening approaches and note-taking techniques involving song lyric text and performance videos of songs sung by Kevin Ihza and Niken Salindri. The study will be conducted in May 2023. The results of the study are as follows: in the lyrics of this song, there are two code-switching events that occur due to the influence of Javanese, as well as two code-mixing events that insert words in Javanese into the song lyrics. Kevin Ihza, in his lyrical section, contains nine elements that reflect code mixing and five elements that indicate code switching. Code switching is a phenomenon in which a person switches from the use of one language to another in communication, often occurring between different language clauses or phrases. Understanding and analyzing code mixing and code switching, we can sense the diversity of languages and cultures around us and use them to develop more inclusive approaches in communication and education.
Tingkat Kesulitan Pembelajaran Pendidikan Jasmani: Studi Cross Sectional Pada Siswa SMPN 2 Pomala
Authors: Haris Iyan , Yulianto Ari Gana , Ernawati Ernawati , Akbar Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan  untuk mengetahui seberapa tinggi tingkat kesulitan belajar siswa di SMPN 2 Pomala dalam belajar pendidikan jasmani. Penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif dengan menggunakan metode survei dengan jenis cross-sectional. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa SMPN 2 Pomalaa yang memiliki total siswa 140 dari kelas VII sampai kelas IX. Penarikan sampel dilakukan dengan cara Simple rendom sampling (pengundian) Jadi sampel pada penelitian ini berjumlah 30 siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa tingkat kesulitan pembelajaran pendidikan jasmani pada siswa SMPN 2 Pomalaa menunjukan bahwa 2 siswa (6,7%) siswa yang mengalami kesulitan pembelajaran pendidikan jasmani pada kategori sangat rendah, 13 siswa (43,3%) pada kategori rendah, 15 siswa (50,0%) pada kategori sedang, 0 siswa (0,0%) pada kategori tinggi, dan 0 siswa (0,0%) pada kategori sangat tinggi. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan dapat menjadi dasar untuk memilih model pembelajaran yang dapat mengatasi tingkat kesulitan pembelajaran pendidikan jasmani yang dialami siswa.
Information Compensation Graph Contrastive Learning for Recommendation
Authors: Guo YunLong , Wang ZhenHai , Xu YuHao , Li WeiMin , Wang ZhiRu , Fan Rong
Published: February 2024

Applying graph convolutional neural networks to collaborative filtering is a novel approach pertaining to recommendation systems currently, which has afforded suitable results. However, certain problems still limit the performance of graph collaborative filtering, such as the data uniformity problem. In other words, the quality of embedding the expression of different data after multiple convolutions is reduced, leading to the decline of push model performance. In this paper, we propose self-supervised contrastive learning using global information compensation of feature embeddings, which can effectively alleviate the problem of data uniformity and improve model robustness. Simultaneously, we also propose a graph convolution method using local cooperative propagation to improve the performance of the recommendation model. This embedding calculation method for local cooperative propagation can maximize the influence of low-layer embedding on high-layer embedding, thereby improving the high-layer embedding uniformity. Experiments show that compared with the baseline, our model exhibits significantly improved performance on the three public datasets. Partially on the ML-1M dataset, the proposed ICCL exhibits a performance improvement of 7.96%, proving that our method is valid and explainable.
Enantioselective Alkyl-Alkyl Coupling by Ni-Catalyzed Asymmetric Cross-Hydrodimerization of Alkenes
Authors: Shu Wei , Yang Peng-Fei , Zhao Han-Tong , Chen Xiao-Yi
Published: February 2024

Saturated tertiary stereogenic carbon centers consist of much of the frameworks of small molecules and organic materials. Transition-metal-catalyzed asymmetric alkyl-alkyl bond-formation processes represent contemporary techniques for the straightforward and efficient construction of saturated tertiary stereogenic carbon centers. However, reaction modes for asymmetric alkyl-alkyl bonds (Csp3-Csp3) formation between sp3 hybridized carbons are extremely limited and highly desirable. Herein, an unprecedented mode for asymmetric alkyl-alkyl bond-forming process enabled by Ni-catalyzed asymmetric alkyl-alkyl cross-coupling from alkenes has been developed to construct tertiary stereogenic carbon centers. Ni-catalyzed asymmtric cross-hydrodimerization of N-acyl enamines and unactivated alkenes to enables head-to-tail regioselectivity and exellent levels of chemo- and enantioselectivity, providing a new reaction mode to achieve asymmetric alkyl-alkyl bond-forming event. Notably, the reaction proceeds in the presence of both reducing and oxidizing reagents, rendering alkenes as the sole precursors to forge enantioselective alkyl-alkyl bonds. The exclusive head-to-tail cross-hydrodimerization of distinct alkenes, opening a new avenue to access saturated tertiary stereogenic carbon centers from alkenes.
A Seamless Auxetic Substrate with a Negative Poisson’s Ratio of -1
Authors: Bae Byeong-Soo , Lee Yung , Jang Bongkyun , Song Hyunggwi , Kim Sumin , Kwon Yong Won , Kang Hyun Seok , Kim Min Seong , Park Inkyu , Kim Taek-Soo , Jang Junho , Kim Jae-Hyun , Park Jang-Ung
Published: February 2024

Auxetic metamaterials are a unique class of materials or structures with a negative Poisson’s ratio and a wide array of functionalities.1-3 However, their inherent porosity presents challenges in practical applications.4,5 Filling the inherent perforations while preserving their unique auxeticity is difficult because it demands the seamless integration of components that have unusual and extreme mechanical characteristics.6,7 Here we introduce an unprecedented seamless auxetic substrate film capable of achieving a negative Poisson’s ratio of -1, the theoretical limit of isotropic materials.8,9 This breakthrough was realized by incorporating a highly rigid auxetic structure reinforced by glass-fabric, with surface-flattening soft elastomers. We effectively optimized the mechanical properties of these components by systematic experimental and theoretical investigations into the effects of relative differences in the moduli of the constituents. Using the developed auxetic film we demonstrated an image distortion-free display having 25 PPI resolution of micro-LEDs that is capable of 25% stretching without performance degradation.
Antidepressant Effects of Aerobic Exercise After Spinal Cord injury
Authors: Linnman Clas , Mercier Hannah , Picard Glen , Solinsky Ryan , Taylor Andrew
Published: February 2024

Study Design: Secondary outcome measures analysis of a randomized, controlled study.
Objectives: To assess the effects of hybrid-functional electrical stimulation (FES) rowing, arms only (AO) rowing and waitlist (WL) controls on pain, pain interference, and depression in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation networks
Methods: 44 participants were randomly assigned to FES (n = 19), AO (n= 12) or WL (n=13). The FES group completed 6 months of rowing scheduled 3 times per week. Individuals in the AO and WL groups were allowed to cross over to FES rowing after 6 months and were included in subsequent analyses of the effects of FES rowing. Rowing distance and intensity was logged, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) measures were obtained before and after the intervention. Changes in the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-56) derived pain interference, pain, and depression scores were analyzed.
Results: FES-rowing led to modest improvements in depression, AO led to modest improvements in pain intensity, and WL did not improve pain nor depression. After incorporating individuals who crossed over to FES rowing, we observed modest but significant improvement in depression scores but not in pain. Among the participants who benefited from the FES intervention, the reduction in depression was correlated to the average weekly rowing distance (r2=0.79 p=0.0001).
Conclusions: 6 months of FES rowing spent in a supportive environment can help persons with spinal cord injuries alleviate moderate depression in a dose-dependent manner.
Filter cable design with defected conductor transmission structures
Authors: Yunan Han , Jiang Cuilian , Xiong Shuangqing , Liu Zhaohan
Published: February 2024

This article introduces a filter cable design featuring an insulated cylinder that has been coated using a defected conductor transmission structure (DCTS). This unique feature enables the cable to possess distributed filter advantages throughout its length. The DCTS, featuring a well-designed etched pattern, serves as a boundary condition for transmitting specific frequency electromagnetic waves and effectively performs the same filtering function as a lumped filter circuit. To validate this concept, a lowpass filter cable is proposed, which incorporates six-slot-ring defected structures. The cable utilizes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the inner dielectric, encased within a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)-manufactured DCTS. With precise dimensions of a 2.4 mm diameter and a 340 mm length, the proposed filter cable demonstrates performance, indicated by a minimal insertion loss of under 0.38 dB below 6 GHz in the passband, and a rejection surpassing 43 dB at 7.7-25 GHz in the stopband. By comparison, traditional coaxial cables lack these filtering capabilities, making the filter cable with DCTS a viable choice for addressing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) concerns.
Will olive groves have a future under climate change conditions in the North Aegean sub-region, a Mediterranean agricultural environment of Turkey?
Authors: Türkeş Murat , Sahin Sinan
Published: February 2024

The study is aim at investigating future changes in sustainability of olive farming by means of climate change, and changes in suitableness and phenology of olive tree cultivation in the study area characterised mainly with Mediterranean climate. According to projected changes based on RCP8.5 scenario, air temperatures will increase significantly, and in the 2073–2098 period, projected warming reaches an average of 5–6°C with a most negative condition on olives in terms of warming during 2073–2098 period. Annual precipitation projections based on RCP8.5 scenario indicated that present suitable areas of olive groves will decrease in the period of 2049–2073, and almost the entire study area will be in the category of medium suitable in the period of 2073–2098. With respect to projected Emberger Bioclimate classification, for RCP 8.5 scenario, in the period of 2049–2073, there will be a significant increase in dry-sub humid areas. This increase will cover up the coastal areas in the period of 2074–2098, and even all the study area was determined as the dry-sub humid and semi-arid Mediterranean bioclimatic layer except for some coastal areas. An increase of about 6°C is expected in maximum values of maximum air temperatures during the swelling periods, especially in the periods after 2050 for RCP8.5 scenario. This increase in extreme maximum temperatures may cause olive trees to bloom earlier and prolong growth period. By regarding the high vernalization requirement of main olive variety in the study area, a 6°C temperature increase may significantly decrease olive yields and will force farmers to transition to new varieties with relatively low vernalization requirements. According to both RCP scenarios, there is a possibility of extension of suitable areas for olive cultivation towards low to mid-altitude plateaus and middle-altitude slopes of mountainous areas and high plateaus particularly facing suitable aspects to lower negative effects of projected warming and dryness.
Osteoclast indices in osteogenesis imperfecta: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aksornthong Sirion , Patel Priyesh , Komarova Svetlana V
Published: February 2024

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare bone fragility disorder caused by mutations in genes that encode collagen type I or affect its processing. Alterations in bone resorbing osteoclasts were suggested to contribute to OI pathophysiology. We aimed to systematically identify studies reporting measures of osteoclast formation and function in patients and mouse models of OI, to quantify OI-induced changes.
Results: The systematic search of Medline, OVID and Web of Science identified 798 unique studies. After screening, we included for meta-analysis 23 studies reporting osteoclast parameters in 310 OI patients of 9 different types and 16 studies reporting osteoclast parameters in 406 animals of 11 different OI mouse models. The standardized mean difference was used as the effect size, random effects meta-analysis was performed using R-studio. In OI patients, collagen degradation markers were significantly higher in patients with OI compared to age-matched control with the effect size of 1.23 [Confidence interval (CI): 0.36, 2.10]. Collagen degradation markers were the most elevated in the 3 to 7-year-old age group, and in patients with more severe forms of OI. Bone histomorphometry demonstrated the trends for higher osteoclast numbers, 1.16 [CI: -0.22, 2.55], and osteoclast surface, 0.43 [CI: -0.63; 1.49], and significantly higher eroded surface, 3.24 [CI: 0.51, 5.96] compared to the aged-match control. In OI mice, meta-analysis demonstrated significant increases in collagen degradation markers, 1.59 [CI: 1.07, 2.11]; in osteoclast numbers, 0.94 [CI: 0.50, 1.39], osteoclast surface, 0.73 [CI:0.22, 1.23], and eroded surface 1.31[CI: 0.54, 2.08]. The largest differences were in OI mice with the mutations in Col1a1 and Col1a2 genes. There were no differences between males and females in clinical or animal studies.
Conclusions: Quantitative estimates of changes in osteoclast indices and their variance for patients with OI are important for planning future studies. We confirmed that similar changes are observed in mice with OI, supporting their translational utility.
A Bayesian causal inference model to evaluate shoulder pathology effect on glenoid bone mineral density
Authors: Terrier Alexandre , Eghbali Pezhman , Satir Osman , Becce Fabio , Goetti Patrick , Buechler Philippe , Pioletti Dominique
Published: February 2024

The effect of shoulder pathologies on glenoid bone mineral density (BMD) remains unclear and can be critical in surgical treatments. It is thus useful to predict this effect and understand how it is influenced by sex, age, and body mass index (BMI), in various glenoid locations. To address this question, we developed a causal model and used do-calculus to identify the minimal adjustment set of covariate variables and developed a varying-intercept varying-slope Bayesian model. We considered two common shoulder pathologies, primary osteoarthritis (OA) and cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), and compared them with normal shoulders (CTRL). Glenoid BMD was automatically measured on computed tomography scans of 93 OA, 53 CTA, and 133 CTRL subjects.
OA and CTA subjects had higher BMD than CTRL in subchondral trabecular bone. This difference was affected by sex, increased with age, and was stable with BMI. BMD was higher in OA than CTA, especially on the posterior side.
This causal model could be used for surgery planning, outcome prediction, and understanding of the associated pathophysiology.
Foreign faces facilitating specific emotional connotation acquisition for L2 words
Authors: Gu Beixian , Sun Xiaobing , Beltrán David , de Vega Manuel
Published: February 2024

This study explored the effects of Caucasian faces and Chinese faces on native speakers of Mandarin-Chinese acquiring emotional connotations of English L2 words. Participants were presented with English pseudowords repeatedly paired with either Caucasian faces or Chinese faces showing the emotions of disgust and sadness, as well as neutrality as the control baseline. Participants’ acquisition was evaluated through both within-modality (i.e., testing participants with new sets of faces) and cross-modality (i.e., testing participants with a set of sentences expressing the emotions acquired) generalization tests. Results of the two generalization tests suggested that participants in the Caucasian-face Group acquired sad connotations better than their counterparts in the Chinese-face Group, which is reflected through their higher accuracy when matching learned L2 words with sad L2 sentences. We thus conclude that foreign faces showed a certain advantage when it comes to acquiring specific emotional connotations for L2 words with which their socio-identity is congruent.
Efficacy and Safty analysis of low-energy X ray IORT in the treatment of resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sun Di , Liu Xu , Dong Wei , Zhang Qian , Zhang Yubao , Zhao Chunbo
Published: February 2024

Objective: This study was to investigate the safety and the efficacy of low-energy X-ray intraoperative radiotherapy(LEX-IORT) in the clinical treatment of resectable pancreatic cancer.
Method: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical information of the 88 patients with resectable pancreatic cancer in our hospital from 2011 to 2018. According on postoperative adjuvant regimen, The patients were divided into four subgroups. Chi-square test was used to analyze survival among subgroups. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the survival rate. meanwhile, we compared complications, acute and chronic radiation injury, adverse reactions. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Result: Group A: 14 patients, Only operation; Group B: 25 patients, Surgery+postoperative chemotherapy; Group C: 28 patients, Surgery+LEX-IORT; Group D: 21 patients, Surgery+postoperative chemotherapy and external irradiation. Subgroup analysis showed that increased chemotherapy extended survival compared with surgery alone (median OS: 7 months vs 11 months, p=0.0002). In addition to chemotherapy, LEX-IORT significantly improved PFS ( 8 months vs 11.5 months, p=0.0061) and OS ( 11 months vs 16.5 months, p=0.0113). Increasing EBRT did not improve outcomes.
Summary: Surgical resection combined with LEX-IORT and postoperative chemotherapy can increase the local control rate, significantly prolong the survival of patients, and does not increase the incidence of related complications and adverse reactions.
Influenza Induces Lung Lymphangiogenesis Independent of YAP/TAZ Activity in Lymphatic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Crossey Erin , Carty Senegal , Shao Fengzhi , Henao-Vasquez Jhonatan , Ysasi Alexandra B. , Zeng Michelle , Hinds Anne , Lo Ming , Tilston-Lunel Andrew , Varelas Xaralabos , Jones Matthew R. , Fine Alan
Published: February 2024

The lymphatic system consists of a vessel network lined by specialized lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) that are responsible for tissue fluid homeostasis and immune cell trafficking. The mechanisms for organ-specific LEC responses to environmental cues are not well understood. We found robust lymphangiogenesis during influenza A virus infection in the adult mouse lung. We show that the number of LECs increases 2-fold at 7 days post-influenza infection (dpi) and 3-fold at 21 dpi, and that lymphangiogenesis is preceded by lymphatic dilation. We also show that the expanded lymphatic network enhances fluid drainage to mediastinal lymph nodes. Using EdU labeling, we found that a significantly higher number of pulmonary LECs are proliferating at 7 dpi compared to LECs in homeostatic conditions. Lineage tracing during influenza indicates that new pulmonary LECs are derived from preexisting LECs rather than non-LEC progenitors. Lastly, using a conditional LEC-specific YAP/TAZ knockout model, we established that lymphangiogenesis, fluid transport and the immune response to influenza are independent of YAP/TAZ activity in LECs. These findings were unexpected, as they indicate that YAP/TAZ signaling is not crucial for these processes.
Prevalence of Diabetes and its Associated Factors among Adults in Malaysia: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019
Authors: Ismail Hasimah , Saminathan Thamil Arasu , Lourdes Tania Gayle Robert , Hasani Wan Shakira Rodzlan , Majid Nur Liana Abd , Yusoff Muhammad Fadhli Mohd
Published: February 2024

Background
Diabetes is a major non-communicable health problem in both developed and developing countries, including Malaysia. People with diabetes are living longer and are vulnerable to microvascular and macrovascular complications, thus representing a significant public health problem with high morbidity, mortality, and substantial economic repercussions. We aim to determine the national prevalence of diabetes and identify associated factors among the adult population in Malaysia.
Methods
A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 involving 10,464 respondents in Malaysia. A two-stage stratified sampling design was used to select a representative sample of Malaysian adults. Structured validated questionnaires with face-to-face interviews were used to obtain data from selected respondents aged ≥ 18. Finger-pricked fasting blood glucose tests using the Accutrend GC machine were performed on respondents who claimed they did not have diabetes. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to determine associations between diabetes and associated factors at the significance level of = 0.05.
Results
The overall prevalence of diabetes among adult respondents was 18.3% (n = 2629). The highest prevalence of diabetes was among females (18.4%), those aged 60 & above (41.5%), Indian (31.4%), those without formal education (28.3%), widow/widower/divorce (33.2%), not working (24.9%), inactive (22.5%), obese (27.1%), hypertension (36.0%) and high cholesterol level (30.4%). Logistic regression analyses revealed that age group, ethnicity, education level, marital status, physical activity level, obesity, blood pressure status and cholesterol status were associated with diabetes among adults.
Conclusion
This study showed that the prevalence of diabetes among adult populations in Malaysia is high, with about one in five adults found to have diabetes. Awareness programs and interventions on diabetes need to be improved, especially related to behavioural charge as a strategy for the prevention and control of diabetes and its complications.
Inhibition of discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) as a new therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Jinglu , Walker Robert L. , Hornicek Francis J. , Shi Huirong , Duan Zhenfeng
Published: February 2024

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer. Some patients eventually develop recurrent or metastatic diseases and treatment options are extremely limited. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a unique collagen-activated tyrosine kinase that participates in various human diseases, including cancer. DDR1 promotes adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and metastasis of cancer cells. However, the expression and function of DDR1 remain unknown in osteosarcoma. The purpose of this study is to assess the expression, clinical prognostic relationship and functional roles of DDR1 in osteosarcoma. The correlation between DDR1 expression in tumor tissues and clinicopathological features, and prognosis was assessed via immunohistochemical staining of a unique tissue microarray (TMA) constructed from osteosarcoma specimens. DDR1-specific siRNA and a highly selective DDR1 inhibitor, 7rh, were applied to determine the impact of DDR1 expression on osteosarcoma cell growth and proliferation. Furthermore, the effect of DDR1 inhibition on clonogenicity was evaluated using a clonogenic assay, and a 3D cell culture model was used to mimic DDR1 effects in an in vivo environment. The results demonstrate that higher DDR1 expression significantly correlates with recurrence, metastasis, and shorter overall survival in osteosarcoma patients. The expression of DDR1 is also inversely correlated to the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Therapeutically, DDR1 knockdown with siRNA or selective inhibition with 7rh decreases the proliferation and growth of osteosarcoma cells. In conclusion, our study supports DDR1 expression as an independent predictor of poor prognosis and a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
Association of cigarette use with risk of prostate cancer among US males: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 1999-2020
Authors: Yang Xiangwei , Chen Hong , Zhang Junfu , Zhang Shiqiang , Wu Yongda Socrates , Pang Jun
Published: February 2024

Background
Association of cigarette use with risk of prostate cancer remains unclear. We performed this study to examine whether cigarette use is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used data from the 1999 to 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a population-based nationally representative survey designed to assess the health and nutritional status of US adults and children. Males were eligible if they were aged ≥ 20 years at the time of participation. Cigarette use (ever use, categorized into former use and current use) was defined as having smoked at least 100 cigarettes in life. Smoking duration was calculated in former smokers and current smokers. Primary outcome was self-reported diagnosis of prostate cancer by participants. Logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odd ratios (aOR) and 95% CI for the associations of cigarette use with risk of prostate cancer, adjusting for demographic characteristics. Subgroup analyses by age group were conducted. Data were analyzed from June 4 to November 30, 2023.
Results
Of the 107 622 participants in 1999–2020 NHANES, 28 170 were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) age of the 28 170 participants was 46.4 (16.4) years, 68.0% were non-Hispanic White. Compared with never smokers, ever (aOR, 2.23 [95% CI, 1.06–4.68]) and former smokers (aOR, 3.54 [95% CI, 1.60–7.79]), but not current smokers (aOR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.38–2.85]) had a higher risk of prostate cancer. This higher risk in former (aOR, 3.81 [95% CI, 1.69–8.59) and ever smokers (aOR, 2.77 [95% CI, 1.25–6.13) was also found in participants aged 20–59 years. But a lower risk was observed in current smokers aged ≥ 60 years (aOR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.32–0.84). Dose-response analysis showed a positive association between smoking duration and risk of prostate cancer in current smokers (aOR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.03–1.11]) but not in former smokers (aOR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.99–1.02]).
Conclusions
This study suggests that cigarette use was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in US males, especially among those aged 20–59 years. This modifiable risk factor represents a target for further research into preventing prostate cancer in males.
Antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity, cleaning ability and erosive potential of Dentaqua solution compared with sodium hypochlorite
Authors: Souza Matheus Albino , Steier Liviu , Vanin Gabriele Nichetti , Zanella Mylena Lazaretti , Pizzi Camila Monteiro , Koch Jordana da Silva , souza kellyn Rocca , Ferreira Eduarda Rizzon , Dallepiane Felipe Gomes , Costa Ubirajara Maciel da , Santos Vanessa Valgas dos , Palatynska-Ulatowska Aleksandra , de Figueiredo José Antonio Poli
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity, cleaning ability, and erosion of dentine of hypochlorous acid (HClO) obtained from an electrolytic device at two different concentrations (Dentaqua) and three concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).
Methods: Microbiological test - The root canals of sixty single-rooted extracted human teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into 6 groups (n=10), according to decontamination protocol: DW (control); 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5.25% NaOCl; 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO. The counting of colony-forming units evaluated the decontamination potential of each group, calculating the bacterial percentage reduction. Cytotoxicity test - Cytotoxicity was evaluated after inoculation of the same tested protocols in fibroblastic cells for 3 min, calculating the cell viability percentages. Specifical statistical analysis was performed (α = 5%). Cleaning ability and erosion - Fifty-six single-rooted bovine lower incisors were divided into seven groups of 8 roots each, being the test groups 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5,25% NaOCl; 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO, and a negative and positive control. Negative control was not contaminated, and the other groups were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. SEM images were ranked as from the cleanest to the least clean. Erosion was also assessed, being ranked from the least to the most eroded dentine.
Results: The highest bacterial reduction was observed in experimental groups, with no statistical differences between them (p > 0.05). The highest number of viable cells was observed in control group, followed by 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO groups, with statistical differences between them (p < 0.05). 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5.25% NaOCl and 500 ppm HClO displayed the cleanest areas. All sodium hypochlorite groups displayed erosion with higher ranks with greater concentration, while hypochlorous acid did not display any erosion regardless the concentration.
Conclusions: It is possible to conclude that HClO obtained from an electrolytic device presented high antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity in both tested concentrations. 500 ppm HClO did not display erosion and showed great cleaning ability.
Clinical relevance: The use of 500 ppm hypochlorous acid may reduce unfavorable behavior of sodium hypochlorite whilst maintaining its antimicrobial action.
Dye removal from Waste Water by Java Plum Tree Leaves as an Effective Biosorbent
Authors: Gul Salma , Gul Sadaf , Jamila Nargis , Iqbal Fatima , Gul Hajera , Shahd Tawaf Ali
Published: February 2024

The Neutral Red (NR) dye is an important cationic dye used in various industries, however it pollutes the environment via disposal of industrial waste into water. Therefore, in this research, adsorption process is used, for the removing this dye by using Java plum tree leave as an adsorbent. Various reaction parameters such as contact time, concentration of the dye in solution, dose of the adsorbent, and pH were selected to study the removal of the dye from wastewater. The maximum percent removal 92.5% and Qe value 55.49 mg/g for NR dye removal was achieved at optimized conditions. The result shows that experimental data fitted Freundlich adsorption isotherm with R2 of 0.94. Pseudo First Order kinetics followed the data. The results showed that java plum tree leaves is an inexpensive and environmental friendly adsorbent, which can be used for the removal of cationic NR dye from wastewater.
Development and Assessment of a Mucoadhesive Formulation Incorporating Phenytoin for Wound Healing
Authors: Mehrjardi Soheil Tafazzoli , Jamshidi Hamid Reza , Ramezani Vahid
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to develop flexible wafers for drug delivery to enhance wound healing. Sodium phenytoin, a known therapeutic agent, and chitosan, a biodegradable polymer with wound healing properties, were key components of the formulations. The study investigated the impact of various factors, such as the addition of propylene glycol (PG) to improve flexibility, and the combination of alginate, chitosan, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to achieve extended drug release and mucoadhesion. Results showed that increasing the amount of PG in the formulation improved flexibility but reduced mucoadhesion. Alginate and chitosan, when combined, formed polymer filaments, while HPMC and PG demonstrated high mucoadhesion. Drug release tests indicated that formulations with higher HPMC content exhibited slower release rates. Additionally, phenytoin was successfully incorporated into the alginate/chitosan polymer matrix, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and electron microscopy. In vivo evaluation using animal models demonstrated the effectiveness of the wafer containing phenytoin sodium in promoting faster wound healing compared to the drug-free wafer and phenytoin ointment. Pathology results revealed increased epidermal cell proliferation, the formation of a comprehensive layer of epidermis, and the appearance of hair follicles and dermis layer in the wafer-treated wounds. Furthermore, the wafer formulation containing 0.01% phenytoin exhibited complete healing by the twelfth day of treatment. The study highlights the potential of sodium phenytoin and the developed wafer formulation in improving wound healing outcomes. The sustained drug release and adhesive mucosa properties of the wafer contribute to its enhanced efficacy. Further research is warranted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse effects of sodium phenytoin on wound healing and optimize the formulation for clinical applications.