bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“You can create a little bit more closure in your own story when someone really connects with it”: exploring how involvement in youth peer support work can promote peer development
Authors: Halsall Tanya , Daley Mardi , Hawke Lisa D. , Henderson Jo , Matheson Kimberly
Published: October 2023

Background

Peer support relates to the provision of social/emotional support that is delivered by individuals with lived experience of a key characteristic that is shared with clients. Although the main objective of peer support is to enhance client outcomes, through their involvement, peers derive a secondary benefit to their own personal development. This study applied a hybrid participatory-realist approach to identify what works, for whom, why and in what circumstances within the LOFT Transitional Age Youth (TAY) peer services. This paper presents findings related to the processes and possible benefits of being involved in peer work for the peer supporters themselves.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were completed with peer and non-peer staff from the TAY program. A qualitative analysis applied a retroductive approach that involved both inductive and deductive processes to identify relevant themes.

Results

Four program theories and one over-arching context were identified through the analyses. Program theories were related to: (1) enhancing self-efficacy and self-determination through peer involvement in program design, (2) increasing peer resiliency and self-care through effective supervision, (3) developing professional skills and opportunities for career advancement through peer practice and (4) overcoming stigma through the recognition of the value of peer lived experience.

Conclusions

Peer practice holds significant potential for the enhancement of the mental health system as well as to increase our understanding of stigma. The findings from this study offer critical new insights into the dynamics of how professional peer practice can support the personal development of youth peers and how programming can be intentionally designed to enhance these benefits.
Engineered live bacteria as disease detection and diagnosis tools
Authors: Tanniche Imen , Behkam Bahareh
Published: October 2023

Sensitive and minimally invasive medical diagnostics are essential to the early detection of diseases, monitoring their progression and response to treatment. Engineered bacteria as live sensors are being developed as a new class of biosensors for sensitive, robust, noninvasive, and in situ detection of disease onset at low cost. Akin to microrobotic systems, a combination of simple genetic rules, basic logic gates, and complex synthetic bioengineering principles are used to program bacterial vectors as living machines for detecting biomarkers of diseases, some of which cannot be detected with other sensing technologies. Bacterial whole-cell biosensors (BWCBs) can have wide-ranging functions from detection only, to detection and recording, to closed-loop detection-regulated treatment. In this review article, we first summarize the unique benefits of bacteria as living sensors. We then describe the different bacteria-based diagnosis approaches and provide examples of diagnosing various diseases and disorders. We also discuss the use of bacteria as imaging vectors for disease detection and image-guided surgery. We conclude by highlighting current challenges and opportunities for further exploration toward clinical translation of these bacteria-based systems.
MpADC, an l-aspartate-α-decarboxylase, from Myzus persicae, that enables production of β-alanine with high yield by whole-cell enzymatic catalysis
Authors: Liu Pengfu , Xie Saixue , Guo Qian , Chen Yan , Fan Junying , Kumar Nadda Ashok , Huang Xiaoluo , Chu Xiaohe
Published: October 2023

Background

β-Alanine is a precursor of many important pharmaceutical products and food additives, its market demand is continuously increasing nowadays. Whole-cell catalysis relying on the recombinant expression of key β-alanine synthesizing enzymes is an important method to produce β-alanine. Nevertheless, β-alanine synthesizing enzymes found so far have problems including easy inactivation, low expression or poor catalytic activity, and it remains necessary to develop new enzymes.

Results

Herein, we characterized an l-aspartate-α-decarboxylase, MpADC, from an aphid, Myzus persicae. It showed excellent catalytic activity at pH 6.0–7.5 and 37 °C. With the help of chaperone co-expression and N-terminal engineering guided by AlphaFold2 structure prediction, the expression and catalytic ability of MpADC in Escherichia coli were significantly improved. Using 50 g/L of E. coli cells expressing the MpADC-∆39 variant cultured in a 15-L fermenter, 232.36 g/L of β-alanine was synthesized in 13.5 h, with the average β-alanine yield of 17.22 g/L/h, which is best known so far.

Conclusions

Our research should facilitate the production of β-alanine in an environment-friendly manner.
Insights into the diagnosis, vaccines, and control of Taenia solium, a zoonotic, neglected parasite
Authors: Hossain Md. Shahadat , Shabir Shafqat , Toye Philip , Thomas Lian F. , Falcone Franco H.
Published: October 2023

Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis (TSTC) is a foodborne, zoonotic neglected tropical disease affecting predominately low- and middle-income countries. Humans are definitive hosts for T. solium, whereas pigs act as intermediate hosts. Taeniasis, i.e. intestinal infection with adult T. solium in the human host, occurs through ingestion of undercooked pork infected with the larval stage (porcine cysticercosis, PCC). Human cysticercosis occurs after humans ingest T. solium eggs, acting as accidental intermediate hosts. Migration of cysticerci to the human brain results in neurocysticercosis (NCC), manifesting in a variety of clinical symptoms, most notably epilepsy. NCC is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy cases in endemic areas. PCC results in reduced pork value because of condemnation or the risk of condemnation of the meat. Available serological diagnostic tests for porcine and human cysticercosis are characterized by low sensitivity and are not cost-effective. An effective vaccine for T. solium cysticercosis in pigs has been developed, although it is not yet commercially available in all endemic countries, and still no vaccine is available for use in humans. This primer highlights the recent development in the field of diagnostic tests and vaccine production and explores possible strategies for future control and eradication of T. solium. In the absence of highly specific diagnostic tests and human vaccines, treatment of infected pigs and tapeworm carriers and prevention of disease transmission remain the principal means to interrupt the zoonotic cycle of T. solium in endemic countries.

Graphical abstract
Chronic bilateral dacryoadenitis caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report
Authors: Awada Bassem
Published: October 2023

Background

Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the lacrimal gland, mainly caused by viral infection. It can also be caused by bacterial pathogens and non-infectious processes such as auto-immune diseases and malignancy. Chronic dacryoadenitis is rarely linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with only five reports in the literature.

Report

A 26-year-old Arab woman experienced chronic inflammatory dacryoadenitis after a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was successfully treated with oral prednisone.

Conclusions

Dacryoadenitis can occur due to inflammation caused by either SARS-CoV-2 exposure. The treatment typically involves the administration of steroids, with duration to be decided based on clinical response.
A wavelet selection scheme in underwater discharge signal analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaobing , Lu Binjie , Qiao Liang
Published: October 2023

The analysis of underwater discharge signals is of great significance for its application. Wavelet-based de-noising and analysis technology is an effective means to study underwater discharge signals. The selection of wavelets is the key to the accuracy of wavelet analysis. A scheme of wavelet selection is provided in this paper. Based on the signal characteristics and actual noise, the reference target signal and noisy signal are constructed to ensure the accuracy of wavelet performance evaluation. Cross-correlation coefficient, root mean square error, signal-to-noise ratio, and smoothness are chosen as evaluation indexes and fused by the coefficient of variation method. The selected optimal wavelet is used to process the underwater wire-guided discharge signals. The results show that the scheme is feasible and practical.
Unusual grafts for living-donor liver transplantation
Authors: Yim Seung Hyuk , Min Eun-Ki , Choi Mun Chae , Kim Deok-Gie , Han Dai Hoon , Joo Dong Jin , Choi Jin Sub , Kim Myong Soo , Choi Gi Hong , Lee Jae Geun
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Unusual grafts, including extended left liver plus caudate lobe, right anterior section, and right posterior section grafts, are alternatives to left and right lobe grafts for living-donor liver transplantation. This study aimed to investigate unusual grafts from the perspectives of recipients and donors.

Methods

From 2016 to 2021, 497 patients received living-donor liver transplantation at Severance Hospital. Among them, 10 patients received unusual grafts. Three patients received extended left liver plus caudate lobe grafts, two patients received right anterior section grafts, and five patients received right posterior section grafts. Liver volumetrics and anatomy were analyzed for all recipients and donors. We collected data on laboratory examinations (alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, international normalized ratio), imaging studies, graft survival, and complications. A 1:2 ratio propensity-score matching method was used to reduce selection bias and balance variables between the unusual and conventional graft groups.

Results

The median of Model for End-stage Liver Disease score of unusual graft recipients was 13.5 (interquartile range 11.5–19.3) and that of graft–recipient weight ratio was 0.767 (0.7–0.9). ABO incompatibility was observed in four cases. The alanine aminotransferase level, total bilirubin level, and international normalized ratio decreased in both recipients and donors. Unusual and conventional grafts had similar survival rates (p = 0.492). The right and left subgroups did not differ from each counter-conventional subgroup (p = 0.339 and p = 0.695, respectively). The incidence of major complications was not significantly different between unusual and conventional graft recipients (p = 0.513). Wound seromas were reported by unusual graft donors; the complication ratio was similar to that in conventional graft donors (p = 0.169).

Conclusion

Although unusual grafts require a complex indication, they may show feasible surgical outcomes for recipients with an acceptable donor complication.
Vulnerability to seasonal food insecurity as an exposure to risk: the case of the Southern Province of Zambia
Authors: Kitsuki Akinori , Sakurai Takeshi
Published: October 2023

Background

Seasonality is an important aspect of food security for subsistence households in developing countries. Among the multidimensional aspects of food security, this paper focuses on how unexpected negative harvest shocks would affect the seasonal food consumption of households. This is particularly important because, with the increasing threat of climate change, the frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods is expected to increase; this would adversely affect crop yields.

Methods

Given seasonal price changes of staple foods, some households buy them when prices are low and store them for the hunger season (not buy high (NBH) households), while others run out of staple foods before the next harvest and therefore buy them when prices are high (buy high (BH) households). Using three years of weekly household panel data for the Choma and Sinazongwe Districts of the southern province of Zambia, we assess the ability of seasonal consumption smoothing separately for NBH and BH households.

Results

NBH households successfully smooth their consumption over the 12 months of the crop year. In contrast, BH households, especially for households with few assets, reduce total consumption in response to harvest shocks, just after the harvest and during the “hunger season” just before the next harvest. However, in spite of this, the consumption of staple foods is generally insensitive to harvest shocks. Instead, they reduce consumption only of non-staple food items, such as vegetables and meats.

Conclusions

Seasonal food insecurity is exacerbated by negative harvest shocks. We emphasize the significance of policies aimed at increasing public awareness of healthier food choices, empowering households to avoid purchasing maize at high prices, and reducing seasonal price disparities.
The role of objective and subjective knowledge on the attitude and intention of Italian consumers to purchase farmed and wild fish
Authors: Menozzi Davide , Wongprawmas Rungsaran , Sogari Giovanni , Gai Francesco , Parisi Giuliana , Mora Cristina
Published: October 2023

In general, consumers have very little knowledge about production methods employed in the fish sector, and this lack of information contributes to skepticism and confusion when they choose and purchase fish. In our study, we tested the effect of beliefs and objective and subjective knowledge on consumers’ attitude and their intention to purchase farmed and wild fish, both in a control and an informed group. Furthermore, we explored the effect of the intention to purchase farmed or wild fish on fish purchasing frequency. An online survey was conducted in Italy (n = 776) in 2020. The results showed that both objective and subjective knowledge affected the attitudes toward wild and farmed fish; however, only subjective knowledge had an impact on the intention to purchase wild fish. Moreover, the intention to purchase was correlated with fish purchasing frequency, and information about production methods affected consumers' attitudes but did not directly influence their purchasing intentions. This study provides insights that could be considered by policymakers and producer associations/industries to develop and support communication campaigns on fish production methods in terms of safety, healthiness, control, and quality. Thus, our research could help to increase the transparency of information about fish and improve the acceptance and consumption of aquaculture products.
Wedge resection combined with 3D-printed polycaprolactone mesh for caudal septal deviation
Authors: Moon Jee Won , Choi Seok-Youl , Kim Su-Jong , Shin Jae-Min , Park Il-Ho
Published: October 2023

Background

Biocompatibility and stability of three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone mesh grafts for nasal surgery are proven in both animal and human models. However, their safety and durability as batten grafts for caudal septal deviation has not been documented. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone mesh batten graft in septoplasty using the wedge resection technique for the correction of caudal septal deviation.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 20 patients aged ≥ 18 years with caudal septal deviation who underwent septoplasty with wedge resection and three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone mesh graft from a tertiary medical center in South Korea, between December 1, 2019 and May 31, 2021. Those without nasal obstruction before surgery or with a short follow-up period (< 28 days) were excluded from the survey analysis.

Results

Of the 20 patients (mean age, 48.0 [range, 19–65] years), 17 (85.0%) were male, and three (15.0%) were female. A significant change was noted in the mean nasal obstruction symptom evaluation score (68.2 vs. 15.0, P < .001) in the 17 patients included in the analysis. Postoperative endoscopic evaluation revealed a straight septum in 19/20 (95.0%) patients, and no complications were noted in the postoperative follow-up period of up to 364 days.

Conclusions

The three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone nasal mesh is safe and provides adequate support to resist the intrinsic memory of the cartilage of the caudal septum. In addition to nasal surgeries, it has great potential as a graft in other reconstructive surgeries. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.
NRF2/ARE mediated antioxidant response to glaucoma: role of glia and retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Naguib Sarah , Backstrom Jon R. , Artis Elisabeth , Ghose Purnima , Stahl Amy , Hardin Rachael , Haider Ameer A. , Ang John , Calkins David J. , Rex Tonia S.
Published: October 2023

Glaucoma, the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is associated with age and sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). We have shown that elevated IOP causes an early increase in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microbead occlusion mouse model. We also detected an endogenous antioxidant response mediated by Nuclear factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2), a transcription factor that binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) and increases transcription of antioxidant genes. Our previous studies show that inhibiting this pathway results in earlier and greater glaucoma pathology. In this study, we sought to determine if this endogenous antioxidant response is driven by the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) or glial cells. We used Nrf2fl/fl mice and cell-type specific adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) expressing Cre to alter Nrf2 levels in either the RGCs or glial cells. Then, we quantified the endogenous antioxidant response, visual function and optic nerve histology after IOP elevation. We found that knock-down of Nrf2 in either cell type blunts the antioxidant response and results in earlier pathology and vision loss. Further, we show that delivery of Nrf2 to the RGCs is sufficient to provide neuroprotection. In summary, both the RGCs and glial cells contribute to the antioxidant response, but treatment of the RGCs alone with increased Nrf2 is sufficient to delay onset of vision loss and axon degeneration in this induced model of glaucoma.
Combining deep learning with a kinetic model to predict dynamic PET images and generate parametric images
Authors: Liang Ganglin , Zhou Jinpeng , Chen Zixiang , Wan Liwen , Wumener Xieraili , Zhang Yarong , Liang Dong , Liang Ying , Hu Zhanli
Published: October 2023

Background

Dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) images are useful in clinical practice because they can be used to calculate the metabolic parameters (Ki) of tissues using graphical methods (such as Patlak plots). Ki is more stable than the standard uptake value and has a good reference value for clinical diagnosis. However, the long scanning time required for obtaining dynamic PET images, usually an hour, makes this method less useful in some ways. There is a tradeoff between the scan durations and the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of Ki images. The purpose of our study is to obtain approximately the same image as that produced by scanning for one hour in just half an hour, improving the SNRs of images obtained by scanning for 30 min and reducing the necessary 1-h scanning time for acquiring dynamic PET images.

Methods

In this paper, we use U-Net as a feature extractor to obtain feature vectors with a priori knowledge about the image structure of interest and then utilize a parameter generator to obtain five parameters for a two-tissue, three-compartment model and generate a time activity curve (TAC), which will become close to the original 1-h TAC through training. The above-generated dynamic PET image finally obtains the Ki parameter image.

Results

A quantitative analysis showed that the network-generated Ki parameter maps improved the structural similarity index measure and peak SNR by averages of 2.27% and 7.04%, respectively, and decreased the root mean square error (RMSE) by 16.3% compared to those generated with a scan time of 30 min.

Conclusions

The proposed method is feasible, and satisfactory PET quantification accuracy can be achieved using the proposed deep learning method. Further clinical validation is needed before implementing this approach in routine clinical applications.
How “K-Style” has influenced the younger generation through local Vietnamese influencers
Authors: Kim Habin , Choo Ho Jung
Published: October 2023

This study delves into the dissemination of K-Style in Vietnam, highlighting the multifaceted role of influencers in co-creating Korean culture through vivid videos that embrace and customize K-Style. Our study reveals the interconnectedness of K-Style practice elements (grooming material, styling competence, imagery meaning) and practice systems. We contribute to the understanding of ‘style’ as a concept connected to ethnic contexts and processes. By aligning practice elements, ‘non-carriers’ contribute to constructing the image of ‘Korean style’. Overseas social influencers hold more significant sway over local consumers, adapting to their sociocultural and ethnic characteristics. This study unveils the process through which everyday life accumulates through practice and eventually forms into culture by analyzing the discourse of influencers naturally present in daily life. Our research offers several significant contributions: (1) A topological approach to the hybridization of the K-Style was employed by analyzing real-time cultural transformation captured in videos. (2) Additionally, the process of cultural diffusion by Vietnamese influencers for Korean culture was identified, thus laying the groundwork for future research on consumption culture migration and evolution.
A rare case of esophageal metastasis from signet-ring cell carcinoma of the cecum
Authors: Tanaka Yoichi , Chino Osamu , Kajiwara Hiroshi , Hanashi Tomoko , Nakamura Tomoki , Makuuchi Hiroyasu
Published: October 2023

Background

Metastatic esophageal cancer is rare. Its common primary lesions include lung cancer and breast cancer. Metastatic esophageal cancer originating from colorectal cancer is rarer.

Case presentation

A 79-year-old woman visited our hospital because of lower abdominal discomfort. She was endoscopically diagnosed with type 0–IIa + IIc cancer of the cecum, and biopsy of the lesion showed signet-ring cell carcinoma. With a preoperative clinical staging of cStage I (cT2, cN0, cM0), the patient underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection with D3 lymphadenectomy. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens revealed signet-ring cell carcinoma [type 4, pT4a, pN3 (No. 203), M0, pRM1, stage IIIc, R1]. Despite radial margin positivity, the patient refused resection of the residual tumor and received oral tegafur and uracil. KRAS mutation test showed KRAS wild-type colon cancer, but she refused anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy. One year after surgery, her blood carcinoembryonic antigen concentration elevated. Colonoscopy showed anastomotic recurrence and biopsy of the lesion showed signet-ring cell carcinoma. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed multiple longitudinal submucosal tumors with erosions on their surfaces in the esophagus. Tumor biopsy revealed signet-ring cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry showed that the histological type of the esophageal tumors was the same as that of the primary colon cancer. Based on these findings, the esophageal tumors were diagnosed with metastasis from signet-ring cell carcinoma of the cecum. The oral chemotherapy was replaced with FOLFOX plus bevacizumab. However, the patient’s condition required treatment discontinuation, and she died of cancer progression 1 year and 5 months after surgery.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first case report on metastatic esophageal cancer from signet-ring cell carcinoma of the cecum. Esophagoscopy showed multiple longitudinal submucosal tumors, which is similar to an endoscopic finding of intramural metastasis from primary esophageal cancer. We consider that the multiple longitudinal submucosal tumors are a notable feature of our case. When metastatic esophageal cancer is suspected, clinicians, endoscopists, and pathologists should consider signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon as one of potential primary lesions. This consideration could lead the specialists to appropriate examinations and treatments, thereby improving clinical outcomes in patients with the metastasis.
Menstrual Cycle Associated Alteration of Vastus Lateralis Motor Unit Function
Authors: Piasecki Jessica , Guo Yuxiao , Jones Eleanor J. , Phillips Bethan E. , Stashuk Daniel W. , Atherton Philip J. , Piasecki Mathew
Published: October 2023

Background

Estrogen and progesterone are the primary female sex hormones and have net excitatory and inhibitory effects, respectively, on neuronal function. Fluctuating concentrations across the menstrual cycle has led to several lines of research in relation to neuromuscular function and performance; however evidence from animal and cell culture models has yet to be demonstrated in human motor units coupled with quantification of circulating hormones. Intramuscular electromyography was used to record motor unit potentials and corresponding motor unit potential trains from the vastus lateralis of nine eumenorrheic females during the early follicular, ovulation and mid luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, alongside assessments of neuromuscular performance. Multi-level regression models were applied to explore effects of time and of contraction level. Statistical significance was accepted as p < 0.05.

Results

Knee extensor maximum voluntary contraction, jump power, force steadiness, and balance did not differ across the menstrual phases (all p > 0.4). Firing rate of low threshold motor units (10% maximum voluntary contraction) was lower during the ovulation and mid luteal phases (β = − 0.82 Hz, p < 0.001), with no difference in motor unit potentials analysed from 25% maximum voluntary contraction contractions. Motor unit potentials were more complex during ovulation and mid luteal phase (p < 0.03), with no change in neuromuscular junction transmission instability (p > 0.3).

Conclusions

Assessments of neuromuscular performance did not differ across the menstrual cycle. The suppression of low threshold motor unit firing rate during periods of increased progesterone may suggest a potential inhibitory effect and an alteration of recruitment strategy; however this had no discernible effect on performance. These findings highlight contraction level-dependent modulation of vastus lateralis motor unit function over the eumenorrheic cycle, occurring independently of measures of performance.
Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children from 4 to 9 Years of Age
Authors: Delisle Nyström Christine , Migueles Jairo H. , Henriksson Pontus , Löf Marie
Published: October 2023

Background

Physical activity guidelines for children encourage moderate-to-vigorous intensity activities (MVPA); however, some studies have found that only vigorous intensity activities (VPA) might promote health benefits in young children. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate cross-sectional and 5-year longitudinal associations of VPA and MVPA with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in childhood using compositional data analysis.

Results

This study utilized data from the SPINACH study (n = 411). Physical activity was measured with accelerometers at 4- and 9-years of age. CVD risk factors were measured at 9-years of age, and included blood pressure (BP), lipid metabolism, and glucose metabolism biomarkers, as well as a continuous metabolic syndrome risk score (MetS). Cross-sectional and longitudinal linear regression models were built using compositional data analysis standards. Cross-sectionally, reallocating time to VPA from lower-intensity behaviours at 9-years was associated with lower waist circumference (B = − 3.219, P = 0.002), diastolic BP (B = − 1.836, P = 0.036), triglycerides (B = − 0.214, P < 0.001), glucose (B = − 0.189, P = 0.033), insulin (B = − 2.997, P < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (B = − 0.778, P < 0.001). Similarly, reallocating time to VPA at 4-years was associated with lower MetS (B = − 0.831, P = 0.049), waist circumference (B = − 4.211, P = 0.015), systolic BP (B = − 5.572, P = 0.015), diastolic BP (B = − 2.931, P = 0.044), triglycerides (B = − 0.229, P = 0.034), glucose (B = − 0.325, P = 0.032), insulin (B = − 5.114, P = 0.001), and HOMA-IR (B = − 0.673, P = 0.001) at 9-years. Reallocations of time to MVPA at 4- or 9-years were not associated with CVD risk factors at 9-years.

Conclusions

VPA was associated with CVD risk factors in children both cross-sectionally (9-years) and longitudinally (at 4- and 9-years). MVPA seemed not to be a stimulus of enough intensity to trigger these potential cardiometabolic benefits in healthy children. Thus, these findings suggest the importance of higher intensity activities, i.e., VPA already in early childhood for cardiometabolic health.
Investigation of immune-related diseases using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Shoda Hirofumi , Natsumoto Bunki , Fujio Keishi
Published: October 2023

The precise pathogenesis of immune-related diseases remains unclear, and new effective therapeutic choices are required for the induction of remission or cure in these diseases. Basic research utilizing immune-related disease patient-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells is expected to be a promising platform for elucidating the pathogenesis of the diseases and for drug discovery. Since autoinflammatory diseases are usually monogenic, genetic mutations affect the cell function and patient-derived iPS cells tend to exhibit disease-specific phenotypes. In particular, iPS cell-derived monocytic cells and macrophages can be used for functional experiments, such as inflammatory cytokine production, and are often employed in research on patients with autoinflammatory diseases.

On the other hand, the utilization of disease-specific iPS cells is less successful for research on autoimmune diseases. One reason for this is that autoimmune diseases are usually polygenic, which makes it challenging to determine which factors cause the phenotypes of patient-derived iPS cells are caused by. Another reason is that protocols for differentiating some lymphocytes associated with autoimmunity, such as CD4+T cells or B cells, from iPS cells have not been well established. Nevertheless, several groups have reported studies utilizing autoimmune disease patient-derived iPS cells, including patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and systemic sclerosis. Particularly, non-hematopoietic cells, such as fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes, differentiated from autoimmune patient-derived iPS cells have shown promising results for further research into the pathogenesis. Recently, our groups established a method for differentiating dendritic cells that produce interferon-alpha, which can be applied as an SLE pathological model. In summary, patient-derived iPS cells can provide a promising platform for pathological research and new drug discovery in the field of immune-related diseases.
The effect of behavioral training program for parents on disruptive behavior among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Hamed Abd Elaleem Alaa El Din Moustafa , Halim Osman Zeinab Abd El , El-Fatah Wafaa Osman Abd
Published: October 2023

Background

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent ailments that affects both adolescents and children. Previous studies found that 40% of children with ADHD presented with disruptive behaviors, which reflect serious long-term problems associated with daily living activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the behavioral parent training program on disruptive behavior among children with attention deficits hyperactivity disorder.

Results

The current study showed significant statistical differences between the study and control groups after the behavioral training program regarding the disruptive of the children.

Conclusion

The behavioral training program successfully reduced children’s disruptive behavior.
Factors influencing hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation: a hospital based-study
Authors: Fahmi Rasha M. , Elkhatib Takwa H. M. , Hafez Hala Ahmad Fathy , Ramadan Bothina M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Patients with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF) are at high risk of developing hemorrhagic transformation (HT). The aim of the current study is to evaluate the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation and associated risk factors in a hospital-based sample with ischemic stroke and AF patients. A prospective study with a total of 234 stroke patients with AF was consecutively recruited. HT incidence was determined by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Risk factors associated with HT was identified by comparing patients with and without HT.

Results

The incidence of HT in ischemic stroke with AF was 22.6%. Univariate analysis established that old age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, anticoagulant medications, NIHSS, cerebral microbleeds (CMB), superficial siderosis (SS) and size of infarction were significantly more frequent with HT. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that old age [odds ratio (OR): 1.05, confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.09], size of infarction (OR: 2.57, CI 1.06–6.27) and CMB ≥ 10 (OR: 4.68, CI 1.71–12.84) were significantly associated with the risk of HT.

Conclusions

Older age, larger infarction size, and CMB ≥ 10 were risk factors significantly associated with HT.
The impact of red blood cell transfusion in preterm neonates on germinal matrix hemorrhage: incidence and grade with correlation to outcome
Authors: Ahmed Khaled Amin Nasef , Saied Dalia Ahmed , Megahed Eman E. L. Sayed Mustafa , Kamel Sara Mahmoud , Kamel Mona Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Background

Germinal matrix hemorrhage affects 20 to 25% of infants with a low birth weight (less than 1500 g). About one-tenth of them progress to intra-parenchymal hemorrhage, usually during the first days after birth. Several studies have found a correlation between packed RBC transfusions and a higher frequency of severe germinal matrix hemorrhage in neonatal intensive care units.

Transcranial ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive modality that can be used repeatedly in the neonates with ability to detect different grades of germinal matrix hemorrhage.

Objective

Was to evaluate the impact of packed RBC transfusion on the incidence and grade of germinal matrix hemorrhage, as evaluated by transcranial Doppler, and correlation to outcome.

Methods

This prospective observational study included one hundred preterm infants admitted to NICU, suffering from GM hemorrhage throughout 9 months duration. Bedside transcranial ultrasound was done for all the patients with a correlation of the grade of hemorrhage to the onset of blood transfusion, different clinical parameters, and the outcome.

Results

Statistical analysis showed a significant relation between the age of the first PRBC transfusion and GM hemorrhage grade. A positive relation was found between total amounts of PRBC transfusion and increasing grade of GM hemorrhage. A negative relation was found between GM hge grades and Apgar scores. GM hge patients who received PRBC transfusion had lower mean birth weight, lower gestational age, and longer duration of hospital stay than those who have not received PRBC transfusion.

Conclusion

Close monitoring of preterm neonates receiving packed RBCs, by transcranial ultrasound, as early as possible, is mandatory to early detect GM hge and limit subsequent morbidities.
Performance of AI-aided mammography in breast cancer diagnosis: Does breast density matter?
Authors: Badawy Eman , ElNaggar Rawan , Soliman Somia Abdulatif Mahmoud , Elmesidy Dalia Salaheldin
Published: October 2023

Background

One of the top four malignancies affecting women worldwide is breast cancer. Breast density is a risk factor for breast cancer on its own and also a limiting factor for the sensitivity of screening mammography. Tools of artificial intelligence (AI) can help radiologists to make decisions, potentially reducing perceptual and interpretation errors, or as a way to prioritize exams based on the likelihood of malignancy.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of breast density on the performance of AI in mammography (MG) for the diagnosis of breast malignancy.

Methods

In total, 110 patients with pathologically proven breast cancer participated in this retrospective study. These patients had full field digital mammography, and the mammogram pictures were exported to the AI software system. Heat maps displaying the location of discovered lesions then highlighted the affected area or areas and also provided abnormality scores indicating the probability of malignancy (POM). The results of the histopathological analysis were correlated with the breast density and AI category.

Results

The artificial intelligence software gave a breast density score to each patient as well as POM scoring. Both the software and the radiologist agreed on the breast density in 80.00% (N = 88) of the patients. Upon correlation of AI results to the BI-RADS given by radiologist, demonstrated statistically very significant correlation (P value 0.001), indicating that the likelihood of error is less than one in a thousand. Upon correlating the pathology results with the AI abnormality score, the AI showed sensitivity of 93.64% as it detected 103 true positive lesions. AI showed 100% sensitivity in both ACR A and ACR B, and 94.74%, 76.47% in ACR C, ACR D, respectively. False negative results represented 5.26% in ACR C group and the highest with 23.53% in ACR D group of patients. The P value was found less than 0.001. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated (R = 0.27) which was interpreted as a weak correlation between the decrease in sensitivity of AI and the breast density.

Conclusions

Our study showed that there is a slight link between increasing breast density and a relative decline in AI's ability to detect malignant lesions, suggesting that AI can detect breast cancer effectively in breasts of different parenchymal densities, with its effectiveness being highest in breasts with lower parenchymal density.
The modified homotopy perturbation method and its application to the dynamics of price evolution in Caputo-fractional order Black Scholes model
Authors: Alaje Adedapo Ismaila , Olayiwola Morufu Oyedunsi , Adedokun Kamilu Adewale , Adedeji Joseph Adeleke , Oladapo Asimiyu Olamilekan , Akeem Yunus Olanrewaju
Published: October 2023

Background

Following a financial loss in trades due to lack of risk management in previous models from market practitioners, Fisher Black and Myron Scholes visited the academic setting and were able to mathematically develop an option pricing equation named the Black–Scholes model. In this study, we address the solution of a Caputo fractional-order Black–Scholes model using an analytic method named the modified initial guess homotopy perturbation method.

Methodology

Foremost, the classical Black Scholes model relaxed for European option style is generalized to be of Caputo derivative. The introduced method is established by coupling a power series function of arbitrary order with the renown He’s homotopy perturbation method. The convergence of the method is demonstrated using the fixed point theorem, and its methodology is illustrated by solving a generalized theoretical form of the fractional order Black Scholes model. The applicability of the method is proven by solving three different fractional order Black–Scholes equations derived from different market scenarios and its effectiveness is confirmed as feasible series of arbitrary orders that accelerate fast to the exact solution at an integer order were obtained. The computation of these results was carried out using Mathematica 12 software. Subsequently, the obtained outcomes were utilized in Maple 18 software to conduct a series of numerical simulations. These simulations aimed to analyze the influence of the fractional order on the dynamics of payoff functions regarding the share value as the option approached its expiration date under varying market constraints. In all three scenarios, the results showed that option values decrease as the expiration date approaches the integer order. Furthermore, the comparative outcomes reveal that Caputo fractional order derivatives control the flexibility of the classical Black–Scholes model because its payoff curve exhibits more sensitivity to changes associated with market characteristic parameters, such as volatility and interest rates.

Recommendations

We propose that the results of this work should be examined and implemented by mathematicians and economists to better comprehend the influence of Caputo-fractional order derivatives in understanding the dynamics of option price evolution of financial assets.
Factors influencing consumers purchase intention during Covid-19 pandemic in the case of Dessie Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Yimer Ahmed Mohammed , Dessie Tsadiku Setegne , Oumer Seid Hussein , Ali Mohammed Yimam
Published: October 2023

The health emergency undertaken by the Ethiopian government to counter the impact of the Covid-19 virus has been reflected in consumer behavior. The study aims to identify changes in consumer buying behavior and its effect on their purchase intention with the help of measurement of variables related to social influence, cultural value, lifestyle, psychological factors of motivation, perception, and attitude of consumers in Dessie town during the pandemic. Data were gathered from retail shops and the surrounding area with a total of valid 368 consumers responses using a convenient sampling method which was analyzed by performing descriptive statistics, comparing mean analysis correlation analysis and multiple linear regressions. The Multiple Linear Regression Model was used to check the theoretical hypotheses. According to the findings, all variables had a positive and significant influence on purchase intention. Theoretically, this study supported the view of consumer behavior toward a product that influences their behavioral intention during a pandemic crisis. The findings proposed useful information to marketers to help them develop effective marketing strategies to convince consumers during a pandemic or similar crisis. The study recommends that all factors are critical in influencing consumers' purchase intention in the COVID-19 virus context. This study adds new ways of looking that how consumers' purchase intention is influenced by the target variables of the study under the condition of pandemic disease and it guides marketers on how they should respond to customers during a crisis.
Frontline resilience in the retail realm: the role of moral disengagement in understanding employee behavior in the post-pandemic uncertainties
Authors: Swazan Ishtehar Sharif , Youn Song-yi
Published: October 2023

In the wake of the pandemic, retail services—especially vulnerable to ethical dilemmas due to heightened market instability—demand a deeper understanding of service employees’ behaviors. This research investigates the impact of market uncertainties on organizational justice and behaviors, with a specific examination of the moderating role of moral disengagement. An online survey was used to collect data from 255 retail service employees. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with the partial least squares (PLS) approach was applied. Findings suggest that market uncertainties influence employees' justice perceptions. Intriguingly, in conditions of high moral disengagement, the relationship between justice perception and citizenship behaviors was strengthened, indicating a nuanced interplay of ethical perceptions amidst uncertain environments. This study is the first attempt to explore the unique role of moral disengagement in understanding frontline employees’ behaviors, which can offer insights into how employees' ethical considerations evolve in complex, uncertain business environments.
Uncertainty relations for the relativistic Jackiw-Nair anyon: A first-principles derivation
Authors: Majhi Joydeep , Ghosh Subir
Published: October 2023

In this paper we have explicitly computed the position-position and position-momentum (Heisenberg) uncertainty relations for the model of relativistic particles with arbitrary spin, proposed by Jackiw and Nair (Jackiw R. and Nair V. P. Phys. Rev. D, 43 (1991) 1933) as a model for anyon, in a purely quantum mechanical framework. This supports (via Schwarz inequality) the conjecture that anyons live in a 2-dimensional non-commutative space. We have computed the non-trivial uncertainty relation between anyon coordinates,

, using the recently constructed anyon wave function (Majhi J. et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 123 (2019) 164801), in the framework of Bialynicki-Birula I. and Bialynicka-Birula Z., New J. Phys., 21 (2019) 07306. We also compute the Heisenberg (position-momentum) uncertainty relation for anyons. Lastly we show that the identical formalism when applied to electrons, yield a trivial position uncertainty relation, consistent with their living in a 3-dimensional commutative space.
Dexmedetomidine Infusion Versus Placebo During Light or Deep Anesthesia on Postoperative Delirium in Older Patients Undergoing Major Noncardiac Surgery: A Pilot Randomized Factorial Trial
Authors: Long Yu-qin , Xu Qi-ya , Zhao Wei-ming , Shan Xi-sheng , Yang Hao-tian , Zhuang Kai , Liu Hong , Ji Fu-hai , Peng Ke
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative delirium (POD) is common among older surgical patients and may be affected by dexmedetomidine and depth of anesthesia. We designed this pilot study to assess the feasibility of comparing dexmedetomidine with normal saline during light versus deep anesthesia on POD in older patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery.

METHODS:

In this pilot randomized factorial study, 80 patients aged 60 years or older undergoing major noncardiac surgery were randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive dexmedetomidine infusion 0.5 μg/kg/h or normal saline placebo during light (bispectral index [BIS] target 55) or deep (BIS target 40) anesthesia. Feasibility end points included consent rate and dropout rate, timely enrollment, blinded study drug administration throughout surgery, no inadvertent unmasking, achieving BIS target throughout >70% of surgery duration, and the process of twice-daily POD screening. In addition, we estimated the POD incidences in the 2 control groups (placebo and deep anesthesia) and treatment effects of dexmedetomidine and light anesthesia.

RESULTS:

Between November 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, 78 patients completed the trial (mean [standard deviation, SD] age, 69.6 [4.6] years; 48 male patients [62%]; dexmedetomidine-deep, n = 19; dexmedetomidine-light, n = 20; placebo-deep, n = 19; placebo-light, n = 20). This study had a high consent rate (86%) and a low dropout rate (2.5%). Average recruitment was 5 patients at each center per month. Dexmedetomidine and normal saline were administered in a blinded fashion in all patients. Unmasking did not occur in either group. Approximately 99% of patients received the scheduled study drug infusion throughout the surgery. Approximately 81% of patients achieved the BIS targets throughout >70% of the surgery duration. The scheduled twice-daily POD screening was completed without exception. Overall, 10 of the 78 patients (13%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7%–22%) developed POD. For the 2 reference groups, POD was observed in 7 of the 39 patients (17.9%; 95% CI, 9%–32.7%) in the placebo group and 7 of the 38 patients (18.4%; 95% CI, 9.2%–33.4%) in the deep anesthesia group. Regarding the treatment effects on POD, the estimated between-group difference was –10% (95% CI, –28% to 7%) for dexmedetomidine versus placebo, and –11% (95% CI, –28% to 6%) for light versus deep anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings of this pilot study demonstrate the feasibility of assessing dexmedetomidine versus placebo during light versus deep anesthesia on POD among older patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery, and justify a multicenter randomized factorial trial.