bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The deacetylase SIRT6 reduces amyloid pathology and supports cognition in mice by reducing the stability of APP in neurons
Authors: Cheng Rong , Bai Ning , Liu Shuhui , Zhao Xiong , Jiang Bo , Guo Wendong , Cao Sunrun , Liu Jingwei , Li Na , Li Xiaoman , Wu Xuan , Yi Fei , Wang Zhuo , Guo Qiqiang , Wei Jiayi , Bai Ming , Jiang Xiaoyou , Song Xiaoyu , Wang Zhuo , Miao Qi , Wang Difei , Di Yu , Liu Hua , Cao Liu
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an aging-related neurodegenerative disorder that results in progressively impaired memory and is often associated with amyloid plaques. Previous studies implicate the deacetylases SIRT1 and SIRT2 in regulating the processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Here, we investigated whether APP is regulated by the related deacetylase SIRT6, which shows aging-associated decreases in activity. We found that the abundance of SIRT6 was reduced in the cortex and hippocampus of aged and AD model mice and negatively correlated with that of APP. In mouse hippocampal neurons and transfected human cells, SIRT6 interacted with and deacetylated APP at three consecutive Lys residues (Lys
649
, Lys
650
, and Lys
651
). This deacetylation, in turn, increased the ubiquitylation of APP, leading to its proteasomal degradation. SIRT6 abundance in neurons was reduced by oxidative stress and DNA damage, both of which are implicated in neurodegenerative pathology. Systemic pharmacological activation of SIRT6 ameliorated both amyloid pathology and cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice, a mouse model of AD. The findings demonstrate that the activity of SIRT6 destabilizes APP and suggest that activating SIRT6 has therapeutic potential to reduce amyloid-associated pathology in patients with AD.
Social determinants of health as risk factors for keratoconus in the All of Us database
Authors: Tan Caleb , Puran Allan I , Santina Ahmad , Yu Fei , Kitayama Ken , Tseng Victoria L , Coleman Anne L
Published: December 2024

Background/aims

Clinical risk factors for keratoconus (KCN) have previously been established. While the impact of the social determinants of health on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of KCN has been explored, further study of these associations is needed in large and diverse populations. This cross-sectional study determines how education level and income impact the prevalence of KCN in the USA using the National Institutes of Health ‘All of Us’ database.

Methods

Exposures included the highest level of education and annual household income. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the odds of KCN diagnosis at different levels of education and income, adjusting for sex assigned at birth, race, ethnicity, age, atopic conditions and eyecare access.

Results

The overall prevalence of KCN was 0.17% (429/255 334). In multivariable logistic regression, individuals with more than a high school education had a greater risk of having KCN than those with less than a high school equivalent (college 1–3 years: adjusted OR (aOR): 1.96; 95% CI 1.46 to 2.65;college graduate or advanced degree: aOR:2.19; 95% CI 1.61 to 3.00). There were no significant associations between income level and odds of keratoconus.

Conclusion

In the study population, higher education level was associated with an increased likelihood of keratoconus, while no correlation was seen between income and KCN prevalence. After adjusting for access to eye care in a secondary analysis, there was an association between increased education level and increased prevalence of KCN. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanism of this finding such as increased levels of dry eye secondary to computer vision syndrome in highly educated people.
Artificial intelligence after the bedside: co-design of AI-based clinical informatics workflows to routinely analyse patient-reported experience measures in hospitals
Authors: Canfell Oliver J , Chan Wilkin , Pole Jason D , Engstrom Teyl , Saul Tim , Daly Jacqueline , Sullivan Clair
Published: December 2024

Objective

To co-design artificial intelligence (AI)-based clinical informatics workflows to routinely analyse patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) in hospitals.

Methods

The context was public hospitals (n=114) and health services (n=16) in a large state in Australia serving a population of ~5 million. We conducted a participatory action research study with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, managers, data analysts, consumer representatives and industry professionals (n=16) across three phases: (1) defining the problem, (2) current workflow and co-designing a future workflow and (3) developing proof-of-concept AI-based workflows. Co-designed workflows were deductively mapped to a validated feasibility framework to inform future clinical piloting. Qualitative data underwent inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Between 2020 and 2022 (n=16 health services), 175 282 PREMs inpatient surveys received 23 982 open-ended responses (mean response rate, 13.7%). Existing PREMs workflows were problematic due to overwhelming data volume, analytical limitations, poor integration with health service workflows and inequitable resource distribution. Three potential semiautomated, AI-based (unsupervised machine learning) workflows were developed to address the identified problems: (1) no code (simple reports, no analytics), (2) low code (PowerBI dashboard, descriptive analytics) and (3) high code (Power BI dashboard, descriptive analytics, clinical unit-level interactive reporting).

Discussion

The manual analysis of free-text PREMs data is laborious and difficult at scale. Automating analysis with AI could sharpen the focus on consumer input and accelerate quality improvement cycles in hospitals. Future research should investigate how AI-based workflows impact healthcare quality and safety.

Conclusion

AI-based clinical informatics workflows to routinely analyse free-text PREMs data were co-designed with multidisciplinary end-users and are ready for clinical piloting.
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates quadriceps motor cortex inhibition and facilitation during rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: a triple-blind, randomised controlled proof of concept trial
Authors: Murphy Myles Calder , Sylvester Colin , Whife Casey , D’Alessandro Peter , Rio Ebonie Kendra , Vallence Ann-Maree
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), maladaptive changes occur in the motor cortex representation of the quadriceps, evidenced by increases in intracortical inhibition and facilitation. The primary objective of this proof-of-concept study was to determine if anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can alter quadriceps intracortical inhibition and facilitation in an early-ACLR population after 6 weeks of application during exercise.

Methods

We performed a randomised, triple-blind controlled trial for proof of concept comparing anodal-tDCS to sham-tDCS following ACLR. Anodal-tDCS or sham-tDCS was delivered to the primary motor cortex for 20 min, three times per week, for 6 weeks from week 2 post ACLR. Transcranial magnetic stimulation quantified quadriceps short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) and short-interval intracortical facilitation (SICF). Significance at p<0.05.

Results

Participants were randomised to anodal (n=11) or sham (n=10) tDCS. Participants were predominantly male (n=13) and had a mean (SD) age of 24.4 (4.7) years. For SICI, there was a group-by-time effect for anodal-tDCS (β=0.519, 95% CI 0.057 to 0.981, p=0.028) and an effect for time (β=−1.421, 95% CI −1.919 to −0.923, p<0.001). For LICI, there was no group-by-time (β=−0.217, 95% CI −0.916 to 0.482, p=0.543) or time effect (β=0.039, 95% CI −0.815 to −0.893, p=0.928). For SICF, there was a group-by-time effect for anodal-tDCS (β=−0.764, 95%CI −1.407 to −0.120, p=0.020) but not time (β=0.504, 95% CI −0.627 to 1.635, p=0.383).

Conclusion

This study provided proof of the efficacy of anodal-tDCS post ACLR in reducing maladaptive quadriceps inhibition and facilitation. We demonstrated anodal-tDCS improved facilitation and inhibition post ACLR, which are drivers of arthrogenic muscle inhibition.
Efficacy and safety outcomes of endovascular versus best medical treatment in posterior cerebral artery occlusion stroke
Authors: Guo Yu , Zhang Wentai , Xu Yonggang , Chen Meilin , Ye Xinchen , Liu Chao , Yang Mingfei , Luo Wenmiao
Published: December 2024

Background

The management of acute ischemic stroke due to isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusion (iPCAO) remains a topic of debate. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) versus best medical treatment (BMT) in patients with iPCAO.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Controlled studies comparing EVT and BMT in patients with iPCAO were selected. The primary efficacy outcome assessed was excellent outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–1. The primary safety outcome was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Secondary outcomes included functional independence (mRS 0–2), early neurological improvement (ENI), and mortality rates. Statistical analyses were conducted using random effects models.

Results

Eleven retrospective cohort studies involving 1811 patients with EVT and 2871 patients with BMT were analyzed. Compared with BMT, EVT was associated with a higher likelihood of an excellent outcome (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.33, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.54) and ENI (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.98), but no significant difference in functional independence (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.18). Compared with BMT, EVT may not be associated with an increased risk of sICH in patients with iPCAO (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 0.60 to 3.02) or mortality (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.08), although heterogeneity was high.

Conclusions

EVT may improve the likelihood of an excellent outcome and ENI in patients with iPCAO. However, the potential risks of sICH and mortality warrant consideration. Randomized trials are required to establish the definitive efficacy and safety of EVT in this patient population.
Vasodilator drugs and heart-related outcomes in systemic sclerosis: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Guédon Alexis F , Carrat Fabrice , Mouthon Luc , Launay David , Chaigne Benjamin , Pugnet Grégory , Lega Jean-Christophe , Hot Arnaud , Cottin Vincent , Agard Christian , Allanore Yannick , Fauchais Anne Laure , Lescoat Alain , Dhote Robin , Papo Thomas , Chatelus Emmanuel , Bonnotte Bernard , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel , Diot Elisabeth , Aouba Achille , Magy-Bertrand Nadine , Queyrel Viviane , Le Quellec Alain , Kieffer Pierre , Amoura Zahir , Granel Brigitte , Gaultier Jean Baptiste , Balquet Marie-Hélène , Wahl Denis , Lidove Olivier , Espitia Olivier , Cohen Ariel , Fain Olivier , Hachulla Eric , Mekinian Arsène , Rivière Sébastien
Published: December 2024

Background and aims

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective disease characterised by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and widespread skin and internal organ fibrosis including various cardiac manifestations. Heart involvement is one of the leading causes of death among patients with SSc. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of various vasodilator treatments.

Methods

We used data from a national multicentric prospective study using the French SSc national database. We estimated the average treatment effect (ATE) of sildenafil, bosentan, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and iloprost on diastolic dysfunction, altered ejection fraction <50% and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) using a causal method, namely the longitudinal targeted minimum loss-based estimation, to adjust for confounding and informative censoring.

Results

We included 1048 patients with available data regarding treatment. Regarding sildenafil analyses, the ATE on diastolic dysfunction at 3 years was −2.83% (95% CI −4.06; −1.60, p<0.00001), and the estimated ATE on altered ejection fraction <50% was −0.88% (95% CI −1.70; −0.05, p=0.037). We did not find a significative effect on PAH. Regarding bosentan, ACE inhibitors and iloprost, none of them neither showed a significant effect on diastolic dysfunction, altered ejection fraction <50% or PAH.

Conclusions

Using causal methods, our study is the first and largest suggesting that sildenafil might have benefits among SSc patients regarding diastolic dysfunction and altered ejection fraction occurrence. However, further studies assessing the effect of vasodilators on heart-related outcome among SSc patients are needed to confirm those exploratory results.
Research and Simulation Application of Automatic Generation of Judging Curves for IoT Mobile Devices in Train Driving Operations Incorporating Hybrid Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Gong Hui , Chen Xianjin , Cai Jie , Zhu Yongren
Published: December 2024

A control system for automatically generating a train operation evaluation curve based on a hybrid genetic algorithm has been proposed in order to improve the safety of automatic train operation. The system is based on Internet of Things (IoT) mobile devices and utilizes various sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometers, and GPS to collect real-time data on the driver’s acceleration, angular velocity, air pressure, and position, among other parameters. 5G wireless communication technology is used to achieve high-speed data transmission and real-time communication with the cloud. Based on cloud data, a spatial grid area planning model is constructed to automatically generate the train operation evaluation curve. Using a spatial dynamic programming method, the entire network of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains is treated as a whole, and a dynamic model of the EMU train is constructed. The spatial area parameters of the EMU train’s automatic driving operation evaluation curve are combined with the dynamic model analysis method. By identifying and analyzing environmental parameters such as train speed and distance, the EMU train’s automatic driving operation evaluation curve is optimized. A hybrid genetic evolution learning optimization algorithm is used to fit the motion spatial parameters of the EMU train’s automatically generated driving operation evaluation curve, and a spatial behavior analysis simulation is created for the EMU train’s automatically generated control driving operation curve. Through the use of hybrid genetic evolution learning optimization technology, adaptive control and automatic driving operation curve simulation planning for the automatically generated driving operation evaluation curve of the maglev train are achieved, as well as simulation and algorithm optimization design for the automatically generated driving operation evaluation curve of the maglev train. The simulation results show that the method has good adaptability and strong automatic control capability. The experimental results demonstrate the control effect of the proposed method on energy consumption and train stopping error, indicating that the proposed method can effectively improve the parameter adjustment and offset correction ability of the evaluation curve generated by the high-speed train driving operation.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Point Defects in Triple Conducting Perovskite Ba0.95La0.05FeO3−δ with Incorporation of the Hydride Defect Formation Reaction for Solid Oxide Cells
Authors: Lee Yueh-Lin , Duan Yuhua , Sorescu Dan C. , Saidi Wissam A. , Morgan Dane , Epting William K. , Hackett Gregory , Abernathy Harry W.
Published: December 2024

Distinct from the proton defect, the hydride defect species may be present in certain perovskite materials in reducing environments such as in fuel electrodes of solid oxide cells (SOCs) or on the reducing side of ceramic membranes. A generalized defect thermodynamic model was developed for the triple-conducting perovskites (La,Ba)Fe1−xMxO3−δ
(M = Y and Zr) to allow inclusion of the hydride defect formation reaction in addition to the other three main defect reactions, namely, the oxygen vacancy formation, hydration, and charge disproportionation reactions. This comprehensive defect model also allows the incorporation of polynomial functional forms of oxygen nonstoichiometry δ to describe the defect reaction energies and entropies and to enable refinements of the defect reaction equilibrium constants in the defect thermodynamic analysis. As a first step, the developed model is applied to the Ba0.95La0.05FeO3−δ
material as an illustrative system to obtain its Brouwer diagrams with both the proton and hydride defects in relevant SOC conditions, particularly for more reducing environments. The results provide direct guidance on the influence of electronic and ionic defect concentrations upon thermodynamic properties and ultimately on the performance of Ba0.95La0.05FeO3−δ
and potentially other (La,Ba)Fe1−xMxO3−δ
perovskite materials involved in SOC applications.
Probing the Influence of Steric Hindrance in Nonfluorinated Ether Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Ma Peiyuan , Le Uyen , Wang Ke-Hsin , Vu Minh Canh , Mirmira Priyadarshini , Amanchukwu Chibueze V.
Published: December 2024

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs), especially “anode-free“ LMBs, promise much higher energy density than current lithium-ion batteries but suffer from poor capacity retention. While novel electrolytes have been designed to extend cycle life in anode free LMBs, most of them contain a high fraction of fluorinated solvents or diluents that may cause environmental concerns. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a group of nonfluorinated ether solvents (termed xME solvents). By substituting the methyl terminal group of 1,2-dimethoxy ethane (DME) with different alkyl groups, the solvation power of xME solvents was tuned to be weaker, leading to more ion pairing in electrolyte solvation structure. In anode free type Cu/LiFePO4 (Cu/LFP) cells, xME electrolytes in general show better capacity retention than DME-based electrolyte. Some xME electrolytes also show better oxidative stability than DME against aluminum and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) electrodes. While the general improvement in LMB cycle life and oxidative stability can be attributed to more ion pairing, the local variation within xME electrolytes indicates other factors are also important. Our work proposes a molecular design strategy to fine-tune ion solvation structure of nonfluorinated ether electrolytes for LMBs.
Influence of Contact Pressure on Hydrogen Crossover and Polarization Behavior in AEM Water Electrolysis
Authors: Witte Jan , Trinke Patrick , Bensmann Boris , Becker Maik , Hanke-Rauschenbach Richard , Turek Thomas
Published: December 2024

Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) holds the potential to become a key technology for future hydrogen production. In the present study, the influence of contact pressure on hydrogen crossover and polarization behavior is systematically investigated in a range from 0.5 MPa to 2.5 MPa in 0.5 MPa increments. The electrodes were prepared as catalyst-coated substrate (CCS), applying 3 mg cm−2 NiFe2O4 on the anode substrate and 0.5 mg cm−2 Pt on the cathode substrate. It is demonstrated that an elevated contact pressure results in a decreased high frequency resistance (R
HF), while simultaneously leading to a significantly increased hydrogen content on the anode side. At 3 A cm−2 the ohmic resistance decreases by approx. 30 mΩ cm2 when increasing the contact pressure from 0.5 MPa to 2.5 MPa, whereas the anodic hydrogen content increased by approx. 1.5 vol.% respectively. Additionally, it can be observed that the selection of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) material has a strong effect on hydrogen crossover, while the influence on cell voltage is insignificant. Overall, these results show a promising starting point for further investigations on the interactions between cathode properties, cell compression and anodic gas contamination.
Optimization of air drying of whole-flavoured Acheta domesticus to improve quality and safety
Authors: Velásquez-Ortiz J. , Galán-Méndez F. , Andrade-Velásquez A. , Hernández-Rodrı́guez D. , Melgar-Lalanne G.
Published: December 2024

In Mexico, the traditional consumption of wild-harvested grasshoppers (chapulı́n) flavoured with hot pepper, salt, and lemon and consumed in their whole and recognizable form has raised concerns regarding safety and preservation. This study introduces the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) as a promising edible insect in its whole form, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative. The research focuses on determining the optimal conditions for oven-drying whole and recognizable specimens of this insect flavoured with salt, hot pepper, and citric acid. The satisfaction level of potential consumers from Veracruz, Mexico, was also evaluated. Four oven-drying temperatures (50 to 65 °C) were tested and modelled using flavoured, dry, and smoked Capsicum annum L., salt, and citric acid. The logarithmic the model could fit better the drying kinetic, and the temperature chosen was 60 °C. The whole, flavoured and dried A. domesticus obtained showed a low microbiological load and peroxide index. Moreover, the sensory analysis conducted with 102 panellists indicated that whole-flavoured samples were generally well accepted, encouraging the potential for widespread adoption in the country. The presented research highlights the potential utilization of processed whole insects with consumer-appealing flavouring as an alternative novelty and well-accepted protein source.
Formorsaneleotris hualienensis, a new genus and species of inland water sleeper (Teleostei: Eleotridae) from eastern Taiwan
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG
Published: December 2024

A very unusual sleeper gobioid fish was obtained from netting in the inland waters of the Hualien River basin in eastern Taiwan. This new genus and species of sleeper has only been collected from Taiwan. Formosaneleotris hualianensis n. gen. & n. sp. can be well distinguished from other sleepers by a unique combination of the following characters: (1) fins: no first dorsal fin; second dorsal fin I/8; anal fin I/8; pectoral fin 13–14; (2) squamation: entirely body naked; (3) vertebral count: 10 + 14 = 24; (4) branchiostegal rays 6; (5) head lacking any canal and pore with longitudinal-like infraorbital sensory papillae; and (6) specific coloration: body and head bloody red entirely; one thin deep red infraorbital stripe to upper lip.
A new species of bagrid catfish genus Tachysurus (Teleostei: Bagridae) from Wu river basin in central Taiwan
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , LIU JIAN-CHIN , YEH MING-FON
Published: December 2024

A new species of freshwater bagrid catfishes, Tachysurus (Teleostei: Bagridae) were collected from Wu river basin in central Taiwan. The new species, Tachysurus flumendraco n. sp. is most similar to Taiwanese endemic, T. adiposalis (Oshima, 1919) than any other congeneric species in eastern Asia. It can be well distinguished by the following unique combination of features: (1) dorsal fin rays II + 8; (2) anal fin rays: modally 3 + 18 = 21; (3) spine of pectoral fin with posterior serrations modally 18; (4) vertebral count usually 5 + 43–44; and (5) specific coloration pattern: body and head entirely bright creamy yellow to golden yellow, dorsal half of head and trunk with light brown; all 4 pairs of barbels creamy white to snow white; adipose fin creamy yellow to brownish yellow; anal fin creamy yellow with lighter basal skin; and caudal fin creamy yellow with distal black margin. The brief morphological comparison with close related species would be also addressed.
Referral Triads
Authors: de Vaan Mathijs , Stuart Toby
Published: December 2024

Third parties who refer clients to expert service providers help clients navigate market uncertainty by curating well-tailored matches between clients and experts and by facilitating post-match trust. We argue that these two functions often entail trade-offs because they require referrers to activate network relationships with different experts. While strong ties between referrers and experts promote trust between clients and experts, the presence of such ties reduces the likelihood that intermediaries refer clients to socially distal experts who may be better suited to serve clients’ needs. We examine this central and unexplored tension by using full population medical claims data for the state of Massachusetts. We find that when primary care physicians (PCPs) refer patients to specialists with whom the PCPs have strong ties, patients demonstrate more confidence in the specialists’ recommendations. However, a strong tie between the PCP and specialist also reduces the expertise match between a patient’s health condition and a specialist’s clinical experience. These findings suggest that the two central means by which referrers add value may be at odds with one another because they are maximized by the activation of different network ties.
The multifaceted helical net of amphipathic alpha-helices; the next dimension of the helical peptide wheel
Authors: Sereda Terrance J , Beck Jordan , Semchuk Paul , Abu Maziad Asmaa S , Wertheim Jason A , Koss Kyle M
Published: December 2024

The amphipathic nature of helical proteins is crucial to their binding features across a broad spectrum of physiological examples, including heat-shock proteins and hyaluronic acid (HA) receptor binding. By taking advantage of the amphipathic balance of amino acids and their presentation in helical faces, novel synthetic peptides can be designed to improve biofunctionality. We present a new approach for designing synthetic alpha helical peptides using a multifaceted analysis, which allows for new bioengineering designs of amphipathic alpha helices. Amphipathic helical peptides were presented with distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic faces; two series of analogs, namely, peptides AX9 and AX7, were designed to contain a hydrophobic and hydrophilic face, respectively. The presence of one series of peptides exhibited a distinct hydrophobic face and the second series exhibited a distinct hydrophilic face, which was corroborated with reversed-phase chromatography (C8). Using a multifaceted approach to analyze the potential faces of an amphipathic helix, we demonstrated that these helices contain seven distinct “side-viewed” helical faces (based on the hydrophobic face of the AXP series of analogs), which provides additional spatial dimensional information beyond the averaging effect of the hydrophobic moment generated from the “top-down” view of a helical wheel. Furthermore, we cross-compared our recently published HA-binding peptide in this manner to demonstrate that the most significant binding was related to (1) balanced amphipathicity and (2) a distribution of the key HA-binding domain B1(X7)B2 presented spatially. For example, our most effective peptide binder 17x-3 has five of seven faces with B1(X7)B2 domains, while the positive control mPEP35 has three, which reflects a lower affinity. With such a tool, one is able to map helical peptides on an additional dimension to characterize and redesign fundamental amphipathic properties among other critical characteristics, such as sugar and glycan binding, which is a fundamental characteristic feature of cellular interactions in almost every biological system.
Benefits of Art therapy in Prison Population with a Diagnosis of Mental Illnes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hidalgo Isern Tamara , Delgado Pastor Luis Carlos , Jiménez Torres Manuel G.
Published: December 2024

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that was introduced in psychiatric hospitals, where psychiatric patients used painting as a way to express themselves. Nowadays, it is used in prison and has positive effects such as stress and anxiety reduction, and decrease in rates of recidivism. The main aim of this study was to analyze the effects of art therapy programs among the prison population with a diagnosis of mental illness. A systematic review was performed and a total of 12 studies were included. Positive results and beneficial effects were observed for this population; the most prominent is the decrease in the rate of recidivism. Art therapy is a form of therapy that is effective for improving socialization and decreasing anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with mental illnesses. It has been proved to decrease recidivism rates in inmates who participate in these programs.
More Positive Attitudes to Aging are Associated with Lower Subjective Cognitive Decline: Moderating Roles of Affective Well-Being
Authors: Komalasari Renata , Hill Nikki L. , Berish Diane , Mogle Jacqueline
Published: December 2024

This study cross-sectionally examined associations between older adults’ aging attitudes and subjective cognitive decline as well as moderating effects of current positive affect and depressive symptoms. Data were collected via an online survey among U.S. adults 65+ ( N = 339, 55.5% female, Mage = 71.7, SD ± 4.78) with no self-reported diagnosis of dementia. SCD was measured with the Everyday Cognition scale; attitudes to physical change, psychological growth, and psychosocial loss in aging were measured with the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire. A Poisson regression analysis showed that overall aging attitudes, attitudes to physical change, and psychosocial loss were associated with SCD, but attitudes to psychosocial growth were not. More positive attitudes to physical change were associated with lower SCD; more negative attitudes to psychosocial loss were associated with higher SCD. The association between more positive attitudes to physical change in aging and lower SCD was accentuated with lower current positive mood and higher current depressive symptoms.
Identify spoofing attacks in Internet of Things (IoT) environments using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Vajrobol Vajratiya , Saxena Geetika Jain , Pundir Amit , Singh Sanjeev , B. Gupta Brij , Gaurav Akshat , Rahaman Mosiur
Published: December 2024

With the growing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, security concerns are becoming increasingly urgent. Protecting IoT systems from cyberattacks is crucial to safeguard sensitive information. Spoofing, particularly Domain Name System (DNS) and Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) spoofing, is a type of attack that can manipulate network traffic and compromise data integrity. DNS spoofing redirects users to fraudulent websites by altering domain name resolutions, while ARP spoofing tricks the network by associating a legitimate internet protocol address with a malicious MAC address, allowing attackers to intercept or modify communication. This study aims to develop an efficient method for detecting these types of spoofing attacks in IoT environments using machine learning techniques. The results show that the random forest algorithm outperforms other models, achieving remarkable performance with a 95.1% accuracy, a precision score of 95.2%, and a strong F1 score of 95.1%. A key contribution of this research is the simultaneous detection of both DNS and ARP spoofing within a unified framework, utilizing a comprehensive set of 46 features. These findings underscore the importance of ensuring robust protection against spoofing attacks to maintain the security and integrity of IoT systems.
Polystyrene Nanoparticles-coated Astragalus Polysaccharides Affects the Development of Prostate Cancer by Regulating Glycolysis of DAP12/SYK Axis Through miR-370
Authors: Gao Cheng , Liu Zixiong , Tan Jiafu
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aims to explore the use of polystyrene nanoparticles as a carrier to encapsulate astragalus polysaccharides and regulate the glycolytic pathway of the DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa/spleen tyrosine kinase (DAP12/SYK) axis through miR-370, thereby affecting the development mechanism of prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

Polystyrene nanoparticles coated with astragalus polysaccharide nanoparticles (APS/PDA NPs) were prepared, and PC-3 cell experiments were used for culture and further detection of miRNA and other genes, detection of glycolysis-related proteins and genes, and observation of the biology of PC-3 cells behavioral changes, exploring the mechanism of action of APS/PDA NPs.

Results

We successfully prepared composite materials of APS/PDA NPs, and found that APS/PDA NPs could inhibit glycolysis and induce apoptosis in PC-3 cells. Further experiments showed that APS/PDA NPs could increase miR-370 expression, inhibit glycolysis, and induce apoptosis. APS/PDA NPs play a strong role in inhibiting the DAP12/SYK axis, inhibiting glycolysis, and causing apoptosis. Combined with biological information and multiple experiments, it was confirmed that miR-370 targeted DAP12, and the inhibition of PCa progression by APS/PDA NPs was achieved through targeting miR-370 and negatively regulating the DAP12/SYK axis.

Conclusion

As a drug carrier, polystyrene nanoparticles can effectively deliver astragalus polysaccharides to prostate cancer cells, thereby increasing the local concentration of drugs and enhancing the therapeutic effect. More encouragingly, this drug carrier not only performed well in inhibiting glycolysis but also significantly upregulated the level of miR-370, which further inhibits the expression of DAP12, providing a new therapeutic idea for inhibiting the development of prostate cancer.
Longitudinal effects of helping war refugees on intergroup threat and fear of war: The role of perceived helping functionality
Authors: Kossowska Małgorzata , Chan Hoi-Wing , Hong Ying Yi , Szumowska Ewa
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the longitudinal effects of aiding war refugees on perceptions of intergroup threat and the prospective fear of being affected by military conflict. We hypothesized that engaging in helping behaviors directed towards refugees would prompt individuals to perceive these actions as serving vital self-functions (i.e., satisfying basic psychological needs), which, in turn, could potentially mitigate the intergroup threat perceived in relation to the refugees while amplifying the prospective fear of potential warfare. Data were collected over three waves of a panel study during the initial 2 months of the refugee crisis in Poland arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our findings reveal that providing assistance to war refugees at Time 1 resulted in greater perceived personal benefits of helping at Time 2. This enhanced perceived functionality of helping subsequently predicted diminished intergroup refugee threat perceptions (both realistic and symbolic), but also heightened fear levels concerning the potential impact of war at Time 3. These results were consistent across models accounting for lagged-1 and more stringent lagged-2 autoregressive effects. Importantly, the observed temporal relationships regarding realistic threat and fear of war were less robust against individual difference factors. These findings enrich the ongoing discourse on the impacts of aiding individuals fleeing conflict zones and how beliefs about the purpose of such means of assistance shape constructive intergroup relations.
The right to be sick
Authors: Appel Jacob M
Published: December 2024

Over the past century, the “right to health” has been recognized by medical organizations and governments across the globe. This essay calls for recognition of a parallel “right to be sick” intended to reframe physician attitudes toward patient autonomy and the right to refuse care. Rather than seeking to discourage allopathic medicine or to question laws requiring involuntary treatment when indicated by the collective welfare, the goal is to have the medical and public health communities reconceptualize their attitudes toward individuals who reject unsought guidance and care.
Using T-lymphocyte subsets at engraftment to predict the risk of acute graft-versus-host disease in patients with thalassemia major: development of a new predictive nomogram
Authors: Xiao Hongwen , Yang Gaohui , Huang Qiulin , Wei Zhenbin , Gan Zhaoping , Wu Meiqing , Shi Zeyan , Huang Huicheng , Pan Zhaofang , Liu Lianjin , Shi Lingling , Zhang Zhongming , Liu Rongrong , Lai Yongrong
Published: December 2024

Background:

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is the primary cause of mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Objectives:

This study aimed to predict the risk of aGvHD after HCT in patients with thalassemia major using a novel predictive nomogram.

Design:

A retrospective study was used to develop the prediction model.

Methods:

We performed retrospective analyses on 402 consecutive thalassemia patients who underwent HCT. Risk factors for aGvHD were analyzed using Cox proportional regression models. T-lymphocyte subsets were collected from 240 patients at the time of neutrophil engraftment. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression was utilized to screen the indices, with cut-off values established through restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression. The predictive model was developed by integrating these T-lymphocyte subsets with clinical features, aiming to enhance the accuracy of aGvHD risk prediction.

Results:

Among 402 thalassemia patients analyzed post-transplantation, significant independent risk factors for aGvHD included matched unrelated donors, haploid-related donors, peripheral blood stem cell infusions, and donor age older than 40 years. Our RCS analysis indicated a marked increase in aGvHD risk when CD4+ T-cell counts exceeded 36 cells/μL and CD8+ T-cell counts exceeded 43 cells/μL during neutrophil engraftment. The integration of T-lymphocyte subsets with clinical risk factors into a Cox regression model demonstrated good predictive performance for assessing aGvHD risk.

Conclusion:

This study presents a novel model designed to predict aGvHD in thalassemia patients post-transplantation by utilizing T-lymphocyte data at the time of engraftment. The model facilitates the creation of personalized treatment plans, aiming to minimize the incidence of aGvHD and improve patient outcomes.
Monkey king evolution (MKE)-GA-SVM model for subtype classification of breast cancer
Authors: Sarkar Suvobrata , Mali Kalyani
Published: December 2024

Objective

Recently, numerous research studies have concentrated on employing hybrid metaheuristic approaches for the analysis and diagnosis of breast cancer which motivated us to devise a computer-driven diagnostic tool that could aid in improving the precision of clinical decision-making.

Methods

In the present study, an integrated metaheuristic machine learning approach-based predictive model was developed that can classify breast cancer into subgroups using clinicopathological data acquired from tertiary care hospitals or oncological institutes.

Results

Monkey king evolution (MKE) was utilized to refine the hyperparameters of the support vector machine to achieve optimal settings, and genetic algorithm (GA) was used to choose the pertinent clinical and pathological attributes involved in classification before being applied to the support vector machine (SVM) classifier for prediction. A comparison was conducted between the results of the integrated MKE-GA-SVM model and those derived from conventional feature selection and hyperparameter tuning models such as GA-SVM, grid search-SVM, and SVM-recursive feature elimination (RFE). The effectiveness of the results was evaluated by applying the 10-fold cross-validation technique to the three multicentre datasets across all models. The integrated machine learning (ML) model achieved classification accuracies of 91.4%, 86.6%, and 75.5% across three clinicopathological breast cancer datasets, outperforming the existing models. The generated model performance was also assessed with notable metrics, namely F1-score, precision–recall curve, area under the ROC curve, mean square error and logarithmic loss.

Conclusion

Thus, the newly developed bio-inspired integrated metaheuristic model may be deployed as a surrogate diagnostic tool that allows clinicians to offer patients with better therapeutic outcomes.
Handcrafting Joy to Support Both the Patient and Clinician Experience
Authors: Shaik Noor Fathima , Do David , Rosin Roy
Published: December 2024

A patient's hospital stay is too often wrapped in fear and worry. Healthcare leaders have emphasized the immense need to improve patient experience and address patients’ individual needs. In addition to helping with the medical aspect of healing, we believe health systems can encourage and empower providers to perform acts of kindness to help elevate the otherwise stressful experience of being hospitalized. We describe an initiative focused on tailoring joyful surprises, like unexpected gifts, to help support both patients and clinicians, aiming to improve patient experience and satisfaction while reducing provider burnout. In sharing the stories of the interactions between the providers and patients, it is clear that not only has this program brought joy to our patients, but that it has also helped reconnect our providers with their sense of meaning and purpose in caring for people and meeting their needs. Thus, we herein describe a patient-centered initiative that enables healthcare providers to provide unique and joyful surprises for their patients in a manner that is readily scalable, cost-effective, accessible, and deeply impactful.
Seismic fragility assessment of reinforced concrete wall buildings in Colombia: Insights and implications for earthquake-resistant design
Authors: Arroyo Orlando , Bonett Ricardo , Vidales Frank , Ocampo Juan José , Feliciano Dirsa , Carrillo Julian , Novoa Daniela
Published: December 2024

Colombia is in a high seismicity area where the Nazca and South American plate converge. Past earthquakes in 1985 and 1999 caused considerable economic and human losses to the country. As part of a seismic risk mitigation strategy, the National Geological Service commissioned a nationwide seismic risk model in 2022, which required developing seismic fragility functions representative of the country building stock. This article presents the seismic fragility results for conventional and thin reinforced concrete (RC) wall buildings. Conventional RC walls are those fulfilling ACI 318 provisions, and thin RC wall buildings (TRCWBs) are those reinforced with a single layer of a welded wire mesh with limited ductility. Leveraging a database of 259 structural drawings and models, 91 building archetypes were created in OpenSeesPy using a modeling approach that approximates non-planar walls with the MVLEM-2D. These underwent nonlinear dynamic analyses with over 3000 hazard-consistent ground motions, recording inter-story drifts, floor accelerations, and element forces. The results were used to calculate seismic fragility functions that served as input for the application of the FEMA P-695 methodology. The findings of this study provide fragility parameters for buildings between 4 and 30 stories constructed in low, intermediate, and high seismic hazard in Colombia, which are suitable for development of seismic risk scenarios. In addition, results also suggest that the Colombian code provisions for TRCWB require adjustments.
Risk management strategy for generative AI in computing education: how to handle the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats?
Authors: Humble Niklas
Published: December 2024

The idea of Artificial intelligence (AI) has a long history in both research and fiction and has been applied in educational settings since the 1970s. However, the topic of AI underwent a huge increase of interest with the release of ChatGPT in late 2022, and more people were talking about generative AI (GenAI or GAI). According to some estimates, the number of publications on generative AI increased with 2269.49% between 2022 and 2023, and the increase was even higher when related to computing education. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of generative AI in computing education, as highlighted by research published after the release of ChatGPT. The study applied a scoping literature review approach with a three-step process for identifying and including a total of 129 relevant research papers, published in 2023 and 2024, through the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Included papers were then analyzed with a theoretical thematic analysis, supported by the SWOT analysis framework, to identify themes of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats with generative AI for computing education. A total of 19 themes were identified through the analysis. Findings of the study have both theoretical and practical implications for computing education specifically, and higher education in general. Findings highlights several challenges posed by generative AI, such as potential biases, overreliance, and loss of skills; but also several possibilities, such as increasing motivation, educational transformation, and supporting teaching and learning. The study expands the traditional SWOT analysis, by providing a risk management strategy for handling the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of generative AI.
A field survey of eight common potato pathogens in China based on integrated-loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays
Authors: Zhang Xinjie , Chen Han , Wu Jinbin , Wang Xiao , Wang Shuaishuai , Chen Jingqi , Yu Qianpeng , Zhang Zhenxin , Zheng Xiaobo , Zeng Juan , Dong Suomeng
Published: December 2024

Various pathogens from oomycete, fungi, and bacteria kingdoms can infect potato and significantly reduce potato yield. The early diagnosis of potato pathogens is important for tracing disease epidemics and the subsequent disease management. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a critical technique for pathogen detection, but available LAMP assays do not effectively meet the requirement of field diagnoses due to complexities including co-infection of different pathogens. Hence, this study aims to develop integrated-LAMP assays (iLAMPs) for simultaneous detection of eight common potato pathogens and apply iLAMPs to pathogen detection in field samples from the four main potato-growing regions of China in 2023. Therefore, eight sets of primers showing gene- and genus-specificity were designed and used for iLAMPs to determine their specificity, sensitivity, and visualization. Subsequently, iLAMPs-mediated pathogen detection revealed that 72.82% of 206 diseased leaves and 84.94% of 239 diseased tubers carry more than one pathogen. The detection rate for each pathogen significantly varies from 1.94 to 65.53% in diseased leaves, and ranges from 26.78 to 52.72% in diseased tubers, respectively. In addition, the detection rate of Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria solani positively correlates in both leaves and tubers, especially for those samples from the southwestern and southern regions. Taken together, iLAMPs developed in this study enables simultaneous detection of eight common potato pathogens from field samples and may have broad applications in early management of potato diseases.