bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health knowledge after stroke in Switzerland: A survey on current practice and suggestions for the implementation of a technology-based educational program
Authors: Devittori Giada , Peduzzi Mosè , Dinacci Daria , Rossi Paolo , Petrillo Claudio , Gassert Roger , Lambercy Olivier
Published: June 2024

Background
Stroke affects every year several million people, and it is estimated that 1 in 4 stroke survivors has a second stroke. Educating stroke patients about risk factors for stroke and a generally healthier lifestyle may help prevent recurrent strokes, which are a burden on society and the healthcare system. Technology-based education (i.e., health information delivered by digital platforms such as smartphones or rehabilitation technologies) can help to improve health knowledge among stroke patients by reaching a large number of people without creating additional work for the already overburdened healthcare professionals. However, the methods for optimally delivering information with the help of technology, as well as the actual content that should be conveyed, remain unclear. The goals of this paper were to investigate the estimated level of knowledge of stroke patients regarding their disease, the methods of information commonly used in clinical practice, the topics that should be included in an educational program aimed at improving health knowledge among stroke survivors, and how such a program could be delivered with the help of a rehabilitation technology.
Methods
We performed a survey among health professionals working with stroke patients in Switzerland.
Results
161 health professionals of different backgrounds took part in the survey, and 94 completed it. According to the results, 47% of healthcare professionals considered stroke patients to be somehow informed about stroke after one month from stroke onset, and only 33% thought that patients were well informed. These findings suggest that there is room for improvement in how stroke patients are educated about stroke, risk factors, and prevention. Additionally, it was highlighted that technology is not commonly used in clinical practice to support patients’ education, although this is an acceptable method for healthcare professionals. The results also helped to identify key topics to be included in an educational program and the methods that could be used when implementing such a program in rehabilitation technologies.
Conclusions
This work allowed gaining more insight into healthcare professionals’ opinions on the potential of technology-based education and key aspects to consider when implementing it to support health knowledge after stroke and prevent recurrent strokes.
Feasibility of the Circuit Checklist as an easy gross motor assessment for preschool children using recorded videos: a pilot study
Authors: Zeidan Hala , Bandara Anuradhi , Irie Keisuke , Mukaiyama Kohei , Yamashita Reika , Aoyama Tomoki
Published: June 2024

Background
Motor development of children is variable. Equally, motor impairments are also variable, making screening and assessments of motor abilities and motor delays difficult, especially during early childhood development in a school setting. Several assessment methods for motor function exist from performance tests to questionnaires, done by therapists, teachers, or parents. However, such assessments may be expensive, time consuming for the teachers and the children, difficult to conduct in a group setting, and the results are controversial.
Purpose
To test the feasibility of a Circuit Checklist for gross motor assessment in a school setting.
Methods
We enchained exercises into a circuit play and created a detailed checklist of these movements and tested the motor function of children in a special needs’ classroom. Then we calculated its concurrent validity with the Gross Motor Score (GMS) of Movement Assessment Battery for Children − 2nd edition (MABC-2) using Pairwise correlation, test-retest reliability using test-retest correlation, inter-rater reliability between two testers using inter-rater correlation, and the internal consistency of the circuit checklist items using Cronbach’s alpha.
Results
We found that seven circuit movements and their checklist items are valid and have a moderate correlation of 0.6421 with GMS of MABC-2, a high degree of precision in the estimates of inter-rater reliability (range: 0.589–0.856), and a moderate internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha: 0.666).
Conclusion
This Circuit Checklist could be a useful first step tool to screen motor impairments of preschool children, in a school setting. Ultimately, the checklist items would be useful to create a motion capture screening tool more practically used in classrooms.
A Novel Oral Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader TFX06 Suppresses In Vivo Growth of ESR1 Wild-Type and Mutant Tumors
Authors: Fang Douglas
Published: June 2024

ER+ breast cancer (BC) patients frequently develop drug resistance during the treatment with endocrine therapy (ET). One of the mechanisms for drug resistance is acquired ESR1 mutations. Thus, developing effective new ET overcoming drug resistance is urgently needed. We disclose herein TFX06, a novel and oral selective estrogen receptor degrader. TFX06 exhibited potent ERα antagonism, induced ERα degradation, and inhibited the proliferation of ESR1 wild-type and mutant BC cells in vitro. In vivo, TFX06 demonstrated single-agent antitumor activity, as well as synergized with palbociclib, against both ESR1 wild-type and mutant BC xenograft tumors in mice. In addition, TFX06 exhibited a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic correlation in a xenograft tumor model. Furthermore, TFX06 did not stimulate the growth of uterine of immature rats, indicating that it’s a pure ER antagonist without agonist activity. Currently TFX06 is in phase I/II clinical development in patients to evaluate its safety and preliminary efficacy.
Immersive reality for robotic surgical training: a pilot study using 3D visors for immersive view of the operating field
Authors: Raja Carlotta La , Carvello Michele , Patti Riccardo , Siragusa Leandro , Foppa Caterina , Spinelli Antonino
Published: June 2024

Purpose: Immersive intracorporeal vision is a key feature of robotic surgery, limited today to only one trainee per operation when the dual console is available. We developed a tool that provides a virtually unlimited number of surgeons with the operator’s view, with the possibility to also watch the surgeon’s hand movements and the operating table. In this study we aim to assess trainees’ reaction to this innovative training method.
Methods: Medical students and surgery residents were offered an immersive experience with head mounted devices showing a didactic video in a 360° virtual space with 3D intracorporeal robotic vision, the surgeon’s hand movements and the surrounding operating room during a robotic rectal resection with total mesorectal excision. Subsequently, participants were asked to fill a questionnaire evaluating the user’s reaction to the new training tool including the validated System Usability Scale (SUS) and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), and non-validated questions.
Results: 102 participants took part to the training and the assessment questionnaires, 94 (92%) medical students and 8 (8%) surgery residents. Users’ feedback was overall positive. In the engagement and intention to use items almost 90% of the respondents voted for a complete or near complete agreement. The median SUS score was 80 [IQR 70-90]. The median SSQ score was 44.88 [IQR 22.44-82.28].
Conclusions: Exposing trainees to immersive robotic vision of the surgical field had a positive reaction from our audience. Our initial results encourage to further implement this technology in surgical training of medical students and residents to prove its efficacy.
Application of HRCT-based radiomics to predict interstitial lung disease for juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Liu Lingke , Hu Minfei , Zhou Yun , Zheng Fei , Ma Xiaohui , Yang Li , Xu Yiping , Teng Liping , Hu Bin , Lu Meiping , Xu Xuefeng
Published: June 2024

Background:Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a severe complication of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Therefore, early lung involvement identification is essential. Radiomics is a new image analysis technique and might offer valuable information for the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM-ILD)
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 56 children with JDM, and all participants gave written informed consent. These children were divided into the JDM group (n = 32) and JDM-ILD group (n = 24) based on chest high-resolution CT (HRCT). The lung intelligence kit (LK) software was used to outline the bilateral lung tissue structure automatically. The radiomics score combining with clinical variables was used to establish a prediction model for JDM-ILD.
Results: A total of seven radiomics features including the maximum, mean, skewness, and kurtosis features for the First Order Features, the InverseVariance feature for the Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) Features, the Size Zone NonUniformity Normalized feature for the Gray Level Size Zone Matrix（GLSZM）Features, and the Run Entropy feature for the Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM) Features were identified. The multivariable logistic regression revealed that anti-MDA5 antibody and radiomics score showed a significant correlation with the development of ILD in children with JDM. The combined prediction model based on radiomics score and anti-MDA5 antibody achieved good performance in predicting JDM-ILD in the training (0.92, 95% CI 0.82-1.00) and validation (0.93, 95% CI 0.83-1.00) groups.
Conclusion:The nomogram combining radiomics and clinical variables achieved an optimal prediction of ILD in children with JDM. This prediction model based on radiomics would contribute to making better clinical decisions.
Early Dental Visit Affects Dental Treatment in Korean Preschool Children Born Preterm: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Park Jin Ah , Jun Hye Lim , Lee Myeongjee , Choi Hyung-Jun , Jung In kyung , Kang Chung-Min
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the effect of early dental visit on subsequent dental treatments in preterm infants and whether there was a significant difference in dental treatment between children born preterm and full-term (FT). National data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Korea were analyzed. Prescription codes related to dental treatments were collected. This study included 3,354,662 patients under age 6 years, who were categorized by gestational age: extremely preterm (EPT), very preterm (VPT), and late preterm (LPT). In the preterm group, the percentage of children with no dental visits was 63.87% although the preterm group visited the dentist earlier than the FT group (EPT = 2.84, VPT = 2.78, LPT = 2.52, FT = 3.9 years old). Glass ionomer and 1-visit pulpectomy were significantly higher in the preterm group than in the FT group (p < 0.001). Preschool children who had their first dental visit after age 2 years received any dental treatment earlier than those who visited the dentist before age 1 year (p < 0.001). Early dental visits in infants may delay the timing of dental treatments and reduce their severity, suggesting the importance of early dental screenings for efficient dental management in preterm infants.
Development of a nomogram to predict in-hospital mortality of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis patients in intensive care unit
Authors: Duan Hongwei , Qi Jing , Sun Chuanzheng
Published: June 2024

Object: This study aimed to analyze factors influencing the survival of patients with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT) complicated during intensive care unit (ICU) admission and develop a nomogram for predictive use.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 482 LEDVT cases in ICU at Third Xiangya Hospital (Feb 2017-Nov 2022). Data on demographics, comorbidities, treatments, vital signs, and lab indicators (within 24 hours of admission) were collected. Patients were randomly divided into training and test sets (3:1 ratio). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using SPSS and RStudio. Logistic regression and nomogram models were constructed and validated.
Results: Intubation/Tracheotomy, vasopressor usage, age, lymphocytes and lactate were identified as independent risk factors. rivaroxaban usage and enoxaparin usage were identified as protective factors. The nomogram had area under the curve(AUC) of 0.855 (training set) and 0.775 (testing set). Decision curve and clinical impact analyses demonstrated the nomogram's clinical utility within specific probability ranges.
Conclusion: The developed nomogram accurately predicts in-hospital mortality of LEDVT patients in the ICU, providing valuable insights for clinical decision-making and patient management.
Parenting Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Findings for Child Mental Health Outcomes
Authors: Benstead Michelle L. , King Gabriella L. , Westrupp Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2024

Adult mental health issues increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for parents. Few studies have investigated associations between parents’ pre-pandemic mental health issues and parents’ emotion-related parenting practices during the pandemic, as well as subsequent child mental health outcomes. The present study aimed to: 1) investigate associations between pre-existing parent mental health issues (2019) with long-term child mental health issues (2021), via changes in emotion-related parenting practices during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020); and 2) test whether COVID-19 pandemic-related environmental stressors during 2020 and 2021 (e.g., loss of employment) exacerbated associations between emotion-related parenting practices and child mental health problems. Data were drawn from (name of study). Parents of children aged 4–9 years (N = 1,046) completed online self-report surveys. A path analysis model with a moderated mediation was tested in Mplus. Parent mental health issues at Time 1 was associated with lower levels of emotion coaching practices at Time 2, and emotion dismissing practices at Time 2 was associated with higher levels of children’s parent-reported behavioral problems at Time 3. There was no evidence to support mediation effects, or a moderating influence of COVID-19 environmental stressors. Findings highlight the importance of providing parents mental health support, in order to facilitate emotion coaching parenting practices. Further, the provision of evidence-based and flexibly-delivered parenting support in future pandemics/crisis events may better support parents’ mental health and parenting, and reduce the impact on child mental health problems.
Knowledge and practices of hand hygiene among healthcare workers in three urban hospitals in Bobo-Dioulasso city, 2022 (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Hema Arsène , Some Arsène , Traoré Marthe Louise , Sanou Soufiane , Kafando Victorien , Poda Armel , Meda Clément , Savadogo Léon
Published: June 2024

Background
The hands of healthcare workers are the major source of healthcare-associated infection transmission. Hand hygiene (HH) remains the most effective measure for preventing such infections. This study aimed to assess knowledge, technical mastery and compliance with HH among healthcare workers in three hospitals in Bobo Dioulasso city.
Methods
A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from May 5th to July 3rd, 2022, in 2 district hospitals (DO et Dafra) and the Sourô Sanou Teaching Hospital. Data collection involved the use of a questionnaire on knowledge (WHO, 2009), a WHO direct observation tool for HH compliance (WHO, 2009c) and an observation grid completed by trained investigators to assess HH technique and compliance. Data analysis was performed using Stata 13. We used multilevel linear and logistic regression to analyze the associations between HH knowledge scores, HH compliance, and participants’ characteristics.
Results
In total, 175 participants were included, and a total of 1701 observations were made. The participants included 24.6% physicians, 60.0% nurses, 12.0% midwives and 3.4% hospital hygiene technicians. The median age of the study participants was 39 years (IQR 27–46), and the median work experience was 10 years (IQR 5–15). The median HH knowledge score was 8 out of 15 points (IQR 7–9). Only 40.7% of participants adhered to the correct HH technique, and the compliance rate for HH following WHO indications was 40.3%. The predictors of good knowledge scores on HH were young age, female gender, workplace, seniority in the profession and participation in HH training. The predictors of HH compliance were age between 40 and 49 years (OR = 2.1; CI = 1.2–3.8), surgery ward of Do (OR = 3.3; CI = 2.0–5.5), and participation in HH training (OR = 1.4; CI = 1.1–1.9).
Conclusions
Healthcare workers’ knowledge, technical mastery and HH compliance were low. It is therefore necessary to strengthen compliance with HH through implementation training programs and increased awareness initiatives.
The PLET (Portable Laparoscopic Trainer) Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Home- versus Hospital-based Surgical Training
Authors: Kuemmerli Christoph , Linke Katja , Daume Diana , Germann Nicolas , Peterli Ralph , Müller-Stich Beat , Klasen Jennifer M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of training with a personal, portable laparoscopic endo-trainer (PLET) on residents’ laparoscopic skills.
Methods
The study took place at a tertiary-care academic university hospital in Switzerland. All participants were randomized to either a home- or hospital-based PLET training group, and surgical skill performance was assessed using five laparoscopic exercises. 24 surgical residents, 13 females and 11 males, were enrolled at any training stage. Nine residents completed the assessments. Endpoints consisted of subjective and objective assessment ratings as well as exercise time and qualitative data up to 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the difference in exercise time and secondary outcomes included performance scores as well as qualitative data.
Results
The hospital-based training group performed exercises number 1, 3 and 4 faster at 12 weeks than at baseline (p = .003, < .001 and .024). Surgical skill performance was not statistically significantly different in any of the endpoints between the hospital- and home-based training groups at 12 weeks. Both the subjective and objective assessment ratings significantly improved in the hospital-based training group between baseline and 12 weeks (p = .006 and .003, respectively). There was no statistically significant improvement in exercise time as well as subjective and objective assessment ratings over time in the home-based training group. The qualitative data suggested that participants who were randomized to the hospital-based training group wished to have the PLET at home and vice versa. Several participants across groups lacked motivation because of their workload or time constraints, though most believed the COVID-19 pandemic had no influence on their motivation or the time they had for training.
Conclusion
The PLET enhances laparoscopic surgical skills over time in a hospital-based training setting. In order to understand and optimize motivational factors, further research is needed.
Trial registration:
This trial was retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06301230).
Effects of fructose-exposed human mesangial cells on classical and alternative enzyme activities of Renin-Angiotensin System modulating peptides generation
Authors: Yokota Rodrigo , Stoll Danielle , Oliveira Lilian Caroline Gonçalves , Jara Zaira Palomino , Gomes Andréia Cristina Febba , Casarini Dulce Elena
Published: June 2024

Historically, proteolytic enzymes have been responsible for breaking peptide bonds between amino acids, catalyzing various reactions in metabolic pathways, and are important for maintaining and regulating these pathways. Recent studies have shown that the levels of various enzymes in the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS), includingangiotensin-converting enzymes 1 and 2 (ACE and ACE2), neutral endopeptidase (NEP), chymase, renin, and cathepsin D, are altered in animal models subjected to fructose or glucose overloaded diets. Fructose metabolism leads to urate formation, which can cause tubular damage, inflammation, and hemodynamic changes. This study evaluated the modulation of peptide generation by classical and alternative RAS enzymes under the influence of fructose in immortalized human mesangial cells (MCs). Cells stimulated with 5mM and 30mM fructose showed decreased intracellular ACE activity and increased extracellular ACE activity, indicating the formation of Ang II. Increased intracellular Ang I result in increased renin and Cathepsin D activities, mediated by the stimulation of gene transcription enzymes. The activity of ACE2/NEP, responsible for the formation of Ang (1–7), counterbalances the actions of Ang II and protects against pathophysiological alterations caused by fructose. Intracellular chymase showed a higher expression than ACE, suggesting its involvement in the generation of increased intracellular Ang II, which may have an intracrine action. Fructose modulated the Ang II and Ang (1–7) axes in both intra-and extracellular compartments, demonstrating a balance between classical and alternative pathways and protecting MCs against matrix expansion and inflammation that contribute to glomerular sclerosis.
Investigating RFTN1 as a Potential Immune System Inhibitor in the Tumor Microenvironment of Breast Cancer to Enhance Tumor Immune Escape
Authors: Xin Hongbin , Zhang Mingzhu , Miu Linrui , Zhou Lin , Li Zhenghang , Tang Lingfeng
Published: June 2024

Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been extensively utilized in treating breast cancer patients, leading to improved prognoses. For patients with negative checkpoint responses, there is a pressing need to identify alternative therapies to improve outcomes.
Materials and Methods
We used WGCNA in muti-place metastasis samples to find the lymph node metastasis related gene RFTN1. Consensus cluster show the different subtype with significant pathway changes and immune cells differences. We used CellChat estimated the different interactions of cells in single cell data. We used hdWGCNA and irGSEA to identify the changes between different RFTN1expression groups.
Results
We identified a gene, RFTN1, that is closely associated with lymph node metastasis, a critical early step in breast cancer spread. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that RFTN1 might be involved in regulating the immune system. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that samples with higher RFTN1 expression had increased proportions of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, albeit the overall proportions were lower. These samples also showed different interactions between T cells and other cells, indicating a greater reception of chemotactic factors (CFs) in samples with higher RFTN1 expression. It appears that RFTN1 may facilitate T cell receptor binding to CFs, thereby enhancing T cell activation in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
Conclusion
This study proposes a novel approach to modulating T cells in the TME and offers an alternative to traditional immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies for treating BC. RFTN1 is related to the CFs receptor transportation in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells, which may activate the anti-tumor immunity system in TME.
Access to trimodal therapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer is lower in unmarried females
Authors: Vitucci Kira , Siech Carolin , Baudo Andrea , Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , Angelis Mario , Bello Francesco , Goyal Jordan A. , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Longo Nicola , Carmignani Luca , Cobelli Ottavio , Briganti Alberto , Kluth Luis A. , Chun Felix K. H. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: June 2024

Objective:
Trimodal therapy (TMT) is guideline-recommended for localized muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UCUB). Married status represents an important determinant of treatment use in many primaries. The importance of married status is unknown in the context of TMT for localized muscle-invasive UCUB and was addressed in the current study.
Methods:
We relied on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004–2020) to identify patients with localized muscle-invasive UCUB. Univariable logistic regression models were fitted. Additionally, temporal trends were plotted.
Results:
Overall, 28,035 patients with localized muscle-invasive UCUB were identified. Of those, 7,112 (25%) were female and 20,923 (75%) were male. Of females, 2,389 (34%) were married. Of males, 13,671 (65%) were married. The rates of TMT were 14% in both married females and males and 13% in both unmarried females and males. Married females differed from unmarried females regarding age and race/ethnicity. Prior to multivariable adjustment for age and race/ethnicity, no significant association existed between married status and TMT use in females (p = 0.2). However, after multivariable adjustment, a 1.2-fold (p = 0.02) higher rate of TMT was recorded in married females vs. their unmarried counterparts. Finally, no association between married status and TMT use was recorded in males either prior to or after multivariable adjustment.
Conclusion:
Unmarried female patients may be at risk of lower TMT access compared to their married counterparts. Consequently, TMT should be given particularly thorough consideration in unmarried female patients to avoid suboptimal TMT access.
Effects of gait training using trunk IMU-Vibrotactile feedback on gait kinematic of Through Knee amputee: primarily results
Authors: Hussain Rufaida , Zabach Bareaa , Hmra Doaa
Published: June 2024

The use of wearable sensors integrated with vibrotactile feedback enhances patient's awareness and control of their movements during gait training. Monitoring trunk angle during gait training can lead to improve gait patterns and reduce risk of falls. This paper presents a case study of a female participant with through knee amputation that underwent on gait training using a developed system. The system consists of a single IMU (inertial measurement unit) attached to her trunk and integrated with vibrotactile feedback. Before and after training session, Gait analysis was done, then gait symmetry index, time-distance parameters, and kinematics of lower limb and trunk were measured. The results show improvements after training in time-distance parameters and symmetry index. In addition to reducing gait deviations (lateral trunk bending and vaulting). Further research and larger studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore the full potential of this innovative technology in enhancing different levels of amputee rehabilitation.
Impact of a Multidisciplinary Service Line and Program for Transcatheter Device Closure of the Neonatal Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Ligon R. Allen , Bhombal-Kazi Shazia , Adamson Marissa , Hash Sarah , Kim Dennis W. , LeFevre Ashley S. , Long Justin , McLaughlin Sarah , Mills Marcos , Roddy Katie , Tucker Lucas , Samai Cyrus , Piazza Anthony , Hamrick Shannon E.
Published: June 2024

Objective–
Outline a quality initiative establishing an institutional service line for neonatal transcatheter device closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (TDC-PDA).
Study Design –
A retrospective descriptive observational study surrounding programmatic approach to TDC-PDA in premature neonates with process measure spanning education, implementation, referral, and post-procedural care. Metrics tracked pre- and post-program creation with statistical analyses performed.
Results –
Neonatal TDC-PDA referrals increased exponentially since program inception (n=13 in year prior; n=42 year 1; n=74 year 2), especially in patients weighing less than 1.3 kg (12.5%; 55%; 50%), and was associated with an increased procedural success rate (81%; 95%; 99%). Procedural checklist creation decreased procedural “out of isolette” time (median 93 minutes; 59; 52), and procedural-related complication or clinical sequelae (19%; 12%; 4%).
Conclusion –
A multidisciplinary service line and program dedicated to neonatal TDC-PDA can result in a significant increase in referrals as well as procedural efficacy and safety for this medically fragile population.
In vitro acaricidal properties of extracts from Carica papaya seeds and Chrysanthemum roseum leaves against Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Dhabale Ankush Ravishekhar , Macha Vijay , Jadhav Nitin Dadarao , Choudhary Sachin Kumar , Sharma Anil Kumar , Gudewar Jagdish Ganpat , Narawade Mahima Ramesh , Jadhav Suresh Gulabrao , Chepte Sharad Dyandev , Chigure Gajanan Madhavrao
Published: June 2024

The present study aimed to assess the adulticidal and larvicidal efficacy of chloroform, methanol, and hexane extracts obtained from the Chrysanthemum roseum (leaves) and the Carica papaya (seeds) against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. The percentage of extractability for all the extracts varied between 1.5% and 25%. The hexane extract of C. roseum showed a mortality rate ranging from 6.66 ± 6.66% to 100.00 ± 0.00% at doses ranging from 0.62–5%. An impact on the oviposition capacity of the treated ticks, resulting in a significant reduction of 90.15 ± 6.460% in oviposition at a concentration of 2.25% was also observed. The methanol extract of C. roseum exhibited a higher concentration of anti-tick action and did not demonstrate a significant influence on the reproductive potential of the treated ticks. A mortality rate of 33.33 ± 17.63 to 93.33 ± 6.67% for treated ticks during 24 hrs. of treatment, was observed at concentration range of 5 to 12.5% of hexane extract of Carica papaya, Furthermore, the extract also resulted in the suppression of egg-laying (98.72 ± 1.27%) at 12.5%. Against larvae, the extract exhibited equivalent efficacy and LC50 and LC90 values of 0.003% and 0.012% for LIT, and 0.08% and 0.28% for LPT, respectively.
Study on Stability Evaluation of Goaf Based on AHP and EWM—Taking the Northern New District of Liaoyuan City as an Example
Authors: Wen zhou , zhang yichen , Zhang jiquan
Published: June 2024

This study evaluated the stability of the goaf in the northern new district of Xi'an District, Liaoyuan City, Jilin Province. Fourteen indicators were selected from three aspects: specifications of the goaf, ecological and geological environment, and mining conditions to make the evaluation of the stability of the goaf more comprehensive. Based on improved game theory, two weighting methods of AHP-EWM (Analytic Hierarchy Process and Entropy Weight Method), were used to calculate the weights, and finally, Mapgis and Arcgis was used to intuitively understand the ground stability of the study area. According to the threshold value, the stability of the study area was divided into three types: stable, basically stable, and unstable, and the results show that the stability of the study area is generally at the lower middle level. The stability grading of the goaf in the northern new area provides a scientific basis for establishing reasonable urban planning in the future and protects people's lives and properties more effectively.
Genetic algorithm-based parameter identification of Johnson- Cook constitutive model for 304 stainless steel
Authors: Jiang Xinyang , Ding Jinfu , Wang Chengwu , Shiju E , Hong Ling , Yao Weifeng , Wang Huadong , Zhou Chongqiu , Yu Wei
Published: June 2024

Addressing the significant discrepancy between actual experimental cutting force and its predicted values derived from traditional constitutive model parameter identification methods, a reverse identification research of the Johnson-Cook (J-C) constitutive model for 304 stainless steel was conducted via genetic algorithm. Considering actual cutting zone and the influence of feed motion on the rake (flank) angle, an unequal division shear zone model was established to implement the theoretical calculation for shear zone stress. Through cutting experiments, the spindle speed was negatively correlated with the cutting force at first, and then became positively correlated; The empirical formula (EXP model) for turning force was corrected, revealing that the EXP model was unable to provide optimal predicted values for cutting force. The influence of the J-C constitutive parameter C on the cutting morphology was firstly investigated through simulation analysis, and determined an appropriate value for C, then obtained the precise values for the other four constitutive parameters by genetic algorithm. Moreover, the simulated values of cutting force in JC1 model (obtained from the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar test) and JCM model (the improved model using genetic algorithm) were obtained by three-dimensional (3-D) simulation via FEM software. The results indicated that, the maximum error between actual experimental cutting force and its simulated values (by JCM model) was 14.8%, with an average error of 6.38%. These results outperformed the JC1 and EXP models, suggesting that the JCM model identified via genetic algorithm was more reliable.
Socioeconomic Status and Sleep Duration Among a Representative Sample of US Adults
Authors: Wetzel Sarah , Bilal Usama
Published: June 2024

Background
Sleep is a crucial determinant of physical and mental health outcomes, and insufficient sleep is highly prevalent among United States adults. Although some risk factors of poor sleep have been extensively studied, including substance use, age, health behaviors, and others, the associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and sleep remain inconclusive. There is limited evidence on SES and sleep duration among the US adult population. This study analyzed the relationships between three SES indicators (poverty, education, and food security), and sleep duration.
Methods
We used responses from the 2017-March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Respondents younger than 25 years old were excluded. Sleep duration was classified using self-reported sleep time and stratified by work vs non-workdays. SES was operationalized using three indicators: poverty-income ratio, educational attainment, and food security status. We imputed missing exposure using multiple imputation. Weighted Poisson regression models with robust standard errors were used to calculate the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios for insufficient sleep duration on workdays and non-workdays separately by each of the three SES indicators.
Results
We included a total of 8,427 individuals. In the adjusted model, participants with lower income, educational status, and food security had significantly higher prevalence of insufficient sleep duration on both workdays and non-workdays. For example, low-income individuals had 1.24 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.36) and 2.08 (95% CI 1.85 to 2.34) higher prevalence of insufficient sleep as compared to high income individuals on workday and non-workdays. In general, we found more extreme prevalence ratios for the non-workday than for the workday outcome.
Conclusion
Socioeconomic status is significantly associated with sleep duration in the US adult population. Lower SES correlates with increased prevalence of insufficient sleep duration, which has implications for the overall wellbeing of US adults with lower SES. Targeted interventions and further research are needed to reduce this disparity.
Re-evaluating the choice of gamma stimulation frequency for the potential treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Henney Mark Alexander , Hansen Bianca Laura , Hansen Luna Skytte , Grønberg Manja Gersholm , Thorning-Schmidt Martin William , Hansen Henrik Enggaard , Nguyen Mai , Petersen Paul Michael , Clemmensen Line Katrine Harder , Carstensen Marcus , Madsen Kristoffer Hougaard
Published: June 2024

With recent advances in the potential usage of visual gamma stimulation at 40 Hz for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, there is motivation to evaluate adjacent frequencies to ensure that specifically 40 Hz is optimal.The choice of 40 Hz is based on studies over several decades that describe "40 Hz" oscillations with considerable frequency variability.As visual stimulation with luminance flicker may affect adherence in clinical trials due to its inherent perceived flickering, invisible spectral flicker (ISF) was proposed as a more comfortable alternative for entraining 40 Hz. This study investigates the ability of ISF to evoke acute gamma responses at several frequencies in the range of 36-44 Hz.
Twenty healthy volunteers were included in an electroencephalography (EEG) experiment with an initial eyes-open baseline recording followed by a stimulation paradigm using ISF at nine different frequencies (36-44 Hz, 1 Hz interval). The responses were evaluated as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) averaged over the occipital electrodes at the stimulation frequency and analysed using mixed-effect models. Evoked responses were compared to baseline and between frequencies.
The estimated SNR values showed the EEG power was significantly increased at all stimulation frequencies compared to baseline, but with no significant difference in SNR between stimulation frequencies. There was a significant subject effect, even when disregarding one subject who responded 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than the others. These results suggest that there is higher variability between subjects than between frequencies alone.
Our results indicate that ISF can induce steady-state visually evoked potentials at several frequencies in the low gamma range of 36-44 Hz. Across the population of participants, no preference or trend for any specific gamma stimulation frequency in the tested range was found. While the subject-stimulus interaction was significant, it described little variance and showed no specific patterns for individual preference of frequency.
Assisted Reproductive Technology and the risk of Fetal Congenital Heart Disease: insights from a Tertiary Care Referral Centre.
Authors: Piemonti Linda , Vettor Laura , Balducci Anna , Farina Antonio , Contro Elena
Published: June 2024

Purpose
To investigate whether congenital heart diseases exhibit higher rates in pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technology (ART) compared to natural conception.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, multinomial logistic regression was employed to analyze the relationship between categories of congenital heart diseases and three conception groups (IVF, ICSI and natural pregnancies). The main outcome measure are risks of congenital heart disease categories in IVF and ICSI groups using the natural group as reference. We selected fetuses referred for fetal echocardiography to IRCCS Policlinico Sant’Orsola, Bologna, between January 2005 and November 2023, diagnosed with congenital heart diseases.
Results
We categorized the congenital heart diseases into six groups based on anatomical and embryological criteria. The estimated risk of left ventricular outflow tract, valvular, conotruncal and atrioventricular septal defects was lower in the IVF group compared to natural conception. The estimated risk of valvular and atrioventricular septal defects was lower in the ICSI group vs natural. Conversely, the risk for right heart anomalies was higher both in the IVF and ICSI groups compared to natural conception. Heart rhythm diseases were more frequent in IVF pregnancies. When comparing ART methods, valvular defects, conotruncal defects, and right heart anomalies were more frequently observed in the ICSI group, while atrioventricular septal defects were more common in the IVF group.
Conclusion
Significant differences were found in the occurrence of congenital heart diseases in pregnancies conceived through IVF and ICSI, versus those conceived naturally, underscoring the importance of further studying the underlying mechanisms of these associations.
Association Between Green Tea Drinking with Body Mass Index, Serum Lipid Profile and Prostate Specific-Antigen in a Ghanaian Population: A Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: Ntim Emmanuel , Nyamekye Samuel , Yeboah Kofi Oduro , Safianu Rufai , Djankpa Francis Tanam , Ainooson George Kwaw , Appiah Kwaku
Published: June 2024

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major malignancy that affects men worldwide. Obesity, dyslipidaemia and elevated serum PSA are some common risk factors. Green tea is a popular beverage in some West African communities with a relatively low incidence of PCa. However, the association of green tea drinking with these PCa risk factors in that population remains unknown. This study aimed at investigating the association between green tea intake with serum lipid profile, body mass index (BMI) and serum PSA.
Methods: An analytical cross-section survey was conducted to compare serum lipid profile, BMI and serum PSA between green tea drinkers (GTD) and non-tea drinkers (NTD). A total of 415 men, 40 years or older, who gave their consent were assigned into four groups based on age: (40 – 49 years, 50 -59 years, 60 – 69 years, and 70+ years). BMI, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides) and serum PSA levels were determined and compared between GTD and NTD.
Results: Significantly higher GTD with normal BMI were observed compared with NTD across all age groups and significantly lower odds of being overweight (obese) in GTD groups compared with NTD. Significantly lower atherogenic lipids were observed across all age categories in GTD compared to NTD. Further, lower odds of dyslipidaemia in GTD were observed compared with NTD across all age groups. Significantly lower mean serum PSA was observed in the older GTD age groups (60 – 69 and 70+) compared with the NTD and significantly lower odds of elevated serum PSA in GTD than NTD. However, no differences in mean PSA between GTD and NTD groups in the younger age groups. Weak positive correlations between serum PSA and BMI were observed in the NTD group regardless of the age category. However, significantly strong negative correlation between serum PSA and BMI among the older age GTD groups was observed compared with NTD.
Conclusions: Consumption of green tea was associated with reduced atherogenic serum lipids and improved BMI independent of age. Further, GTD was significantly associated with reduced serum PSA in older men but not in younger adults.
PSC-SBFL: combining PSC with SBFL to improve software fault localization
Authors: Guo Zhonghao , Ji Siwei , Xu Xinyue , Chen Xiangxian
Published: June 2024

Regression testing aims to confirm that program changes don't disrupt existing functionalities. Automated fault localization improves quality and efficiency of regression testing. Spectrum-Based Fault Localization (SBFL) is adept at identifying faults in program statements using test case execution data. However, SBFL overlooks faults due to structural anomalies and can't detect non-existent or redundant statements.
This study introduces Program Structure Check (PSC) to address the issue. In regression testing, historical program versions provide valuable information for fault localization. PSC compares the structure of the program being tested with programs of historical versions to find structural differences, like missing code. This increases suspicion scores at these locations. Experimental findings show PSC detects over 90% of structural bugs, with over 76% ranked highest on the suspicion list.
We combine PSC with SBFL, termed PSC-SBFL, and test it on public assemblies to assess bug location effects. Results indicate that adding PSC to SBFL enhances bug ranking by approximately 93% and reduces manual code checking by about 34% when all bugs are identified. Compared to another SBFL-based method, PSC-SBFL demonstrates superior bug localization. These findings underscore how combining PSC and SBFL algorithms enhances bug localization accuracy, expedites bug identification, and boosts software quality.
Composite of graphene oxide from rice husks with copper nanoparticles immobilized: synthesis and application in catalytic dye degradation
Authors: Bastidas Elsy , Rodriguez Maria , Castillo Jimmy
Published: June 2024

Graphene and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide, have a wide range of applications in industry, especially in electronics, electrode construction, catalyst in electro- and photocatalytic reactions, etc. This work presents results from the synthesis of graphene oxide sheets (GOs) from rice husks ash and its modification by incorporating copper nanoparticles. Rice husks, a low-value waste product generated in large quantities, were thermally treated to obtain a mixture of natural carbons with silica. This carbonaceous material was then reacted with potassium hydroxide to produce GOs. The GOs were modified using an impregnation and reduction process to immobilize copper metal nanoparticles onto their surface and obtain graphene oxide with CuO nanoparticles in their surface (GOs-CuO). The synthesized composites were characterized by FTIR, SEM, BET, XRD, and AFM, demonstrating that the formed structure is composed of graphene with predominantly copper oxide nanoparticles adsorbed on its surface. The band gap for the synthesized structures was determined by finding a significant decrease in the band gap of graphene oxide when copper nanoparticles are incorporated. Catalytic capacities of synthetized samples were tested in the decomposition reaction of pollutants, using Rhodamine B (RhB) as a model molecule due to its environmental persistence and toxicity. Both GOs and GOs-CuO effectively degraded RhB, with GOs-CuO demonstrating a 8-fold faster kinetic rate, highlighting its potential for pollutant remediation applications.
Radiological impact of the operation of two Steam Power Plants on the activity levels of 232Th, 226Ra and 40K in the sediments at Semarang and Cirebon, Indonesia
Authors: Muslim-Muslim Muslim , Wulandari Sri Yulina , Maslukah Lilik , Febriansyah Ivan Putra Ihsan , Prihatiningsih Wahyu Retno
Published: June 2024

The radiological concentration and distribution of natural radionuclides of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K in the surface sediments of two steam power plants (SPP) vicinity were investigated. Sediment samples were analyzed for radionuclides, organic matter, and grain size composition. The average concentration activity for 232Th, 226Ra and 40K in Semarang are 71.485 Bq·kg−1; 29.645 Bq·kg−1 and 570.459 Bq·kg−1 and in Cirebon 90.593 Bq·kg−1; 41.709 Bq·kg−1 and 725.788 Bq·kg−1, respectively. According to the Indonesian standards concentrations are still below the recommended values. The radionuclide concentration levels were influenced more by proximity to coal resources, than other factors such as organic content,sediment texture, and hydrodynamic processes. These data can be considered baseline data in this region and used as reference or baseline information. Thus, the data obtained in this study did not show any significant radiological health risk to the ecosystem in nearby areas of two SPP. Radiological parameters such as absorbed dose rate (Din), activity utilization index (AUI), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDEin), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), and hazard indices (Hex, Hin) showed some excess values when compared to standards.However, they were still comparable to values from other parts of the world.