bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interrelationship Between Viewership Motivation, Team Loyalty, Fan Identification and Viewership Behaviour in Cricket: A PLS-SEM Approach
Authors: Sarangi Subrat , Jena Amit Kumar
Published: January 2024

Cricket has emerged as a leading sport, with 2.5 billion fans worldwide. This study addresses the gap in the interlinkage between viewership motivation (VM), fan identification (FI), team loyalty (TL) and viewership behaviour (VB) and its implications on media and entertainment companies, cricket administrators and event organisers. The study is based on a survey research design with a sample size of 283 who watch cricket live in stadiums or other digital platforms. The data were analysed, and hypotheses were tested using partial least square-based structural equation modelling. Results establish a positive causal relationship between VM and FI, FI and VB, full mediation effect of FI between VM and VB, and the moderating effect of TL between VM and FI. The causal relationship between VM and VB is not proven in our study, which is in line with the earlier findings. The study provides insights to different cricket stakeholders to accept the importance of the second-order latent construct VM and its positive influence on FI. Promoting team identity in commercials and narratives to positively influence VB is critical, including the promotion of fandom to motivate viewership consumption. Viewers high on TL have high FI, hence the need to target the teams’ loyalists for high viewership explicitly.
A Semiotic Analysis of Cultural Differences Between Australian and Emirati E-commerce Websites
Authors: Hujran Omar , Alkayid Kholoud , Hajar Yousef A. Abu
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate cultural differences in the design of e-commerce websites by undertaking a semiotic analysis. The study utilized semiotic analysis methods to examine the relationships among signs, symbols and their meanings on e-commerce websites. Specifically, six popular e-commerce websites from two culturally distinct countries, Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), were selected for analysis. The semiotic analysis of the e-commerce websites revealed significant differences in design attributes between the two countries. Specifically, the findings showed that UAE websites emphasize visual elements such as graphics and layout to engage users aesthetically, whereas Australian websites prioritize text-based content to ensure clear and direct communication. This divergence can be attributed to cultural disparities, with Arab culture valuing additional context and Australian culture favouring a more straightforward approach. This implies that different interface designs may be necessary to effectively communicate with and cater to the diverse cultural groups within each country.
What care do people with dementia receive at the end of life? Lessons from a retrospective clinical audit of deaths in hospital and other settings
Authors: Triandafilidis Zoi , Carr Sally , Davis Daneill , Chiu Simon , Leigh Lucy , Jeong Sarah , Wong Daniel , Hensby Jacinta , Lewis Suzanne , Attia John , Goodwin Nicholas
Published: January 2024

Background

The need for better end-of-life care for people with dementia has been acknowledged. Existing literature suggests that people dying with dementia have less access to palliative care, yet little is known about the care provided to people with dementia at the end of life. This study aimed to establish evidence related to end-of-life care for people dying with dementia in hospital compared to other settings.

Methods

A retrospective clinical audit of people who had a diagnosis of dementia and had accessed services within a local health district, who died between 2015 and 2019, was conducted. A total of 705 people were identified, and a subset of 299 people randomly selected for manual audit. Chi-square p-values were used to compare the place of death, and a t-test or non-parametric test was used to assess the significance of the difference, as appropriate. Measures of functional decline within one month of death were assessed using mixed effects logistic regression models.

Results

The characteristics of people differed by place of death, with people who died in hospital more likely to be living at home and to not have a spouse. Less than 1 in 5 people had advance care directives or plans. Many were still being actively treated at the time of death: almost half of people who died in hospital had an investigation in their final 72 hours, less than half of people were coded as receiving palliative care at death, and more than 2 in 3 people did not get access to specialist palliative care. Declining function was associated with the terminal phase.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights for those providing end-of-life care for people with dementia. Healthcare professionals and policy makers should consider how demographic characteristics relate to the places people with dementia receive end-of-life care. The care provided to people with dementia in the last year of their life highlights the need for more support to prepare advance care documentation and timely consideration for palliative care. Changes in markers of nutritional status and function in people with advanced dementia may help with identification of terminal phases.
The role and effect of companions during childbirth in Oman
Authors: Alwahaibi Nasar , AL-Julandani Rodina , Al-Kalbani Alzarah
Published: January 2024

Background

There is increasing evidence that a companionship is an important tool for improving the quality of care provided to pregnant women during the labour and delivery process. The literature review shows very limited studies assessing the role of companions during childbirth from the companion’s point of view. Many published papers studied the role and satisfaction of pregnant women but not their companions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the role and effect of companions during childbirth in Oman.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, between June 2022 and April 2023. Companions were interviewed face-to-face at a time convenient to them. A telephone interview was conducted with those who left the hospital early. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic data and other sections, including the nature of the help provided by the supportive companion, their effects on the women who gave birth, and the timing of their presence during companionship.

Results

A total of 214 companions were included in this study with the mean age of 42.54 years. The most common relationship to the pregnant women was mothers (35.7%), followed by husbands (30.5%). The majority of companions provided support during admission (62.6%), in the immediate post-partum ward (56.5%) and during delivery (54.2%), while a minority helped from admission to discharge (22.4%). The most common type of support provided was encouraging words (89.7%) followed by transferring things (43.9%), massage (37.4%) and touch (33.6%). The majority of companions (96.7%) reported that their support helped very much, and the pregnant women felt better and calmer.

Conclusions

Labouring women felt better and calmer because of the presence of companions. Companions preferred to be present in the postpartum and during labour and delivery. The majority of companions support their labouring women by encouraging wards. Companions love and encourage others to support their labouring women during their critical times.
Adjuvant medial versus entire supraclavicular lymph node irradiation in high-risk early breast cancer (SUCLANODE): a protocol for a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial
Authors: Zhang Li , Mei Xin , Hu Zhigang , Yu Bo , Zhang Chaoyang , Li Yong , Liu Kaitai , Ma Xuejun , Ma Jinli , Chen Xingxing , Meng Jin , Shi Wei , Wang Xiaofang , Mo Miao , Shao Zhimin , Zhang Zhen , Yu Xiaoli , Guo Xiaomao , Yang Zhaozhi
Published: January 2024

Background

Supraclavicular nodal (SCL) irradiation is commonly used for patients with high-risk breast cancer after breast surgery. The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) breast contouring atlases delineate the medial part of the SCL region, while excluding the posterolateral part. However, recent studies have found that a substantial proportion of SCL failures are located in the posterolateral SCL region, outside of the RTOG/ESTRO-defined SCL target volumes. Consequently, many radiation oncologists advocate for enlarging the SCL irradiation target volume to include both the medial and posterolateral SCL regions. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether adding the posterolateral SCL irradiation improves survival outcomes for high-risk breast cancer patients.

Methods

The SUCLANODE trial is an open-label, multicenter, randomized, phase 3 trial comparing the efficacy and adverse events of medial SCL irradiation (M-SCLI group) and medial plus posterolateral SCL irradiation (entire SCL irradiation, E-SCLI group) in high-risk breast cancer patients who underwent breast conserving-surgery or mastectomy. Patients with pathological N2-3b disease following initial surgery, or clinical stage III or pathological N1-3b if receiving neoadjuvant systemic therapy, are eligible and randomly assigned (1:1) to M-SCLI group and E-SCLI group. Stratification is by chemotherapy sequence (neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant), T stage (T3-4 vs. T1-2), N stage (N1-2 vs. N3), and ER status (positive vs. negative). Other radiation volumes are identical in the two arms, including breast/chest wall, undissected axillary lymph node, and internal mammary node. Advanced intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), or tomotherapy techniques are recommended. Both hypofractionated and conventional fractionation schedules are permitted. The primary end point is invasive disease-free survival, and secondary end points included overall survival, SCL recurrence, local-regional recurrence, distance recurrence, safety outcome, and patient-reported outcomes. The target sample size is 1650 participants.

Discussion

The results of the SUCLANODE trial will provide high-level evidence regarding whether adding posterolateral SCL irradiation to medial SCL target volume provides survival benefit in patients with high-risk breast cancer.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05059379. Registered 28 September 2021, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05059379.
Boosts for walking: how humorous messages increase brisk walking among cognitively fatigued individuals
Authors: Symons Michelle , Vandebosch Heidi , Poels Karolien
Published: January 2024

Background

A well-studied internal barrier to regular physical activity, and more specifically brisk walking, is cognitive fatigue. However, thus far little research examined how cognitively fatigued individuals can be motivated to exercise, more specifically to engage in brisk walking. This study investigates whether humorous intervention messages might be an effective strategy to motivate cognitively fatigued individuals to brisk walk, and through which underlying processes.

Methods

An online experiment was performed in which variation in cognitive fatigue was induced through mental arithmetic questions. Afterwards, participants (n = 250) recruited through Prolific, randomly received either humorous or non-humorous intervention messages related to brisk walking. Potential mediators of the relations between physical activity, humour and cognitive fatigue were measured, were self-efficacy, self-control, and motivation.

Results

First, regression analyses confirmed that cognitive fatigue negatively influences brisk walking intentions and that the perceived humour of the intervention messages moderated this relationship. Second, results showed that self-control and self-efficacy are mediators explaining the relationship between cognitive fatigue and brisk walking intentions. Lastly, this study found that perceived humour of the intervention messages moderated the relationship between cognitive fatigue and self-control, indicating that perceptions of self-control were positively changed after receiving messages that were perceived as humorous compared to messages that were not perceived as humorous, subsequently increasing brisk walking intentions.

Conclusions

This study is the first to unravel the underlying relationship between humorous intervention messages and brisk walking intentions through positive changes in perceptions of self-control within a cognitively fatigued sample. Results of this study suggest that existing smartphone applications monitoring and promoting brisk walking should integrate tailored message strategies within their cues to brisk walk by implementing humour as a strategy to motivate users when they are cognitively fatigued.
Increasing ratio of opportunistic infections associated with sunshine exposure and economic level burdening Chinese inflammatory bowel disease hospitalized patients: the first nationwide survey from 2014 to 2019
Authors: Zhou Runing , Wu Ruixian , Wang Li , Yang Hong
Published: January 2024

Background

The rising prevalence of opportunistic infections (OIs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in conjunction with the use of biologics/immunosuppressive agents has garnered attention. However, there is a dearth of research on OIs in Mainland China. This study seeks to evaluate the national ratio trend of OIs in IBD and elucidate the influence of economic and climate factors on IBD patients with OIs and their outcomes.

Methods

The nationwide data was obtained from the Inpatient medical record home page via the Health Statistics and Information Reporting System (HSRS). Patients diagnosed with IBD were enlisted for participation, and their demographic and clinical information, encompassing infection type, surgical procedures, and expenses, were gathered. The National Bureau of Statistics provided data on monthly sunshine exposure hours and yearly Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Results

Findings indicate that between 2014 and 2019, a total of 381,752 patients with IBD were admitted to hospitals, with 364,249 patients lacking OIs and 17,503 patients presenting with OIs. The annual proportion of OIs exhibited an upward trend, rising from 3.54% in 2014 to 4.81% in 2019. There was a significant correlation observed between individuals who identified as male, those who visited hospitals in southern regions, or those originating from areas with lower GDP or shorter sunshine exposure hours, and a higher incidence of OIs. Among patients diagnosed with either Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), Clostridium difficile was found to be the most prevalent infection, followed by Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. Furthermore, the occurrence of OIs was found to be associated with an increased rate of surgical interventions in UC patients.

Conclusions

The rising prevalence of OIs among hospitalized patients with IBD necessitates heightened attention towards mitigating associated risk factors, particularly among IBD patients residing in less developed regions or experiencing limited exposure to sunlight. This approach aims to minimize hospital stays and associated costs.
Using autogenous tooth sticky bone graft repair mandibular third molar dentigerous cyst osseous defects
Authors: Wushou Alimujiang , Luo Yuan , Cheng Qing-tao , Yang Zhi-cheng
Published: January 2024

Background

Dentigerous cyst are most common odontogenic cyst and they frequently occur at the mandibular third molar. Their asymptomatic long medical history always resulted in severe bone resorption at the distal aspect of the adjacent second molar. BonMaker® ATB demonstrate an excellent autogenous bone graft candidacy. The aim of this study is to share a single team’s experience of dentigerous cyst osseous defect repairing by applying autogenous tooth sticky bone graft.

Method

In total, 18 patients with dentigerous cyst, which was arised from mandibular third molar unilaterally, were enrolled in this study. Enucleation of dentigerous cyst was performed extracting with involving teeth under general anesthesia. Autogenous tooth sticky bone graft was prepared using extracted tooth and autogenous fibrin glue. Subsequently, grafting was performed above covering with concentrate growth factors. Patients were followed up at sixth months.

Results

They were eleven male and seven female patients. Their ages ranged from 20 to 40 years, with a mean of 31 years. Primary wound healing of all sites was achieved in all the patients. Sixth months postoperative radiographic assessment show that dentigerous cysts osseous defects of seventeen patients were good bone filling and ossification. One patient occurred slight bone resorption at the distal aspect of the adjacent second molar.

Conclusion

Within the limitation of sample size and retrospective nature of the present study, autogenous tooth sticky bone graft demonstrates one of the best alternative alveolar bones repairing graft.
Salivary biochemical parameters in people living with HIV on ART and dental caries: a cross-sectional study in Monastir, Tunisia
Authors: Berrezouga Latifa , Kooli Ikbel , Marrakchi Wafa , Neffati Fadoua , Najjar Fadhel , Chakroun Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Background

Studies regarding salivary biochemical parameters and dental caries in adult people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are scanty. Aim: To investigate salivary biochemical parameters and dental caries in adult PLWHA who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and compare the findings with people negative for HIV infection.

Methods

The study included 50 HIV positive individuals as a test group (TG) and 50 HIV negative individuals as a control group (CG). Dental examination was performed according to WHO guidelines to assess DMFT. Digital panoramic radiographs were taken to detect additional infectious foci. Non-stimulated saliva was collected between 9 and 12 a. m for 5 min to evaluate 18 biochemical parameters and salivary flow rate (SFR). Parametric and non parametric tests were used according to data distribution. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05%.

Results

Patients’ mean ages and M/F sex ratios for TG and CG were 38.80 ± 9.69 y/o. vs. 37.98 ± 13.47 y/o. and 3.54 vs. 2.33, respectively. Higher means of decayed teeth were recorded in TG, 4.47 ± 3.00 vs. 3.88 ± 2.81 in CG with no significant difference (p = 0.41). Means of filled teeth were significantly lower in TG 2.38 ± 2.16 vs. 4.16 ± 3.35 in CG (p = 0.01), respectively. No statistical significant difference was noted in DMFT indices between the 2 groups (8.04 ± 6.90 vs. 8.52 ± 6.24, p = 0.71). The following salivary parameters were significantly lower in TG compared to CG, respectively: mean SFR 0.44 ± 0.18 ml/min vs. 0.61 ± 0.26 ml/min; median levels of sodium and chlorides, 4 mmol/L and 13.5 mmol/L vs. 9 mmol/L and 19 mmol/L (p < 0.001) and uric acid, 103.50 mmol/L vs. 163 (p = 0.009). However, higher median levels were recorded with calcium, 1.09 mmol/L vs. 0.54 (p < 0.001) and sIgA 23 mg/dl vs. 5 mg/dl (p < 0.001). In TG, a positive correlation was found between DC, potassium, urea, and chlorides (p < 0.05). Salivary renal and hepatic biomarkers were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions

PLWHA have shown an alteration in some salivary parameters, more decayed teeth and less filled teeth. Preventive measures should be implemented to lower dental caries and enhance accessibility to oral care services. In addition, saliva can be utilized to monitor oral and general health status among PLWHA on ART.
Flexural strength, flexural modulus and microhardness of milled vs. fused deposition modeling printed Zirconia; effect of conventional vs. speed sintering
Authors: Hajjaj Maher S. , Alamoudi Rana A. A. , Babeer Walaa A. , Rizg Waleed Y. , Basalah Ahmad A. , Alzahrani Saeed J. , Yeslam Hanin E.
Published: January 2024

Background

Various methods can be used for creating zirconia dental restorations, including 3-dimensional (3D) printing and computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milling. The fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing method for zirconia presents numerous advantages, albeit research on the mechanical properties of these materials and resultant restorations remains scarce. Such developments are undeniably intriguing and warrant further investigation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the sintering firing cycle (Conventional vs. Speed sintering) on the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and Vickers Microhardness of milled vs. FDM printed zirconia.

Methods

A total of 60 bars (2 × 5 × 27 mm) were fabricated for flexural strength testing, along with 40 discs (12 × 1.5 mm) for Vickers microhardness testing. Half of the specimens underwent conventional sintering, while the other half underwent a speed sintering cycle. The flexural strength and modulus were determined by a three-point bending test in a universal testing machine. The microhardness of the specimens was evaluated using a Vickers microhardness tester. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way ANOVA test with a post-hoc Tukey test (p < 0.05).

Results

CAD/CAM milled zirconia had significantly higher flexural strength and modulus than FDM-printed zirconia. The sintering process did not significantly affect the flexural strength or modulus of milled or FDM-printed zirconia. The milled speed sintering group had significantly higher values in the Vickers microhardness test compared to the other groups.

Conclusions

The mechanical properties of FDM-printed zirconia specimens were not found to be comparable to those of milled zirconia. Speed sintering cycle may produce milled zirconia restorations with similar flexural strength and modulus to conventional sintering, and even higher Vickers Microhardness values.
Mechanism study of oleanolic acid derivative, K73-03, inducing cell apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Ma Chuchu , Tang Zhongyuan , Sun Zhengwu , Qaed Eskandar , Chi Xinming , Wang Jun , Jamalat Yazeed , Geng Zhaohong , Tang Zeyao , Yao Qiying
Published: January 2024

Oleanolic acid (3β-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, OA) is a kind of pentacyclic triterpene, which widely distributes in nature. OA possesses a powerful anti-cancer effect; however, its low solubility limits its bioavailability and application. In this study, a new OA derivative, K73-03, was used to determine its effect on liver cancer cells and detailed molecular mechanisms. Here, we show that K73-03 may lead to the disorder of mitochondria in HepG2 cells, leading to excessive ROS production and apoptosis in cells. Meanwhile, K73-03 could induce cell apoptosis by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 pathway and NF-κB/P65 pathway. Collectively, this study may provide a preliminary basis for further cancer treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Prenatal dietary exposure to mixtures of chemicals is associated with allergy or respiratory diseases in children in the ELFE nationwide cohort
Authors: Ghozal Manel , Kadawathagedara Manik , Delvert Rosalie , Divaret-Chauveau Amandine , Raherison Chantal , Varraso Raphaëlle , Bédard Annabelle , Crépet Amélie , Sirot Véronique , Charles Marie Aline , Adel-Patient Karine , de Lauzon-Guillain Blandine
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals may be associated with allergies later in life. We aimed to examine the association between prenatal dietary exposure to mixtures of chemicals and allergic or respiratory diseases up to age 5.5 y.

Methods

We included 11,638 mother-child pairs from the French “Étude Longitudinale Française depuis l’Enfance” (ELFE) cohort. Maternal dietary exposure during pregnancy to eight mixtures of chemicals was previously assessed. Allergic and respiratory diseases (eczema, food allergy, wheezing and asthma) were reported by parents between birth and age 5.5 years. Associations were evaluated with adjusted logistic regressions. Results are expressed as odds ratio (OR[95%CI]) for a variation of one SD increase in mixture pattern.

Results

Maternal dietary exposure to a mixture composed mainly of trace elements, furans and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was positively associated with the risk of eczema (1.10 [1.05; 1.15]), this association was consistent across sensitivity analyses. Dietary exposure to one mixture of pesticides was positively associated with the risk of food allergy (1.10 [1.02; 1.18]), whereas the exposure to another mixture of pesticides was positively but slightly related to the risk of wheezing (1.05 [1.01; 1.08]). This last association was not found in all sensitivity analyses. Dietary exposure to a mixture composed by perfluoroalkyl acids, PAHs and trace elements was negatively associated with the risk of asthma (0.89 [0.80; 0.99]), this association was consistent across sensitivity analyses, except the complete-case analysis.

Conclusion

Whereas few individual chemicals were related to the risk of allergic and respiratory diseases, some consistent associations were found between prenatal dietary exposure to some mixtures of chemicals and the risk of allergic or respiratory diseases. The positive association between trace elements, furans and PAHs and the risk of eczema, and that between pesticides mixtures and food allergy need to be confirmed in other studies. Conversely, the negative association between perfluoroalkyl acids, PAHs and trace elements and the risk of asthma need to be further explored.
Bifocal malakoplakia in a patient living with HIV: case report
Authors: Alsaeed Mohammed , Mursi Mohamed , Eltayeb Nazik , Kuriry Hadi , Albaghli Salafa , Alrusayni Yasir
Published: January 2024

Background

Malakoplakia is a rare chronic granulomatous disease characterized by the presence of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies (MGBs) within histiocytic aggregates. It predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, including those living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Case Presentation

We present a unique case of bifocal malakoplakia in a 49-year-old man, previously with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and HIV positive, presented with respiratory symptoms, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy. He had various infections including Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Candida, with evolving lung and gastrointestinal issues. Despite treatment attempts, he deteriorated due to respiratory distress, multi-organ failure, and coagulopathy, leading to his unfortunate demise.

Conclusion

This report presents a distinctive and complex case of malakoplakia in an HIV-positive patient, a rare inflammatory disorder originally described by Michaelis and Gutmann in 1902. The hallmark Michaelis-Gutmann organisms were observed, confirming the diagnosis. While typically affecting the urinary tract, this case demonstrates the exceptional ability of malakoplakia to manifest in various organ systems, including pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and more. Although Escherichia coli is a prevalent associated pathogen, the exact cause remains elusive. Treatment, often involving surgical excision and antibiotic therapy, underscores the challenging nature of managing this condition in immunocompromised individuals.
Trehalosemodulates OVRAS to improve oxidative stress and apoptosis in KGN cells and ovaries of PCOS mice
Authors: Gao Shasha , Wang Juan , Wei Lun , Luo Chao , Qian Fei , Bo Le , Mao Caiping
Published: January 2024

The etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is complex and variable, and there is no exact cause or good treatment method. Most of the methods of hormones are used to temporarily meet the needs of patients. Experimental evidence has shown that trehalose has, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative, glucose-lowering, and insulin resistance effects. However, whether trehalose has a therapeutic effect on PCOS is unknown. It has been reported that the ovarian renin-angiotensin system (OVRAS) is involved in the development of PCOS, but it has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to explore the effect of trehalose on PCOS and elucidate the related OVRAS mechanism. We first observed that body weight, estrous cycle, ovarian follicles at all levels, glucose tolerance, serum hormones, and insulin resistance were improved by trehalose treatment in the PCOS mouse model. Moreover, trehalose treatment also ameliorated ovarian oxidative stress and apoptosis in PCOS mice, as determined by TUNNEL apoptosis staining, total SOD in ovarian homogenate, and WB assay. OVRAS mainly involves two classic pathways, namely the ACE/AngII/AT1R/AT2R, and ACE2 / Ang1-7/ MASR, Which play different functions. In PCOS mouse ovaries, we found that ACE/AngII/AT1R was up-regulated and ACE2/Ang1-7/MASR and AT2R were down-regulated by PCR and WB experiments, However, trehalose treatment changed its direction. In addition, we also found that trehalose ameliorated DHEA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in KGN by PCR and WB experiments, mainly by down-regulating ACE/AngII/AT1R. Our study shows that trehalose improves symptoms of PCOS mainly by down-regulating ACE/AngII/AT1R, revealing a potential therapeutic target for PCOS.
Forecasting VaR and ES by using deep quantile regression, GANs-based scenario generation, and heterogeneous market hypothesis
Authors: Wang Jianzhou , Wang Shuai , Lv Mengzheng , Jiang He
Published: January 2024

Value at risk (VaR) and expected shortfall (ES) have emerged as standard measures for detecting the market risk of financial assets and play essential roles in investment decisions, external regulations, and risk capital allocation. However, existing VaR estimation approaches fail to accurately reflect downside risks, and the ES estimation technique is quite limited owing to its challenging implementation. This causes financial institutions to overestimate or underestimate investment risk and finally leads to the inefficient allocation of financial resources. The main purpose of this study is to use machine learning to improve the accuracy of VaR estimation and provide an effective tool for ES estimation. Specifically, this study proposes a VaR estimator by combining quantile regression with “Mogrifier” recurrent neural networks to capture the “long memory” and “clustering” properties of financial assets; while for estimating ES, this study directly models the quantile of assets and employs generative adversarial networks to generate future tail risk scenarios. In addition to the typical properties of financial assets, the model design is also consistent with heterogeneous market theory. An empirical application to four major global stock indices shows that our model is superior to other existing models.
Salmon processing discards: a potential source of bioactive peptides – a review
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vegneshwaran Vasudevan , Hossain Abul , Dave Deepika , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: January 2024

Salmon aquaculture generates 80% of the total revenue of finfish aquaculture across Canada. Salmon farming is carried out in a multilevel process, and at least 60% of the total production is considered as by-products, including skin, head, viscera, trimmings, frames, bones, and roes. These by-products are an excellent source of protein, which can be converted to protein hydrolysates through enzymatic hydrolysis and non-enzymatic processes such as chemical hydrolysis (acid and alkaline) in order to utilize them into value-added products. Several studies have reported that peptides from salmon protein hydrolysates possess bioactivities, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-allergic, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Incorporating in silico computational methods is gaining more attention to identify potential peptides from source proteins. The in silico methods can be used to predict the properties of the peptides and thereby predetermine the processing, isolation, and purification steps that can be used for the peptides of interest. Therefore, it is essential to implement robust, standardized, and cost-effective processing techniques that can easily be transferrable and scale up for industrial applications in view of circular economy and upcycling concept. This contribution summarizes the latest research information on Atlantic salmon, production statistics, growth lifecycle, processing, protein production techniques, nutritional and functional properties, peptide production and purification processes, as well as potential health benefits as a nutraceutical product.

Graphical Abstract
Changes in histone lysine acetylation, but not DNA methylation during facultative hibernation in Syrian hamster liver
Authors: Oosterhof Marloes M. , Coussement Louis , van Pijkeren Alienke , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Zwinderman Martijn R. H. , Dekker Frank J. , de Meyer Tim , Reitsema Vera A. , Bischoff Rainer , Guryev Victor , Bouma Hjalmar R. , Henning Rob H. , Rots Marianne G.
Published: January 2024

Background

Hibernation (torpor) is a strategy to survive extreme environmental conditions, associated with a significant decrease in metabolism and body temperature. The inducibility by the environment of torpor for facultative hibernators designates epigenetic mechanisms as likely candidates for regulation. Therefore, we set out to unravel epigenetics in the liver of a facultative hibernator, Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), sampled at different phases during hibernation, by assessing the expression of epigenetic writer and eraser enzymes, histone acetylation dynamics, and DNA methylation levels.

Results

Expression of epigenetic writers/erasers confirmed previously reported results obtained in obligatory hibernators, but might point to a mechanism specific for facultative hibernators, e.g., differential expression of histone acetyltransferases (HATs; KAT6A, KAT6B, KAT7, and KAT13D/CLOCK). These findings were in accordance with observed changes in histone H3 and H4 acetylation changes. Overall histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity was highest in torpor. No differences were detected in DNA methylation throughout all phases.

Conclusion

Our study thus points to histone acetylation as an important player in facultative hamster hibernation, which may underlie the orchestration of gene expression changes throughout hibernation.
Understanding the effects of permafrost degradation through a multiphysics approach
Authors: Vosoughi Ehsan , Giroux Bernard , Duchesne Mathieu J. , Dupuis J. Christian
Published: January 2024

Permafrost is a multiphase porous media that can host matter in all three states (solid, liquid, and gas). The equilibrium between the states of matter within the pore space is largely driven by salinity, pressure, and temperature. The complex interactions between the different thermodynamic processes can lead to a complex pore system that is altered at each subsequent thaw and freeze cycle. The dynamic changes imposed on this porous media alter the mechanical and electrical properties of the samples. These changes can thus be quantified and monitored using ultrasonic and electrical resistivity measurements. The experimental results presented in this work document the impacts of a thawing event on unconsolidated quartz sand samples that are partially saturated with a brine solution. The electrical resistivity and ultrasonic data are acquired simultaneously throughout the experiment, and the spatiotemporal changes within the solid matrix are captured by time-lapse X-ray computed tomography (CT). A total of 39 different samples are investigated. The two independent variables chosen for this study are the grain size and the salinity of the brines. The results indicate a clear transition in electrical and elastic properties as the material in the pore space transitions between two different states. Further results indicate that these transitions are the result of the alteration of the pore network itself. In addition, the study of P-wave velocity, ice fraction, and X-ray CT of two different types of ice that coexist within the pore network is documented. Given the distinct impact of two different types of ice on this cryogenic porous media, it is imperative to thoroughly comprehend the existence of different ice types before undertaking the electroelastic investigation of permafrost.
Gentle Motion, Deep Sleep and Enhanced Rehabilitation: Investigating the Impact of Rocking Movements on Sleep – A Narative Review
Authors: Vulturar Damiana-Maria , Moacă Liviu-Ștefan , Chiș Ana-Florica , Maierean Anca-Diana , Alexescu Teodora-Gabriela , Stoia Mirela -Anca , Dogaru Gabriela , Todea Doina-Adina
Published: January 2024

Sleep plays a crucial role in physical and mental well-being, being a fundamental component of the body's natural rehabilitation and recovery process. Adequate sleep not only facilitates tissue repair but also enhances cognitive function and mood. For those undergoing physical rehabilitation or recovering from injuries, prioritizing restorative sleep is indispensable, as it accelerates healing processes. Recent studies explore innovative technologies like rocking movements to enhance sleep quality. While anecdotal evidence suggests benefits, scientific literature on rocking movements remains limited. This narrative review examines the impact of rocking movements on sleep quality and memory processes. Studies suggest potential benefits, such as such as a shorter duration of N1, increased spindle density in the N2, and longer time spent in N3, indicating enhanced sleep quality. The potential relevance of these findings lies in advancing non-pharmacological treatments for individuals with insomnia or mood disorders, and they may also have implications for foraging populations dealing with reduced deep sleep and memory impairments. Further research in clinical settings is imperative to explore the impact of sleep quality on rehabilitation training, determining if the positive influences of sleep consolidation translate into substantial clinical outcomes in rehabilitative care.
Impact of education and employment status on cognitive and physical disability in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Patrașc Silvia Mihaela , Ignat Emilian Bogdan , Constantinescu Victor , Ciubotaru Alin , Spînu Dragos Andrei , Țaga Ioana Teodora , Ivan Laura Cristina , Miron Iulian , Matei Daniela Viorelia , Szalontay Andreea Silvana
Published: January 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of non-traumatic disability in the young. Socioeconomic status – education and employment - are environmental factors that may influence MS genesis and disease course. We evaluate the impact of education and employment on cognitive and physical disability in a Romanian cohort of people with MS (pwMS). We analyzed data from 111 pwMS in our clinic. Isaacs set test (IST) and EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) were used to evaluate cognition and physical function. Comparison of means and linear regression were used to characterize the relationship between education/employment and cognitive/physical evaluations. Individuals who fit in the ‘high’ education category had higher IST scores as compared to less educated subjects. Employed patients had significantly better IST scores. Linear regression showed that education can predict cognitive (p<.05, B=0.256, CI 0.042-0.469) and physical disability (p<.001, B= -0.43, 95% CI -0.607 to -0.264). EDSS scores were significantly lower in the ‘high education’ and employed groups. While the relationship between these factors is not yet fully comprehended, asking simple questions about one’s socioeconomic status could represent useful tools in evaluating and managing pwMS.
Temporomandibular disorders, occlusal splints, and treatment options: a survey-based investigation
Authors: Manziuc Manuela-Maria , Almășan Oana , Kui Andreea , Negucioiu Marius , Ispas Ana , Stupinean Mălina , Varvară Bianca , Buduru Smaranda
Published: January 2024

Background: The term "temporomandibular disorders" (TMDs) refers to a group of painful conditions that affect both the hard and soft orofacial anatomical structures. The primary objectives of TMD treatment are to lessen pain and enhance mandibular movements, re-establishing proper functioning. One of the widely used treatment options for TMDs pathology is the occlusal splint. This non-invasive intraoral device, determines both the muscle relaxation and reversibly repositions the temporomandibular joint structures. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of different occlusal splint designs or materials in managing TMD symptoms. Methods: Twenty-six patients, nineteen of whom were female and seven of whom were male, ranging in age from twenty to seventy, met the criteria needed participate in this study. Two different questionnaires were formulated: a patient-focused and a clinician-focused questionnaire. The patient's data encompassed general health status and TMD signs and symptoms, whereas the clinician's questions addressed assessment and treatment alternatives, including the particularities of occlusal splint therapy. Results: The majority of the patients were diagnosed with disc displacement with reduction (61.5%), followed by myalgia (26.9%). The only form of treatment preferred by physicians was the Michigan occlusal splint, which was mainly used on the maxillary dental arch (84,6%). After the splint therapy was completed and the intended results were obtained, the treatment plan was finished using selective grinding, prosthetic dental restorations, orthodontic therapy, or a combination of these procedures. The patient was required to continue physical therapy (7,7%), wear a full-arch night guard (42.3%), and undergo rigorous periodic control sessions (34.6%) to maintain the final aesthetic and functional results. Conclusions: Occlusal splints are an efficient and reliable initial therapy preference for patients with temporomandibular disorders. In addition to improving symptoms in the temporomandibular joint, occlusal splints may determine mandibular repositioning, which also implies a variety of treatment approaches, ranging from the minimally invasive to the most complex, to achieve a functional occlusal status.
Evaluating a Tailored 12-Week Post-Operative Rehabilitation Program for Younger Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Addressing a Growing Need
Authors: Vitalis Lorand , Feier Andrei Marian , Russu Octav , Zuh Sándor-György , Szórádi Gergő-Tamás , Pop Tudor Sorin
Published: January 2024

Background: The prevalence of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) is rising, especially among younger patients due to sports-related injuries and early osteoarthritis onset. Post-operative outcomes in younger patients show promise, but current rehabilitation approaches lack specificity for this group. This study aims to evaluate a post-operative rehabilitation program tailored for younger TKA recipients.; Methods: Patients from a single arthroplasty center who underwent TKA were age and sex-matched into two groups: Group A with an advanced 12-week rehabilitation program and Group B with a standard rehabilitation program. Eligibility required participants to be under 60 and ready for a specific TKA type, with assessments at baseline and 12 weeks post-operative using the KSS, KOOS, and the SF-36 scales. Results: At the 12-week follow-up, Group A, having received the advanced rehabilitation protocol, showed significantly higher KOOS (A: 85.1 ± 8.7 vs. B: 83.7 ± 11.1; p=0.042) and KSS (A: 82.9 ± 8.4 vs. B: 78.7 ± 9.2; p=0.020) scores than Group B. Both groups demonstrated marked improvements with an attendance rate of 88% (A) compared to 82% (B), although we found no significant difference in overall mean tolerability scores between the groups. Conclusions: Patients undergoing advanced rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty showed significant improvements compared to standard protocols. Despite minor variations influenced by social determinants, the advanced protocol was more effective in post-operative recovery.
Neurotensin receptor 2 in neuroinflammation and neuronal death following experimentally induced status epilepticus
Authors: Κυριατζής Γρηγόριος
Published: January 2024

Η επιληψία είναι μια από τις συχνότερες, κρισιμότερες και πιο ευρέως διαδεδομένες νευρολογικές διαταραχές. Περίπου 60 εκατομμύρια άνθρωποι (6 εκατομμύρια στην Ευρώπη) στον κόσμο υποφέρουν από αυτή. Πολλώ δε μάλλον, το γεγονός πως το ένα τρίτο των ασθενών με επιληψία δεν ανταποκρίνονται στις υπάρχουσες διαθέσιμες φαρμακολογικές θεραπείες, υπογραμμίζει περαιτέρω την επιτακτική ανάγκη για νέες θεραπείες. Στη διατριβή του, ο Γρηγόριος Κυριατζής μελέτησε την έκφραση ενός πρωτεϊνικού υποδοχέα του εγκεφάλου των θηλαστικών με έως σήμερα μη σαφώς καθορισμένο ρόλο, και τη ρύθμισή του υπό παθολογικές συνθήκες, σε ζώσες συνθήκες, μετά από πειραματική πρόκληση επιληψίας κροταφικού λοβού σε ενήλικες αρουραίους. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνάς του προτείνουν έναν νέο ρόλο για αυτόν τον υποδοχέα στη νευροφλεγμονή και τον νευρωνικό θάνατο που λαμβάνουν χώρα στην επιληψία, και υποδηλώνουν ότι η πιθανή στόχευση αυτού του υποδοχέα θα μπορούσε να μεταβάλει τη νευροφλεγμονή και τον κυτταρικό θάνατο. Αυτή η μελέτη πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Ινστιτούτο Νευροφυσιοπαθολογίας.
Η σύνθεση της ατομικής (ψυχολογικής) και περιβαλλοντικής προσέγγισης στο πέρασμα στην εγκληματική πράξη
Authors: Ανίτση Έλλη
Published: January 2024

Το παρόν πόνημα επιχειρεί την παράλληλη διερεύνηση των ατομικών και κοινωνιοχωρικών παραγόντων που δρουν κατά το πέρασμα στην εγκληματική πράξη, υπό το πρίσμα μιας δυναμικής θεώρησης, με σκοπό τη δημιουργία ενός πλαισίου που να συνθέτει τις δύο προσεγγίσεις. Στη βάση αυτή εφαρμόζεται μια ποιοτική μεθοδολογία, ενώ ως παράδειγμα μελέτης χρησιμοποιούνται τα εγκλήματα βίας κατά των προσώπων και ειδικότερα οι περιπτώσεις της ανθρωποκτονίας, της ληστείας και του βιασμού. Ως ερευνητικό υλικό επιλέχθηκαν γραπτά τεκμήρια που αφορούσαν σε τριάντα «Πρακτικά και Αποφάσεις» του Μικτού Ορκωτού Εφετείου Αθηνών, τα οποία αντλήθηκαν κατόπιν έγκρισης σχετικού αιτήματος που υποβλήθηκε στο αρμόδιο Εφετείο για τη διεξαγωγή έρευνας. Ως προς τα κριτήρια, στη βάση των οποίων έγινε η επιλογή του ερευνητικού υλικού, τα τριάντα υπό μελέτη τεκμήρια περιλάμβαναν μια ποικιλία περιπτώσεων, αναφορικά με τα χαρακτηριστικά των δραστών και των εγκληματικών συμβάντων, καθώς και τους συνδυασμούς των υπό εξέταση αδικημάτων. Η ανάλυση του ερευνητικού υλικού πραγματοποιήθηκε σε έξι στάδια σύμφωνα με τη μεθοδολογία της θεματικής ανάλυσης. Ως είθισται στην περίπτωση της ποιοτικής έρευνας, τα ερευνητικά ερωτήματα διαμορφώθηκαν, κατά τη διαδικασία της θεματικής ανάλυσης. Κάτω από αυτή τη σκοπιά, η ατομική προσέγγιση συγκεκριμενοποιήθηκε μέσα από την ανασύσταση του υποκειμενικού βιώματος του δράστη και την ανάδειξη των συγκυριών της ζωή του, ενώ η περιβαλλοντική μέσα από τη διερεύνηση του κοινωνικού περιβάλλοντος του δράστη και των στοιχείων που συναποτελούν το εγκληματικό συμβάν. Από τη διαδικασία της θεματικής ανάλυσης και τον θεωρητικό σχολιασμό των πορισμάτων προέκυψε ένα σχήμα που εμπεριέχει μια ποικιλία ψυχολογικών, πολιτισμικών, περιβαλλοντικών καθώς και συγκυριακών παραγόντων, που προσεγγίζονται μέσα από τις προτάσεις θεωριών, οι οποίες αναπτύσσονται στο πλαίσιο διαφορετικών γνωστικών αντικειμένων και επιπέδων εξήγησης. Ειδικότερα, το εξαχθέν σχήμα, αποτελεί μια απόπειρα διασύνδεσης θεωρητικών προτάσεων από τη θεωρία της έντασης, τις πολιτισμικές προσεγγίσεις και ειδικότερα αναφορικά με τον ρόλο των οικολογικά διαμορφωμένων νορμών, τη θεωρία των τεχνικών εξουδετέρωσης, τα μοντέλα διπλής επεξεργασίας πληροφοριών, την υπόθεση ματαίωσης-επιθετικότητας, τη θεωρία της ορθολογικής επιλογής, τη θεωρία των καθημερινών δραστηριοτήτων, τη θεωρία των εγκληματικών μοτίβων, καθώς και τη θεωρία της συλλογικής αποτελεσματικότητας. Το προτεινόμενο σχήμα, αποτελεί μια βάση για τη δημιουργία ενός πλαισίου κατανόησης του φαινομένου των εγκλημάτων βίας κατά των προσώπων, μέσα από μια δυναμική προοπτική. Ειδικότερα, υπογραμμίζεται η χρήση του όρου «σχήμα», καθώς το πλαίσιο που προτείνεται από την παρούσα διατριβή, αποτελεί μια πρόταση αξιοποίησης των προτάσεων των εν λόγω θεωριών, στη βάση των ερευνητικών πορισμάτων, χωρίς ωστόσο να προχωρά στη συνένωση των θεωρητικών προτάσεων σε ένα ολοκληρωμένο εξηγητικό πλαίσιο.