bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing emerging public health threats: the Noncommunicable Disease Capacity Assessment and Planning (N-CAP) Process
Authors: Saad Randa K. , Alsouri Ruba , Kruse Meredith H. , Kufoof Lara , Lobanov-Rostovsky Sophie , Richter Patricia , Khader Yousef
Published: June 2024

Background

The global epidemic of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing. Current assessments that monitor capacity to address NCDs are often externally led and do not facilitate country planning. The Noncommunicable Disease Capacity Assessment and Planning (N-CAP) Process assists ministries of health and other governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to assess, prioritize, and plan how to address NCDs and other public health threats. This paper describes the development of this tool.

Materials and methods

Driven by ministries of health, the N-CAP Process engages new and existing stakeholders in three activities: Stakeholder Mapping; Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Workshop; and N-CAP Workshop that uses Discussion Guides to lead in-depth assessment and planning. Standard Operating Procedures, a library of Discussion Guides based on common NCD themes, and an open-access e-learning course are available.

Results

The N-CAP Process outcome is a prioritized plan of how to improve the country’s public health functions. Adaptations to the tool were made after piloting in Jordan and Iraq.

Conclusion

The N-CAP Process helps countries engage various stakeholders to identify gaps and create collaborative, country-specific strategies to effectively respond to NCDs, a leading public health threat. The pilots sparked interest from other countries and underscored its potential for broader implementation to combat the rising global burden of NCDs.
Global impact of particulate matter on ischemic stroke
Authors: Xie Zhouyu , Shu Peng , Li Fei , Chen Yi , Yu Wangfang , Hu Ronglei
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study assesses the worldwide impact of ischemic stroke caused by ambient particulate matter pollution between 1990 and 2019, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019.

Methods

An analysis was conducted across various subgroups, including region, Socio-demographic Index (SDI) level, country, age, and gender. The study primarily examined metrics such as death cases, death rate, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), DALY rate, and age-standardized indicators. The Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) was calculated to assess trends over time.

Results

The study found a moderate increase in the global burden of ischemic stroke attributed to ambient particulate matter, with the age-standardized DALY rate showing an EAPC of 0.41. Subgroup analyses indicated the most substantial increases in Western Sub-Saharan Africa (EAPC 2.64), East Asia (EAPC 2.77), and Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa (EAPC 3.80). Low and middle SDI countries displayed the most notable upward trends, with EAPC values of 3.36 and 3.58 for age-standardized death rate (ASDR) and DALY rate, respectively. Specifically, countries like Equatorial Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Yemen experienced the largest increases in ASDR and age-standardized DALY rate. Furthermore, both death and DALY rates from ischemic stroke due to particulate matter showed significant increases with age across all regions.

Conclusion

The study highlights the increasing worldwide health consequences of ischemic stroke linked to particulate matter pollution, particularly in Asia and Africa. This emphasizes the critical necessity for tailored public health interventions in these regions.
Yoga as a therapeutic approach to mental health in university students: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Castellote-Caballero Yolanda , Carcelén-Fraile María del Carmen , Aibar-Almazán Agustín , Rivas-Campo Yulieth , González-Martín Ana María
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study has been to analyze the efficacy of a yoga-based intervention on stress, emotional wellbeing, state anxiety and trait anxiety in university students.

Methods

This study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 129 university students, of which 65 underwent a yoga training for 12 weeks and a control group that did not carry out any type of intervention. The primary outcome was stress, which was collected through The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The secondary outcomes were emotional wellbeing which was measured through the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), and anxiety through State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). All variables were measured before and after the intervention.

Results

Participants in the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in the primary outcome perceived stress (Cohen’s d = 0.44) and the secondary outcomes emotional wellbeing (Cohen’s d = 0.47), and both state anxiety (Cohen’s d = 0.38) and trait anxiety (Cohen’s d = 0.80) compared to the control group that did not carry out any type of physical training.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that a 12-week yoga intervention can significantly reduce perceived stress and anxiety, and improve emotional wellbeing in university students. Initially, the experimental group (EG) reported higher levels of stress and anxiety than the control group (CG), but after the intervention, the EG experienced significant improvements compared to the CG.
The impact of road environments on rural periodic market travel satisfaction: a heterogeneity analysis of travel modes
Authors: Xu Hong , Liang Ping , Zhu Hao , Li Mingyang , Li Haimei , Martek Igor , Ao Yibin
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Travel satisfaction as experienced by rural residents is closely related to personal physical and mental health, as well as rural economic conditions. An improved rural road environment can be expected to enhance villagers’ satisfaction with regards to visits to markets, but to date this has not been established empirically.

Methods

In this study, a questionnaire was designed to obtain local residents’ evaluations of road environment characteristics for periodic market travel. And we use an Oprobit regression model and Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) to explore the heterogeneity of the 14 key elements of the “home-to-market” road environment impact on villagers’ satisfaction under different modes of travel.

Results

The results of the study reveal that villagers expressed dissatisfaction with the current lack of sidewalks and non-motorized paths, and except for road traffic disturbances and road deterioration, which did not significantly affect mode of travel, other factors proved significant. Significantly, bus services are associated with a significant positive effect on walking, non-motorized and bus travel satisfaction, while distance travel also affects walking, non-motorized and motorized travel satisfaction. It is worth noting that greening and service facilities negatively affect motorized travel satisfaction. In summary, road width, sidewalks, bus service, and road deterioration, are among the elements most in need of urgent improvement for all modes of travel.

Discussion

The characteristics of the road environment that influence satisfaction with travel to the periodic market vary by travel mode, and this study is hoped to provide data support and optimization recommendations for the improvement of the rural road environment in China and other countries.
A scoping review on active vs. passive range of motion approaches to treat heterotopic ossification at the elbow
Authors: Siegel Patricia , Smith Shanna , Stark Emily , Burns Cole , Dionne Timothy P.
Published: June 2024

Objective

The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize and clarify literature on the effectiveness of active and passive range of motion therapy techniques to address range of motion in people with heterotopic ossification (HO), and to provide guidance to therapists in clinical decision-making based on current evidence.

Method

To find articles that included therapeutic interventions to maintain or improve range of motion in people with heterotopic ossification, the authors searched the following databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and OTSeeker. To ensure that the search was comprehensive, the authors also searched Burns and Trauma, Burns Journal, Burns Open, and the Journal of Hand Therapy. Searches were limited to peer-reviewed articles published in the English language. No publication date limits were set. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database PEDro scale was utilized to measure the validity of the methodological quality of each article.

Results

Five studies met the inclusion criteria.. Two studies emphasized that passive range of motion was effective in less than 50% of their subjects, while the other three studies utilized active range of motion only, reporting 50% of patients did not require surgery.

Discussion/conclusion

There is insufficient evidence to determine effective therapeutic management of HO and the literature that does exist is contradictory and inconclusive. Future research is necessary to determine if any effectiveness of manual therapeutic approaches exists for patients with HO.
Drilling Into the Earth: How Deep Can We Go?
Authors: Kamrani-Mehni Said
Published: June 2024

Drilling into the Earth is important for collecting resources like water and raw materials, and it is also done for scientific reasons, to learn about the planet. A method called rotary drilling is often used to drill holes deep into the Earth. To understand how deep we can drill, you need to understand how rotary drilling is performed and what the challenges are. This article explains how we drill deep holes and introduces the equipment needed for rotary drilling. The deeper we drill into the Earth, the higher the temperature and pressure. As temperature and pressure increase, drilling equipment will eventually fail. Another challenge is preventing the hole from collapsing. We will explain how these challenges can be tackled and how deep we can drill with current drilling techniques.
Urban trees as a lever for citizen engagement in public consultation processes: the case of Paris, France
Authors: Dakouré Amélie , Georges Jean-Yves
Published: June 2024

In the present context of increasing human population demography, worldwide social crises, and rapid ecological global change, large cities are facing major socio-environmental challenges. This convokes authorities to adapt their governance and urban planning to reconcile urban development, ecological systems, and city dwellers in the most sustainable way. To achieve such goals, local officials have to associate all local actors, including city-dwellers, to the decision-making process through participatory governance and/or participatory systems. Here, we elaborated an original pilot project governance system for a “Participatory System Combining Town Planning and Science” (the 2PS-CiTy), as part of the revision of the Local Urban Plan (LUP) of Paris, France, into a Bioclimatic LUP held from 2020 to 2024. By implementing 2PS-CiTy, we aimed to answer “How to turn trees into a lever for inhabitants’ engagement in urban consultation systems?” Trees were chosen because they are emblematic elements of nature with significant roles in ecosystemic services such as urban climate regulation. Parisians were invited to (i) share in the first questionnaire some information on their knowledge about the LUP and their engagement in it, (ii) identify urban trees they consider remarkable, (iii) explain their choice in a second questionnaire, (iv) contribute to the urban consultation as part of the LUP revision, and finally, (v) give their feedback during a dedicated survey. Out of the 41 Parisians who took part in 2PS-City, 83% declared they were motivated to participate because they could contribute to the tree census, which in turn can constructively contribute to the Parisian LUP revision to bring more nature and sustainability in town. This study demonstrates that trees can be used as a lever for inhabitants’ engagement in urban consultation systems to make cities more sustainable. Our survey also showed that the 2PS-CiTy governance system could be improved by (1) developing a participatory culture among decision-makers and (2) preventing nowadays silo governance from developing the most promising public governance systems that involve the departments of green space, urban planning, and local democracy.
The association between parameters of physical activity and olfactory function—the importance of frequency and moderate intensity
Authors: Namiranian Khoosheh , Gauthier Alexandre-Charles , Gilbert Jo-Anne , Mathieu Marie-Eve
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Overall physical activity (PA) has been linked to decreased olfactory dysfunction and could improve olfactory function. Additionally, decreased olfactory function can contribute to reduced overall PA levels, given its association with neurodegenerative disorders. This study aims to examine the relationship between specific PA parameters (duration, frequency, intensity) and olfactory function in adults.

Methods

A total of 3,527 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014 underwent assessments for weekly PA duration, frequency, and intensity, alongside a smell test (including odors such as chocolate, strawberry, grape, onion, smoke, natural gas, leather, and soap). Correlation analyses and binary logistic regressions using SPSS were used to evaluate associations.

Results

The total smell score exhibited small yet significant positive correlations with the duration, frequency, and volume of moderate PA (correlation coefficients ranging between 0.05 and 0.08; all p ≤ 0.05) and frequency of vigorous PA (correlation coefficient of 0.05; p < 0.05). For moderate PA, the duration, frequency, and volume were significantly and positively associated with the ability to correctly detect the smell of grapes while the frequency was significantly and positively associated with the ability to identify smoke and leather odors (odds ratios ranging from 1.01 to 1.07; p < 0.05). For vigorous PA, the frequency of PA was positively associated with the detection of grape smell (odds ratio of 1.05; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Some parameters of an active lifestyle are associated with improved odds of accurately identifying odors by up to 7.4%. Moderate PA duration, frequency, and volume were linked to better olfactory scores, while high-intensity PA had limited associations.
Solitary fibrous tumor of the adrenal gland: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Shi Changjie , Shi Xiuquan , Wu Ding , Zhang Ying , Fu Dian , Xu Xiaofeng , Cheng Wen
Published: June 2024

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor, probably of fibroblastic origin, mainly in the extremities and pleura. Primary SFT of the adrenal gland is clinically more rare. Here, we report the case of a 47-year-old woman who detected a left adrenal mass on physical examination, without any symptoms, and no laboratory abnormalities. A computed tomography (CT) examination of the adrenal gland suggested a round-like soft tissue density shadow in the left adrenal area. An unenhanced scan showed uneven density of the mass, with a scattered circular-like cystic low-density shadow inside, and an enhanced scan showed obvious uneven enhancement. We considered it to be adrenal pheochromocytoma. Ultimately, the patient was treated with laparoscopic left adrenalectomy. A pathological examination suggested an adrenal SFT. We reviewed previous case reports of adrenal SFTs and summarized the clinical characteristics of adrenal SFT combined with the relevant literature. For adrenal tumors with uneven low-density shadow and uneven CT enhancement features, we should consider the differential diagnosis of adrenal SFT.
Study on Anatomical Structures of the Dromedary Udder
Authors: Müller Annika , Wernery Ulrich , Kinne Joerg , Nagy Péter , Juhász Judit , Appelt Andre , Wittek Thomas
Published: June 2024

The objectives of the present study were to describe specific anatomical structures of the dromedary udder. Eighty-six dromedary udders were examined, taking morphological measurements and producing injection casts using resin, gelatin, and paraffin. The udder of the dromedaries consists of four quarters. The shape of the udders and teats varies considerably between animals and is influenced by age, breeding, and lactation status. The most frequently found udder form was the globular udder (48.8%) and the most common teat form in this study was the funnel teat (44.2%). The most common teat tip shape was a smooth or a slightly rough ring teat (61.6%). Injection casts showed a complete separation of the teat canals. There is also no communication between tributary mammary complexes. Resin injections of the glandular tissue adjacent to the teat cistern showed an extensive branching into large, medium, and small milk ducts. Frozen sections of the udder revealed complete separation of the right and left mammary complex through the Sulcus intermammarius. The teat sections showed longitudinal folds from the tip of the teat to the base of the teat. A ring fold at the transition from the Ductus papillaris to the teat cistern was present. The results of this study increase the knowledge of the anatomical structures of the dromedary udder, which may be useful for breeding a selection of dairy dromedaries.
Integrative Meta-Analysis: Unveiling Genetic Factors in Meat Sheep Growth and Muscular Development through QTL and Transcriptome Studies
Authors: Rehman Shahab Ur , Zhen Yongkang , Ding Luoyang , Saleh Ahmed A. , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Jinying , He Feiyang , Husien Hosameldeen Mohamed , Zhou Ping , Wang Mengzhi
Published: June 2024

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effects of castration on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in sheep, as well as explore the expression of key genes related to metabolic pathways and muscle growth following castration. Methods: A meta-analysis approach was utilized to analyze data from multiple studies to compare the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of castrated sheep (wethers) with intact rams. Additionally, protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, differential gene expression (DEG) interactions, Gene Ontology (GO) terms, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were examined to identify molecular mechanisms associated with fat metabolism and muscle development in sheep tails. Results: The analysis revealed that castrated sheep (wethers) exhibited improved average daily gain, increased tenderness, lower backfat thickness, and a tendency for greater loin muscle area compared to intact rams. This suggests that castration promotes faster growth and results in leaner carcasses with potentially higher muscle content. Furthermore, the identification of downregulated DEGs like ACLY, SLC27A2, and COL1A1 and upregulated DEGs such as HOXA9, PGM2L1, and ABAT provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying fat deposition and muscle development in sheep. Conclusions: The findings support the practice of castration in sheep production as it enhances growth performance, leads to leaner carcasses with higher muscle content, and improves meat tenderness. The identified changes in gene expression offer valuable insights for further research into understanding the impact of castration on muscle development and fat metabolism in sheep. This meta-analysis contributes to the knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in fat deposition in sheep, opening avenues for future investigations in livestock fat metabolism research.
Splenic Myelolipomas in the Domestic Cat—To Operate or Not to Operate?
Authors: Kennedy Diana J. , Ferreira Helena M. T. , Dobromylskyj Melanie J. , Hobi Stefan , Almendros Angel , Bęczkowski Paweł M.
Published: June 2024

Myelolipoma is a benign, typically inert neoplasm of uncertain aetiology that is rarely reported in cats. Although commonly asymptomatic, in some cases, myelolipomas can cause abdominal discomfort or present with rupture and haemorrhage. Here, we describe a rare case of a splenic myelolipoma in a Domestic Long Hair cat in which, after extensive diagnostic investigations, clinical signs of hyporexia and weight loss were attributable to the presence of an intra-abdominal mass. The patient was treated by splenectomy and unexpectedly died during the post-operative period. Although splenectomy appears to be a sensible intervention in symptomatic patients, the optimal management of splenic myelolipomas in cats remains unknown. The risk–benefit ratio of surgical management needs to be carefully considered, and therapeutic intervention should be tailored individually to each patient.
A Novel Technique for Semantic Segmentation of Hyperspectral Images Using Multi-View Features
Authors: Grewal Reaya , Kasana Geeta , Kasana Singara Singh
Published: June 2024

This research presents an innovative technique for semantic segmentation of Hyperspectral Image (HSI) while focusing on its dimensionality reduction. A unique technique is applied to three distinct HSI landcover datasets, Indian Pines, Pavia University, and Salinas Valley, acquired from diverse sensors. HSIs are inherently multi-view structures, causing redundancy and computation overload due to their high dimensionality. The technique utilizes Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) variants, Pairwise CCA (PCCA) and Multiple Set CCA (MCCA), to extract features from multiple views of the input image simultaneously. The performance of PCCA and MCCA is compared with the traditional Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on all datasets. The superior performance of CCA variants, particularly MCCA, is demonstrated in achieving higher Overall Accuracy (OA) for semantic segmentation compared to PCA. The research extends the analysis by integrating machine learning classifiers for per pixel prediction, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed techniques i.e., PCCA-SVM and MCCA-SVM.
Ex Vivo Biomechanical Bone Testing of Pig Femur as an Experimental Model
Authors: Kulić Marijana , Bagavac Petra , Bekić Marijo , Krstulović-Opara Lovre
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the mechanical behavior of femur bones under loading conditions, focusing on the transition from elastic to plastic deformation and eventual fracture. The force–displacement curves reveal distinct phases of deformation, with an initial linear relationship indicating elastic behavior, followed by deviation from linearity marking the onset of plastic deformation. Fracture occurs beyond a critical load, leading to a sharp drop in the force–displacement curve. The maximum fracture force varies among specimens and is influenced by bone geometry, size, cross-sectional area, and cortical thickness. Post-failure analysis highlights additional insights into fracture mechanics and bone material toughness. Reinforcing bones with screws enhances their strength, which is evident in the higher fracture forces observed in force–displacement diagrams. Fixation procedures following fractures further increase bone strength. Comparing specimens with and without strengthening underscores the effectiveness of reinforcement methods in improving bone mechanical properties. After analyzing the results, it is evident that femur bones with reinforcement can withstand greater loads, and they can also absorb higher impact energies while remaining in the elastic deformation range and without suffering permanent plastic damage. This study provides valuable insights into bone biomechanics and the efficacy of reinforcement techniques in enhancing bone strength and fracture resistance.
Association of Vitamin D with Perfluorinated Alkyl Acids in Women with and without Non-Obese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Butler Alexandra E. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Das Priya , Brennan Edwina , Atkin Stephen L.
Published: June 2024

Background. Perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent organic pollutants affected by BMI and ethnicity, with contradictory reports of association with vitamin D deficiency. Methods. Twenty-nine Caucasian women with non-obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and age- and BMI-matched Caucasian control women (n = 30) were recruited. Paired serum samples were analyzed for PFAAs (n = 13) using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Tandem mass spectrometry determined levels of 25(OH)D3 and the active 1,25(OH)2D3. Results. Women with and without PCOS did not differ in age, weight, insulin resistance, or systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein did not differ), but the free androgen index was increased. Four PFAAs were detected in all serum samples: perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). Serum PFOS was higher in PCOS versus controls (geometric mean [GM] 3.9 vs. 3.1 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Linear regression modeling showed that elevated PFHxS had higher odds of a lower 25(OH)D3 (OR: 2.919, 95% CI 0.82–5.75, p = 0.04). Vitamin D did not differ between cohorts and did not correlate with any PFAAs, either alone or when the groups were combined. When vitamin D was stratified into sufficiency (>20 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL), no correlation with any PFAAs was seen. Conclusions. While the analyses and findings here are exploratory in light of relatively small recruitment numbers, when age, BMI, and insulin resistance are accounted for, the PFAAs do not appear to be related to 25(OH)D3 or the active 1,25(OH)2D3 in this Caucasian population, nor do they appear to be associated with vitamin D deficiency, suggesting that future studies must account for these factors in the analysis.
Combining Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies, Anti-Histone, and PLA2/COX Biomarkers to Increase Their Diagnostic Accuracy for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: El-Ansary Afaf , Alfawaz Hanan A. , Bacha Abir Ben , Al-Ayadhi Laila Y.
Published: June 2024

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Oxidative stress may be a critical link between mitochondrial dysfunction and ASD as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from pro-oxidant environmental toxicants and activated immune cells can result in mitochondrial failure. Recently, mitochondrial dysfunction, autoimmunity, and abnormal lipid mediators have been identified in multiple investigations as an acknowledged etiological mechanism of ASD that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. Methods: The relationship between lipid mediator markers linked to inflammation induction, such as phospholipase A2/cyclooxygenase-2 (PLA2/Cox-2), and the mitochondrial dysfunction marker anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA-M2), and anti-histone autoantibodies in the etiology of ASD was investigated in this study using combined receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. This study also sought to identify the linear combination for a given set of markers that optimizes the partial area under ROC curves. This study included 40 age- and sex-matched controls and 40 ASD youngsters. The plasma of both groups was tested for PLA2/COX-2, AMA-M2, and anti-histone autoantibodies’ levels using ELISA kits. ROC curves and logistic regression models were used in the statistical analysis. Results: Using the integrated ROC curve analysis, a notable rise in the area under the curve was noticed. Additionally, the combined markers had markedly improved specificity and sensitivity. Conclusions: The current study suggested that measuring the predictive value of selected biomarkers related to mitochondrial dysfunction, autoimmunity, and lipid metabolism in children with ASD using a ROC curve analysis could lead to a better understanding of the etiological mechanism of ASD as well as its relationship with metabolism.
Cognitive vs. Linguistic Training in Children with Developmental Language Disorder: Exploring Their Effectiveness on Verbal Short-Term Memory and Verbal Working Memory
Authors: Bachourou Theodora , Stavrakaki Stavroula , Koukoulioti Vasiliki , Talli Ioanna
Published: June 2024

The present study explores comparatively the effectiveness of a cognitive (verbal short-term memory (vSTM), verbal working memory (vWM)) and of a linguistic training (10-week duration each) in the diffusion of gains in cognitive abilities (vSTM and vWM) of in school-aged Greek-speaking children with developmental language disorder (DLD). To this purpose, two computerized training programs i.e., a linguistic and a cognitive one, were developed and applied to three groups (A, B, and C) of children with DLD (N = 49, in total). There were three assessments with two vSTM tasks (non-word repetition and forward digit span) and a vWM task (backward digit span): pre-therapeutically (time 1), where no significant between-group differences were found, post-therapeutically I (time 2), and post-therapeutically II (time 3) and two training phases. In phase Ι, group A received meta-syntactic training, whereas group B vSTM/vWM training and group C received no training. In phase ΙΙ, a reversal of treatment was performed for groups A and B: group A received vSTM/vWM while group B meta-syntactic training. Again, group C received no training. Overall, the results indicated a significant performance improvement for the treatment groups and revealed beneficial far-transfer effects as language therapy can affect vSTM and vWM in addition to direct and near transfer effects. In addition, the intervention type order affected performance as follows: first, better performance on the vSTM task (non-word repetition) was shown when the linguistic treatment was delivered first; second, better performance on the vWM in Time 2 and Time 3 was shown by group B, for which the cognitive treatment was delivered first. Concluding, not only intervention type but also intervention type order can affect performance in DLD.
Type Disparity in Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Incidences of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Propensity-Score-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Tsung-Kun , Wang Wei-Yao , Yang Tsung-Yuan , Jong Gwo-Ping
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: Recently, sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is) have been reported to significantly reduce renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk. However, the effect between individual SGLT2Is on RCC incidence in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) or heart failure is unclear. We conducted an observational analysis to explore type disparity in the prescription of SGLT2Is on RCC risk. (2) Methods: A nationwide retrospective cohort study using the Health and Welfare Data Science Center database (2016–2021) was conducted. Patients aged ≥40 years who took SGLT2Is were designated as the SGLT2I group, whereas propensity score 1:1-matched randomly selected patients without SGLT2Is were assigned to the non-SGLT2I group. The primary outcome was the risk of incident RCC between individual SGLT2Is. Multiple Cox regression modeling was conducted to analyze the association between individual SGLT2I use and RCC risk. (3) Results: After a 5.5-year follow-up, SGLT2I use was associated with a significantly lower risk of incident RCC (hazard: 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44–0.89). Compared with non-users and after adjusting for the index year, sex, age, comorbidities, concurrent medication, and the risk of developing RCC, the hazard ratios of dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin were 0.66 (95% CI: 0.53–0.83), 0.84 (95% CI: 0.46–1.30), and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.56–0.90), respectively. (4) Conclusions: Our data show a type-based effect of SGLT2Is on RCC risk. The type-based effect of SGLT2Is should be further studied for better clinical management information and for reducing RCC incidence in patients with T2D.
Prognostic Significance of CD163+ and/or CD206+ Tumor-Associated Macrophages Is Linked to Their Spatial Distribution and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Breast Cancer
Authors: Fang Canbin , Cheung Maisy Y. , Chan Ronald C. , Poon Ivan K. , Lee Conrad , To Curtis C. , Tsang Julia Y. , Li Joshua , Tse Gary M.
Published: June 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a key element in the breast tumor microenvironment. CD163 and CD206 have been utilized for TAM identification, but the clinical implications of TAMs identified by these markers have not been thoroughly explored. This study conducted a comparative analysis of CD163 and CD206 TAMs using digital image analysis, focusing on their spatial distribution and prognostic significance in relation to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Distinct clinico-pathological and prognostic characteristics were noted between the two types of TAMs. CD163 TAMs were linked to high-grade tumors (p = 0.006), whereas CD206 TAMs were associated with a higher incidence of nodal metastasis (p = 0.033). CD206 TAMs were predominantly found in the stroma, with more cases being stromal CD206-high (sCD206-high) than tumoral CD206-high (tCD206-high) (p = 0.024). Regarding prognostication, patients stratified according to stromal and tumoral densities of CD163 showed different disease-free survival (DFS) time. Specifically, those that were sCD163-low but tCD163-high exhibited the poorest DFS (chi-square = 10.853, p = 0.013). Furthermore, a high sCD163-to-stromal-TILs ratio was identified as an independent predictor of unfavorable survival outcomes (DFS: HR = 3.477, p = 0.018). The spatial distribution and interactions with TILs enhanced the prognostic value of CD163 TAMs, while CD206 TAMs appeared to have limited prognostic utility in breast cancer cases.
Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor Mediates Epithelial Fibrogenesis in Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lichner Zsuzsanna , Ding Mei , Khare Tarang , Dan Qinghong , Benitez Raquel , Praszner Mercédesz , Song Xuewen , Saleeb Rola , Hinz Boris , Pei York , Szászi Katalin , Kapus András
Published: June 2024

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is characterized by extensive cyst formation and progressive fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby the loss/loss-of-function of Polycystin 1 or 2 (PC1/2) provokes fibrosis are largely unknown. The small GTPase RhoA has been recently implicated in cystogenesis, and we identified the RhoA/cytoskeleton/myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) pathway as an emerging mediator of epithelium-induced fibrogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that MRTF is activated by PC1/2 loss and plays a critical role in the fibrogenic reprogramming of the epithelium. The loss of PC1 or PC2, induced by siRNA in vitro, activated RhoA and caused cytoskeletal remodeling and robust nuclear MRTF translocation and overexpression. These phenomena were also manifested in PKD1 (RC/RC) and PKD2 (WS25/−) mice, with MRTF translocation and overexpression occurring predominantly in dilated tubules and the cyst-lining epithelium, respectively. In epithelial cells, a large cohort of PC1/PC2 downregulation-induced genes was MRTF-dependent, including cytoskeletal, integrin-related, and matricellular/fibrogenic proteins. Epithelial MRTF was necessary for the paracrine priming of the fibroblast–myofibroblast transition. Thus, MRTF acts as a prime inducer of epithelial fibrogenesis in PKD. We propose that RhoA is a common upstream inducer of both histological hallmarks of PKD: cystogenesis and fibrosis.
Planetary Health Education: Exploring Students’ Perceptions of Climate Change in a School in Southern Amazonas
Authors: de Melo Paula Regina Humbelino , Alves Péricles Vale , Bourscheidt Vandoir , de Camargo Tatiana Souza
Published: June 2024

The Brazilian Legal Amazon, crucial for ecosystem services such as biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation, has declined over time in its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. In response, global policies are being developed to mitigate climate change, which has emerged as a central issue in the planetary health approach. The objective of this study was to investigate how elementary school students in a rural school in the Southern Amazonas state perceive climate change and understand its implications for the health of the planet. Understanding the phenomenon’s complexity, we conducted research with students from riverside communities in the Southern Amazon region. The data were analyzed using relative, absolute and percentage frequency tables, with a Fisher’s test applied at a 5% significance level. A significant finding was the predominant difficulty students had in accurately conceptualizing climate change, highlighting notable gaps in their understanding of these wide-ranging issues. In the context of the global climate crisis we are experiencing, the integration of concepts related to climate change in basic education becomes indispensable. This study emphasizes not only the existing knowledge gap but also the urgency of educational approaches that prepare children and young people for the challenges of mitigation, adaptation, and understanding the complexities of climate change and its planetary implications.
Improved Affinity: A Customized Fluorescent Probe for the Rapid Detection of Butyrylcholinesterase
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Xiao-Fei , Zhang Yi , Ran Yang , Jin Long , Li Shuai , Guan Bai-Ou
Published: June 2024

This article presents the distinctive butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) fluorescent probe P5, designed via a targeting-site method. This method was proposed to enhance the affinity of the probe for BChE by targeting the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of BChE. By mimicking the natural substrate butyrylcholine, the structure of the probe was optimized by introducing a positive charge. Fluorescent probe P5, selected from a series of designed fluorescent probes P1–P6, exhibited excellent affinity and specificity towards BChE, enabling rapid detection within 5 min with a low detection limit of 16.7 ng/mL. Furthermore, this probe can distinguish between normal cells and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model cells, and demonstrated good imaging results in a P12 cell AD model. The results of this study indicate that this novel fluorescent probe could serve as a promising tool for the rapid detection of BChE and accurate AD diagnosis.
Preparation and Thermal Conductivity of Alumina/Graphene/Waterborne Polyurethane Composite
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Zhang Min , Han Dong , Ma Chen , Su Xiaolei
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a series of alumina/waterborne polyurethane composites was prepared, and the effects of different amounts of alumina on the thermal conductivity and insulation properties of the composites were studied. In addition, alumina/graphene/waterborne polyurethane composites were prepared by co-doping graphene and alumina into waterborne polyurethane to improve the heat conduction path. The synergistic effect between different fillers formed a denser heat conduction network. The added amount of alumina is 60 wt%. When the amount of graphene added is 2 wt%, the thermal conductivity of the composite can reach 1.049 W/(m·K), which is twice that of the alumina-filled composite, which is obviously better than that of the single-filler filling. Compared with the system only adding alumina, it seeks to improve thermal conductivity while maintaining good insulation. The results show that it is an effective way to improve the thermal conductivity and insulation properties of materials when different fillers are compounded.
Preparation of ZnO Ultrasonic Transducer by Radio-Frequency Sputtering and Its Application in Bolt Preload Detection
Authors: Xu Yi , Jiang Yanghui , Tan Kai , Yang Wenrui , Lv Jie , Deng Daijun , Zheng Dengguo , Li Changsheng , Zhang Jun , Yang Bing
Published: June 2024

Accurate detection of the preload force of tower crane bolts is of great significance for the stable and safe operation of the equipment. The method of contact ultrasonic detection of bolt preload has always been the focus of attention, which can realize rapid in situ detection without damaging the parts. In order to improve the accuracy and convenience of ultrasonic measurement of bolt preload and meet the urgent needs of the actual industrial site for high-precision measurement of bolt preload, we propose to prepare ZnO piezoelectric coatings as functional layers for ultrasonic transducers using magnetron sputtering and deposit them directly on bolts. The growth behavior of the ZnO coatings is investigated by varying the sputtering power, sputtering gas pressure and target substrate distance, and the morphology, structure, and properties are characterized and analyzed. The ZnO piezoelectric coatings with high c-axis optimal growth orientation and excitation of ultrasonic longitudinal waves were finally obtained and verified to be effective and stable when applied to the bolts.
The Effect of Deposition Temperature on TiN Thin Films for the Electrode Layer of 3D Capacitors Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Zhang Jing , Gao Lingshan , Zhang Faqiang , Ma Mingsheng , Liu Zhifu
Published: June 2024

The TiN thin film is considered a promising electrode layer for 3D capacitors. In this study, TiN thin films were prepared on Si substrates using atomic layer deposition (ALD) at various temperatures from 375 °C to 475 °C. The crystallization behavior, microstructure, and conductance properties of those TiN thin films were investigated. The resistivity of TiN thin films deposited on Si wafers can reach as low as 128 μΩ·cm. TiN thin films showed lower resistivity and worse uniformity with the deposition temperature increasing. In addition, the aging of TiN thin films may weaken the device performance. Optimized deposition parameters were found and full-coverage deposition of thin films on the wall of deep holes with an aspect ratio of approximately 14 has been successfully achieved. The results would be a good reference for the development of 3D capacitors and other microelectronics components.
Deep-Reinforcement-Learning-Based Motion Planning for a Wide Range of Robotic Structures
Authors: Parák Roman , Kůdela Jakub , Matoušek Radomil , Juříček Martin
Published: June 2024

The use of robot manipulators in engineering applications and scientific research has significantly increased in recent years. This can be attributed to the rise of technologies such as autonomous robotics and physics-based simulation, along with the utilization of artificial intelligence techniques. The use of these technologies may be limited due to a focus on a specific type of robotic manipulator and a particular solved task, which can hinder modularity and reproducibility in future expansions. This paper presents a method for planning motion across a wide range of robotic structures using deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms to solve the problem of reaching a static or random target within a pre-defined configuration space. The paper addresses the challenge of motion planning in environments under a variety of conditions, including environments with and without the presence of collision objects. It highlights the versatility and potential for future expansion through the integration of OpenAI Gym and the PyBullet physics-based simulator.
Effect of Ultrasonic Shot Peening on Microstructure and Corrosion Properties of GTA-Welded 304L Stainless Steel
Authors: Cho Hyunhak , Yoo Young-Ran , Kim Young-Sik
Published: June 2024

Austenitic stainless steels used in structural applications suffer from stress corrosion cracking due to residual stresses during welding. Much research is being conducted to prevent the stress corrosion cracking of austenitic steels by inducing compressive residual stresses. One method is ultrasonic shot peening (USP), which is used to apply compressive stress by modifying the mechanical properties of the material’s surface. In this study, 304L stainless steel was butt-welded by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and subsequently subjected to compressive residual stress to a depth of 1 mm from the surface by a USP treatment. The influence of USP on microstructural changes in the base metal, the HAZ and weldment, and the corrosion properties was analyzed. A microstructural analysis was conducted using SEM-EDS, XRD, and EBSD methods alongside residual stress measurements. The surface and cross-sectional corrosion behavior was evaluated and analyzed using a potentiodynamic polarization test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, a double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL-EPR) test, and an ASTM A262 Pr. C test. The surface was deformed and roughened by the USP. The deformed areas formed crevices, and the inside of the crevices contained some cracks. The crevices and internal cracks caused pitting, which reduced the resistance of the passivation film. The cross-section was subjected to compressive residual stress to a depth of 1 mm from the surface, and the outermost area of the cross-section had fine grain refinement, forming a solid passivation film that improved the corrosion resistance.
Modeling of Texture Development during Metal Forming Using Finite Element Visco-Plastic Self-Consistent Model
Authors: Kronsteiner Johannes , Theil Elias , Ott Alois Christian , Arnoldt Aurel Ramon , Papenberg Nikolaus Peter
Published: June 2024

In directional forming processes, such as rolling and extrusion, the grains can develop preferred crystal orientations. These preferred orientations—the texture—are the main cause for material anisotropy. This anisotropy leads to phenomena such as earing, which occur during further forming processes, e.g., during the deep drawing of sheet metal. Considering anisotropic properties in numerical simulations allows us to investigate the effects of texture-dependent defects in forming processes and the development of possible solutions. Purely phenomenological models for modeling anisotropy work by fitting material parameters or applying measured anisotropy properties to all elements of the part, which remain constant over the duration of the simulation. In contrast, crystal plasticity methods, such as the visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) model, provide a deeper insight into the development of the material microstructure. By experimentally measuring the initial texture and using it as an initial condition for the simulations, it is possible to predict the evolution of the microstructure and the resulting effect on the mechanical properties during forming operations. The results of the simulations with the VPSC model show a good agreement with corresponding compression tests and the earing phenomenon, which is typical for cup deep drawing.
Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment in a Cohort of Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Sodero Giorgio , Rigante Donato , Pane Lucia Celeste , Sessa Linda , Quarta Ludovica , Candelli Marcello , Cipolla Clelia
Published: June 2024

Background: Individuals with hyperinsulinemia may initially not meet any diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome, though displaying a higher risk of cardiovascular complications combined with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Aim: The main objective of our study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of various cardiovascular risk indices in hyperinsulinemic children and adolescents; a secondary objective was to estimate the optimal cut-offs of these indices. Patients and methods: This retrospective single-center study was conducted on 139 patients aged 12.1 ± 2.9 years, managed for hyperinsulinism. Results: We found statistically significant differences in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), triglyceride glucose index (TyG), TyG-body mass index, visceral adiposity index, lipid accumulation product index, fatty liver index, and hepatic steatosis index. At the linear logistic regression assessment, we found that insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), HOMA-IR, and ALT/AST ratio were independently associated with confirmed hyperinsulinism. At the multivariate analysis, IGF-1 levels over 203 ng/mL and HOMA-IR higher than 6.2 were respectively associated with a 9- and 18-times higher odds ratio for hyperinsulinism. The other investigated parameters were not significantly related to hyperinsulinism, and could not predict either the presence of hyperinsulinemia or a subsequent cardiovascular risk in our patients. Conclusion: Commonly used indices of cardiovascular risk in adults cannot be considered accurate in confirming hyperinsulinism in children, with the exception of HOMA-IR. Further studies are needed to verify the usefulness of specific cardiovascular risk indices in hyperinsulinemic children and adolescents.