bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treadmill Exercise Mitigates Alzheimer’s Pathology by Modulating Glial Polarization and Reducing Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Perivascular Clustering
Authors: Wu Chongyun , Zou Peibin , Zhu Ling , Feng Shu , Deng Qianting , Liu Timon Cheng-Yi , Duan Rui , Yang Luodan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the pathological responses of glial cells at different distances from amyloid plaques and the characteristics of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in perivascular clustering. Additionally, it sought to explore the impact of exercise training on AD pathology, specifically focusing on the modulation of glial responses and the effects of OPC perivascular clustering.

Methods

Three-month-old C57BL/6 and APP/PS1 mice were divided into four groups: wild-type sedentary, wild-type exercise, sedentary AD, and exercise AD groups. The Barnes maze test was conducted to analyze spatial learning and memory. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis, Immunofluorescence staining, Fluro-Jade C staining, TUNEL staining, Sholl analysis, and 3D rendering analysis were employed to detect Aβ 1-42, tau hyperphosphorylation, typical amyloid plaques, abnormal tau phosphorylation, neuronal damage, apoptosis, neurodegeneration, microglial and astrocytic activation and phenotypic polarization, and OPC perivascular clustering.

Results

Behavioral results revealed that long-term exercise training ameliorated cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice. Histopathological analysis showed a reduction in amyloid deposition and decreased tau hyperphosphorylation. Immunofluorescence and Fluro-Jade C staining indicated that exercise attenuated neuronal damage, degeneration, and apoptosis. Sholl and 3D rendering analysis demonstrated that exercise mitigated spatially dependent glial phenotypic changes surrounding amyloid plaques in the AD cortex and hippocampus. Further, immunofluorescence staining revealed that exercise alleviated plaque-associated glial changes in these regions. Exercise also alleviated the reduction of microglial SIRPα and reduced synaptic loss mediated by microglial and astrocyte phagocytosis. Lastly, exercise mitigated OPC senescence and cellular senescence-induced OPC perivascular clustering in AD mice.

Conclusions

Exercise can counteract AD pathological features by modulating glial responses and reducing OPC senescence and perivascular clustering near amyloid plaques, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for AD.
TOPICAL ISSUES OF EDUCATIONAL LAW IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE EDUCATION
Authors: Balashova Elena S. , Gnetova Lyudmila V. , Surovegina Ekaterina S.
Published: January 2025

Background. The article is devoted to the study of factors standing in the way of improving educational law as a branch. The relevance of the study is due to the innovative processes developing at the present stage both in the field of educational law and in the field of education. The education system in Russia in the transition from the Bologna process to a new paradigm of education needs to improve educational law. In the course of the study, the most problematic aspects of the regulatory framework for education were analyzed.
Purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current state of educational law and identify the organizational and legal foundations of current problems of educational law.
Methodology. To achieve the goal, the methods of analyzing regulatory legal acts, the comparative legal method, the method of generalization, the method of expert assessments, the method of abstraction and sociological research methods are used.
Results. The result of this study is the identification and systematization of current problems of educational law and the regulatory and legal foundations for their formation. The current problems of educational law are of both systemic and normative and organizational nature, and understanding the grounds for their formation is necessary to create effective approaches to their solution.
Practical implications. The results of the study can be used to solve current problems of managing educational organizations, primarily in the field of higher education pedagogy, as well as in the practice of teaching academic disciplines such as educational law, etc.
Sports and Bone Health: The Impact of Physical Activity on Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Bielecka Larysa
Published: January 2025

Introduction
Bone health is a critical component in maintaining physical fitness and overall quality of life. Among the factors influencing bone tissue structure, an appropriate level of physical activity plays a pivotal role. Numerous studies in the literature report the beneficial effects of regular exercise on bone mineral density (BMD). 
 
Objective
This study aims to review current scientific reports and summarize the state of knowledge regarding the impact of physical activity on bone mineral density. 
 
Materials and Methods
A review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2022 and 2024 was conducted to evaluate the effects of physical activity on bone mineral density. Four studies meeting predefined selection criteria were identified. 
 
Results 
The findings demonstrate that physical activity significantly impacts bone mineral density. Both aerobic and resistance training contribute to increased BMD. Resistance training, particularly when combined with other forms of physical activity or dietary interventions, offers notable benefits, especially in populations with excess body fat. 
 
Conclusions
Regular physical exercise, particularly resistance training, plays a significant role in improving bone mineral density.
How breastfeeding affects immunity?
Authors: Piecuch Dawid , Sobota Weronika , Zemsta Katarzyna , Piskorz Przemysław , Zwoliński Michał , Hańczyk Edyta , Sędek Aleksandra
Published: January 2025

Introduction and objective
A person's health is influenced by various factors, one of which is diet, which can be altered to provide many needed ingredients. The early years of life are crucial for building immunity, starting with breast milk as the primary food.
Breastfeeding offers unique benefits, including providing maternal antibodies, immunoglobulins and growth factors that lower the risk of many diseases. In the work presented here, we focus mainly on the components of maternal milk and the benefits of providing them.
Review methods
PubMed/MEDLINE databases were searched using the entry criteria “full text” and the exclusion criteria “systematic reviews,” “meta-analyses” and “review articles.” The phrases “breastfeeding,” “immunity” and “breast milk composition” were included. In the end, 40 publications were left out.
Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge
This study describes the main components of breast milk that build a baby's immunity. The mechanisms of action of these components are key to understanding how food can affect long-term human health and immunity, especially that provided in the first days of life.
Summary
Breastfeeding affects the development and functioning of the baby's operating system. Due to the special composition of breast milk, breastfed children protect against infections and support for additional health. Mechanisms that cause side effects that cause effects not only in the aftermath of life, but also in the aftermath of health in the aftermath of life.
The importance of stem cells in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and diabetes complications
Authors: Kamińska Monika , Jasiewicz Maria , Miernik-Skrzypczak Magdalena , Spyra Aleksandra , Malicka Marta , Dąbrowska Natalia , Kozioł Aleksandra , Moczyróg Katarzyna
Published: January 2025

Introduction and Purpose. Diabetes, characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin production or action, leads to significant complications like diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). Current treatments manage symptoms but do not fully address disease progression. Stem cells, with their regenerative potential and immunomodulatory properties, represent a promising avenue for treating diabetes and its complications. This study explores the use of stem cell therapy in managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, DR, and DFS.
Material and Method. The study reviewed existing literature on the application of stem cells in diabetes treatment. More than 30 articles addressing these issues were analyzed. They were found using the PubMed search engine, and the time frame of these publications covered the last 20 years.
Results. Stem cells demonstrated significant potential in diabetes management. For type 1 diabetes, MSCs reduced inflammation, preserved pancreatic islet function, and decreased insulin requirements without major adverse effects. Pluripotent stem cells showed promise in islet transplantation, achieving stable glycemic control in clinical trials. In type 2 diabetes, stem cell therapy improved insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin dependency, with evidence of β-cell regeneration. Complications like diabetic foot ulcers and retinopathy also responded positively to stem cell treatments. MSCs improved wound healing by enhancing tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation, while retinal therapies showed promise in slowing disease progression and repairing damaged vasculature.
Conclusions. Stem cell therapies offer a promising approach for diabetes and its complications, particularly for regenerative applications in DR and DFS. While initial results are encouraging, further large-scale studies are needed to optimize protocols, assess long-term safety, and establish standardized clinical applications.
Parathyroid Adenoma - The Leading Cause of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Case Report
Authors: Zielnik Martyna , Dubel Julia , Kalinowski Szymon , Kadłubek Sabina , Rembisz Patrycja , Czuba Anna , Knurowska Pola , Serafin Klaudia , Wrona Aleksander , Słowikowska Aleksandra
Published: January 2025

Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands, disproportionate to the physiological requirement for calcium concentration. This hypersecretion of PTH occurs independently of dysregulation in calcium-phosphate metabolism. The predominant etiology of primary hyperparathyroidism is the presence of a parathyroid adenoma. (7)
This case report presents a 68-year-old female patient with a history of osteoporosis, diagnosed in 2019 for osteoarticular pain and hypercalcemia. The suboptimal response to standard osteoporosis treatment was an indication to expand the diagnosis of calcium-phosphate disorders accompanying osteoporosis. Diagnostic evaluation confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenoma and appropriate therapeutic measures were subsequently implemented.
This report highlights the nonspecific clinical presentation of the disease and the diagnostic difficulties associated with illness. A multidisciplinary approach to the patient is required due to the multifaceted nature of the disease.
Efficient Frontier and Applications in Product Offering and Pricing
Authors: Ke Chenxu , Lu Lijian , Wang Ruxian
Published: January 2025

Problem definition: The joint assortment and pricing problem is notoriously difficult to solve, especially for large-scale issues subject to various operational constraints arising from business practices. In this paper, we delve into the joint optimization challenge under constrained logit choice models, accounting for product-differentiated price sensitivities across static, randomized, and dynamic contexts. Methodology/results: We develop a unified optimization methodology that applies efficient frontier and dimensional reduction and transforms the joint optimization problem into a single-variable one with respect to the total choice probability. The efficient frontier is employed to transform the nonconcave objective function equivalently into its concave counterpart. We show that the optimal prices are uniquely determined by the common target adjusted markup. The complexity of the mixed combinatorial optimization problem can be reduced by searching over efficient sets of polynomial size. In the randomized assortment and pricing problem in which the product offer sets and prices follow certain distribution, we show that randomization has the potential to elevate the total revenue to the exact efficient frontier, a feat that the static problem may fail to achieve (with a given total choice probability). For dynamic joint product selection and pricing, we find that the optimal policy adopts a simple time-threshold structure that can be precomputed. Furthermore, we illustrate the robustness of our methodology by extending the analysis to a variety of general settings, including the nested logit model. Managerial implications: The proposed methodology contributes to the increasingly popular topic in retail management by significantly reducing the computational complexity of joint product offering and pricing under different constraints. Our results regarding the effects of product set constraints and price bounds provide valuable insights and guidance to practitioners on product offering and pricing in various business scenarios.

Funding: C. Ke acknowledges financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72101113]. L. Lu acknowledges financial support from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council [Grants 26501021 and 16502423].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0164 .
Storage Studies in Culinary Paste Prepared from Underutilized Medicinal Spice, Mango Ginger (Curcuma mangga Val. et Zijp.)
Authors: Gupta Susanskriti , Bohra Pooja , Waman Ajit Arun , Budhwar Savita
Published: January 2025

Mango ginger (Curcuma mangga Val. et Zijp.) is an underutilized spice, rhizomes of which possess raw mango-like aroma. Product diversification is one of the important aspects for the promotion of underutilized species. In the present study, culinary paste was prepared from mango ginger rhizomes, and shelf stability over a period of three months was studied at two different storage conditions, viz. ambient (26 ± 2 °C) and low temperature (4 ± 2 °C). No significant change was observed in the total soluble solids content, whereas pH increased after two months of storage at low temperature. Ascorbic acid content decreased sharply from 52.57 mg/100 g to 39.21mg/ 100 g after three months of storage at low temperature. No significant variations (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in the essential oil and ash content of the product at room temperature or low temperature after three months of storage. However, after three months of storage at room temperature, a significant decrease in moisture content (74.20%) was noticed. A significant change was observed in total phenolic content during the experimental period. Mango ginger paste stored at low temperature showed maximum retention of product quality after three months of storage based on physico-chemical, biochemical analyses, sensory evaluation, and microbial assessment.
Unveiling the Microbial Dynamics: Exploring Seed Cotton Microflora Diversity and Its Ramifications on Seed Health
Authors: Biswal Kumar Avinash , Ranasingh Nirakar , Moharana Rajeeb Lochan , Das Siddhartha
Published: January 2025

In 2022-24 periods, an investigation was carried out to reveal diverse microflora in cotton seeds at Department of Plant Pathology and the Department of Seed Science and Technology within the College of Agriculture, Bhawanipatna, OUAT (https://aiccip.cicr.org.in/CZ-OD-Bpatna.html). The study involved seven germplasms, namely V1- Br. 06 a (N) 410, V2- Br. 06 a (N) 409, V3- 4a (Z) 2034, V4- 4a (Z) 2035, V5- CZ 6 a (Z) 2051, V6- Br. 06 a (N) 411, V7- 4a (Z) 2032, obtained from AICRP on Cotton, RRTTS, Bhawanipatna (https://aiccip.cicr.org.in/CZ-OD-Bpatna.html). The seeds were examined using the blotter paper and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) method, and the experiment included three replications to assess the associated microbes and seed health status. The blotter paper method revealed the presence of six fungi, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum, were identified in cotton seeds, along with the bacterium Xanthomonas spp (8.3%). Curvularia lunata was the predominant fungus at (9.8%), followed by Fusarium oxysporum (8.7%) and Alternaria alternata (8.5%). Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Macrophomina phaseolina were also present, each at varying percentages. Where as in PDA method, three fungi—Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporum, and Alternaria alternata—were identified. Fusarium oxysporum dominated at 23.5%, followed by Alternaria alternata (22.47%) and Macrophomina phaseolina (17.3%), along with Xanthomonas spp. at 20.2%. Blotter paper method showed 24.91% seed microflora infection, higher than PDA's 12.07%. CZ 6a (Z) 2051. 75% cotton had the highest infection (30.25%), while BR-06a (N)410 had the lowest (8.35%).
Assessing the Water Footprint of Winter Wheat Cultivation for Ethanol Production in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Fatima Afreen , Yadav Sadanand , Srivastava Deepa
Published: January 2025

Water is a vital resource that underpins agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and socio-economic growth. Its significance is particularly pronounced in meeting food and energy demands, especially in regions where water scarcity poses challenges. This study aims to evaluate the water footprint of ethanol production from wheat, focusing on six districts of Uttar Pradesh, India: Agra, Aligarh, Fatehpur, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Varanasi. The analysis examines water use across three stages: wheat cultivation, wheat straw production, and ethanol production, to identify regional variations in water consumption. The findings reveal notable disparities in water usage across the districts. Varanasi exhibited the highest water footprint for wheat cultivation at 932.7 m³/ton and wheat straw production 289.1 m³/ton. In contrast, Gorakhpur had the largest green water contribution during straw production 85.0 m³/ton. For ethanol production, Varanasi again recorded the highest water footprint (349.1 m³/ton), while Gorakhpur reported the lowest (282.3 m³/ton). These results underscore the importance of developing localized water management practices to improve resource efficiency and promote sustainable biofuel production systems.
AI Eyes on Endometriosis
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: January 2025

A new diagnostic tool under development aims to speed the diagnosis of a debilitating condition
Sixth Astute Class Submarine Launched in Cumbria
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: January 2025

Woost aims to develop home screening tool to track biomarkers
Streamlining Human Resources through Blockchain HR Technology: A Critical Perspective
Authors:   Managerial and Financial Science, Al Zahra College for Women, Muscat, Oman, Jalagat Revenio, Jr.
Published: January 2025

Technology changes at a fast pace, attracting global attention across industries, including human resource management. One of the innovations that can revolutionize human resources (HR) is blockchain technology, which uses smart contracts in recruitment, payroll management, employee administration, and more. This article aims to evaluate the influence of blockchain HR technology in the performance of HR management functions by examining earlier studies and documentary evidence. It highlights the challenges faced in the use of this recent technology for sustainability through qualitative research methods. Through document analysis, 45 papers were examined from Scopus, Web of Science, and reports from various credible sources, based on set criteria. Findings showed that blockchain technology significantly affects HR management functions. However, challenges were identified in implementing HR technology. Further studies should be conducted across more industries with quantitative validation of their results.
State Effectiveness at Managing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Innovation in Vietnam
Authors:   Inspection Division, Thu Dau Mot University, Vietnam., Trung Phan Nhan ,   Department of Personnel, Inspection and Legal Affairs, Thu Dau Mot University, Vietnam
Published: January 2025

This article examines state effectiveness in the context of globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution with Vietnam as its case study. Through mixed methods including surveys with public servants, it evaluates perceptions of state effectiveness at managing resources, promoting sustainable development, and facilitating social participation in governance. Additionally, it explores how government policies and management systems are adapting to modern challenges, including digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic changes. Surveys focused on several factors—human resources, businesses, digital transformation, the environment, and social welfare. Data was collected from 481 public servants at different levels of government, and analyzed using SPSS 20 software to identify correlations and impacts. My results reveal that human resources, businesses, digital transformation, and environmental factors significantly contribute to perceptions of state performance, driving improvements in governance efficiency and sustainable development. Conversely, social welfare was found to have an insignificant effect. While economic and environmental considerations are crucial, more research is needed to explore the indirect impacts of social welfare on governance. Based on these results, the paper offers several recommendations for improving government management, emphasizing the need for advancing digital transformation, enhancing human resource capacity, supporting businesses, and strengthening environmental policies to ensure long-term sustainable development and effective state performance.
Synergizing the low-phase noise characteristics of a dielectric resonator oscillator and a bichromatic Brillouin laser oscillator
Authors: Hu Jiahao , Xue Siyi , Xiao Yanlan , Wu Chenlin , Wen Huashun , Zhou Heng
Published: January 2025

We introduce a method that synergistically combines the distinct phase noise profiles of a dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO) and bichromatic Brillouin laser oscillator (BBLO), for high spectral purity microwave generation. Typically, free-running DROs exhibit high-phase noise at low-frequency offsets but ultra-low-phase noise at high offsets. In contrast, BBLOs based on photonic devices demonstrate very low-phase noise at low offsets, yet they experience increased phase noise at higher offsets due to photodetector shot noise. By locking the DRO to a frequency-matching BBLO, our experiment combines the merits of both oscillators and generates X-band microwave with exceptional phase noise across the entire frequency offset range, reaching −93 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset and −171 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offset.
Spontaneous slow cortical potentials and brain oscillations independently influence conscious visual perception
Authors: Koenig Lua , He Biyu J.
Published: January 2025

Perceptual awareness results from an intricate interaction between external sensory input and the brain’s spontaneous activity. Pre-stimulus ongoing activity influencing conscious perception includes both brain oscillations in the alpha (7 to 14 Hz) and beta (14 to 30 Hz) frequency ranges and aperiodic activity in the slow cortical potential (SCP, <5 Hz) range. However, whether brain oscillations and SCPs independently influence conscious perception or do so through shared mechanisms remains unknown. Here, we addressed this question in 2 independent magnetoencephalography (MEG) data sets involving near-threshold visual perception tasks in humans using low-level (Gabor patches) and high-level (objects, faces, houses, animals) stimuli, respectively. We found that oscillatory power and large-scale SCP activity influence conscious perception through independent mechanisms that do not have shared variance. In addition, through mediation analysis, we show that pre-stimulus oscillatory power and SCP activity have different relations to pupil size—an index of arousal—in their influences on conscious perception. Together, these findings suggest that oscillatory power and SCPs independently contribute to perceptual awareness, with distinct relations to pupil-linked arousal.
Investigative genetic genealogy practices warranting policy attention: Results of a modified policy Delphi
Authors: Guerrini Christi J. , Kalokairinou Louiza , Robinson Jill O. , Bash Brooks Whitney , Fullerton Stephanie M. , Huston Sara , Dahlquist Jacklyn , Madden Diana , Crossnohere Norah , Campoamor Nicola , Bridges John F. P. , McGuire Amy L.
Published: January 2025

A technique known as investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) was first introduced to criminal investigations in 2018, and it has since been used by U.S. law enforcement to help identify hundreds of criminal perpetrators and unidentified human remains. As expertise in IGG grows, policymakers have shown interest in regulating it. To help inform these efforts and to promote coherence in IGG governance as it expands, we recruited experts representing a spectrum of IGG-relevant professions and perspectives to identify and prioritize IGG practices for policy attention and to develop policy options for addressing them. In two rounds of a modified policy Delphi, 31 participants prioritized nine IGG practices for policy attention. These top priority practices relate to: consent and notification; case eligibility and criteria; data management, privacy, and security; and governance and accountability. Participants expressed a range of opinions, some strongly held, and did not reach complete consensus with respect to any of the practices. However, convergence was strongest with respect to law enforcement participation in direct-to-consumer genetic genealogy databases against terms of service, which a large majority opposed and almost half evaluated as top priority for policy attention. Participants also voiced strong and consistent concern about management of data and samples collected and generated during IGG and the governance of private laboratories involved in IGG. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and value of engaging with diverse experts over an extended period on a pressing matter of public policy and provides a needed empirical foundation for IGG policymaking.
HIV clinical outcomes among people with HIV and diabetes mellitus in Kampala, Uganda; A matched retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nakalega Rita , Semitala Fred Collins , Mutebi Edrisa Ibrahim , Mawanda Denis , Lukyamuzi Zubair , Menge Robert , Babirye Juliet Allen , Namiiro Sharon Miriam , Kugonza Cleopatra Daphne , Mukiza Nelson , Mujugira Andrew
Published: January 2025

Suppressive antiretroviral treatment (ART) has resulted into prolonged survival of people with HIV (PWH) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with resultant increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as diabetes mellitus (DM). However, there is a lack of data on the effect of DM on HIV-related outcomes among PWH in this setting. The study aimed to compare HIV clinical outcomes (viral load suppression, retention in care, hospitalization, tuberculosis, and mortality) between PWH with DM and those without at two large HIV clinics in Kampala, Uganda. We conducted a matched retrospective cohort study using secondary data of PWH with DM and PWH without DM from January 2020 to June 2022. We used descriptive statistics to compare baseline characteristics and a chi-square test to compare the outcomes between the HIV/DM and HIV/no DM groups. The cohort consisted of 243 PWH diagnosed with DM matched with 1221 PWH without DM. We analysed 1,469 participant records: 1,009 (68.7%) from Mulago ISS clinic and 460 (31.3%) from Kisenyi HC IV. Most study participants (63.6%) were female, and the mean age was 43 years (standard deviation [SD] 11) and 38 years (SD 10) for those with DM and without DM, respectively. PWH with DM had significantly higher odds of hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.94; 95% CI: 1.93–12.66; p = 0.001) and were less likely to be retained in care (AOR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.07–0.20 p = <0.001). There were no differences in viral load suppression, TB diagnosis, and mortality between the PWH with DM and those without DM. These findings underscore the need for integrated management approaches that address both HIV and DM to improve health outcomes for this population. Future research could also explore the causes of hospitalization and non-retention among PWH and DM.
DomeVR: Immersive virtual reality for primates and rodents
Authors: Shapcott Katharine A. , Weigand Marvin , Glukhova Mina , Havenith Martha N. , Schölvinck Marieke L.
Published: January 2025

Immersive virtual reality (VR) environments are a powerful tool to explore cognitive processes ranging from memory and navigation to visual processing and decision making—and to do so in a naturalistic yet controlled setting. As such, they have been employed across different species, and by a diverse range of research groups. Unfortunately, designing and implementing behavioral tasks in such environments often proves complicated. To tackle this challenge, we created DomeVR, an immersive VR environment built using Unreal Engine 4 (UE4). UE4 is a powerful game engine supporting photo-realistic graphics and containing a visual scripting language designed for use by non-programmers. As a result, virtual environments are easily created using drag-and-drop elements. DomeVR aims to make these features accessible to neuroscience experiments. This includes a logging and synchronization system to solve timing uncertainties inherent in UE4; an interactive GUI for scientists to observe subjects during experiments and adjust task parameters on the fly, and a dome projection system for full task immersion in non-human subjects. These key features are modular and can easily be added individually into other UE4 projects. Finally, we present proof-of-principle data highlighting the functionality of DomeVR in three different species: human, macaque and mouse.
Beyond burnout: A comprehensive investigation of burnout, resilience, and career continuity among Palestinian lawyers in a complex socio-political environment
Authors: Hattab Muayad K. , Adas Noor Omar , Ayyoub Abdalkarim , Abualkibash Shadi Khalil , Asmar Muntaser Nafeth , Daoud Akram , Khaled Ghassan , Khlaif Zuheir N.
Published: January 2025

This article investigates burnout among lawyers and proposes systemic changes to reduce pressure and stress in the legal profession while enhancing resilience among lawyers. The article focuses on factors influencing career continuity among Palestinian lawyers within a socio-politically complex environment. It discusses elements contributing to resilience, including a positive mindset, a strong support system, training, and social support. The study reveals exceptional resilience among Palestinian lawyers. A quantitative cross-sectional study was used; the goals of the study involved 323 participants from different places in Palestine. Data analysis employed Smart PLS4 to build a regression model. Challenging conventional notions, the study provides valuable insights for state strategies, legal firms, educational institutions, and policymakers to address challenges and improve lawyer retention and job satisfaction in an environment marked by unstable economic and political conditions. Additionally, it examines gender-specific career intentions, notably women lawyers displaying a stronger inclination to stay, potentially linked to socio-economic responsibilities. This study contributes significantly to existing literature by providing a unique case study on career continuance determinants within economic and political instability. It sets a precedent for further study and strategic improvements in lawyer retention and job satisfaction within high-stress professions in an economically and politically complex environment.
Torsion-Induced Traumatic Optic Neuropathy (TITON): A physiologically relevant animal model of traumatic optic neuropathy
Authors: Ryan Annie K. , Asemota Brooke I. , Heisler-Taylor Tyler , Mello Claire , Rodriguez Luis , Sponsel William E. , Racine Julie , Rex Tonia S. , Glickman Randolph D. , Reilly Matthew A.
Published: January 2025

Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a common cause of irreversible blindness following head injury. TON is characterized by axon damage in the optic nerve followed by retinal ganglion cell death in the days and weeks following injury. At present, no therapeutic or surgical approach has been found to offer any benefit beyond observation alone. This is due in part to the lack of translational animal models suitable for understanding mechanisms and evaluating candidate treatments. In this study, we developed a rat model of TON in which the eye is rapidly rotated, inflicting mechanical stress on the optic nerve and leading to significant visual deficits. These functional deficits were thoroughly characterized up to one week after injury using electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry. The photopic negative response (PhNR) of the light adapted full field electroretinogram (LA ffERG) was significantly altered following injury. This correlated with increased biomarkers of retinal stress, axon disruption, and cell death. Together, this evidence suggests the utility of our model for mimicking clinically relevant TON and that the PhNR may be an early diagnostic for TON. Future studies will utilize this animal model for evaluation of candidate treatments.
Novel deep reinforcement learning based collision avoidance approach for path planning of robots in unknown environment
Authors: Alharthi Raed , Noreen Iram , Khan Amna , Aljrees Turki , Riaz Zoraiz , Innab Nisreen
Published: January 2025

Reinforcement learning is a remarkable aspect of the artificial intelligence field with many applications. Reinforcement learning facilitates learning new tasks based on action and reward principles. Motion planning addresses the navigation problem for robots. Current motion planning approaches lack support for automated, timely responses to the environment. The problem becomes worse in a complex environment cluttered with obstacles. Reinforcement learning can increase the capacity of robotic systems due to the reward system’s capability and feedback to the environment. This could help deal with a complex environment. Existing algorithms for path planning are slow, computationally expensive, and less responsive to the environment, which causes late convergence to a solution. Furthermore, they are less efficient for task learning due to post-processing requirements. Reinforcement learning can address these issues using its action feedback and reward policies. This research presents a novel Q-learning-based reinforcement algorithm with deep learning integration. The proposed approach is evaluated in a narrow and cluttered passage environment. Further, improvements in the convergence of reinforcement learning-based motion planning and collision avoidance are addressed. The proposed approach’s agent converged in 210th episodes in a cluttered environment and 400th episodes in a narrow passage environment. A state-of-the-art comparison shows that the proposed approach outperformed existing approaches based on the number of turns and convergence of the path by the planner.
Parental experience of change following VIPP-SD in families with preschool children with externalizing behavior: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Lassen Nina M. , Steenhoff Tine , Cleal Bryan , Frees Amanda , Væver Mette S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Insensitive parenting and ineffective disciplinary strategies are known risk factors for child externalizing behavior. The Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD) has documented effect in promoting sensitive parenting, but little is known on how VIPP-SD is experienced by parents. This study explores how parents of preschool children with externalizing behaviors experience change following VIPP-SD delivered by trained childcare providers.

Methods

Individual qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 mothers and 2 fathers to explore the parents’ experiences of change following the intervention. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were generated: 1) “All of her behavior is actually just a result of how she feels, right?”—Enhanced parental understanding, 2) Meeting the child’s needs in comfort and in play, 3) Learning to prevent and manage conflicts is essential–diverse experiences of gains and progress, 4) “I’m actually not a bad parent”–new positive perspectives.

Conclusion

Parents experienced an enhanced capacity to understand their child and positive development in their parenting behavior, skills and confidence as well as improvements in the parent-child relationship after receiving VIPP-SD. Findings also suggest potential areas for adaptation of VIPP-SD when intervening in families with a child exhibiting externalizing behaviors, as parental experiences of gains related to conflict management varied. Further research on this matter is recommended.
1-Methylxanthine enhances memory and neurotransmitter levels
Authors: Jäger Ralf , Abou Sawan Sidney , Orrú Marco , Tinlsey Grant M. , Purpura Martin , Wells Shawn D. , Liao Kylin , Godavarthi Ashok
Published: January 2025

1-Methylxanthine (1-MX) is the major metabolite of caffeine and paraxanthine and might contribute to their activity. 1-MX is an adenosine receptor antagonist and increases the release and survivability of neurotransmitters; however, no study has addressed the potential physiological effects of 1-MX ingestion. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 1-MX on memory and related biomarkers in rats compared to control. Memory (escape latency in the Morris water maze test), neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, dopamine, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)), and neurochemicals (BDNF, catalase, glutathione, Amyloid Beta and cyclic GMP) were analyzed from whole brain samples in young (8-weeks-old) and aged (16-months-old) rats following 12 days of supplementation (100 mg/d HED of 1-MX [UPLEVEL®, Ingenious Ingredients L.P., Lewisville, TX, USA]) via oral gavage. 1-MX supplementation reduced escape latency by 39% in young animals and 27% in aged animals compared to controls (both p<0.001). Additionally, 1-MX increased the levels of acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, and cyclic GMP (all p<0.001). Furthermore, 1-MX supplementation led to reduced amyloid beta and higher catalase, BDNF and glutathione concentrations (p<0.001). Collectively, our findings suggest that 1-MX may have cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective properties.
Difference-Cum-Exponential-type estimators for estimation of finite population mean in survey sampling
Authors: Javed Maria , Irfan Muhammad , C. Shongwe Sandile , Hussain Muhammad Ali , Zico Meetei Mutum
Published: January 2025

Extensive research work has been done for the estimation of population mean using bivariate auxiliary information based on conventional measures. Conventional measures of the auxiliary variables provide suspicious results in the presence of outliers/extreme values. However, non-conventional measures of the auxiliary variables include quartile deviation, mid-range, inter-quartile range, quartile average, tri-mean, Hodge-Lehmann estimator etc. give efficient results in case of extreme values. Unfortunately, non-conventional measures are not used by survey practitioners to enhance the estimation of unknown population parameters using bivariate auxiliary information. In this article, difference-cum-exponential-type estimators for population mean utilizing bivariate auxiliary information based on non-conventional measures under simple and stratified random sampling schemes have been suggested. Mathematical properties such as bias and mean squared error are derived. To support theoretical findings, various real-life applications are used to confirm the superiority of the suggested estimators as compared to the competing estimators under study.
A qualitative study to understand the facilitators of and barriers to retention in care to the national PMTCT Option B+ programme in Uganda
Authors: Kyomugisha-Nuwagaba Charity , King Rachel , Baryamutuma Rose , Muhumuza Simon , Kisakye Linda N. , Bazeyo William , Akello Evelyn
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Effective prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programmes require women and their infants to have access to a cascade of HIV care and treatment interventions. Retention in care reduces the risk of vertical transmission and opportunistic infections among mothers living with HIV. Uganda has made great strides in ensuring the success of the prevention of mother to child transmission program. Although an increasing number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Uganda are benefiting from the rapid scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), retention in HIV care and treatment services remains a major concern. Identifying and understanding the reasons for dropping out of care among mothers enrolled in the Option B+ program among those who were retained and those who dropped out is key to inform policy and program practice.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study to understand the facilitators of retention and reasons for loss to follow-up among HIV positive mothers in central Uganda who engaged in the Option B+ program. We conducted 29 focus group discussions (FGDs) with Village Health Teams (VHT) and ‘Peer Mothers’. We performed 21 in depth interviews (IDI) with mothers who had been lost to follow up during the post-partum period, and 27 among those who remained in care. These were conducted in 18 districts in Central Uganda.

Results

Participants identified barriers and facilitators to retention in HIV care. Barriers included self-stigma and fear of disclosure, mental health challenges, community perceptions, poor health provider attitudes and structural challenges, lack of transportation and food, long waiting time at health facilities and client mobility. Both the clients retained and not retained in care discussed mental illness, feeling sick and competing priorities as barriers. Facilitators for retention in care included adequate community support systems, early initiation on ART, giving birth to HIV negative children and economic stability. These were noted as key enabling factors for retention. It was also highlighted that presence of friendly clinic staff members, scheduling reminders were important aspects of retention.

Conclusion

Findings highlighting barriers covering personal, interpersonal, structural and community suggest that developing client-centered models addressing social and community barriers and provide more holistic services is key to retaining mother-infant pairs in care. Emphasis on the use of community health workers and provision of financing, as well as institutionalization of quality improvement would provide alternatives for overcoming barriers to retention in care.
Comparative analysis of salivary antimicrobial resistance genes in dental students: A PCR and questionnaire study
Authors: Mohammed Marwan Mansoor , Sekar Priyadharshini , Al Jamal Jahida , Abu Taha Lujayn , Bachir Asma , Al Kawas Sausan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global healthcare challenge, with limited treatment options due to the decline in new antibiotics. The human oral cavity, home to diverse bacteria, is crucial for maintaining oral and systemic health. Recent studies suggest that saliva may serve as a reservoir for AMR genes. However, there is a lack of research on this topic in the UAE and most Middle Eastern countries. This study investigated the presence of AMR genes in saliva from forty 5th-year dental students and forty 1st-year dental students.

Materials & methods

Demographic and health information was collected via a 28-question structured questionnaire. Real-Time PCR was used to detect a panel of preselected AMR genes in bacterial DNA from saliva samples.

Results

Participants’ ages ranged from 20 to 31 years, with 41 females and 39 males. The prevalence of AMR genes varied: blaCTX-M grp 1 (29%), blaCTX-M grp 9 (85%), blaCTX-M grp 8 (39%), blaOXA-48 (69%), blaKPC-1 (6%), blaVIM (49%), DHA (53%), ACC (25%), MOX (59%), armA (83%), and rmtB (63%). There were no significant differences in AMR gene prevalence between 5th-year and 1st-year students or between male and female students.

Conclusion

The study revealed a high occurrence of AMR genes in the oral microbiome. Comprehensive metagenomic analysis is recommended to further evaluate the prevalence and relative abundance of these genes in the UAE population. Establishing a database for these ARGs could aid in effective future monitoring.
Coupling SAR and optical remote sensing data for soil moisture retrieval over dense vegetation covered areas
Authors: Shi Jiahao , Yang Huan , Hou Xinli , Zhang Honglu , Tang Guozhong , Zhao Heng , Wang Fuqiang
Published: January 2025

Soil moisture is a key parameter for the exchange of substance and energy at the land-air interface, timely and accurate acquisition of soil moisture is of great significance for drought monitoring, water resource management, and crop yield estimation. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is sensitive to soil moisture, but the effects of vegetation on SAR signals poses challenges for soil moisture retrieval in areas covered with vegetation. In this study, based on Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 optical remote sensing data, a coupling approach was employed to retrieval surface soil moisture over dense vegetated areas. Different vegetation indices were extracted from Sentinel-2 data to establish the vegetation water content (VWC) estimation model, which was integrated with the Water Cloud Model (WCM) to distinguish the contribution of vegetation layer and soil layer to SAR backscattering signals. Subsequently, the Oh model and the Look-Up Table (LUT) algorithm were used for soil moisture retrieval, and the accuracy of the result was compared with the traditional direct retrieval method. The results indicate that, for densely vegetated surfaces, VWC can be better reflected by multiple vegetation indices including NDVI, NDWI2, NDGI and FVI, the R2 and RMSE of VWC estimation result is 0.709 and 0.30 kg·m-2. After vegetation correction, the correlation coefficient increased from 0.659 to 0.802 for the VV polarization, and from 0.398 to 0.509 for the VH polarization. Satisfactory accuracy of soil moisture retrieval result was obtained with the Oh model and the LUT algorithm, VV polarization is found to be more suitable for soil moisture retrieval compared to VH polarization, with an R2 of 0.672 and an RMSE of 0.048m3·m-3, the accuracy is higher than that of the direct retrieval method. The results of the study preliminarily verified the feasibility of the coupling method in soil moisture retrieval over densely veg etated surfaces.