bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Menstrual Hygiene Management: An Overview of Global Awareness
Authors: Mishra Yachana
Published: January 2024

In developing nations, menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a problem that is frequently disregarded. Women and girls who are menstruating are compelled to live in seclusion, are subject to mobility limitations and dietary restrictions, and may be barred from engaging in daily activities. Due to its relationship with social and cultural components of a natural process that is sometimes shrouded in ingrained shame and taboos, menstrual hygiene waste management has not gotten enough attention and, as a result, has not been adequately researched. As a result, information on the amounts and whole lifespan of the created trash is either lacking or fraught with uncertainty. However, this work raises important and pertinent issues that may impact on the environment as well as the health, equality, and dignity of women. The present review also identifies the knowledge gaps that still need to be filled and offers potential solutions for the near future. Menstrual hygiene requires immediate consideration in the context of a pandemic, as does understanding the potential role that waste produced, for instance, in refugee camps, may have in spreading SARS-CoV-2. The current analysis suggests potential intervention tactics intended to remedy this ignorance. In order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3.7 and 6.2, which address women's healthcare and hygiene requirements, there looked to be room for interventions through a coordinated national effort to promote awareness of MHM among women utilizing a variety of media outlets.
Exploring Herbal Remedies for Anti-Leishmanial Activity: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: K Kasat Yash , Potale Yashraj , Kumar R Mahendra , Kumar Ankit , Singla Neeru , Kumar Sahu Sanjeev
Published: January 2024

- Leishmaniasis remains a serious neglected illness worldwide, posing significant challenges in its treatment due to the side effects of existing medications and the rising cases of parasite resistance resulting from indiscriminate treatment. To address this issue, exploring complementary remedies using natural products presents a promising option by combining the empirical knowledge of local populations with scientific research on the medicinal properties of plants. Several studies have investigated herbal treatments for leishmaniasis; however, more research is needed to identify safe and non-toxic remedies. To consolidate the latest findings, researchers from around the globe have compiled a comprehensive article on herbal and organic medicines used to treat leishmaniasis. While many medicinal plants have not been extensively studied, promising candidates have undergone prospective clinical trials. Recent articles have explored the active constituents of these medicinal plants, such as quinones, phenolic compounds, lignans, tannins, terpenes, and oxylipins, shedding light on their potential therapeutic benefits. Pharmacognosy views medicinal plants as valuable sources for developing novel medications and supporting traditional therapies, offering a practical approach to managing various illnesses. In summary, harnessing the power of natural goods and integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research provides a viable and desirable strategy to combat leishmaniasis, promoting safer and more effective treatment options in the future.
Antimicrobial Activity of Secondary Metabolites in Medicinal Plants: An Update
Authors: Arora Poonam , Garg Madhukar , Gera Tanvi , Vaid Lavish , Sood Parul , Kaur Loveleen , Kaur Paranjeet , Kumar Sahu Sanjeev
Published: January 2024

Plants have filled in as a significant wellspring of elements for conventional drugs for centuries. Verifiable records and present day ethno botanical field examines feature their significance in the conventional treatment of irresistible malady. Be that as it may, plants form just a minor level of present collection of FDA-endorsed antimicrobial medications. The present article gives an outline of active components of plants as hint for other wellspring of antimicrobial agents to be used in the battle against microscopic organisms. It additionally surveys the ethno botanical way to deal with sedate disclosure and talks about various inventive focuses for future medication revelation endeavours in this field. Without an uncertainty, antimicrobials are miracle tranquilizers. They have represented a very long time against different irresistible infections and spared a huge number of lives. The ongoing disappointment of antimicrobials because of the sensational rise of multidrug-safe microbes and fast spread of new diseases, be that as it may, prompts wellbeing associations and the pharmaceutical business worldwide to change their methodology and to expand improvement of antimicrobials against quickly rising anti-infection safe microorganisms. In spite of the fact that there is thinking about elective wellsprings of characteristic antimicrobial molecules from plants having different methods of activity, some of which have been utilized in regular medication for a considerable length of time and have appeared to have serious impacts contrasted with other antimicrobials. This examination portrays plant intensity as an elective hotspot for antimicrobial agents.
Human-Centric AI Adoption and Its Influence on Worker Productivity: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Shchepkina Natalia , Ramnarayan  , Dhaliwal Navdeep , K Ravikiran , Nangia Richa
Published: January 2024

This empirical study looks at how the industrial sector is affected by the deployment of human-centric AI and finds some amazing changes in the workplace. Following implementation, employee productivity increased by 35.5%, demonstrating the significant advantages of AI in automating repetitive jobs and improving overall efficiency. Simultaneously, job satisfaction increased by a significant 20.6%, highlighting the alignment of AI with worker well-being. Employee skill development increased by 29.6% as a result of structured AI training, which is consistent with the larger goals of adopting AI that is human-centric. Significant cost reductions of up to 40% of budgets were also realized by departments, resulting in significant economic benefits. These revelations highlight the revolutionary potential of AI integration in Industry 5.0, promoting a harmonic convergence of intelligent technology and human skills for an industrial future that is more productive, happy, and financially stable.
Augmented Reality and AI: An Experimental Study of Worker Productivity Enhancement
Authors: Rymarov Andrey , Chandramauli Awadhesh , Sharma Gazal , Sharma Kshama , Kumar Yogesh
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this experimental investigation is to determine how worker productivity may be enhanced by Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants in the AR condition reported completing tasks 16% faster on average and receiving a high user satisfaction rating of 4.56 out of 5. Participants in the AI condition reported a 4.3 feedback rating and a 13% decrease in task completion time. Surprisingly, productivity increased by a remarkable 22% with an average score of 62 when AR and AI were coupled. These results demonstrate how AR and AI technologies may significantly increase worker productivity in real-world work environments, highlighting their importance for companies looking to maximize labor effectiveness and decision-making procedures.
Real-Time Information Access in Urban Environments: A User Interaction Study Using the Real-Time Information Test
Authors: Orlov Alexandr K. , Singh Sehgal Satbir , Bhardwaj Nitin , Kumari Neeraj , Bharadwaj Deepak
Published: January 2024

In this study, "Real-Time Information Access in Urban Environments: A User Interaction Study Using the Real-Time Information Test," participant data revealed a diverse group with an average age of 31, a balanced gender distribution, varying education levels (40% Bachelor's, 20% Master's, 40% PhD), and an average of 6 years of experience with urban navigation. The findings of the Real-Time Information Test (RTIT) showed an average job completion time of 140 seconds and a low average error count of 1.2, demonstrating competency in interacting with real-time information systems. Furthermore, the User Satisfaction Survey found an average of 8.4 overall satisfaction ratings, 8.4 user-friendliness ratings, and 7.8 information accuracy ratings, indicating excellent user experiences. These results highlight user variety, increases in job efficiency and accuracy, and high user satisfaction, all of which contribute to a comprehensive knowledge of real-time information access in urban contexts, with implications for system advancements and urban planning.
The addition of papaya leaf powder (Carica papaya L.) in feed to increase digestibility of milkfish fry (Chanos chanos)
Authors: Afriani Sari , Rizky Oktari Dwi
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to see the effect of adding papaya leaf powder with different doses to increase the growth rate and digestibility of milkfish fry (Chanos chanos). The method in this study used a completely randomized design (RAL) with 4 treatments each with 5 repetitions. The treatment used in this study was feed without the addition of papaya leaf powder or control treatment (A), the addition of papaya leaf powder 2% (B), 2.5% (C) and 3% (D). The feed that has been made is added with chromium which functions as an indicator of digestibility. Feeding is carried out for 40 days. The results showed that the addition of papaya leaf powder had a significant effect (P<0.05) on increasing the specific growth rate, growth in absolute length and absolute weight, FCR and digestibility of milkfish fry, but had no significant effect (P>0.05) on survival rate (SR). The best results in this study were shown in treatment D (with the addition of 3%/kg papaya leaf powder to the feed) showed a specific growth rate 0.93%, absolute length and absolute weight growth respectively 1.12 cm and 0.37 g, FCR 1.86%, and digestibility were 77.7%.
The effect of banana peel flour (Musa paradisiaca) as additional feed raw materials for common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Melanie Kavinta , Nazlia Suraiya , Saputra Juwanda , Purnama Febri Suri , Rezvani Aprita Ika
Published: January 2024

Banana peel flour has a high nutritional content and can be used as a raw material for fish feed. The study was to find out the effect of banana peel flour as a raw material for feed on enhancing common carp fish growth. The study was conducted from February to April 2023 at the Fish Hatchery and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala. The experimental group used a CRD with 5 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments included T0 (0%), T1 (2.5%), T2 (5%), T3 (7.5%), and T4 (10%) doses of additional Kepok banana peel flour. The sample fish used were an average weight of 1.64 ± 0.24 g fish.-1, which was cultured for 40 days. The parameters observed included survival, growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. The results revealed that adding Kepok banana peel flour as a raw material for common carp feed had a significant influence on absolute weight growth, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (P<0.05), but had no effect on survival (P>0,5). The optimal percentage obtained was the addition of 7.5% banana peel flour in the feed formulation (T3) which was able to produce 1.73 ± 0.12% day-1 SGR. Hence, the addition of Kepok banana peel flour as a feed raw material is quite effective in supporting the growth of common carp.
Numerical study for effect of injection parameters on reservoir: A case study for Lahendong, Indonesia
Authors: Salsabilla Nadya Sefira , Hsieh Jui-Ching
Published: January 2024

A single-flash cycle of thermodynamic model coupled with a reservoir of numerical model has been developed through the COMSOL Livelink module to investigate the impact of the geofluid mass flow rate and injection temperature on production temperature and net output power of the power cycle. The geothermal reservoir model was established by using a thermal–hydraulic–mechanical (THM) module in COMSOL Multiphysics. Moreover, the single-flash cycle of the thermodynamics model was constructed in MATLAB. The geothermal reservoir conditions of Lahendong, North Sulawesi, Indonesia was adopted to simulate the geothermal power plants’ actual operation. The results revealed that the variation in geofluid mass flow rate and injection temperature impacted production temperature and net output power. The production temperature considerably decreased with an increase in the geofluid mass flow rate. However, the difference in production temperature between geofluid mass flow rates of 50 kg/s and 250 kg/s at 1st and 30th years were 0.23 K and 0.41 K, respectively. The net output power differences were also 16.204 MW and 15.349 MW, respectively. Finally, increasing the injection temperature correspondingly led to an increase in production temperature and net output power, even though the increment did not exceed 1 K and 0.002 MW, respectively.
Numerical and physical modeling of the aerodynamic process in a direct-flow coil-type boiler using a laboratory stand
Authors: Kuskarbekova Sulpan , Fedorenko Elena , Khrutskaya Anastasia , Karimov Ildar
Published: January 2024

The article examines the modes of gas passage through the chimney of a direct-acting steam generator set using a laboratory stand made of a cylindrical coil. The criterion for determining the gas flow regime is a dimensionless quantity called the Reynolds number. The air flow velocities and temperatures were determined experimentally. Based on these results, the Reynolds number was calculated and the flow regimes at each measurement point were determined, and the dependence of the Reynolds number on temperature and velocity was obtained, and the experiment was analyzed. With the help of the ANSYS program, a model of air movement on the stand was built. When deciphering the geometric model, the ANSYS SpaceClaim program was used. The model made it possible to estimate the distribution of the air flow velocity in the boiler model based on experimental values. Further, after constructing a geometric model using the ANSYS Icem CFD program, a dispersion model was cre-ated that showed the temperature distribution of flue gases in the external gas flow of the basic model of a direct-flow steam boiler. The processing of experimental data showed a further prospect of intensification of the heat exchange process in a direct-flow steam boiler of the coil type.
An Evidence-based Pathway for Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Facial Aesthetics
Authors: Mandavia Rishi , D'Souza Hanna , Rupasinghe Thiara , Cariati Massimiliano , Mandavia Tatiana
Published: January 2024

Aesthetic procedures should be avoided in patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) since they can negatively impact mental health and lead to further aesthetic dissatisfaction. There are no evidence-based patient pathways for BDD in facial aesthetics which can result in the failure to identify patients with BDD, leading to unsuitable treatments and suboptimal patient care. We aim to construct the first evidence-based patient pathway for BDD in surgical and nonsurgical facial aesthetics. A systematic review was performed and articles that discussed screening or patient pathways for BDD in field of facial aesthetics were included. We extracted relevant information from each article on screening tools and pathways for BDD. Data were synthesized by summarizing the data under column headings into a structured narrative and into new tables. Based on this synthesis, a practical pathway for BDD was constructed. Forty articles fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. Twenty-eight BDD screening tools were discussed in the included articles, and we provide an overview of these tools. Thirty-one articles discussed patient pathways for BDD, and we synthesized this information into a structured narrative. Combining these findings, we present an evidence-based patient pathway for BDD for patients presenting for facial aesthetic treatments. This systematic review has resulted in the first, evidence-based, patient pathway for BDD in surgical and nonsurgical facial aesthetics. This practical pathway can be used by aesthetic clinicians to identify patients with potential BDD and provide clear guidance for managing cases where BDD is suspected. It will help reduce the number of facial aesthetic procedures performed on patients with BDD, safeguard patient mental well-being, and prevent further aesthetic dissatisfaction.
Anatomical Variations of the External Genitalia in Posterior Cloaca: Clinical Consequences of Misdiagnosis—A Systematic Review of the Literature and the ARM-Net Consortium Experience
Authors: Carvalho Catarina , Morandi Anna , Samuk Inbal , Gine Carlos , Gorter Ramon , Martinez-Urrutia Maria Jose , Vilanova-Sánchez Alejandra
Published: January 2024

Purpose All types of cloacal malformations may be associated with anatomic variations of the external genitalia, including hypoplasia of the labia minora and enlarged clitoris; these variations could be even higher in posterior cloacas (PCs). If a careful physical examination is not performed, patients may be misdiagnosed with ambiguous genitalia (AG), leading to subsequent unnecessary testing, surgeries, or even wrong gender assignment. The aim was to analyze data of patients with PC within the ARM-Net registry, focusing on the description of the genitalia, gender assignment, and its consequences. Additionally, we investigated the presence of AG diagnosis in utero or at birth in patients with PC in the literature.

Methods The ARM-Net registry was scanned for PC cases and data on diagnosis were collected. A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, EMbase, and Web-of-Science databases. Descriptive statistics was used to report data.

Results Nine patients with PC were identified in the ARM-Net registry. Five patients (55%) were diagnosed with AG, two (22%) were assigned as males and only two patients were correctly assigned as females and diagnosed with PC with respective variations of external genitalia. All patients diagnosed with AG had extensive blood testing including karyotype and hormonal studies. One of the patients who was diagnosed as a male, had surgery for pelvic cystic mass removal, which ultimately led to unaware salpingo-oophorectomy, hysterectomy, and vaginectomy. In the literature we identified 60 patients, 14 (23%) with AG, 1 with clitorolabial transposition and 1 with undeveloped vulva and vagina; 4 patients had normal anatomy. In 40 (67%) patients the anatomy of genitalia was not mentioned.

Conclusion Patients with PC are at high risk of being diagnosed with AG or even assigned the wrong gender at birth. In our series two patients were assigned as males, and consequently one of them underwent a highly mutilating surgery. A thorough physical examination together with a high index of suspicion and laboratory workup are mandatory to identify these variations, avoiding further investigations, unnecessary surgeries, and parental stress.
Neuro-ophthalmologic Outcomes of Orbital Apex Syndrome Caused by Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Park Minhae , Shin Joongbo , Lee Eunkyu , Ryu Gwanghui , Kang Min Chae , Park Kyung-Ah , Kong Doo-Sik , Huh Kyungmin , Kim Kyunga , Kim Hyo-Yeol , Jung Yong Gi , Hong Sang Duk
Published: January 2024

Objectives Orbital apex syndrome (OAS) is characterized by visual loss, ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and orbital pain. This study aims to analyze neuro-ophthalmologic outcomes of OAS resulting from invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFS).

Methods This retrospective study analyzed 25 patients diagnosed with OAS resulting from IFS between January 2018 and July 2022. Patient's visual acuity, degree of ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and orbital pain were analyzed. Poor and nonpoor visual acuity were classified based on 20/200. The study also investigated risk factors for the failure of vision restoration.

Results Only 1 of 25 patients died from the progression of IFS. Among the 25 patients, 5 (20%) had initial visual acuity better than 20/200 before treatment and 20 (80%) had worse vision than 20/200. Four (80%) of five patients with better than 20/200 maintained visual acuity. Four (20%) of 20 patients with worse than 20/200 recovered to better than 20/200 but others remained or declined to worse vision after treatment. The presence of an infiltrative lesion in cavernous sinus on magnetic resonance image scans was significant in univariate but not multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 24.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.543–333.333; P-value = 0.023). Among the patients with worse than 20/200 vision, the patients whose treatment started less than 4 weeks achieved 33.3% (4/12 patients) vision recovery. In contrast, ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and pain recovered more successfully than vision.

Conclusion Although OAS caused by IFS has been reported as very rare, early pathological diagnosis and appropriate treatment can result in good survival and favorable neuro-ophthalmologic outcomes.
C2 Vertebra: An Enigma for Young Spine/Neurosurgeons
Authors: Garg Mayank , Sharma Raghavendra K. , Janu Vikas , Agrawal Mohit , Jha Ashutosh , Khera Pushpinder , Jha Deepak K.
Published: January 2024

Background Instrumentation of C2 vertebra is considered the most difficult for young neurosurgeons and trainees due to its complex anatomical structures, variety of surgical approaches and techniques, and proximity to important neurovascular structures. Key points from a surgical perspective for midline posterior approach is described in the era of neuroradiological advancements.

Method Computed tomography angiographies (CTAs) of a total of 92 patients were evaluated with special attention to the key findings for insertion of screws for craniovertebral junction (CVJ) fixations. All these patients were operated though midline posterior approach in past 4 years.

Results CTAs included various CVJ disorders, which included traumatic (n = 14), congenital (n = 55), and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 2) patients. Established landmarks for screw insertion sites do not prove safe for congenital anomalous CVJ conditions. Instead of highlighting screw insertion entry points, part of the corridor, which is relevant, should be stressed up on.

Conclusion Midpoint of portion of bone segment medial to vertebral artery foramen should be the focus, which is important for pars interarticularis (and transarticular) and pedicle screws. A laminar screw should cross the midpoint of the lamina on each side.
Surgical Experience from the STASEY Study of Emicizumab Prophylaxis in People with Hemophilia A with Factor VIII Inhibitors
Authors: Castaman Giancarlo , Peyvandi Flora , Kremer Hovinga Johanna A. , Schutgens Roger E.G. , Robson Susan , Moreno Katya , Jiménez-Yuste Víctor
Published: January 2024

Background Guidelines surrounding emicizumab prophylaxis and perioperative treatment for people with hemophilia A (PwHA) with factor (F)VIII inhibitors undergoing surgeries are limited. The phase IIIb multicenter, single-arm STASEY study evaluated safety and tolerability of emicizumab prophylaxis in PwHA aged ≥12 years with FVIII inhibitors. This analysis assesses surgeries during study conduct, associated hemophilia medications, and postoperative bleeds (treated and untreated).

Methods PwHA with FVIII inhibitors received emicizumab 3.0 mg/kg/week for 4 weeks, then 1.5 mg/kg/week until 2 years. Surgeries were managed and documented by treating physicians. Bleeds and treatments were recorded by physicians and participants.

Results Forty-six participants had ≥1 on-study surgery, 37 underwent 56 minor surgeries, and 13 underwent 22 major surgeries. Four participants underwent both minor and major surgeries. Of 18 (81.8%) and 4 (18.2%) major surgeries managed with/without additional hemostatic medication, 33.3 and 25.0% were associated with a treated postoperative bleed, respectively. Of 24 (42.9%) and 32 (57.1%) minor surgeries managed with/without additional hemostatic medication, 15.6 and 25.0% were associated with a treated postoperative bleed, respectively. Recombinant activated FVII was the most common medication for prophylaxis and bleed treatment. There were no thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs). One hypertrophic clot, considered unrelated to emicizumab, occurred following tooth extraction.

Conclusion In this challenging population with a high bleeding risk, major surgeries were performed in PwHA receiving emicizumab with/without additional hemostatic medication. Postoperative bleeds occurred following 59.1% of major surgeries; 53.8% were treated. No arterial/venous thrombotic events or TMAs occurred due to concomitant emicizumab and bypassing agents.

Trial registration This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03191799).
Beyond online disinformation: assessing national information resilience in four European countries
Authors: Dragomir Marius , Rúas-Araújo José , Horowitz Minna
Published: January 2024

As social media is a key conduit for the distribution of disinformation, much of the literature on disinformation in elections has been focused on the internet and global social media platforms. Literature on societal and media trust has also grown in recent years. Yet, disinformation is not limited to global platforms or the internet, traditional media outlets in many European countries act as vehicles of disinformation often under the direction of the government. Moreover, the connection between trust and resilience to disinformation has been less discussed. This article is aimed at tackling the question of what makes a country vulnerable to or resilient against online disinformation. It argues that a society’s information resilience can be viewed as a combination of structural characteristics, features of its knowledge-distribution institutions including its media system, and the activities and capabilities of its citizens. The article makes this argument by describing these dimensions in four European case countries, based on comparable statistics and document analyses. The results indicate that European-wide strategies do not uniformly strengthen national resilience against disinformation and that anti-disinformation strategies need to be anchored in targeted assessments of the state of information resilience at the national level to be more effective. Such assessments are central, particularly to understanding citizens’ information needs in key democratic events such as elections.
Nonneoplastic pathology of the appendix: A review article, based on the recent literature
Authors: Pai Sanjay A , Mannan Rifat
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The appendix, although considered a vestigial organ, is of considerable clinical importance because acute appendicitis is a common medical problem. There are also other disease processes involving the appendix. The appendix is among the first specimens that the pathologist (and surgeon) cuts one’s teeth on. Thus, there may be a tendency to underestimate the clinically and prognostically significant appendiceal pathologies.

Methods

We provide a vade mecum of the pathologic features of a wide range of nonneoplastic appendiceal pathologies, with an emphasis on developing a practical approach to grossing, microscopy, and reporting—all with clinical and therapeutic implications. Much of this is based on literature on MEDLINE with reference to years 2008 to 2023, as well as on personal experiences and interpretations.

Results

The appendix can harbor a myriad of nonneoplastic pathologies, including infections, inflammations of varying etiologies (including interval appendectomy), endometriosis, diverticulosis, and so on. Chronic appendicitis, Crohn disease, and clinical audit are recurring themes while COVID-19 is a new entity.

Conclusions

Most importantly, all pathologists should appreciate that the appendix is not as “routine” a specimen as one would want to believe.
Screening for Dyslexia in University Students: a Standardized Procedure Based on Conditional Inference Trees
Authors: Cavalli Eddy , Brèthes Hélène , Lefèvre Elise , El Ahmadi Abdessadek , Duncan Lynne G , Bianco Maryse , Melmi Jean-Baptiste , Denis-Noël Ambre , Colé Pascale
Published: January 2024

Objective

The focus of this study is on providing tools to enable researchers and practitioners to screen for dyslexia in adults entering university. The first aim is to validate and provide diagnostic properties for a set of seven tests including a 1-min word reading test, a 2-min pseudoword reading test, a phonemic awareness test, a spelling test, the Alouette reading fluency test, a connected-text reading fluency test, and the self-report Adult Reading History Questionnaire (ARHQ). The second, more general, aim of this study was to devise a standardized and confirmatory procedure for dyslexia screening from a subset of the initial seven tests. We used conditional inference tree analysis, a supervised machine learning approach to identify the most relevant tests, cut-off scores, and optimal order of test administration.

Method

A combined sample of 60 university students with dyslexia (clinical validation group) and 65 university students without dyslexia (normative group) provided data to determine the diagnostic properties of these tests including sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off scores.

Results

Results showed that combinations of four tests (ARHQ, text reading fluency, phonemic awareness, pseudoword reading) and their relative conditional cut-off scores optimize powerful discriminatory screening procedures for dyslexia, with an overall classification accuracy of approximately 90%.

Conclusions

The novel use of the conditional inference tree methodology explored in the present study offered a way of moving toward a more efficient screening battery using only a subset of the seven tests examined. Both clinical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Measuring Multidimensional Aspects of Health in the Oldest Old Using the NIH Toolbox: Results From the ARMADA Study
Authors: Mather Molly A , Ho Emily H , Bedjeti Katy , Karpouzian-Rogers Tatiana , Rogalski Emily J , Gershon Richard , Weintraub Sandra
Published: January 2024

Objective

The percentage of older adults living into their 80s and beyond is expanding rapidly. Characterization of typical cognitive performance in this population is complicated by a dearth of normative data for the oldest old. Additionally, little attention has been paid to other aspects of health, such as motor, sensory, and emotional functioning, that may interact with cognitive changes to predict quality of life and well-being. The current study used the NIH Toolbox (NIHTB) to determine age group differences between persons aged 65–84 and 85+ with normal cognition.

Method

Participants were recruited in two age bands (i.e., 65–84 and 85+). All participants completed the NIHTB Cognition, Motor, Sensation, and Emotion modules. Independent-samples t-tests determined age group differences with post-hoc adjustments using Bonferroni corrections. All subtest and composite scores were then regressed on age and other demographic covariates.

Results

The 65–84 group obtained significantly higher scores than the 85+ group across all cognitive measures except oral reading, all motor measures except gait speed, and all sensation measures except pain interference. Age remained a significant predictor after controlling for covariates. Age was not significantly associated with differences in emotion scores.

Conclusions

Results support the use of the NIHTB in persons over 85 with normal cognition. As expected, fluid reasoning abilities and certain motor and sensory functions decreased with age in the oldest old. Inclusion of motor and sensation batteries is warranted when studying trajectories of aging in the oldest old to allow for multidimensional characterization of health.
Roadside habitat: Boon or bane for pollinating insects?
Authors: Meinzen Thomas C , Burkle Laura A , Debinski Diane M
Published: January 2024

Pollinators, which provide vital services to wild ecosystems and agricultural crops, are facing global declines and habitat loss. As undeveloped land becomes increasingly scarce, much focus has been directed recently to roadsides as potential target zones for providing floral resources to pollinators. Roadsides, however, are risky places for pollinators, with threats from vehicle collisions, toxic pollutants, mowing, herbicides, and more. Although these threats have been investigated, most studies have yet to quantify the costs and benefits of roadsides to pollinators and, therefore, do not address whether the costs outweigh the benefits for pollinator populations using roadside habitats. In this article, we address how, when, and under what conditions roadside habitats may benefit or harm pollinators, reviewing existing knowledge and recommending practical questions that managers and policymakers should consider when planning pollinator-focused roadside management.
Maf1 loss regulates spinogenesis and attenuates cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Han Yingying , Chen Kui , Yu Hongxiang , Cui Can , Li Hongxia , Hu Yongbo , Zhang Bei , Li Gang
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is neurodegenerative and characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. Synaptic dysfunction appears in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease and is significantly correlated with cognitive impairment. However, the specific regulatory mechanism remains unclear.

Here, we found the transcription factor Maf1 to be upregulated in Alzheimer’s disease and determined that conditional knockout of Maf1 in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease restored learning and memory function; the downregulation of Maf1 reduced the intraneuronal calcium concentration and restored neuronal synaptic morphology. We also demonstrated that Maf1 regulated the expression of NMDAR1 by binding to the promoter region of Grin1, further regulating calcium homeostasis and synaptic remodelling in neurons.

Our results clarify the important role and mechanism of the Maf1-NMDAR1 signalling pathway in stabilizing synaptic structure, neuronal function and behaviour during Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. This therefore serves as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
The relationship between oxidative degradation and ammonia emission of carbon capture amines based on their chemical structures
Authors: Muchan Pailin , Supap Teeradet , Narku-Tetteh Jessica , Lisawadi Supranee , Idem Raphael
Published: January 2024

This work investigates the effect of chemical structural positioning of different functional groups in 29 amines covering primary, secondary and tertiary alkanolamines as well as multi-alkylamines and cyclic amines on both amine degradation and ammonia (NH3) emissions during post-combustion amine-based carbon dioxide capture. The results helped to elucidate possible relationships between degradation and emissions as related to the chemical structure of the amine. The results showed that longer alkyl chain lengths in multi-alkylamines caused a more drastic decrease in both degradation and NH3 emissions followed by secondary alkanolamines. The decrease in those activities for primary and tertiary alkanolamines as well as cyclic amines was low and more so for NH3 emissions. In contrast, the increase in hydroxyl groups in secondary alkanolamines caused a drastic increase in degradation and NH3 emissions. On the other hand, having more hydroxyl groups in sterically hindered primary and tertiary alkanolamines caused a more drastic decrease in degradation and a smaller decrease in NH3 emissions due to the steric hindrance within their structure. An increase in the number of amino groups in an amine caused an increase in both degradation and NH3 emission rates because these provided the reactive sites for the formation of free radicals. This effect was not as large in alkyl-cyclic amines as in multi-alkylamines due to the ability of the former to resist oxidative degradation. Furthermore, branched alkyl groups between amino and hydroxyl groups more drastically increased both the degradation and NH3 emission activities than branched alkyl groups located at the nitrogen atom.
The control patterns of affective processing and cognitive reappraisal: insights from brain controllability analysis
Authors: Fang Feng , Teixeira Antonio L , Li Rihui , Zou Ling , Zhang Yingchun
Published: January 2024

Perceiving and modulating emotions is vital for cognitive function and is often impaired in neuropsychiatric conditions. Current tools for evaluating emotional dysregulation suffer from subjectivity and lack of precision, especially when it comes to understanding emotion from a regulatory or control-based perspective. To address these limitations, this study leverages an advanced methodology known as functional brain controllability analysis. We simultaneously recorded electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 17 healthy subjects engaged in emotion processing and regulation tasks. We then employed a novel EEG/fMRI integration technique to reconstruct cortical activity in a high spatiotemporal resolution manner. Subsequently, we conducted functional brain controllability analysis to explore the neural network control patterns underlying different emotion conditions. Our findings demonstrated that the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex exhibited increased controllability during the processing and regulation of negative emotions compared to processing of neutral emotion. Besides, the anterior cingulate cortex was notably more active in managing negative emotion than in either controlling neutral emotion or regulating negative emotion. Finally, the posterior parietal cortex emerged as a central network controller for the regulation of negative emotion. This study offers valuable insights into the cortical control mechanisms that support emotion perception and regulation.
Causal effects of osteoporosis on structural changes in specific brain regions: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Nie Xinlin , Zhang Qiong , Wang Yixuan , Liu Zhaoliang , Xie Dongheng , Song Qingxu , Yang Chen , Yu Tiecheng , Sun Yang
Published: January 2024

Observational studies have reported that osteoporosis is associated with cortical changes in the brain. However, the inherent limitations of observational studies pose challenges in eliminating confounding factors and establishing causal relationships. And previous observational studies have not reported changes in specific brain regions. By employing Mendelian randomization, we have been able to infer a causal relationship between osteoporosis and a reduction in the surficial area (SA) of the brain cortical. This effect is partially mediated by vascular calcification. We found that osteoporosis significantly decreased the SA of global brain cortical (β = −1587.62 mm2, 95%CI: −2645.94 mm2 to −529.32 mm2, P = 0.003) as well as the paracentral gyrus without global weighted (β = − 19.42 mm2, 95%CI: −28.90 mm2 to −9.95 mm2, P = 5.85 × 10−5). Furthermore, we estimated that 42.25% and 47.21% of the aforementioned effects are mediated through vascular calcification, respectively. Osteoporosis leads to a reduction in the SA of the brain cortical, suggesting the presence of the bone-brain axis. Vascular calcification plays a role in mediating this process to a certain extent. These findings establish a theoretical foundation for further investigations into the intricate interplay between bone, blood vessels, and the brain.
Predictable and unpredictable deviance detection in the human hippocampus and amygdala
Authors: Tzovara Athina , Fedele Tommaso , Sarnthein Johannes , Ledergerber Debora , Lin Jack J , Knight Robert T
Published: January 2024

Our brains extract structure from the environment and form predictions given past experience. Predictive circuits have been identified in wide-spread cortical regions. However, the contribution of medial temporal structures in predictions remains under-explored. The hippocampus underlies sequence detection and is sensitive to novel stimuli, sufficient to gain access to memory, while the amygdala to novelty. Yet, their electrophysiological profiles in detecting predictable and unpredictable deviant auditory events remain unknown. Here, we hypothesized that the hippocampus would be sensitive to predictability, while the amygdala to unexpected deviance. We presented epileptic patients undergoing presurgical monitoring with standard and deviant sounds, in predictable or unpredictable contexts. Onsets of auditory responses and unpredictable deviance effects were detected earlier in the temporal cortex compared with the amygdala and hippocampus. Deviance effects in 1–20 Hz local field potentials were detected in the lateral temporal cortex, irrespective of predictability. The amygdala showed stronger deviance in the unpredictable context. Low-frequency deviance responses in the hippocampus (1–8 Hz) were observed in the predictable but not in the unpredictable context. Our results reveal a distributed network underlying the generation of auditory predictions and suggest that the neural basis of sensory predictions and prediction error signals needs to be extended.
Wage-led or profit-led: is it the right question to examine the relationship between income inequality and economic growth? Insights from an empirical stock-flow consistent model for Denmark
Authors: Byrialsen Mikael Randrup , Valdecantos Sebastian , Raza Hamid
Published: January 2024

For the last two decades an increasing number of empirical studies have analysed the relationship between income inequality and economic growth by classifying economies as either wage-led or profit-led. However, some critiques have claimed that rather than being unequivocally wage-led or profit-led, the growth regime of an economy might depend on the circumstances and the nature of the processes that determine income distribution. Using an empirical stock-flow consistent (SFC) model estimated for Denmark for 2005–2020 we run eight scenarios simulating changes in policy, structural and institutional variables to see how each affects income distribution and, through it, the business cycle and economic growth. We find that the relationship between demand, growth and income distribution is highly dependent on the source of the shock affecting income shares, its impact on the other areas of the economy and the intensity of feedback effects.
Validity and reliability of the ERSA questionnaire in Turkish
Authors: Öztürk Hüseyin , Karabulut Mustafa , Baydan-Aran Mine , Tokgöz-Yılmaz Suna
Published: January 2024

This methodological study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Evaluation of the Impact of Hearing Loss in Adults (ERSA) questionnaire for individuals with treated hearing loss. The study involved 200 participants, and both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to examine structural validity. External validity was assessed by correlating ERSA scores with the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. The Turkish ERSA demonstrated strong psychometric properties, with significant correlations between APHAB and ERSA scores and excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The findings suggest that the Turkish ERSA is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the impact of hearing loss in individuals.
Estimating spot volatility under infinite variation jumps with dependent market microstructure noise
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Zhi
Published: January 2024

Jumps and market microstructure noise are stylized features of high-frequency financial data. It is well known that they introduce bias in the estimation of volatility (including integrated and spot volatilities) of assets, and many methods have been proposed to deal with this problem. When the jumps are intensive with infinite variation, the efficient estimation of spot volatility under serially dependent noise is not available and is thus in need. For this purpose, we propose a novel estimator of spot volatility with a hybrid use of the pre-averaging technique and the empirical characteristic function. Under mild assumptions, the results of consistency and asymptotic normality of our estimator are established. Furthermore, we show that our estimator achieves an almost efficient convergence rate with optimal variance when the jumps are either less active or active with symmetric structure. Simulation studies verify our theoretical conclusions. We apply our proposed estimator to empirical analyses, such as estimating the weekly volatility curve using second-by-second transaction price data.
Flecainide to prevent atrial arrhythmia after patent foramen ovale closure, Rationale and design of the randomized AFLOAT study
Authors: Hauguel-Moreau Marie , Guedeney Paul , Dauphin Claire , Auffret Vincent , Marijon Eloi , Aldebert Philippe , Clerc Jean-Michel , Beygui Farzin , Elbaz Meyer , Khalil Wissam Abi , Da Costa Antoine , Macia Jean-Christophe , Elhadad Simon , Cayla Guillaume , Brugier Delphine , Silvain Johanne , Hammoudi Nadjib , Duthoit Guillaume , Vicaut Eric , Montalescot Gilles ,   for the ACTION Study Group, Montalescot Gilles , Hauguel-Moreau Marie , Duthoit Guillaume , Vicaut Eric , Laredo Mikael , Rolland Thomas , Temmar Yassine , Lellouche Nicolas , Chatellier Gilles , Edhery Stéphane , Montalescot Gilles , Dauphin Claire , Auffret Vincent , Marijon Eloi , Beygui Farzin , Aldebert Philippe , Clerc Jean-Michel , Elbaz Meyer , Macia Jean-Christophe , Da Costa Antoine , Khalil Wissam Abi , Elhadad Simon , Cayla Guillaume , Iriart Xavier
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Atrial arrhythmia is the most common complication of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. The real incidence of post-PFO closure atrial arrhytmia and whether this complication can be prevented is unknown.

Methods/Design

The Assessment of Flecainide to Lower the PFO closure risk of Atrial fibrillation or Tachycardia (AFLOAT) trial is a prospective, national, multicentre, randomized, open-label, superiority trial with a blind evaluation of all the endpoints (PROBE design). A total of 186 patients are randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio immediately after PFO closure to receive Flecainide (150 mg per day in a single sustained-release (SR) dose) for 6 months (Group 1), Flecainide (150 mg per day in a single SR dose) for 3 months (Group 2), or no additional treatment (standard of care) for 6 months (Group 3). The primary endpoint is the percentage of patients with at least one episode of symptomatic or asymptomatic atrial arrhythmia episode (≥30 s) recorded within 3 months after PFO closure on long-term monitoring with an insertable cardiac monitor. Whether 3 months of treatment is sufficient compared to 6 months will be analysed as a secondary objective of the study.

Conclusion

AFLOAT is the first trial to test the hypothesis that a short treatment with oral Flecainide can prevent the new-onset of atrial arrhythmia after PFO closure.

Clinical trial registration

NCT05213104 (clinicaltrials.gov).