bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-epitope vaccine design using in silico analysis of glycoprotein and nucleocapsid of NIPAH virus
Authors: Kumar Anoop , Misra Gauri , Mohandas Sreelekshmy , Yadav Pragya D.
Published: May 2024

According to the 2018 WHO R&D Blueprint, Nipah virus (NiV) is a priority disease, and the development of a vaccine against NiV is strongly encouraged. According to criteria used to categorize zoonotic diseases, NiV is a stage III disease that can spread to people and cause unpredictable outbreaks. Since 2001, the NiV virus has caused annual outbreaks in Bangladesh, while in India it has caused occasional outbreaks. According to estimates, the mortality rate for infected individuals ranges from 70 to 91%. Using immunoinformatic approaches to anticipate the epitopes of the MHC-I, MHC-II, and B-cells, they were predicted using the NiV glycoprotein and nucleocapsid protein. The selected epitopes were used to develop a multi-epitope vaccine construct connected with linkers and adjuvants in order to improve immune responses to the vaccine construct. The 3D structure of the engineered vaccine was anticipated, optimized, and confirmed using a variety of computer simulation techniques so that its stability could be assessed. According to the immunological simulation tests, it was found that the vaccination elicits a targeted immune response against the NiV. Docking with TLR-3, 7, and 8 revealed that vaccine candidates had high binding affinities and low binding energies. Finally, molecular dynamic analysis confirms the stability of the new vaccine. Codon optimization and in silico cloning showed that the proposed vaccine was expressed to a high degree in Escherichia coli. The study will help in identifying a potential epitope for a vaccine candidate against NiV. The developed multi-epitope vaccine construct has a lot of potential, but they still need to be verified by in vitro & in vivo studies.
Physical function as a marker to assess the effects of occupational long-term pesticide exposure
Authors: Coelho Talita Regina , Pereira Hugo M. , Bittencourt Guimarães Ana Tereza
Published: May 2024

In this cross-sectional study, we determined the relative impact of long-term occupational exposure to pesticides on physical performance and perception of tiredness. Experimental data was collected in locus from agricultural communities and included surveys to assess the duration of exposure to pesticides, social status, habitual physical activity levels, presence of common mental disorders (CMD), and self-reported tiredness. Plasmatic cholinesterase (PChE), body composition and traditional functional performance tests (Handgrip strength–HGS; Time up and go–TUG; and Sit-to-stand—STS) were obtained. From the 127 individuals tested, cluster analysis yielded 80 individuals divided in Direct Exposed (n = 37) and Indirect Exposed (n = 43); Tired (n = 16), and Not Tired (n = 64). PChE values were within the reference values (5209.64–13943.53 U/L). Pesticide exposure had no influence on PChE levels, CMD or fatigue (p > 0.05), while Self-reported tiredness had (p < 0.05). Principal Component Analyses showed that HGS; STS and TUG (i.e., physical performance variables) are negatively influenced by two independent factors: pesticide exposure and self-reported tiredness. We conclude that chronic pesticide exposure and tiredness can negatively impact physical performance, independently, without clinically significant changes in PChE levels that is a biomarker used to track pesticide intoxication. Functional physical tests can be a useful tool to identify chronic pesticide exposure, and help with the limitations of commonly used parameters (i.e. PChE and CMD). Self-reported tiredness is a confounding variable.
An appraisal-based chain-of-emotion architecture for affective language model game agents
Authors: Croissant Maximilian , Frister Madeleine , Schofield Guy , McCall Cade
Published: May 2024

The development of believable, natural, and interactive digital artificial agents is a field of growing interest. Theoretical uncertainties and technical barriers present considerable challenges to the field, particularly with regards to developing agents that effectively simulate human emotions. Large language models (LLMs) might address these issues by tapping common patterns in situational appraisal. In three empirical experiments, this study tests the capabilities of LLMs to solve emotional intelligence tasks and to simulate emotions. It presents and evaluates a new Chain-of-Emotion architecture for emotion simulation within video games, based on psychological appraisal research. Results show that it outperforms control LLM architectures on a range of user experience and content analysis metrics. This study therefore provides early evidence of how to construct and test affective agents based on cognitive processes represented in language models.
TruD technology for the study of epi- and endothelial tubes in vitro
Authors: Hansen Steen H.
Published: May 2024

Beyond the smallest organisms, animals rely on tubes to transport cells, oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and a great variety of secretions. The cardiovascular system, lungs, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, as well as major exocrine glands, are all composed of tubes. Paradoxically, despite their ubiquitous importance, most existing devices designed to study tubes are relatively complex to manufacture and/or utilize. The present work describes a simple method for generating tubes in vitro using nothing more than a low-cost 3D printer along with general lab supplies. The technology is termed "TruD", an acronym for true dimensional. Using this technology, it is readily feasible to cast tubes embedded in ECM with easy access to the lumen. The design is modular to permit more complex tube arrangements and to sustain flow. Importantly, by virtue of its simplicity, TruD technology enables typical molecular cell biology experiments where multiple conditions are assayed in replicate.
Multi-Input data ASsembly for joint Analysis (MIASA): A framework for the joint analysis of disjoint sets of variables
Authors: Raharinirina Nomenjanahary Alexia , Sunkara Vikram , von Kleist Max , Fackeldey Konstantin , Weber Marcus
Published: May 2024

The joint analysis of two datasets X and Y that describe the same phenomena (e.g. the cellular state), but measure disjoint sets of variables (e.g. mRNA vs. protein levels) is currently challenging. Traditional methods typically analyze single interaction patterns such as variance or covariance. However, problem-tailored external knowledge may contain multiple different information about the interaction between the measured variables. We introduce MIASA, a holistic framework for the joint analysis of multiple different variables. It consists of assembling multiple different information such as similarity vs. association, expressed in terms of interaction-scores or distances, for subsequent clustering/classification. In addition, our framework includes a novel qualitative Euclidean embedding method (qEE-Transition) which enables using Euclidean-distance/vector-based clustering/classification methods on datasets that have a non-Euclidean-based interaction structure. As an alternative to conventional optimization-based multidimensional scaling methods which are prone to uncertainties, our qEE-Transition generates a new vector representation for each element of the dataset union X ∪ Y in a common Euclidean space while strictly preserving the original ordering of the assembled interaction-distances. To demonstrate our work, we applied the framework to three types of simulated datasets: samples from families of distributions, samples from correlated random variables, and time-courses of statistical moments for three different types of stochastic two-gene interaction models. We then compared different clustering methods with vs. without the qEE-Transition. For all examples, we found that the qEE-Transition followed by Ward clustering had superior performance compared to non-agglomerative clustering methods but had a varied performance against ultrametric-based agglomerative methods. We also tested the qEE-Transition followed by supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods and found promising results, however, more work is needed for optimal parametrization of these methods. As a future perspective, our framework points to the importance of more developments and validation of distance-distribution models aiming to capture multiple-complex interactions between different variables.
Targeting the adenosinergic system in restless legs syndrome: A pilot, “proof-of-concept” placebo-controlled TMS-based protocol
Authors: Lanza Giuseppe , Salemi Michele , Mogavero Maria P. , Catania Valentina , Galeano Annalisa , Garifoli Angelo , Lanuzza Bartolo , Morreale Manuela , Tripodi Mariangela , Cantone Mariagiovanna , Cappellani Francesco , Concerto Carmen , Rodolico Alessandro , Pennisi Manuela , Bella Rita , Ferri Raffaele
Published: May 2024

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep disorder characterized by an urge to move the legs that is responsive to movement (particularly during rest), periodic leg movements during sleep, and hyperarousal. Recent evidence suggests that the involvement of the adenosine system may establish a connection between dopamine and glutamate dysfunction in RLS. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive electrophysiological technique widely applied to explore brain electrophysiology and neurochemistry under different experimental conditions. In this pilot study protocol, we aim to investigate the effects of dipyridamole (a well-known enhancer of adenosinergic transmission) and caffeine (an adenosine receptor antagonist) on measures of cortical excitation and inhibition in response to TMS in patients with primary RLS. Initially, we will assess cortical excitability using both single- and paired-pulse TMS in patients with RLS. Then, based on the measures obtained, we will explore the effects of dipyridamole and caffeine, in comparison to placebo, on various TMS parameters related to cortical excitation and inhibition. Finally, we will evaluate the psycho-cognitive performance of RLS patients to screen them for cognitive impairment and/or mood-behavioral dysfunction, thus aiming to correlate psycho-cognitive findings with TMS data. Overall, this study protocol will be the first to shed lights on the neurophysiological mechanisms of RLS involving the modulation of the adenosine system, thus potentially providing a foundation for innovative “pharmaco-TMS”-based treatments. The distinctive TMS profile observed in RLS holds indeed the potential utility for both diagnosis and treatment, as well as for patient monitoring. As such, it can be considered a target for both novel pharmacological (i.e., drug) and non-pharmacological (e.g., neuromodulatory), “TMS-guided”, interventions.
Quantitative characterization of microstructure and research on spatial variation characteristics of loess of different strata in Luochuan, Shaanxi, China
Authors: Chang Yupeng , Yuan Shaoqing
Published: May 2024

The complete sequence of loess strata in Luochuan has become a typical section in loess strata, and is the main focus of research for many scholars studying loess. We were based on the theory of aeolian loess and established a set of quantitative index parameters for loess microstructure through our previous research, such as equivalent diameter, sphericity, morphology ratio, orientation angle Phi, orientation angle Theta, pore Eq-Radius, throat Eq-Radius and throat channelLength. Through the quantitative characterization of various index parameters of the Luochuan loess, we found that the probability density of each index parameter meets a specific distribution well, and in terms of spatial dimension, it shows that as the depth of the strata increases, the average particle size and the mode of pore Eq-Radius, throat Eq-Radius and throat channelLength generally increase, while the mode of particle morphology ratio generally decreases. In addition, loess particles in deeper strata are less prone to vertical sedimentation and tend to deposit gently or horizontally. Most particles in different strata are distributed in a northwest or southwest direction. During the formation period of strata, the main cause for spatial differences is the material carrying force. We conducted a statistical analysis on the correlation between the macroscopic physical properties of loess and its microstructure index parameters. Specifically, we found a positive correlation between loess density and the average particle size and the mode of particle equivalent diameter, Additionally, we found a negative correlation between loess liquid limit and plastic limit, and the mode of particle morphology ratio. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between permeability coefficient and the mode of pore Eq-Radius, throat Eq-Radius, and throat channelLength.
Open-source data pipeline for street-view images: A case study on community mobility during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Martell Matthew , Terry Nick , Sengupta Ribhu , Salazar Chris , Errett Nicole A. , Miles Scott B. , Wartman Joseph , Choe Youngjun
Published: May 2024

Street View Images (SVI) are a common source of valuable data for researchers. Researchers have used SVI data for estimating pedestrian volumes, demographic surveillance, and to better understand built and natural environments in cityscapes. However, the most common source of publicly available SVI data is Google Street View. Google Street View images are collected infrequently, making temporal analysis challenging, especially in low population density areas. Our main contribution is the development of an open-source data pipeline for processing 360-degree video recorded from a car-mounted camera. The video data is used to generate SVIs, which then can be used as an input for longitudinal analysis. We demonstrate the use of the pipeline by collecting an SVI dataset over a 38-month longitudinal survey of Seattle, WA, USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. The output of our pipeline is validated through statistical analyses of pedestrian traffic in the images. We confirm known results in the literature and provide new insights into outdoor pedestrian traffic patterns. This study demonstrates the feasibility and value of collecting and using SVI for research purposes beyond what is possible with currently available SVI data. Our methods and dataset represent a first of its kind longitudinal collection and application of SVI data for research purposes. Limitations and future improvements to the data pipeline and case study are also discussed.
Re-use of research data in the social sciences. Use and users of digital data archive
Authors: Late Elina , Ochsner Michael
Published: May 2024

The aim of this paper is to investigate the re-use of research data deposited in digital data archive in the social sciences. The study examines the quantity, type, and purpose of data downloads by analyzing enriched user log data collected from Swiss data archive. The findings show that quantitative datasets are downloaded increasingly from the digital archive and that downloads focus heavily on a small share of the datasets. The most frequently downloaded datasets are survey datasets collected by research organizations offering possibilities for longitudinal studies. Users typically download only one dataset, but a group of heavy downloaders form a remarkable share of all downloads. The main user group downloading data from the archive are students who use the data in their studies. Furthermore, datasets downloaded for research purposes often, but not always, serve to be used in scholarly publications. Enriched log data from data archives offer an interesting macro level perspective on the use and users of the services and help understanding the increasing role of repositories in the social sciences. The study provides insights into the potential of collecting and using log data for studying and evaluating data archive use.
Therapies go digital. What drives physicians’ acceptance?
Authors: Carrera Alessandro , Lettieri Emanuele , Lietti Gaia , Martignoni Sara , Sgarbossa Chiara , Cafazzo Joseph
Published: May 2024

National healthcare systems face multiple challenges, including the increasing demand for care and decreasing availability of healthcare professionals. Digital health technologies represent opportunities that offer improved efficiency, accessibility, and patient care. In this scenario, Digital Therapeutics are technological advancements to treat or alleviate a disease and deliver a medical intervention with evidence-based therapeutic impacts and regulatory approval. Digital Therapeutics are a paradigm shift for physicians, who exercise caution in terms of trust and wide usage. Digital Therapeutics represents an opportunity and a challenge in healthcare system integration. The research investigates the factors explaining physicians’ acceptance of Digital Therapeutics. A research model that combines organizational mechanisms derived from Institutional Theory and rational factors derived from the Technology Acceptance model was developed. The model was tested through 107 responses from a survey distributed to the members of the leading Italian scientific society in Diabetology. Literature-based hypotheses were empirically tested through Structural Equation Modelling. The analysis confirmed the influence of Perceived Ease of Use on Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Usefulness on the Intention To Use Digital Therapeutics. Rules and norms impact Perceived Usefulness when considering the influence of the scientific society. Culture and mindset towards innovation within the hospital positively affect Perceived Ease of Use. The readiness of hospital facilities enhances the extent to which physicians perceive the ease of employing Digital Therapeutics in their daily practice. Instead, esteemed colleagues’ opinions and guidelines from the scientific society reveal to physicians the value of Digital Therapeutics in patients’ care pathways. Institutions should prioritize cultural, normative, and regulative aspects to accelerate physicians’ endorsement of Digital Therapeutics. Findings advance the theoretical knowledge around clinicians’ adoption of innovative digital health technologies, unveiling the interaction between rational and institutional factors. The results highlight practical implications for healthcare institutions and Digital Therapeutics manufacturers willing to promote their adoption.
An evaluation of the effects of localised skin cooling on microvascular, inflammatory, structural, and perceptual responses to sustained mechanical loading of the sacrum: A study protocol
Authors: Gordon Ralph J. F. H. , Worsley Peter R. , Filingeri Davide
Published: May 2024

This study protocol aims to investigate how localised cooling influences the skin’s microvascular, inflammatory, structural, and perceptual tolerance to sustained mechanical loading at the sacrum, evaluating factors such as morphology, physiology, and perceptual responses. The protocol will be tested on individuals of different age, sex, skin tone and clinical status, using a repeated-measure design with three participants cohorts: i) young healthy (n = 35); ii) older healthy (n = 35); iii) spinal cord injured (SCI, n = 35). Participants will complete three testing sessions during which their sacrum will be mechanically loaded (60 mmHg; 45 min) and unloaded (20 min) with a custom-built thermal probe, causing pressure-induced ischemia and post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia. Testing sessions will differ by the probe’s temperature, which will be set to either 38°C (no cooling), 24°C (mild cooling), or 16°C (strong cooling). We will measure skin blood flow (via Laser Doppler Flowmetry; 40 Hz); pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in skin sebum (Sebutape); structural skin properties (Optical Coherence Tomography); and ratings of thermal sensation, comfort, and acceptance (Likert Scales); throughout the loading and unloading phases. Changes in post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia will be considered as the primary outcome and data will be analysed for the independent and interactive effects of stimuli’s temperature and of participant group on within- and between-subject mean differences (and 95% Confidence Intervals) in peak hyperaemia, by means of a 2-way mixed model ANOVA (or Friedman). Regression models will also be developed to assess the relationship between absolute cooling temperatures and peak hyperaemia. Secondary outcomes will be within- and between-subject mean changes in biomarkers’ expression, skin structural and perceptual responses. This analysis will help identifying physiological and perceptual thresholds for the protective effects of cooling from mechanically induced damage underlying the development of pressure ulcers in individuals varying in age and clinical status.
Metabolic changes enhance necroptosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Vankayalapati Abhinav , Durojaye Olamipejo , Mukherjee Tanmoy , Paidipally Padmaja , Owusu-Afriyie Bismark , Vankayalapati Ramakrishna , Radhakrishnan Rajesh Kumar
Published: May 2024

Previously, we found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice enhances inflammatory cytokine production which drives pathological immune responses and mortality. In the current study, using a T2DM Mtb infection mice model, we determined the mechanisms that make T2DM mice alveolar macrophages (AMs) more inflammatory upon Mtb infection. Among various cell death pathways, necroptosis is a major pathway involved in inflammatory cytokine production by T2DM mice AMs. Anti-TNFR1 antibody treatment of Mtb-infected AMs from T2DM mice significantly reduced expression of receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) (necroptosis markers) and IL-6 production. Metabolic profile comparison of Mtb-infected AMs from T2DM mice and Mtb-infected AMs of nondiabetic control mice indicated that 2-ketohexanoic acid and deoxyadenosine monophosphate were significantly abundant, and acetylcholine and pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) were significantly less abundant in T2DM mice AMs infected with Mtb. 2-Ketohexanoic acid enhanced expression of TNFR1, RIPK3, MLKL and inflammatory cytokine production in the lungs of Mtb-infected nondiabetic mice. In contrast, pyridoxine inhibited RIPK3, MLKL and enhanced expression of Caspase 3 (apoptosis marker) in the lungs of Mtb-infected T2DM mice. Our findings demonstrate that metabolic changes in Mtb-infected T2DM mice enhance TNFR1-mediated necroptosis of AMs, which leads to excess inflammation and lung pathology.
Just not cricket: Baseball, youth and national identity in late nineteenth-century children’s magazines
Authors: Smith Thomas Ruys
Published: May 2024

In the late nineteenth century, baseball became enshrined as America’s national sport. Across American culture, the game became imbued with a series of values and characteristics that seemed redolent of life in the Gilded Age and beyond. This article explores the ways in which this process played out in the pages of popular magazines directed at the children of the nation’s elite. These neglected resources provide us with an extraordinary lens through which to chart both the changing place of the national game within the lives of American children and the changing meaning of baseball within the life of the nation. In poems, stories, illustrations, editorials and even reader’s letters, children were newly acculturated into the sporting life in ways that had profound implications for wider questions of childhood, gender, race, class and national identity.
Inmadurez Colectiva
Authors: Urra Javier
Published: May 2024

Esta es una sociedad que esta infantilizada, le es difícil asumir a cada persona su responsabilidad, y se tiende a diluir en el grupo. Quizás se ha educado poco en el esfuerzo, en la austeridad, en el crecimiento personal, en forjar un carácter y esto ha conllevado un victimismo generalizado, un pedir ayuda al Estado, una dificultad para aceptar lo que los años, la experiencia, el aprendizaje, el saber deben conllevar. En este libro se aborda en profundidad un diagnóstico que es social y que afecta a gran número de ciudadanos, que realmente se comportan simplemente como consumidores. Parte de las problemáticas que se psicopatologizan acontecen por esta inmadurez que se ha hecho colectiva. Una sociedad que “vende” la necesidad de estar contento y feliz, con frases enlatadas. Una tiranía que igual prohíbe libros, que obras de teatro, o expresiones que interpreten ofensivas para minorías identitarias. Y qué decir de la parentalidad infantilizada que se refleja de manera perversa cuando vemos a los hijos expuestos de manera continua y mercantilista en las redes. Y una vez que en este texto se alcanza este diagnóstico y superado un pronóstico que no es bueno, se aportan aquellos aspectos que entendemos esenciales, para revertir esta situación y no quedarnos en espejismos, cual la nueva tecnología, sino profundizar en qué es la vida, para qué es la existencia, cómo hemos de comprometernos por y para los demás. En fin, un libro para quien gusta de reflexionar, de mejorar y de sentirse concernido. JAVIER URRA Dr. en Psicología. Dr. en Ciencias de la Salud. Académico de Número de la Academia de Psicología de España. Profesor en Psicología de la UCM (C.U. Cardenal Cisneros). Psicólogo de la Fiscalía del Tribunal Superior de Justicia y de los Juzgados de Menores de Madrid. Director Clínico y Presidente de la Comisión Rectora recURRA GINSO (Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital de Día y Centro Terapéutico Residencial). Embajador de la Asociación Iberoamericana de Psicología Jurídica. Primer Defensor del Menor.
Anthocyanin-Rich Diet in Chemically Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Janšáková Katarína , Bábíčková J. , Filová B. , Lengyelová E. , Havrlentová M. , Kraic J. , Celec P. , Tóthová Ľ.
Published: May 2024

The aetiology of inflammatory bowel diseases is unclear, but oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis. Anthocyanins – plant polyphenols – were shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of anthocyanins on the oxidative status in mice with chemically induced colitis. Adult male mice were randomly divided into a control group drinking tap water and a colitis group drinking 1% dextran sulphate sodium solution. Animals hadad libitum accessto a control wheat-based diet or food based on wheat producing anthocyanins. Bodyweight and stool consistency were monitored daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, colon length was measured and tissue samples were collected for the assessment of histology and oxidative status. Mice with colitis had lower body weight, higher stool score and shorter colon than control mice. Anthocyanins had neither an effect on stool consistency, nor on bodyweight loss and colon length. In the colon, liver and plasma, analysis of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant status revealed no significant differences between the groups. Food made from wheat producing anthocyanins did not protect mice from the consequences of chemically induced colitis. The measured biomarkers do not confirm the role of oxidative stress in this model of colitis. Further optimization of the anthocyanin- rich food might be needed before further experiments are conducted.
Rod-shaped Mo(vi) trichalcogenide–Mo(vi) oxide decorated on poly(1-H pyrrole) as a promising nanocomposite photoelectrode for green hydrogen generation from sewage water with high efficiency
Authors: Aldosari Eman , Rabia Mohamed , Abdelazeez Ahmed Adel A.
Published: May 2024

The synthesis of rod-shaped Mo(vi) trichalcogenide–Mo(vi) oxide, cleverly adorned on a poly(1-H pyrrole) (P1HP) matrix (MoS3–MoO3/P1HP), is achieved through a one-pot preparation method. This process occurs under the pyrrole oxidation employing the oxidizing agent Na2MoO4. Notably, this oxidation process facilitates the direct incorporation of the inorganic constituents into the polymer matrix. Of particular significance is the material’s bandgap, which is optimally situated at 1.4 eV, rendering it highly suitable for its intended applications. The material assumes a rod-like structure, characterized by an average length of 400 nm and width of 30 nm, further enhancing its desirability. In practice, this thin film serves as an exceptionally promising photoelectrode. It finds its forte in the generation of hydrogen from sewage water, achieving an impressive efficiency rate of 12.66%, specifically at 340 nm. In addition to that, it boasts a remarkable hydrogen generation rate of 1.2 moles·h−1·cm−2. Moreover, the material exhibits remarkable versatility in its response to light. Its sensitivity to monochromatic light across a broad optical spectrum (UV till IR), underscores its potential for hydrogen generation applications for industrial applications.
Association of BDNF polymorphism with gestational diabetes mellitus risk: a novel insight into genetic predisposition
Authors: Chermon Danyel , Birk Ruth
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder during pregnancy with potential long-term health implications for the mother and child. The interplay between genetics and GDM susceptibility remains an area of active research. Recently, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was investigated in relation to obesity and impaired glucose metabolism and pathogenesis. We aimed to investigate the association of common BDNF polymorphisms, with GDM risk in Israeli females.

Methods

A cohort of 4,025 Israeli women data for BDNF common SNPs was analyzed for potential association with GDM using binary logistic regressions analysis (SPSS 29.0 and R) adjusted for confounding variables (age, T1DM, T2DM, PCOS) under different genetic models.

Results

The GDM and Non-GDM genetic frequencies for the BDNF rs925946 Tag-SNP were significantly different. The genetic frequencies were 54.16 %, and 66.91 % for the wild type (GG), 38.88 and 29.64 % for the heterozygotes (TC), and 6.94 and 3.48 % for the risk allele homozygotes (TT) for the GDM non-GDM populations, respectively. Carriers of BDNF rs925946 were significantly associated with higher risk for GDM, following the dominant genetic model (OR=1.7, 95 % CI 1.21–2.39, p=0.002), the recessive genetic model (OR=2.05, 95 % CI 1.04–4.03, p=0.03), and the additive genetic model (OR=1.62, 95 % CI 1.13–2.3, p=0.008). This association persisted after adjusting for age, T1DM, T2DM, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Conclusions

Carrying BDNF rs925946 polymorphism predisposes to a higher risk of GDM pathogenesis. Its role and implications warrant further investigation, especially when considering preventive measures for GDM development.
Clinical applications and challenges of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of pediatric infectious disease
Authors: Guo Qiang , Zhang Shihai
Published: May 2024

Infectious diseases seriously threaten the lives of children. Timely and accurate detection of pathogenic microorganisms and targeted medication are the keys to the diagnosing and treatment of infectious diseases in children. The next-generation metagenomic sequencing technology has attracted great attention in infectious diseases because of its characteristics such as no culture, high throughput, short detection cycle, wide coverage, and a good application prospect. In this paper, we review the studies of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in pediatric infectious diseases and analyze the challenges of its application in pediatric diseases.
Transformer-based intelligent fault diagnosis methods of mechanical equipment: A survey
Authors: Wang Rongcai , Dong Enzhi , Cheng Zhonghua , Liu Zichang , Jia Xisheng
Published: May 2024

Transformer is extensively employed in natural language processing, and computer vision (CV), with the self-attention structure. Due to its outstanding long-range dependency modeling and parallel computing capability, some leading researchers have recently attempted to apply Transformer to intelligent fault diagnosis tasks for mechanical equipment, and have achieved remarkable results. Physical phenomena such as changes in vibration, sound, and heat play a crucial role in the research of mechanical equipment fault diagnosis, which directly reflects the operational status and potential faults of mechanical equipment. Currently, intelligent fault diagnosis of mechanical equipment based on monitoring signals such as vibration, sound, and temperature using Transformer-based models remains a popular research topic. While some review literature has explored the related principles and application scenarios of Transformer, there is still a lack of research on its application in intelligent fault diagnosis tasks for mechanical equipment. Therefore, this work begins by examining the current research status of fault diagnosis methods for mechanical equipment. This study first provides a brief overview of the development history of Transformer, outlines its basic structure and principles, and analyzes the characteristics and advantages of its model structure. Next it focuses on three model variants of Transformer that have generated a significant impact in the field of CV. Following that, the research progress and current challenges of Transformer-based intelligent fault diagnosis methods for mechanical equipment are discussed. Finally, the future development direction of Transformer in the field of mechanical equipment fault diagnosis is proposed.
Diagnosis and treatment of posterior shoulder instability based on the ABC classification
Authors: Paksoy Alp , Akgün Doruk , Lappen Sebastian , Moroder Philipp
Published: May 2024

Posterior shoulder instability (PSI) is less common than anterior shoulder instability, accounting for 2–12% of total shoulder instability cases.

However, a much higher frequency of PSI has been recently indicated, suggesting that PSI accounts for up to 24% of all young and active patients who are surgically treated for shoulder instability.

This differentiation might be explained due to the frequent misinterpretation of vague symptoms, as PSI does not necessarily present as a recurrent posterior instability event, but often also as mere shoulder pain during exertion, limited range of motion, or even as yet asymptomatic concomitant finding.

In order to optimize current treatment, it is crucial to identify the various clinical presentations and often unspecific symptoms of PSI, ascertain the causal instability mechanism, and accurately diagnose the subgroup of PSI.

This review should guide the reader to correctly identify PSI, providing diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.
Artifical intelligence in surgery: ethical considerations in the light of social trends in the perception of health and medicine
Authors: Fangerau Heiner
Published: May 2024

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and surgery is currently predicted to be very promising.

However, AI has the potential to change the doctor’s role and the doctor–patient relationship. It has the potential to support people’s desires for health, along with the potential to nudge or push people to behave in a certain way.

To understand these potentials, we must see AI in the light of social developments that have brought about changes in how medicine’s role, in a given society, is understood.

The trends of ‘privatisation of medicine’ and ‘public-healthisation of the private’ are proposed as a contextual backdrop to explain why AI raises ethical concerns different from those previously caused by new medical technologies, and which therefore need to be addressed specifically for AI.
Lessons learned from bovine subclinical endometritis: a systematic review exploring its potential relevance to chronic endometritis in women
Authors: Krasniqi Kaltrina , Black Naomi , Williams Erin J , Bogado Pascottini Osvaldo , Thornton Sarah , Quenby Siobhan , Odendaal Joshua
Published: May 2024

Chronic endometritis (CE) in humans is asymptomatic inflammation of the endometrium, associated with poor reproductive outcomes. Similarly, asymptomatic endometrial inflammation in cows, termed subclinical endometritis (SCE), is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. While the pathophysiology and treatment options for CE in humans remain poorly defined, the well-known financial implications of SCE in dairy cows have attracted intensive research. We performed a systematic review to determine potential areas of interest in human CE research, by analysing emergent themes that arose in studies of SCE in cows. A literature search for studies of subclinical endometritis in cows published between 1990 and November 2021 was performed across Embase, Medline, Scopus and CINAHL. Studies of symptomatic or clinical endometritis were excluded. A thematic analysis across two broad themes was explored: i) diagnostic methods of SCE and ii) pathophysiology of SCE. In total, 51 bovine studies were included. Twelve studies reported on diagnostic methodology. The primary emergent theme was the use of cytology for the diagnosis of SCE. Cytological analysis has a lower sensitivity than histopathology but is less invasive and more specific than alternative techniques such as ultrasound, vaginoscopy or metabolic markers. The subthemes related to pathophysiology were identified as the type of endometritis, metabolic stress, artificial insemination, infective causes and altered cellular pathways. Despite the lack of symptoms, cellular pathways of inflammation including NF-κB, MAPK and inflammasomes were found to be activated. The key themes related to the diagnosis and pathophysiology of SCE in cows identified in this systematic review highlight potential areas for future research into human CE.

Lay summary

Long-term or chronic endometritis (CE) is a condition associated with inflammation in the womb lining. People with CE commonly experience recurrent miscarriages and subfertility. The cause of CE is poorly understood, and as such there are no specific treatments. Comparatively, a form of CE (i.e. subclinical endometritis (SCE)) has been extensively researched in dairy cows due to its financial impact. A systematic review of cow studies was carried out and key themes around cause and diagnosis of SCE in cows were identified and analysed. In total, 44 studies were included. Six main themes around the way SCE is diagnosed were found, and examining cells (i.e. cytology) was found to be more sensitive and practical than other techniques. Six themes were also found for causes of SCE, notably difficult delivery, metabolic stress and infection. This study shows potential areas for future research into human SCE and provides insight into the causes of disease within humans.
establecimientos comerciales y la reducción de la huella de carbono
Authors: Campos Karen , Sánchez Danny , Tinoco Nathalya
Published: May 2024

Eco-Market es un establecimiento comercial que tiene como objetivo reducir la huella de carbono en las compras de productos de consumo diario mediante la venta de productos a granel con empaques reciclables como alternativa a los plásticos. En Colombia no existen muchas alternativas de compra para aquellas personas interesadas en reducir el impacto medioambiental generado por el uso de productos de uso cotidiano. Eko-Market es un formato de mercado diferencial que está dirigido a las personas que quieren cambiar sus hábitos de consumo para reducir la generación de desperdicios, por medio de la compra de productos a granel que permite la reutilización de empaques. El proyecto pretende impactar inicialmente a los habitantes del sector en los cuales estará ubicado el proyecto, enfocados en segmentos de clientes diferentes.
Airport practical tools for supporting passengers with hidden disability: a perspective of major Australian airports
Authors: Mohammed Tata Aliyu
Published: May 2024

This study investigates six major Australian airports. Semi-structured interviews were determined to be a suitable approach in the present study to explore available practical resources for supporting passengers with a Hidden disability (HD). An interview process was conducted with six major Australian airport managers and customer experience managers coordinating the HD programme at their respective airports. The findings shows that the implementations of the HD programme suffered from a lack of appropriate resources to support passengers with HDs at airports, participants commented on an urgent need for providing appropriate tools to support their passengers thought their journey. Finally, it is hoped that the present study may contribute to theory and practice in meaningful ways. It might provide a more theoretical, sound, and detailed model for understanding facilities to cater the need of passengers with HD at airports.
Dilemmas for the criminal justice system in dealing with diagnoses for neuropsychiatrically impaired offenders
Authors: QC Ian Freckelton
Published: May 2024

The challenges for judicial education, for legal representatives representing those with neuropsychiatric impairments such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette’s Disorder (TD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), or a combination of such disorders, and for mental health expert witnesses are extensive. The potentially criminogenic effects of such conditions are recognised amongst some forensic psychiatrists and psychologists but they are misunderstood within the general community, the disorders are often under-diagnosed by mental health professionals, the conditions frequently exist in what may be a potentiating combination, and their effects on culpability for criminal offending can be subtle. This article outlines the essence of ASD, ADHD, TD, OCD and FASD, reviews their forensic relevance by reference to court judgments, and reflects on the need for enhanced awareness of the disorders within all sectors of the criminal justice system. It argues that these neuropsychiatric disorders constitute an area of specialist expertise foe forensic mental health experts, requiring particular and informed awareness of and capacity to communicate the complex ways in which such disorders can impair (in particular offenders in particular contexts) capacity to exercise reasoned judgment, to be aware of choices, to be conscious of the repercussions of conduct, to empathise with the situation of potential victims, and the need to control impulsivity. In addition, the capacity of persons with such disorders, as well as with their comorbidities, to cope in a custodial environment is identified an important issue deserving of informed analysis to assist humane assessment by sentencing courts.
Evaluation of chain of custody (COC) cost components in the Malaysian certified plywood mills
Authors: Adnan Aida , Md Tahir Paridah , Saleh Rosli , Hj Ghazali Baharuddin
Published: May 2024

Chain of custody (COC) certification is often seen as a significant challenge and cost increment activity by mill operations which involve hundreds of wood raw material suppliers as well as continuous processing such as those of plywood mills. This includes the cost of implementation and maintenance of COC certification. This paper discusses COC certification of the Malaysian plywood manufacturing companies. The study was conducted on plywood mills that were certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) and/or Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). The aim of the study was to identify cost components and evaluate the main cost that contributed to the COC certification of plywood mills. A 100% survey through personal interview was conducted on certified plywood mills in Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak. Only primary data (data obtained from the interview) was used in the study. The results revealed there are seven basic cost components to attain, implement and maintain COC certification which include: certified raw material, consultancy (plus training), auditing fees charged by certification body, documentation for reporting, recording and preparation of standard operation procedures (SOP), marketing or promotional including the use of logo, printing of brochures and pamphlets for promoting certified product, continuous training and cost for hiring additional staff and/or reward given for successfully getting certified. Amongst the above components, certified raw material cost was identified as the biggest contributor to the average certification cost (41%, valued at USD0.73/m³) of COC certified plywood mill in Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak.
Turistificación y ordenamiento territorial en el Noroeste cordobés (Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina)
Authors: Crissi Aloranti Vanesa , Quevedo Cecilia
Published: May 2024

El turismo se aborda como un fenómeno complejo del capitalismo y del urbanismo que opera en escala planetaria. En las últimas décadas, este ha sido promovido en regiones turísticas no tradicionales de la Provincia de Córdoba (Argentina), elevan­do esta actividad al rango de política de Estado del gobierno provincial y generando lógicas de valor y atractivos singulares a nivel local. El objetivo del artículo es analizar la región Noroeste (departamentos de Pocho, Minas y Cruz del Eje) de la Provincia de Córdoba, en particular las localidades de Chancaní y Salsacate como unidades de estudio de los procesos de ordenamiento territorial diferenciales dentro de las dinámicas de turistificación puestas en marcha. La investigación aborda el periodo 2019 al 2022 y propone como estrategia metodológica una triangulación cualitativa-cuantitativa. Desde la categoría de urbanizaciones turísticas, el propósito de la indagación busca comprender especificidades en términos de la producción de valor asociado al turismo y sus impactos territoriales en las esferas locales y regionales.
Effect of graphene on properties of acrylic emulsion intumescent fire retardant coating
Authors: Mac Van Phuc  , Dao Phi Hung  , Nguyen Anh Hiep  , Nguyen Thien Vuong  , Trinh Van Thanh
Published: May 2024

Nowadays, intumescent paint is one of the most popular fireproof paint products and is widely used in buildings. They can be applied to steel, wood, concrete, etc. This study aimed to enhance the properties of intumescent coating by graphene addition. The effect of graphene (GR) content on fire resistance, thermal and mechanical properties of water-based intumescent coatings were studied. Intumescent coating formulations include acrylic emulsion binder (R4152), flame retardant additives (Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) - acid source, pentaerythritol (PER) - carbon source, melamine (MEL) - foaming source), fire retardant fillers (TiO2, Al(OH)3) were prepared by mixing different graphene content (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt.% GR). The investigated coating properties were examined by fire protection test, furnace test, static water immersion test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical properties (adhesion, pendulum hardness). The results showed that the GR could effectively enhance the fire resistance performance (from 13.6 % to 23.4 %), thermal stability (from 2.9 % to 5.2 %), water resistance (from 5.0 % to 11.9 %), and mechanical properties (from  5 % to 12 %) of the coating.