bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Recycled Filling to Improve the Purification Performance of Confectionery Wastewater in a Vertical Anaerobic Labyrinth Flow Bioreactor
Authors: Dębowski Marcin , Kazimierowicz Joanna , Ignaciuk Aneta , Mlonek Sandra , Zieliński Marcin
Published: May 2024

Anaerobic wastewater treatment is, in many cases, a justified alternative to typical activated sludge processes, from a technological, economic, and ecological point of view. The optimisation of fermentation reactors is primarily concerned with increasing the biodegradation of organic compounds and biogas production, as well as improving efficiency in the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. The aim of the research was to determine the impact of using low-cost recycled filling on the efficiency of treating real confectionery wastewater in a vertical anaerobic labyrinth flow bioreactor. The experiments focused on selecting the organic loading rate that would allow for the effective biodegradation and removal of pollutants, as well as the efficient production of biomethane. It was found that the tested reactor can operate efficiently at a maximum organic loading rate (OLR) of 7.0–8.0 g of chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L·d. In this OLR range, high efficiency was guaranteed for both wastewater treatment and biogas production. However, increasing the OLR value to 8.0 g COD/L·d had a significant negative effect on the methane (CH4) content in the biogas. The most efficient variants achieved a biodegradation efficiency of around 90% of the organic compounds, a CH4 content of over 70% in the biogas, and a biogas yield of over 400 L/kg of COD removed. A significant influence of the applied OLR on the ratio of free organic acids (FOS) to total alkaline capacity (TAC) and pH was observed, as well as a strong correlation of these indicators with the specific biogas yield and CH4 content. The application of a solution based on the use of a hybrid system of anaerobic granulated sludge and an anaerobic filter resulted in an efficient treatment process and an almost complete elimination of suspensions from the wastewater.
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Impact Mechanisms of Gross Primary Productivity in Tropics
Authors: Chen Yujia , Zhang Shunxue , Guo Junshan , Shen Yao
Published: May 2024

Gross primary productivity (GPP), representing organic carbon fixation through photosynthesis, is crucial for developing science-based strategies for sustainable development. Given that the tropical region harbors nearly half of all species, it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the global environment against climate change and preserving global biodiversity. Thus, investigating changes in vegetation productivity within this region holds substantial practical importance for estimating global vegetation productivity. In this study, we employed an enhanced P model to estimate vegetation GPP in the tropical region from 2001 to 2020, based on which we quantified the spatiotemporal changes and associated mechanisms. The results reveal that the annual mean GPP in the tropical region ranged from 2603.9 to 2757.1 g·cm−2 a−1, demonstrating an overall apparent increasing trend. Inland areas were mainly influenced by precipitation, while coastal areas were primarily influenced by temperature. Land cover changes, especially conversion to cropland, significantly influence GPP, with deciduous—evergreen forest transitions causing notable decreases. Climate change emerges as the dominant factor affecting GPP, as indicated by the contribution rate analysis. This research interprets the spatiotemporal pattern and mechanisms of GPP in the tropics, offering valuable insights for sustainable ecosystem management.
Microbial Biotechnologies to Produce Biodiesel and Biolubricants from Dairy Effluents
Authors: Bencresciuto Grazia Federica , Mandalà Claudio , Migliori Carmela Anna , Giansante Lucia , Di Giacinto Luciana , Bardi Laura
Published: May 2024

The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is crucial in addressing environmental challenges. Vegetable oils have been focused on as the main potential source for biodiesel and biolubricant production. However, due to their fatty acid (FA) composition they are characterized by low stability to oxidation and variable viscosity. Single-cell oils (SCOs) from oleaginous microorganisms are a possible alternative to vegetable oils: their composition is more suitable, and it can further be improved by controlling the fermentation’s physiological conditions. In the present study, the production of SCOs with targeted technological properties from Lipomyces starkeyi in fermentation under controlled temperatures was assessed. A dairy effluent (scotta) was used as the fermentation substrate to improve the economic sustainability of the process. Batch aerobic fermentations were carried out in a fermenter at two different temperatures (25 °C and 30 °C). The fermentation yields and SCO FA profiles were analyzed. The highest yields of biomass (9.76 g L−1) and microbial oil (1.83 g L−1) were obtained from fermentations carried out at 30 °C. Furthermore, a significantly lower content (46% vs. 55%) of unsaturated FAs and higher content (11% vs. 1.5%) of shorter-chain saturated FAs, with myristic acid almost matching stearic acid, were detected at 30 °C in comparison to 25 °C. Very low peroxide values were also found (0.14 meq O2 kg−1 at 30 °C and 0 meq O2 kg−1 at 25 °C). These results indicate that these SCOs were highly oxidation-resistant, and that a higher fermentation temperature improves their oxidative stability and tribophysical features. The biodiesels’ technological properties, calculated from the FA composition, were within the limits of both U.S. standards and E.U. regulations. Then, SCOs produced from L. starkeyi by fermentation of dairy effluents carried out under controlled temperature can be considered a suitable alternative to vegetable oils to produce biodiesel and biolubricants.
Numerical Simulation and Consequence Analysis of Full-Scale Jet Fires for Pipelines Transporting Pure Hydrogen or Hydrogen Blended with Natural Gas
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Zhenhua , Jiang Juncheng , Lin Wanbing , Ni Lei , Pan Yong , Wang Guanghu
Published: May 2024

The use of existing natural gas pipelines for the transport of hydrogen/natural gas mixtures can achieve large-scale, long-distance and low-cost hydrogen transportation. A jet fire induced by the leakage of high-pressure pure hydrogen and hydrogen-blended natural gas pipelines may pose a severe threat to life and property. Based on the Abel–Nobel equation of state and a notional nozzle model, an equivalent pipe leakage model is established to simulate high-pressure pipeline gas leakage jet fire accidents. Large-scale high-pressure hydrogen and natural gas/hydrogen mixture jet fires are simulated, showing the jet impingement process and obtaining an accurate and effective simulation framework. This framework is validated by comparing the simulated and experimental measured results of flame height, flame appearance and thermal radiation. Several combustion models are compared, and the simulated data show that the non-premixed chemical equilibrium combustion model is superior to other combustion models. The influence of the pipe pressure and the hydrogen blending ratio on the consequences of natural gas/hydrogen mixture pipeline leakage jet fire accidents is explored. It is found that when the hydrogen blending ratio is lower than 22%, the increase in the hydrogen blending ratio has little effect on the decrease in the thermal radiation hazard distance.
A Novel Movable Mannequin Platform for Evaluating and Optimising mmWave Radar Sensor for Indoor Crowd Evacuation Monitoring Applications
Authors: Chan Qing Nian , Gao Dongli , Zhou Yu , Xing Sensen , Zhai Guanxiong , Wang Cheng , Wang Wei , Lim Shen Hin , Lee Eric Wai Ming , Yeoh Guan Heng
Published: May 2024

Developing mmWave radar sensors for indoor crowd motion sensing and tracking faces a critical challenge: the scarcity of large-scale, high-quality training data. Traditional human experiments encounter logistical complexities, ethical considerations, and safety issues. Replicating precise human movements across trials introduces noise and inconsistency into the data. To address this, this study proposes a novel solution: a movable platform equipped with a life-size mannequin to generate realistic and diverse data points for mmWave radar training and testing. Unlike human subjects, the platform allows precise control over movements, optimising sensor placement relative to the target object. Preliminary optimisation results reveal that sensor height impacts tracking performance, with an optimal sensor placement above the test subject yields the best results. The results also reveal that the 3D data format outperforms 2D data in accuracy despite having fewer frames. Additionally, analysing height distribution using 3D data highlights the importance of the sensor angle—15° downwards from the horizontal plane.
Milk Fat Globule Membranes for Mental Health across the Human Lifespan
Authors: Slykerman Rebecca , Davies Naomi , Fuad Maher , Dekker James
Published: May 2024

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) contains bioactive proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Polar lipids found in the MFGM play a critical role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and neuronal signalling capacity, thereby supporting brain health. This review summarises the literature on the MFGM and its phospholipid constituents for improvement of mental health across three key stages of the human lifespan, i.e., infancy, adulthood, and older age. MFGM supplementation may improve mental health by reducing neuroinflammation and supporting neurotransmitter synthesis through the gut–brain axis. Fortification of infant formula with MFGMs is designed to mimic the composition of breastmilk and optimise early gut and central nervous system development. Early behavioural and emotional development sets the stage for future mental health. In adults, promising results suggest that MFGMs can reduce the negative consequences of situational stress. Preclinical models of age-related cognitive decline suggest a role for the MFGM in supporting brain health in older age and reducing depressive symptoms. While there is preclinical and clinical evidence to support the use of MFGM supplementation for improved mental health, human studies with mental health as the primary target outcome are sparce. Further high-quality clinical trials examining the potential of the MFGM for psychological health improvement are important.
Cocoa Mucilage as a Novel Ingredient in Innovative Kombucha Fermentation
Authors: Rodríguez-Castro Rossy , Guerrero Raquel , Valero Antonio , Franco-Rodriguez John , Posada-Izquierdo Guiomar
Published: May 2024

Cocoa tree plantations aim to harvest grains found in the cob to produce cocoa and chocolate. There has been a growing interest in valorizing the secondary components of the cocoa fruit, such as the peel, placenta, and mucilage/pulp, as valuable sources of nutrients for healthy food preparation. In other words, by-products derived from these raw materials are an exploitable source of nutrients in the preparation of healthy food. In the present study, two varieties of cocoa, National Cocoa Fino de Aroma (NCFA) and Colección Castro Naranjal 51 (CCN-51), were evaluated and harvested during both dry and rainy seasons. This evaluation was based on the profiling of the cob, peel, grain, placenta, and mucilage in different stages of ripeness (underripe, ripe, and overripe). Also, from the ripe raw material, a fermented beverage prototype was developed, such as kombucha, with different concentrations of mucilage (40, 60, 80, and 100 g/L). Physicochemical analyses, such as acidity, °Brix, pH, moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, sugars, and polyphenols of the raw mucilage material and acidity, °Brix, and pH values of the fermented kombucha, were carried out. The best performances were obtained with the CCN-51 variety in the rainy season. Among the fermented drink panelists, the CN40 treatment (Nacional Mucilage + 40 g/L of sugar) received the highest acceptability and was considered the best. Given its efficiency, nutritional content, and potential applications, this product presents a promising strategy to address Sustainable Development Goals related to zero hunger, health and well-being, and climate action.
Effects of Drying Methods on Morphological Characteristics, Metabolite Content, and Antioxidant Capacity of Cordyceps sinensis
Authors: Xiao Mengjun , Wang Tao , Tang Chuyu , He Min , Li Yuling , Li Xiuzhang
Published: May 2024

Cordyceps sinensis is a rare and endangered medicinal herb in China and a typical medicinal and food plant. Most of the research related to Cordyceps sinensis focuses on its pharmacological effects, artificial cultivation and clinical applications. However, there are few comprehensive evaluations on the quality of Cordyceps sinensis under different drying methods. In this study, the effects of vacuum freeze-drying (DG), oven-drying (HG) and air-drying (YG) on the morphological characteristics, microstructure, antioxidant activity and metabolites of Cordyceps sinensis were investigated using wild Cordyceps sinensis as the research object. The results showed that in their appearance and morphology, the YG- and HG-method Cordyceps sinensis samples were darker in color and wilted, while the DG- method Cordyceps sinensis samples were golden yellow in color and had better fullness. In terms of microstructure, the stomata of the YG and HG method Cordyceps sinensis samples were relatively small and irregularly shaped, whereas those of the DG method Cordyceps sinensis samples were larger and neat. In terms of antioxidant capacity, the HG-method samples were the lowest, followed by the YG group, and the DG group had the highest total antioxidant capacity. A correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between antioxidant capacity and lipids, lipid molecules, nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogs. A metabolomics analysis identified 1937 metabolites from 18 superclasses, with lipids, lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, organoheterocyclic compounds, and organic oxygen compounds being the predominant metabolites in Cordyceps sinensis. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in DG samples showed higher levels of lipids and lipid molecules, organic oxygen compounds, organic acids and derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds compared to the other drying methods, suggesting DG as the optimal preservation method for Cordyceps sinensis. These findings offer insights for selecting appropriate drying methods and maintaining the post-drying quality of Cordyceps sinensis.
Antimicrobial Effect of Lippia citriodora Extract in Combination with Gallic Acid or Octyl Gallate on Bacteria from Meat
Authors: Rúa Javier , Sanz-Gómez Javier , Maestro Sheila , Caro Irma , García-Armesto María Rosario
Published: May 2024

Chicken meat and its derivatives are easily alterable. They are a nutritionally healthy food, and their consumption has seen a remarkable increase worldwide in recent years. At the same time, consumer demand for the use of natural products to control microbial growth is increasing. In this context, the antimicrobial capacity of a commercial extract of the lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) plant, (LCE) was tested in binary combination with gallic acid or octyl gallate against two strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of meat origin: Carnobacterium divergens ATCC 35677 and Leuconostoc carnosum ATCC 49367. First, the antimicrobial potential was evaluated by the checkerboard microdilution method at the optimal growth temperature of each and at 4 °C, pH 5.7 and 6.7, in culture medium. Octyl gallate was the most effective antimicrobial against the two bacteria under all study conditions. At 4 °C, the combination of LCE with octyl gallate had a similar antimicrobial effect on the two LAB, being bactericidal at pH 6.7. In chicken breast, this effective combination was tested in normal or modified atmosphere and refrigerated (4–8 °C) for 9 days. LCE + OG in modified atmosphere reduced the different microbial groups studied, including the lactic acid bacteria as the main microorganisms responsible for the spoilage of fresh meat. Further research could pave the way for the development of novel strategies contributing to the technological stability, security, and functional properties of chicken meat.
Vitamin K2 in Health and Disease: A Clinical Perspective
Authors: Zhang Tao , O’Connor Christine , Sheridan Helen , Barlow James W.
Published: May 2024

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that vary widely in chemical structure and are vital in small quantities for numerous biochemical and biological functions. They are critical for metabolism, growth, development and maintaining overall health. Vitamins are categorised into two groups: hydrophilic and lipophilic. Vitamin K (VK), a lipophilic vitamin, occurs naturally in two primary forms: phylloquinone (VK1), found in green leafy vegetables and algae, and Menaquinones (VK2), present in certain fermented and animal foods and widely formulated in VK supplements. This review explores the possible factors contributing to VK deficiency, including dietary influences, and discusses the pharmacological and therapeutic potential of supplementary VK2, examining recent global clinical studies on its role in treating diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. The analysis includes a review of published articles from multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science and CNKI, focusing on human studies. The findings indicate that VK2 is a versatile vitamin essential for human health and that a broadly positive correlation exists between VK2 supplementation and improved health outcomes. However, clinical data are somewhat inconsistent, highlighting the need for further detailed research into VK2′s metabolic processes, biomarker validation, dose–response relationships, bioavailability and safety. Establishing a Recommended Daily Intake for VK2 could significantly enhance global health.
Effects of Different Na+ Concentrations on cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Activity in Postmortem Meat
Authors: Xu Ying , Song Xubo , Wang Zhenyu , Bai Yuqiang , Ren Chi , Hou Chengli , Li Xin , Zhang Dequan
Published: May 2024

cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity regulates protein phosphorylation, with Na+ playing a crucial role in PKA activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different Na+ concentrations on PKA activity and protein phosphorylation level in postmortem muscle. The study consisted of two experiments: (1) NaCl of 0, 20, 100, 200 and 400 mM was added to a muscle homogenate incubation model to analyze the effect of Na+ concentration on PKA activity, and (2) the same concentrations were added to pure PKA in vitro incubation models at 4 °C to verify the effect of Na+ on PKA activity. The PKA activity of the muscle homogenate model increased with storage time in groups with different Na+ concentrations. High concentrations of Na+ inhibited sarcoplasmic protein phosphorylation. The PKA activity at 24 h of storage and the sarcoplasmic protein phosphorylation level at 12 h of storage in the group with 200 mM Na+ was lower than that of the other groups. After 1 h incubation, the PKA activity of samples in the 200 mM Na+ group was inhibited and lower than that in the other Na+ groups in the in vitro incubation model. These results suggest that the Na+ concentration at 200 mM could better inhibit PKA activity. This study provided valuable insights for enhancing curing efficiency and improving meat quality.
Community Inclusion Experiences While Establishing Community Mental Health Clubhouses in Taiwan: Perspectives from Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Hong Hong , Yao Ching-Teng
Published: May 2024

Community inclusion is a human right for all people, including people with mental illness. It is also an important part of individualized support to enable people experiencing mental illness to live in their preferred communities and to recover. In Taiwan, no study has investigated the social experiences of healthcare professionals. To fill this knowledge gap and inform ongoing mental health system strengthening, this study examined the not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) phenomenon observed while establishing community mental health clubhouses in Taiwan and corresponding experiences of community inclusion. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of 16 purposively sampled frontline healthcare professionals from Taiwanese mental health clubhouses. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Two themes were identified: “NIMBY phenomenon: Community residents’ resistance to clubhouses” and “Measures adopted by the clubhouse for community inclusion”. Two categories with eleven subcategories emerged. The findings demonstrate the following conclusions. First, the NIMBY phenomenon is related to the stigmatization and discrimination faced by individuals with mental disorders in society. Second, in Asian societies, mental disorders are associated with a particular social and cultural context. Third, the fear and rejection of individuals with mental disorders deepen their social exclusion. Forth, community mental health clubhouse models employ seven strategic approaches to community inclusion, listed as follows: capacity building for individuals, direct interaction with the public through community activities, provision of community services, life skills training, repairing and managing neighborhood relationships, assisting individuals in obtaining community employment, and conducting social education for community residents. Clearly, we need to combat social exclusion of people with mental illness and promote inclusive and accessible services and systems across sectors.
Sub-Saharan Irregular Migrant Women’s Sexuality: A Qualitative Study in Humanitarian Reception Centers
Authors: García-León Alicia , Granero-Molina José , Jiménez-Lasserrotte María del Mar
Published: May 2024

Irregular female migration to Europe is a growing phenomenon, as more and more women are fleeing their countries of origin due to gender inequality and violence. During the migration process, women experience physical, psychological and social problems that affect their sex lives. The aim of our study is to describe and understand how irregular migrant women living in humanitarian reception centers experience their sexuality at different stages of the migration process. This qualitative phenomenological study collected data through sixteen in-depth interviews with irregular migrant women between January and February 2023. Data analysis was carried out using ATLAS-ti 23.0 software, from which three themes were extracted: (1) The reality of sub-Saharan women’s sexuality, (2) In search of a better life: the choice between taking the risk or surrendering, and (3) The sexual revolution among migrants. Sub-Saharan women’s sexuality is subject to a complex normative order. The migratory process has severe consequences on migrant women’s sex life. The sexual needs of irregular migrant women admitted to humanitarian reception centers undergo a process of change that must be understood by healthcare providers in order to make improvements to care provision.
South Tyrol Healthcare Company: A Look at a Peculiar Model of Claims Management in Italy and Analysis of Its Last 11 Years
Authors: Zanon Martina , Randazzo Francesco , Equisetto Valter , Martini Paolo , Winkler Silvia , Leuprecht Christian , Vale Stephan , Tessadri Antonia , Concato Monica , D’Errico Stefano
Published: May 2024

Background: Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR) systems are becoming increasingly important tools in recent years for the management and resolution of health responsibility cases, but their dissemination and efficiency are still poorly described. The purpose of this paper is to present an ADR system in the autonomous province of Bolzano: the Conciliation Commission. Methods: systematic collection of all claims of the South Tyrol Sanitary Service that were dealt with in the Conciliation Commission from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2022. Results: closing times of the applications received turn out to be less than a year in 63.8% of the cases, with a number of cases managed rather stably in the time, even if minimal if compared to the number of complaints received to the South Tirol Health Service. Only 5.3% of the application continued the legal process before a civil court. Conclusions: the Conciliation Commission of South Tirol appears to be an excellent instrument for the resolution of disputes in the healthcare field, with rapid resolution times and little to zero costs for the healthcare company, a public health institution. Despite its effectiveness, it seems to be a tool that is still little-known in South Tyrol.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Hyperuricemia and Gout in Community Health Workers and Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Sun Shiyi , Chen Lihong , Chen Dawei , Li Yan , Ma Lin , Hou Yumin , Liu Yuhong , Ran Xingwu
Published: May 2024

Hyperuricemia exhibits a high incidence among individuals with diabetes; however, the significance of hyperuricemia and gout is often underestimated. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of hyperuricemia and gout among community health workers and patients with diabetes. Two questionnaires were designed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of hyperuricemia and gout among community health workers and patients with diabetes in Chenghua District, Chengdu, from August 2021 to January 2022. A total of 709 community health workers were included, whose average score was 17.74/30. Approximately half of general practitioners (GPs) demonstrated knowledge regarding the target serum uric acid levels for hyperuricemia and gout. Only 11.2% of GPs were fully aware of the preferred medicine for acute gout. The majority of GPs (86.7%) demonstrated limited awareness regarding the contraindications associated with colchicine, while a significant proportion (65.1%) lacked knowledge about the specific classes of drugs that inhibit uric acid synthesis. Among the 508 patients with diabetes included in this survey, 32.3% demonstrated awareness of hyperuricemia, while 60.8% exhibited knowledge regarding gout. The average score attained by these individuals was recorded at 7.21 out of a total of 26 points. The majority of patients with diabetes (87.8%) held the mistaken belief that hyperuricemia definitely led to the development of gout. Almost 66% agreed that a massage or a hot compress could be used when acute gouty arthritis attacks. The knowledge rate of hyperuricemia and gout among community health workers was moderate, while it was low in patients with diabetes.
Comparing the Efficacy of Manual Therapy and Exercise to Synchronized Telerehabilitation with Self-Manual Therapy and Exercise in Treating Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Çelik Erman Berk , Tuncer Aysenur
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of manual therapy and exercise versus synchronized telerehabilitation with self-manual therapy and exercise in treating Subacromial Pain Syndrome (SAPS). Sixty individuals diagnosed with SPS, aged 18–50 years, were randomly assigned to home exercise (HE), manual therapy (MT), and telerehabilitation (TR) groups. Treatment protocols were administered over 8 weeks and included specific exercises and therapy interventions. Outcome measures included the Visual Pain Scale (VAS), shoulder range of motion (ROM) via goniometric measurements, Quick Disability Arm-Shoulder-Hand Problems Survey (Q-DASH), and patient satisfaction. Results revealed that both MT and TR groups exhibited reduced pain, increased ROM, lower Q-DASH scores, and higher patient satisfaction than the HE group. However, no significant differences were found between the MT and TR groups regarding pain levels, ROM, Q-DASH scores, or patient satisfaction. The study concludes that both telerehabilitation and manual therapy effectively alleviate pain and are well-received by patients with SPS. Additionally, manual therapy demonstrates superiority in enhancing functional levels compared to exercise-based interventions (Registration: NCT05200130).
Assessment of Social Connection among Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults: A Proof of Concept Study for the Connections with Others Scales
Authors: Mournet Annabelle M. , Bal Vanessa H. , Selby Edward A. , Kleiman Evan M.
Published: May 2024

Background: A gap exists in measures available to assess levels of motivation, desire, and value associated with connecting with others. Moreover, few social connection scales have been developed with a goal of including autistic individuals in the sample to create a measure that has utility across neurodiverse populations. This study aims to develop a measure to assess different facets of social connection that is valid among both autistic and non-autistic adults. Methods: The sample consisted of 200 participants recruited online. Participants completed an initial set of 35 items. Exploratory factor analyses and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Four-factor models were produced by the EFAs. Results: Item reduction resulted in the development of two 8-item scales: the Connections with Others Scale (CWOS) intended for the general population and the CWOS–Autistic Version (CWOS-AV) intended for autistic populations (CWOS-AV). Autistic participants had significantly greater motivation/desire to connect with others compared to non-autistic participants (t(195) = 3.39; p < 0.001). Conclusions: These measures will allow for greater ability to assess the motivation to connect with others, resulting in improved ability to produce research that clarifies theories and describes psychological phenomena.
A Systematic Review of the Reliability and Validity of the Patient Activation Measure Tool
Authors: Ng Qin Xiang , Liau Matthias Yi Quan , Tan Yong Yi , Tang Ansel Shao Pin , Ong Clarence , Thumboo Julian , Lee Chien Earn
Published: May 2024

Patient activation, broadly defined as the ability of individuals to manage their health and navigate the healthcare system effectively, is crucial for achieving positive health outcomes. The Patient Activation Measure (PAM), a popularly used tool, was developed to assess this vital component of health care. This review is the first to systematically examine the validity of the PAM, as well as study its reliability, factor structure, and validity across various populations. Following the PRISMA and COSMIN guidelines, a search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, from inception to 1 October 2023, using combinations of keywords related to patient activation and the PAM. The inclusion criteria were original quantitative or mixed methods studies focusing on PAM-13 or its translated versions and containing data on psychometric properties. Out of 3007 abstracts retrieved, 39 studies were included in the final review. The PAM has been extensively studied across diverse populations and geographical regions, including the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Most studies looked at populations with chronic conditions. Only two studies applied the PAM to community-dwelling individuals and found support for its use. Studies predominantly showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.80) for the PAM. Most studies supported a unidimensional construct of patient activation, although cultural differences influenced the factor structure in some cases. Construct validity was established through correlations with health behaviors and outcomes. Despite its strengths, there is a need for further research, particularly in exploring content validity and differential item functioning. Expanding the PAM’s application to more diverse demographic groups and community-dwelling individuals could enhance our understanding of patient activation and its impact on health outcomes.
The Effect of Menopausal Status, Insulin Resistance and Body Mass Index on the Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Ntikoudi Anastasia , Spyrou Alketa , Evangelou Eleni , Dokoutsidou Eleni , Mastorakos George
Published: May 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common and presents in a large proportion—up to 30%—of the global adult female population. Several factors have been linked with NAFLD in women, such as age, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. To extract appropriate details about the topic, we conducted an extensive search using various medical subject headings and entry terms including ‘Menopause’, ‘Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease’, ‘Insulin resistance’, and ‘BMI’. This exhaustive search resulted in a total of 180 studies, among which only 19 were able to meet the inclusion criteria. While most of these studies indicated a significant rise in NAFLD prevalence among postmenopausal women, two did not find strong evidence linking menopause with NAFLD. Moreover, it was observed that women with NAFLD had higher insulin resistance levels and BMIs compared to those without the condition. In summary, it is important to consider specific factors like risk profile, hormonal status, and age along with metabolic components when treating women presenting with NAFLD. There is need for data-driven research on how gender affects the sensitivity of biomarkers towards NAFLD as well as the development of sex-specific prediction models—this would help personalize management approaches for women, who stand to benefit greatly from such tailored interventions.
Spontaneous and Chemically Induced Genome Doubling and Polyploidization in Vegetable Crops
Authors: Fomicheva Maria , Kulakov Yuri , Alyokhina Ksenia , Domblides Elena
Published: May 2024

Plant ploidy manipulation is often required for breeding purposes. However, there is no comprehensive review covering genome doubling in vegetable crops despite the abundance of data for a large number of vegetable species. Similar to other species, genome doubling is required in vegetable crops to obtain doubled haploids (DHs). It is also utilized for the production of polyploids to overcome interspecific hybrid sterility and improve agricultural traits. Spontaneous haploid genome duplication (SHGD) occurs in many Apiaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Solanaceae crops, allowing for the laborious treatment with antimitotic agents to be bypassed. SHGD mechanisms are not fully understood, but existing data suggest that SHGD can occur via nuclear fusion, endoreduplication, or other mechanisms during microspore or ovule early embryogenic development. Other studies show that SHGD can occur at later developmental stages during extended plant growth in vitro or ex vitro, possibly due to the presence of phytohormones in the medium and/or diploid cell competitive advantage. For unresponsive accessions and species with rare SHGD, such as onion (Allium cepa L.) and beet cultivars (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris L.), antimitotic agent treatment has to be applied. Antimitotic agent application efficiency depends on the treatment conditions, especially the agent concentration and exposure time. Also, plant developmental stage is critical for agent accessibility and plant survival. The existing methods can be used to further improve genome doubling methodology for major vegetable crops and other species.
Anthropometric Profile, Overweight/Obesity Prevalence, and Socioeconomic Impact in Moroccan Children Aged 6–12 Years Old with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Touali Rachid , Allisse Maxime , Zerouaoui Jamal , Chakir El Mahjoub , Gagnon Dominic , Bui Hung Tien , Leone Mario
Published: May 2024

Background: In addition to the inherent challenges of their condition, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are also susceptible to the global obesity epidemic. However, concerning the prevalence of obesity within the Moroccan ASD pediatric population, data remain scarce. Methods: A total of 258 children (boys = 195) aged 6 to 12 years old (mean = 9.4 ± 1.4) diagnosed with ASD participated in this study. Besides the body mass and height, four significant anthropometric markers for assessing obesity were examined: body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Each anthropometric marker was categorized into one of three cardiometabolic risk levels based on the Z-scores and their corresponding percentiles. The distribution was as follows: low risk (≤84th percentile), high risk (85th–94th percentile), and very high risk (≥95th percentile). Subsequently, a multiple regression analysis was employed to develop an algorithm that generates a composite risk score. This score incorporates all the anthropometric variables simultaneously, while also weighting their individual contributions to the cardiometabolic risk. Results: Children with ASD exhibit an anthropometric profile that markedly increases their susceptibility to cardiometabolic issues. While roughly 11% of the general Moroccan child population is overweight or obese, this figure soars to nearly 60% among children with ASD when considering the central adiposity markers. Furthermore, children from middle-class socioeconomic backgrounds display a more than threefold greater risk of developing overweight or obesity compared to their counterparts from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Conclusions: This study has, for the first time, provided an up-to-date overview of the cardiometabolic risk in Moroccan children with ASD using traditional anthropometric measurements. The primary risk factor is clearly linked to central (abdominal) adiposity, which is recognized as the most deleterious. This study highlights the need to include general and central obesity markers. This study underscores the importance of incorporating both general and central adiposity markers for a more comprehensive assessment, and it emphasizes the need for closer monitoring within this high-risk population.
Clustering of Social Determinants of Health as an Indicator of Meaningful Subgroups within an African American Population: Application of Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Suzuki Sumihiro , Longcoy Joshua , Isgor Zeynep , Avery Elizabeth , Johnson Tricia J. , Yang Eric , Lynch Elizabeth B.
Published: May 2024

Background: Health disparities between people who are African American (AA) versus their White counterparts have been well established, but disparities among AA people have not. The current study introduces a systematic method to determine subgroups within a sample of AA people based on their social determinants of health. Methods: Health screening data collected in the West Side of Chicago, an underserved predominantly AA area, in 2018 were used. Exploratory latent class analysis was used to determine subgroups of participants based on their responses to 16 variables, each pertaining to a specific social determinant of health. Results: Four unique clusters of participants were found, corresponding to those with “many unmet needs”, “basic unmet needs”, “unmet healthcare needs”, and “few unmet needs”. Conclusion: The findings support the utility of analytically determining meaningful subgroups among a sample of AA people and their social determinants of health. Understanding the differences within an underserved population may contribute to future interventions to eliminate health disparities.
Dynamic Perception-Based Vehicle Trajectory Prediction Using a Memory-Enhanced Spatio-Temporal Graph Network
Authors: Gui Zhiming , Wang Xin , Li Wenzheng
Published: May 2024

In the realm of intelligent transportation systems, accurately predicting vehicle trajectories is paramount for enhancing road safety and optimizing traffic flow management. Addressing the impacts of complex traffic environments and efficiently modeling the diverse behaviors of vehicles are the key challenges at present. To achieve precise prediction of vehicle trajectories, it is essential to fully consider the dynamic changes in traffic conditions and the long-term dependencies of time-series data. In response to these challenges, we propose the Memory-Enhanced Spatio-Temporal Graph Network (MESTGN), an innovative model that integrates a Spatio-Temporal Graph Convolutional Network (STGCN) with an attention-enhanced Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)-based sequence to sequence (Seq2Seq) encoder–decoder structure. MESTGN utilizes STGCN to capture the complex spatial dependencies between vehicles and reflects the interactions within the traffic network through road traffic data and network topology, which significantly influences trajectory prediction. Additionally, the model focuses on historical vehicle trajectory data points using an attention-weighted mechanism under a traditional LSTM prediction architecture, calculating the importance of critical trajectory points. Finally, our experiments conducted on the urban traffic dataset ApolloSpace validate the effectiveness of our proposed model. We demonstrate that MESTGN shows a significant performance improvement in vehicle trajectory prediction compared with existing mainstream models, thereby confirming its increased prediction accuracy.
Evaluating School Location Based on a Territorial Spatial Planning Knowledge Graph
Authors: Xu Xiankang , Hao Jian , Shen Jingwei
Published: May 2024

The reasonable spatial planning of primary and secondary schools is an important factor in education development. In spatial planning, there are many models for the locations of primary and secondary schools; however, few quantitative evaluation models are available. Therefore, based on the many factors affecting the layout planning of primary and secondary schools, a knowledge graph of territorial spatial planning that considers the topological relationship, direction relationship and metric relationship in spatial planning is designed and constructed. A school location evaluation model based on the knowledge graph of territorial spatial planning is proposed. The model combines many factors of the locations of schools, such as the service population, the impact of factories on schools, the adjacency and centrality of school plots, terrain and existing schools in the region, to quantitatively evaluate whether schools are reasonably located within a region. This study focuses on the Guangyang Island area in Chongqing, China, exploring the superiority and rationality of the planned land use for primary and secondary schools within the region. By analyzing the top three and bottom three ranked schools in conjunction with the actual conditions of the site, and comparing them with AHP hierarchical analysis and ArcGIS modelling research, the study concludes that the results of this model are highly reasonable within the scope of China’s territorial spatial planning.
Long Non-Coding RNAs in Neuroblastoma: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Vercouillie Niels , Ren Zhiyao , Terras Eva , Lammens Tim
Published: May 2024

Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant extracranial solid tumor of childhood. Recent studies involving the application of advanced high-throughput “omics” techniques have revealed numerous genomic alterations, including aberrant coding-gene transcript levels and dysfunctional pathways, that drive the onset, growth, progression, and treatment resistance of neuroblastoma. Research conducted in the past decade has shown that long non-coding RNAs, once thought to be transcriptomic noise, play key roles in cancer development. With the recent and continuing increase in the amount of evidence for the underlying roles of long non-coding RNAs in neuroblastoma, the potential clinical implications of these RNAs cannot be ignored. In this review, we discuss their biological mechanisms of action in the context of the central driving mechanisms of neuroblastoma, focusing on potential contributions to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of this disease. We also aim to provide a clear, integrated picture of future research opportunities.
Unlocking Glioblastoma Vulnerabilities with CRISPR-Based Genetic Screening
Authors: Fang Yitong , Li Xing , Tian Ruilin
Published: May 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite advancements in treatment, the prognosis for patients with GBM remains poor due to its aggressive nature and resistance to therapy. CRISPR-based genetic screening has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying genes crucial for tumor progression and treatment resistance, offering promising targets for tumor therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advancements in CRISPR-based genetic screening approaches and their applications in GBM. We highlight how these approaches have been used to uncover the genetic determinants of GBM progression and responsiveness to various therapies. Furthermore, we discuss the ongoing challenges and future directions of CRISPR-based screening methods in advancing GBM research.
Identification of 3-Aryl-1-benzotriazole-1-yl-acrylonitrile as a Microtubule-Targeting Agent (MTA) in Solid Tumors
Authors: Zoroddu Stefano , Sanna Luca , Bordoni Valentina , Weidong Lyu , Gadau Sergio Domenico , Carta Antonio , Kelvin David J. , Bagella Luigi
Published: May 2024

Recently, a compound derived from recent scientific advances named 34 has emerged as the focus of this research, the aim of which is to explore its potential impact on solid tumor cell lines. Using a combination of bioinformatics and biological assays, this study conducted an in-depth investigation of the effects of 34. The results of this study have substantial implications for cancer research and treatment. 34 has shown remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the growth of several cancer cell lines, including those representing prostate carcinoma (PC3) and cervical carcinoma (HeLa). The high sensitivity of these cells, indicated by low IC50 values, underscores its potential as a promising chemotherapeutic agent. In addition, 34 has revealed the ability to induce cell cycle arrest, particularly in the G2/M phase, a phenomenon with critical implications for tumor initiation and growth. By interfering with DNA replication in cancer cells, 34 has shown the capacity to trigger cell death, offering a new avenue for cancer treatment. In addition, computational analyses have identified key genes affected by 34 treatment, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. These genes are involved in critical biological processes, including cell cycle regulation, DNA replication and microtubule dynamics, all of which are central to cancer development and progression. In conclusion, this study highlights the different mechanisms of 34 that inhibit cancer cell growth and alter the cell cycle. These promising results suggest the potential for more effective and less toxic anticancer therapies. Further in vivo validation and exploration of combination therapies are critical to improve cancer treatment outcomes.