bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overcoming Pitfalls in Breast Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology: A Practical Review
Authors: Gomes Pinto Daniel , Schmitt Fernando C.
Published: June 2024

Background: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a cornerstone technique for the initial assessment of breast lesions, offering a rapid and minimally invasive option for cytological evaluation. While FNACs can forego the need for core needle biopsies (CNBs), variations in technique, subjective interpretation, and intrinsic limitations present diagnostic challenges. The International Academy of Cytology (IAC) established the Yokohama system and is developing the WHO Reporting System for Breast Cytopathology jointly with IARC, to standardize diagnostic criteria, aiming to enhance diagnostic precision and consistency. Due to the preference for CNBs, expertise in breast FNAC is low in the developed world. Summary: This review assesses common pitfalls in breast cytopathology. These common and uncommon entities may easily lead to false-negative or false-positive diagnoses, due to morphological overlap or misleading clinical and radiological contexts. For instance, pauci-cellular lesions, such as lobular carcinomas, often lead to false-negative diagnoses, whereas complex sclerosing lesions, fibroadenomas, and papillary lesions may show concerning features, resulting in a false positive. The same is true for some benign inflammatory pathologies, such as steatonecrosis, and uncommon lesions, such as collagenous spherulosis. Ductal carcinoma in situ can lead to both false-negative and false-positive diagnoses, and high-grade lesions are impossible to tell apart from invasive carcinomas. These are discussed in detail. Procedural and preanalytical conditions, and the role of ancillary testing, are also briefly addressed. Key Messages: Breast FNAB is a powerful diagnostic technique, fast and minimally invasive. Even in contexts which lack expertise, this technique can be successfully adopted with a cautious approach and as long as pitfalls are kept in mind, benefiting patients and healthcare systems.
Effectiveness and Safety of Argon Plasma Coagulation in Patients with Haemoptysis Caused by an Endobronchial Malignancy
Authors: Mondoni Michele , Baccelli Andrea , Wahidi Momen M. , Belmonte Luca Alessandro , Saderi Laura , Carlucci Paolo , Alfano Fausta , Rinaldo Rocco Francesco , Guido Gabriele , Intravaia Carmelo , Luciani Andrea , Busatto Paolo , Centanni Stefano , Sotgiu Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Patients with central neoplasms and haemoptysis show low survival rates. Symptom control without recurrence 48 h after bronchoscopic interventions may improve the prognosis of these patients. Bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a useful technique for endobronchial management of haemoptysis in patients with central malignancies. Nevertheless, limited data are available in the literature on its efficacy and safety and the main predictors of success are still unclear. Methods: An observational, prospective, single-centre cohort study was carried out to assess the efficacy (i.e., immediate bleeding cessation without recurrence during the following 48 h) of bronchoscopic APC in the treatment of patients with haemoptysis caused by endobronchial malignancies and the main predictors of success. Results: A total of 76 patients with median age 75 years (interquartile range: 65–79) were enrolled. 67 (88.2%) patients had bleeding cessation without recurrence 48 h after bronchoscopic APC. A low rate of non-serious adverse events (5.3%) was recorded and a low (7.6%) recurrence rate of haemoptysis at 3.5 months after the procedure was also shown. No clinical, demographic and endoscopic variables related to a successful procedure at 48 h were found. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that bronchoscopic APC is an effective procedure in the treatment of patients with haemoptysis caused by endobronchial malignancies, regardless of the clinical characteristics of the patients, the endoscopic and histological features of the neoplasm and the severity of the symptom. Furthermore, it shows a low rate of complications and long-term efficacy in bleeding control.
Improving support vector machine and backpropagation performance for diabetes mellitus classification
Authors: Prastyo Angga , Sutikno Sutikno , Khadijah Khadijah
Published: June 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a glucose disorder disease in the human body that contributes significantly to the high mortality rate. Various studies on early detection and classification have been conducted as a DM prevention effort by applying a machine learning model. The problems that may occur are weak model performance and misclassification caused by imbalanced data. The existence of dominating (majority) data causes poor model performance in identifying minority data. This paper proposed handling the problem of imbalanced data by performing the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) and observing its effect on the classification performance of the support vector machine (SVM) and Backpropagation artificial neural network (ANN) methods. The experiment showed that the SVM method and imbalanced data achieved 94.31% accuracy, and the Backpropagation ANN achieved 91.56% accuracy. At the same time, the SVM method and balanced data produced an accuracy of 98.85%, while the Backpropagation ANN method and balanced data produced an accuracy of 94.90%. The results show that oversampling techniques can improve the performance of the classification model for each data class.
Clustering man in the middle attack on chain and graph-based blockchain in internet of things network using k-means
Authors: Nuzulastri Sari , Stiawan Deris , Satria Hadipurnawan , Budiarto Rahmat
Published: June 2024

Network security on internet of things (IoT) devices in the IoT development process may open rooms for hackers and other problems if not properly protected, particularly in the addition of internet connectivity to computing device systems that are interrelated in transferring data automatically over the network. This study implements network detection on IoT network security resembles security systems from man in the middle (MITM) attacks on blockchains. Security systems that exist on blockchains are decentralized and have peer to peer characteristics which are categorized into several parts based on the type of architecture that suits their use cases such as blockchain chain based and graph based. This study uses the principal component analysis (PCA) to extract features from the transaction data processing on the blockchain process and produces 9 features before the k-means algorithm with the elbow technique was used for classifying the types of MITM attacks on IoT networks and comparing the types of blockchain chain-based and graph-based architectures in the form of visualizations as well. Experimental results show 97.16% of normal data and 2.84% of MITM attack data were observed.
Alguns Problemas da Atual Historiografia Brasileira
Authors: Lapa José Roberto do Amaral
Published: June 2024

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Response-locked theta dissociations reveal potential feedback signal following successful retrieval
Authors: Smith Devyn E. , Wheelock Justin R. , Long Nicole M.
Published: June 2024

Successful memory retrieval relies on memory processes to access an internal representation and decision processes to evaluate and respond to the accessed representation, both of which are supported by fluctuations in theta (4–8 Hz) activity. However, the extent to which decision-making processes are engaged following a memory response is unclear. Here, we recorded scalp electroencephalography (EEG) while human participants performed a recognition memory task. We focused on response-locked data, allowing us to investigate the processes that occur prior to and following a memory response. We replicate previous work and find that prior to a memory response theta power is greater for identification of previously studied items (hits) relative to rejection of novel lures (correct rejections; CRs). Following the memory response, the theta power dissociation “flips” whereby theta power is greater for CRs relative to hits. We find that the post-response “flip” is more robust for hits that are committed quickly, potentially reflecting a positive feedback signal for strongly remembered experiences. Our findings suggest that there are potentially distinct processes occurring before and after a memory response that are modulated by successful memory retrieval.
Enhancement of brain atlases with laminar coordinate systems: Flatmaps and barrel column annotations
Authors: Bolaños-Puchet Sirio , Teska Aleksandra , Hernando Juan B. , Lu Huanxiang , Romani Armando , Schürmann Felix , Reimann Michael W.
Published: June 2024

Digital brain atlases define a hierarchy of brain regions and their locations in three-dimensional Cartesian space, providing a standard coordinate system in which diverse datasets can be integrated for visualization and analysis. Although this coordinate system has well-defined anatomical axes, it does not provide the best description of the complex geometries of layered brain regions such as the neocortex. As a better alternative, we propose laminar coordinate systems that consider the curvature and laminar structure of the region of interest. These coordinate systems consist of a principal axis aligned to the local vertical direction and measuring depth, and two other axes that describe a flatmap, a two-dimensional representation of the horizontal extents of layers. The main property of flatmaps is that they allow a seamless mapping between 2D and 3D spaces through structured dimensionality reduction where information is aggregated along depth. We introduce a general method to define laminar coordinate systems and flatmaps based on digital brain atlases and according to user specifications. The method is complemented by a set of metrics to characterize the quality of the resulting flatmaps. We applied our method to two rodent atlases. First, to an atlas of rat somatosensory cortex based on Paxinos and Watson’s rat brain atlas, enhancing it with a laminar coordinate system adapted to the geometry of this region. Second, to the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas Common Coordinate Framework version 3, enhancing it with two flatmaps of the whole isocortex. We used one of these flatmaps to define new annotations of 33 individual barrels and barrel columns that are nonoverlapping and follow the curvature of the cortex, therefore, producing the most accurate atlas of mouse barrel cortex to date. Additionally, we introduced several applications highlighting the utility of laminar coordinate systems for data visualization and data-driven modeling. We provide a free software implementation of our methods for the benefit of the community.
Effect of different exercises on sleep quality in elderly women: a systematic review
Authors: Khaleghi M.M. , Ahmadi F.
Published: June 2024

Sleep disorder is a common problem in elderly women, which can cause problems and acute complications on society and the healthcare system, including reducing the quality of life. Exercise is a simple, low-cost, and effective way to improve sleep quality. The purpose of this study was to critically review the available literature on different types of physical activity that affect the sleep quality of elderly women to determine which type of physical activity can improve their sleep quality. A systematic search adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies that met the inclusion criteria was conducted in the databases of Google Scholar, PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1, 2020, to March 18, 2024. One hundred and thirty-nine articles were retrieved, of which 13 randomised controlled trial studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings of these studies showed that performing various exercises, including water sports, resistance, aerobics, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Baduanjin exercises across varying intensities from low to high, can improve the quality of sleep of elderly women. Research indicates that diverse exercise programs tailored for elderly women can effectively enhance sleep quality and its associated aspects.
The Role of Cloud-Radiative Interaction in Tropical Circulation and the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Kim Daehyun , Zhou Tian , Shi Xiaoming
Published: June 2024

Cloud-radiative interaction (CRI) is a fundamental process that modulates tropical circulation and intraseasonal variability, including the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). In this study, we investigate how the mean state of the tropical atmosphere and the MJO respond to CRI intensity changes and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms, using the aquaplanet configuration in the Community Earth System Model, version 2 (CESM2). By enhancing CRI through tuning the DCS parameter (an autoconversion threshold size in the Morrison and Gettelman cloud microphysics scheme), we demonstrate that DCS-induced CRI intensification is linked to a warmer troposphere, increased tropical moisture, strengthened Hadley cell (HC), stronger trade winds, and a stronger equatorward intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) with more clouds and precipitation, reflecting stronger cloud–radiation–circulation feedback. The intensified CRI also leads to the intensification and slower propagation of the simulated MJO-like mode despite the MJO-like signals becoming less distinguishable from the background due to the influence of other waves. The MJO intensification is likely associated with the mean state changes that support the development of deep convection. Moreover, the CRI itself, especially the interaction with the longwave radiation, also directly influences the MJO’s maintenance and propagation, more contributing to the maintenance of column moist static energy (MSE) and deceleration of its eastward propagation on intraseasonal time scales.
Influence of One-Dimensional Photonic Crystal on Raman Signal Enhancement: A Detailed Experimental Study
Authors: Krajačić Maria , Baran Nikola , Tolić Ana , Mikac Lara , Ivanda Mile , Gamulin Ozren , Škrabić Marko
Published: June 2024

The enhancement of Raman signals using photonic crystal structures has been the subject of numerous experimental and theoretical studies, leading to a variety of issues and inconsistencies. This paper presents a comprehensive experimental investigation into the impact of alignment between the laser excitation wavelength and the specific position of the photonic band gap on signal enhancement in Raman spectroscopy. By employing one-dimensional (1D) porous silicon photonic crystals, a systematic analysis across a large number of spectra was conducted. The study focused on examining the signal enhancement of both the Raman ∼520 cm–1 silicon band, representing the constituent material of photonic crystal, and the most prominent Raman bands of crystal violet, used as a probe molecule. The probe molecules were both infiltrated into and adsorbed on top of the photonic crystal structure. The obtained experimental results for the contribution of 1D photonic crystals to Raman signal enhancement are much smaller compared to most predictions. The Raman signal of silicon and the signal from the probe molecule are enhanced ≤2.5 times when the laser excitation aligns with the edge of the photonic band gap, strictly defined as the position at the very bottom of the reflectance peak. The results have been discussed within the context of theoretical explanations.
The social impacts of ‘social distancing’ on sociality in the context of COVID-19: Applying Simmel’s concept of social geometry
Authors: Maphosa France , Sechele Latang , Chandaengerwa Eve Kundai
Published: June 2024

One of the recommended interventions against the spread of COVID-19 is ‘social distancing’. This means maintaining a recommended physical distance between people and reducing the number of times people come into close contact with each other. At the same time, the public is being advised to maintain or even increase social contact. Influenced by Georg Simmel’s concept of social geometry, the objective of this paper is to demonstrate that ‘social distancing’ has adverse impacts on sociality. Human beings are inherently social beings and spatial proximity enhances the intensity and quality of their interaction. By creating physical separation, ‘social distancing’ is leading to social isolation and attendant psychosocial problems. This was a desk study based on a review of the literature, media reports and personal observations. The paper presents evidence of the adverse impacts of ‘social distancing’ on human sociality from Botswana and Zimbabwe. The paper concludes that while ‘social distancing’ is a practical way of containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it has significant adverse impacts on sociality, resulting in the loss of community. We recommend the promotion of offline and online social media platforms to enable people to interact without co-presence.
Improved recyclability of the superbase ionic liquid [MTBNH][AcO] used in the lyocell fiber spinning process
Authors: Sturm Michael , Roselli Annariikka , von Weymarn Niklas , Kosan Birgit , Helminen Jussi KJ , Kilpeläinen Ilkka
Published: June 2024

In the research of new solvents for cellulose dissolution for textile fiber production, some ionic liquids offer high dissolving capacities making them attractive solvents for lyocell processes. One especially interesting group is superbase carboxylates. However, despite their excellent pulp dissolving abilities and good spinnability properties in a lyocell process, they have been lacking hydrolytic stability, which hinders their recyclability. In this article, a new type of superbase-based ionic liquid, [MTBNH][AcO], is aimed to provide higher hydrolytic stability than its structural relative predecessors. For evaluation of the hydrolysis behavior of [MTBNH][AcO], we have tested the ionic liquid in two sets of recycling experiments. The “blank-experiments” were applied to investigate hydrolytic behavior without the presence of pulp. These values were compared with the results from spinning trials with pulp. It was found that this new ionic liquid is not only more stable than its predecessor [MTBDH][AcO] in terms of hydrolysis but can also dissolve and spin cellulose at lower temperatures. The spun fibers were tested for their textile-physical properties and their performance was comparable to other lyocell fibers.
Modeling of fabric sewing break detection based on U-Net network
Authors: Hu Sheng , Zhang Jiaqi
Published: June 2024

To solve the problem of false positives and false negatives in the manual detection of fabric sewing breaks, a method of fabric sewing break detection based on the U-Net network is proposed. By detecting the adjacent distance between the characteristic contours of adjacent sewing stitches, the distribution uniformity of sewing stitches in sewing patterns is calculated, and the abnormal detection and traceability of fabric sewing broken threads are realized. First, the U-Net network sewing feature extraction model was trained using sewing images and their corresponding stitching feature annotation maps. Then, the trained network model was used to process sewing image samples to obtain binary stitching feature maps. Second, the stitching feature maps were processed using a closing operation to eliminate residual image noise. On this basis, the template matching algorithm was used to extract the stitching feature contours. Finally, according to the distance between adjacent feature contours, the fabric sewing break detection and abnormality tracing model was constructed. The model is validated by examples, and the results show that the abnormal samples of stitching lines are detected, and the corresponding break positions are given. The overall detection accuracy of the model is 95.75%, indicating that the constructed fabric sewing break detection model is effective.
“IKEA Effect” and project-based instruction in intermediate strength of materials course
Authors: Elishakoff Isaac , Zauder Victor
Published: June 2024

This study deals with making the strength of material courses taught at mechanical, civil, and aerospace departments more effective by incorporating a series of personalized projects. These projects are parametrized by some entries that are made personal depending on the serial number of the student in the class. Cooperation is encouraged along with the need to evaluate the results that depend on the student's serial number. The correlation with the so-called IKEA effect is demonstrated. It appears that the results are extremely encouraging, leading to a much better understanding of issues. The project-based teaching has the aim of enhancing involvement and promoting interest and collaboration among students while discouraging cheating. Despite the harder effort required along the course, this method would also increase comprehension and related horizontal engineering skills by increasing motivation and valorizing each student's work thanks to the “IKEA Effect.” Students’ feedback is reported.
Short-term wind power prediction based on improved sparrow search algorithm optimized long short-term memory with peephole connections
Authors: Tang Fei
Published: June 2024

Accurate short-term wind power prediction is of great significance for the scheduling and management of wind farms. This paper proposes a model for short-term wind power prediction. Firstly, on the basis of traditional long short-term memory network, the peephole connections is added. The improved long short-term memory network is more stable compared to traditional long short-term memory neural networks and is suitable for regression prediction. Secondly, chaotic mapping, adaptive weights, Cauchy mutation, and opposition-based learning strategies are introduced to improve the sparrow search algorithm, and applied to optimize the four hyper-parameters of the long short-term memory network, greatly improving the prediction accuracy of the network. The effectiveness of the model is validated using two short-term wind power datasets with sampling times of 10 and 30 minutes respectively, combined with some fitting curves and performance indicators. The comparison results indicate that the proposed short-term wind power prediction model has high prediction accuracy.
Perspectives on and Experiences With Bullying From Youth With Neuromuscular Conditions
Authors: Chatur Nurin , Ippolito Christina , McAdam Laura
Published: June 2024

Aim: To understand the bullying experiences of youth with neuromuscular conditions. Method: Fourteen participants with neuromuscular conditions (10 male; 10-19 years old) participated in semistructured interviews that were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes were identified: (1) participants experienced stigma-based bullying; (2) participants exhibited resilience despite bullying victimization; (3) participants identified personally and theoretically helpful and unhelpful supports with regard to bullying; and (4) participants proposed bullying interventions. Interpretation: Individuals with neuromuscular conditions had unique experiences and perspectives on bullying. This qualitative study provides health care professionals with insight into the bullying experiences of patients with neuromuscular conditions. Findings highlight the role for formal and informal education to mitigate stigma-based bullying and increased opportunities for peer support as a protective factor against bullying.
Efficacy of intraperitoneal calcium for hungry bone syndrome following parathyroidectomy: A case report
Authors: Bettler Taren , Vucak-Dzumhur Mirna , Rangan Gopala , Elder Grahame
Published: June 2024

A man with hyperparathyroidism secondary to kidney failure on peritoneal dialysis underwent a parathyroidectomy with half-gland reimplantation complicated by severe hungry bone syndrome resulting in severe hypocalcaemia, hypotension and QT prolongation on ECG. He was initially managed with oral calcium and intravenous (IV) calcium chloride. Despite standard supportive treatment, attempts to wean IV therapy were unsuccessful. We report the novel use of intraperitoneal calcium to facilitate the weaning of IV calcium and discharge from hospital. A subsequent peritoneal membrane adequacy study did not demonstrate loss of peritoneal membrane adequacy.
Adolescents’ narratives about parents’ separation processes and participation in mandatory family mediation: Exercising agency through managing privacy boundaries
Authors: Grape Lovise , Haugen Gry Mette Dalseng , Thørnblad Renee
Published: June 2024

Children’s participation in mandatory family mediation is an aspect of parents’ separation process in Norway. In this article, we aim to explore what adolescents emphasise in their narratives about their participation. Eleven adolescents aged between 12 and 17 participated in qualitative semi-structured interviews. Drawing on Communication Privacy Management theory, the results show that, during participation in mandatory family mediation, adolescents are provided with opportunities to exercise agency by managing privacy boundaries. Family mediators have the potential to assist adolescents during and after disclosures of private information.
The Relationship Between Board Gender Diversity, Firm Life Cycle and Corporate Risk-taking
Authors: Din Sajid Mohy Ul , Adeel Ahmad , Khan Sheher Yar , Rani Parsa
Published: June 2024

This study examines the impact of board gender diversity on corporate risk-taking, moderated by the firm life cycle stages. Data from 200 non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (2018–2022) were analyzed using the system generalized method of moments. Corporate risk-taking, the dependent, was measured using systematic risk and total-risk proxies. Results showed that board gender diversity had an insignificant effect, firm life cycle had a negative significant impact, while the interaction term (board gender diversity and firm life cycle) showed a positively significant impact on risk-taking measured by total risk. In contrast, both factors, along with their interaction, positively influenced risk-taking when assessed through systematic risk. The study further segmented the firm life cycle into five distinct stages, finding that the impact of board gender diversity on risk-taking varied across stages. For instance, at the introduction and maturity stages, board gender diversity positively affected risk-taking for both proxies. However, at the growth and decline stages, its impact was insignificant. These findings suggest variability in the relationship between board gender diversity and risk-taking, potentially influenced by the choice of risk proxies. Theoretically, this study contributes to the body of knowledge on how a firm’s life cycle and board gender diversity influence corporate risk-taking. This study’s insight also holds significant implications for corporate governance and policymaking because, contrary to popular belief, the findings suggest that board gender diversity does not uniformly reduce risk-taking; instead, its impact varies with the firm’s life cycle stage.
Geographical disparities in access to surgical treatment and mortality rates from abdominal aortic aneurysms in Brazil: A retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Franco Rogério do Lago , Iora Pedro Henrique , Massago Miyoko , Arruda Beltrame Matheus Henrique , Hatoum Ualid Saleh , Giacomin Vinicius , Borba Isadora Martins , Belczak Sérgio Quilici , Staton Catherine Ann , Dutra Amanda de Carvalho , Andrade Luciano de
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a growing public health problem, and not all patients have access to surgery when needed. This study aimed to analyze spatiotemporal variations in AAA mortality and surgical procedures in Brazilian intermediate geographic regions and explore the impact of different surgical techniques on operative mortality.

Methods:

A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate AAA mortality from 2008 to 2020 using space–time cube (STC) analysis and the emerging hot spot analysis tool through the Getis-Ord Gi* method.

Results:

There were 34,255 deaths due to AAA, 13,075 surgeries to repair AAA, and a surgical mortality of 14.92%. STC analysis revealed an increase in AAA mortality rates (trend statistic = +1.7693, p = 0.0769) and a significant reduction in AAA surgery rates (trend statistic = −3.8436, p = 0.0001). Analysis of emerging hotspots revealed high AAA mortality rates in the South, Southeast, and Central-West, with a reduction in procedures in São Paulo and Minas Gerais States (Southeast). In the Northeast, there were extensive areas of increasing mortality rates and decreasing procedure rates (cold spots).

Conclusion:

AAA mortality increased in several regions of the country while surgery rates decreased, demonstrating the need for implementing public health policies to increase the availability of surgical procedures, particularly in less developed regions with limited access to services.
US Legal and Regulatory Update
Authors: Salen Kenneth
Published: June 2024

This article presents an overview of Pfizer v. Sanofi Pasteur, a decision that continues the recent trend of Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) toward tighter scrutiny of patent claims. The CAFC reaffirmed that an expectation of success in combining and modifying prior art need only be reasonable, not absolute. The results of Pfizer highlights a continued drift by the PTAB and courts toward stricter scrutiny of patent claims, both during prosecution of the claims and during later litigation of the claims. Such claims may be somewhat more difficult to procure, and more open to later invalidation during litigation.
Both Meaningful and Embodied: Moving Towards Dynamical Approaches in the History of Experience
Authors: van Haaster Marie
Published: June 2024

Over the past two decades, historians have developed methods for the history of emotions based on frameworks from philosophy and cognitive science. Although these methods are often applied by others in the field, there has been less engagement with the theoretical frameworks on which they were based. This paper argues that historians made use of frameworks that are in part incompatible with their central aim of accounting for meaningful, situated, and embodied experiences. Building on and combining the work of authors such as William Reddy, Monique Scheer, and Rob Boddice, this paper aims to provoke further research based on dynamical, situated, and biocultural frameworks, which are more compatible with the aims and principles of the history of emotions.
A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Calendula officinalis Linn
Authors: Sapkota Biswash , Kunwar Paridhi
Published: June 2024

Calendula officinalis Linn, known as pot marigold, is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Various online bibliographic databases namely, Google scholar, PubMed, SciFinder, and Web of Science were used for integrating information. Calendula officinalis is extensively used in Homoeopathic, Unani, and Ayurvedic system of medication as diaphoretic, analgesic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agents and used to treat gynaecological issues, gastro-intestinal disorders, inflammations of oral and pharyangeal mucosa, eye problems, skin injuries and certain burns, poor eyesight, and menstrual irregularities. Several studies have shown that Calendula officinalis is a major source of diverse classes of bioactive compounds namely terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarines, quinones, and carotenoids. Various in vivo and in vitro assessment of Calendula officinalis's pharmacological activity suggest that the plant has antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anticancer, and gastroprotective activity. This review compiles the information about pharmacological activities, traditional medicinal uses, and phytochemicals present in Calendula officinalis.
Transcriptomics-based Exploration of the Mechanism of Kaempferol in the Treatment of Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Pu Zhang-lin , Zhang Chi , Yan Qian , Liang Zhou , Xu Zhi-Wei , Wei Ji-hu , Liu Hua , Chen Feng
Published: June 2024

Objective: We explore the pharmacodynamic targets of kaempferol in treating osteoporosis using transcriptomics and animal experiment. Methods: Firstly, we constructed an ovariectomized rat model (OVX). The anti-osteoporosis effect of kaempferol was evaluated by bone mineral density (BMD) and hematoxylin-eosin staining comprehensively. Moreover, differential genes between groups were screened by RNA sequencing technology (RNA-seq) for transcriptomics and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways enrichment analysis were performed. Finally, partial results of transcriptomics were verified to detect the expression of the relevant gene expression by immunohistochemistry. Results: The pharmacodynamic findings indicated that the administration of kaempferol resulted in an elevation in BMD ( P < .01) and a notable enhancement in tibia microstructural indices in the experimental rats ( P < .01). The transcriptomic analysis revealed that NTN1, LTBP4, GSN, and EBF1 were identified as the principal targets for therapeutic intervention in osteoporosis. The results of animal experiments showed that kaempferol promoted osteogenesis and inhibited bone resorption by downregulating the protein expression of NTN1, LTBP4, GSN, and EBF1 ( P < .01). Conclusion: Kaempferol enhances BMD levels, retards tibial bone loss with structural deterioration in OVX model rats, and promotes bone formation while curbing bone resorption through NTN1, LTBP4, GSN, and EBF1 protein down-regulation.
Religious discrimination at the CJEU and the social inclusion approach
Authors: Howard Erica
Published: June 2024

The social inclusion approach to EU anti-discrimination law, as set out by Ringelheim, is aimed at achieving inclusion and participation in employment and wider society of all groups, including the most disadvantaged. But is the CJEU using this social inclusion approach, especially in cases concerning religious discrimination? This article argues that the CJEU, in cases regarding racial and ethnic origin, disability and sexual orientation discrimination as well as in some cases regarding religion or belief discrimination, has indeed applied a social inclusion approach, but that the six judgments regarding the wearing of Islamic headscarves at work are an exception. In the latter cases, the CJEU did not appear to pay any attention to the effect of the judgments on the employment opportunities of Muslim women who want to wear religious symbols at work.
Promoting child and adolescent health through wearable technology: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xiong Keying , Zhu Chengyan , Evans Richard , Zhou Lijuan , Podrini Christine
Published: June 2024

Background

Wearable technology is used in healthcare to monitor the health of individuals. This study presents an updated systematic literature review of the use of wearable technology in promoting child and adolescent health, accompanied by recommendations for future research.

Methods

This review focuses on studies involving children and adolescents aged between 2 and 18 years, regardless of their health condition or disabilities. Studies that were published from 2016 to 2024, and which met the inclusion criteria, were extracted from four academic databases (i.e. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Data on intervention purposes, interventions deployed, intervention duration, measurements, and the main outcomes of the studies were collected.

Results

A total of 53 studies involving 14,852 participants were reviewed. They focused on various aspects, including the ownership and use of wearable devices ( n = 3), the feasibility ( n = 22), effectiveness ( n = 4), and adherence ( n = 2) of intervention strategies, or a combination of multiple aspects ( n = 22). Among the interventions deployed, Fitbit was the most frequently used, featuring in 26 studies, followed by ActiGraph ( n = 11). In intervention studies, the majority of studies focused on pre-morbidity prevention ( n = 26) and the treatment of illnesses ( n = 20), with limited attention given to postoperative monitoring ( n = 4).

Conclusions

The use of wearable technology by children and adolescents has proven to be both feasible and effective for health promotion. This systematic review summarizes existing research by exploring the use of wearable technology in promoting health across diverse youth populations, including healthy and unhealthy individuals. It examines health promotion at various stages of the disease continuum, including pre-disease prevention, in-disease treatment, and postoperative monitoring. Additionally, the review provides directions for future research.
Does an allied health transdisciplinary stroke assessment save time, improve quality of care, and save costs? Results of a pre-/post- clinical study
Authors: Martin Aleysha K , Griffin Alison , McCarthy Alexandra L , Green Theresa L , Sowa P Marcin , Laakso E-Liisa
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Demand for stroke services is increasing. To save time and costs, stroke care could be reorganised using a transdisciplinary assessment model embracing overlapping allied health professional skills. The study compares transdisciplinary assessment to discipline-specific allied health assessment on an acute stroke unit, by evaluating assessment time, quality of care, and cost implications.

Method:

The pre-/post- clinical study used non-randomised groups and 3-month follow-up after hospital admission. Patients with confirmed/suspected stroke received usual discipline-specific allied health assessment (pre-implementation phase) or the novel transdisciplinary assessment (post-implementation phase). Staff/student assessment times (primary outcome) and medical record data (secondary outcomes) were collected. Time differences were estimated using multivariable linear regression controlling for confounding factors. Cost minimisation and sensitivity analyses estimated change in hospital resource use.

Findings:

When the transdisciplinary assessment was used ( N = 116), compared to usual assessment ( N = 63), the average time saving was 37.6 min (95% CI −47.5, −27.7; p < 0.001) for staff and 62.2 min (95% CI −74.1, −50.3; p < 0.001) for students. The median number of allied health occasions of service reduced from 8 (interquartile range 4–23) to 5 (interquartile range 3–10; p = 0.011). There were no statistically significant or clinically important changes in patient safety, outcomes or stroke guideline adherence. Improved efficiency was associated with an estimated cost saving of $379.45 per patient (probabilistic 95% CI −487.15, −271.48).

Discussion and conclusion:

Transdisciplinary stroke assessment has potential for reorganising allied health services to save assessment time and reduce healthcare costs. The transdisciplinary stroke assessment could be considered for implementation in other stroke services.
Use of medical thoracoscopy in managing pleural malignancy
Authors: Aujayeb Avinash , Astoul Philippe
Published: June 2024

Local anaesthetic “medical” thoracoscopy is an important tool for the diagnosis and management of a unilateral pleural effusion. It is performed under conscious sedation and has a high diagnostic yield. Clinical experience has demonstrated that thoracoscopy is a safe procedure. This article is an expert review of various aspects of the procedures from two experienced practitioners and we suggest areas for potential future research.
Increasing exercise capacity and physical activity in the COPD patient
Authors: Kaur Antarpreet , Bourbeau Jean , Brighton Lisa , Celli Bartolome , Crouch Rebecca , Demeyer Heleen , Gerardi Daniel A. , Katsura Hideki , Meek Paula , Morgan Mike , Paneroni Mara , Singh Sally , Stickland Michael K.
Published: June 2024

Higher levels of exercise capacity and physical activity are desired outcomes in the comprehensive management of the COPD patient. In addition, improvements in exercise capacity and physical activity are instrumental to optimising other important therapeutic goals, such as improved health status, reduced healthcare utilisation and increased survival. Four general approaches towards increasing exercise capacity and physical activity in individuals with COPD will be discussed in this review: 1) pharmacological intervention, especially the administration of long-acting bronchodilators; 2) pulmonary rehabilitation, including exercise training and collaborative self-management; 3) behavioural interventions; and 4) web-based interventions. These are by no means the only approaches, nor are they mutually exclusive: indeed, combining them, as necessary, to meet the needs of the individual respiratory patient may promote optimal outcomes, although further research is necessary in this area.
Genomic insights into the conservation status of the Idle Crayfish Austropotamobius bihariensis Pârvulescu, 2019: low genetic diversity in the endemic crayfish species of the Apuseni Mountains
Authors: Bonassin Lena , Pârvulescu Lucian , Boštjančić Ljudevit Luka , Francesconi Caterina , Paetsch Judith , Rutz Christelle , Lecompte Odile , Theissinger Kathrin
Published: June 2024

Background

Biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems is declining due to an increased anthropogenic footprint. Freshwater crayfish are keystone species in freshwater ecosystems and play a crucial role in shaping the structure and function of their habitats. The Idle Crayfish Austropotamobius bihariensis is a native European species with a narrow distribution range, endemic to the Apuseni Mountains (Romania). Although its area is small, the populations are anthropogenically fragmented. In this context, the assessment of its conservation status is timely.

Results

Using a reduced representation sequencing approach, we identified 4875 genomic SNPs from individuals belonging to 13 populations across the species distribution range. Subsequent population genomic analyses highlighted low heterozygosity levels, low number of private alleles and small effective population size. Our structuring analyses revealed that the genomic similarity of the populations is conserved within the river basins.

Conclusion

Genomic SNPs represented excellent tools to gain insights into intraspecific genomic diversity and population structure of the Idle Crayfish. Our study highlighted that the analysed populations are at risk due to their limited genetic diversity, which makes them extremely vulnerable to environmental alterations. Thus, our results emphasize the need for conservation measures and can be used as a baseline to establish species management programs.
Probiotic potential of Streptomyces levis strain HFM-2 isolated from human gut and its antibiofilm properties against pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Verma Jaya , Devi Sapna , Narang Anmol , Kaur Sukhraj , Manhas Rajesh Kumari
Published: June 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious worldwide public health concern that needs immediate action. Probiotics could be a promising alternative for fighting antibiotic resistance, displaying beneficial effects to the host by combating diseases, improving growth, and stimulating the host immune responses against infection. This study was conducted to evaluate the probiotic, antibacterial, and antibiofilm potential of Streptomyces levis strain HFM-2 isolated from the healthy human gut.

Results

In vitro antibacterial activity in the cell-free supernatant of S. levis strain HFM-2 was evaluated against different pathogens viz. K. pneumoniae sub sp. pneumoniae, S. aureus, B. subtilis, VRE, S. typhi, S. epidermidis, MRSA, V. cholerae, M. smegmatis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and E. aerogenes. Further, the ethyl acetate extract from S. levis strain HFM-2 showed strong biofilm inhibition against S. typhi, K. pneumoniae sub sp. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Fluorescence microscopy was used to detect biofilm inhibition properties. MIC and MBC values of EtOAc extract were determined at 500 and 1000 µg/mL, respectively. Further, strain HFM-2 showed high tolerance in gastric juice, pancreatin, bile, and at low pH. It exhibited efficient adhesion properties, displaying auto-aggregation (97.0%), hydrophobicity (95.71%, 88.96%, and 81.15% for ethyl acetate, chloroform and xylene, respectively), and showed 89.75%, 86.53%, 83.06% and 76.13% co-aggregation with S. typhi, MRSA, S. pyogenes and E. coli, respectively after 60 min of incubation. The S. levis strain HFM-2 was susceptible to different antibiotics such as tetracycline, streptomycin, kanamycin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, linezolid, meropenem, amikacin, gentamycin, clindamycin, moxifloxacin and vancomycin, but resistant to ampicillin and penicillin G.

Conclusion

The study shows that S. levis strain HFM-2 has significant probiotic properties such as good viability in bile, gastric juice, pancreatin environment, and at low pH; proficient adhesion properties, and antibiotic susceptibility. Further, the EtOAc extract of Streptomyces levis strain HFM-2 has a potent antibiofilm and antibacterial activity against antibacterial-resistant clinical pathogens.
Studying the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the expression of pivotal genes related to menthol biosynthesis and certain biochemical parameters in peppermint plants (Mentha Piperita L.)
Authors: Veleshkolaii Fatemeh Ramzanpoor , Gerami Mahyar , Younesi-Melerdi Elham , Moshaei Masoumeh Rezaei , Ghanbari Hassan Kiadeh Saeed
Published: June 2024

Background

This study examines the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) on gene expression associated with menthol biosynthesis and selected biochemical parameters in peppermint plants (Mentha piperita L.). Menthol, the active ingredient in peppermint, is synthesized through various pathways involving key genes like geranyl diphosphate synthase, menthone reductase, and menthofuran synthase. Seedlings were treated with different concentrations of TiO2NPs (50, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) via foliar spray. After three weeks of treatment, leaf samples were gathered and kept at -70 °C for analysis.

Results

According to our findings, there was a significant elevation (P ≤ 0.05) in proline content at concentrations of 200 and 300 ppm in comparison with the control. Specifically, the highest proline level was registered at 200 ppm, reaching 259.64 ± 33.33 µg/g FW. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content exhibited a decreasing trend following nanoparticle treatments. Catalase activity was notably affected by varying TiO2NP concentrations, with a significant decrease observed at 200 and 300 ppm compared to the control (P ≤ 0.05). Conversely, at 100 ppm, catalase activity significantly increased (11.035 ± 1.12 units/mg of protein/min). Guaiacol peroxidase activity decreased across all nanoparticle concentrations. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis indicated increased expression of the studied genes at 300 ppm concentration.

Conclusions

Hence, it can be inferred that at the transcript level, this nanoparticle exhibited efficacy in influencing the biosynthetic pathway of menthol.

Graphical Abstract