bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat management decisions for conservation: a conceptual framework
Authors: Nichols James D. , Breininger David R. , Armstrong Doug P. , Lacy Robert C.
Published: October 2024

The focus of this selection of papers is the linkage of habitat and population dynamics for the purpose of conservation. We thus provide a general framework for making conservation decisions, emphasizing how knowledge of habitat–population linkages fits into this framework. We begin by describing structured decision-making (SDM) as a general approach to making conservation decisions. SDM requires the development of the following elements: objectives, actions, model(s), monitoring, and decision algorithm. We then describe adaptive resource management (ARM), a specific type of SDM developed for recurrent decisions characterized by potentially resolvable uncertainty. Many different classes of actions can be used to influence animal population dynamics, and modification of habitat is one class of action that is frequently used. Habitat management requires models for predicting responses of the managed system to management actions, and these models are based on our knowledge of habitat–population linkages. Frequently, these models are decomposed into two submodels: one used to predict habitat changes expected to result from management actions and another used to predict population responses to habitat changes. This latter modeling focuses generally on the influence of habitat change on vital rates governing the dynamics of population state variables (variables such as population size or density that describe the status or health of a population). Specific recommendations depend on 1) the vital rates and state variable(s) being considered, 2) the relative spatial scales of animal movement and habitat measurement, and 3) the relative temporal scales of habitat change and vital rate estimation. Finally, we present an example of an ARM program for habitat management, highlighting the role of habitat-linked population modeling in this effort.
Trends and patterns in pulmonary arterial hypertension-associated hospital admissions among methamphetamine users: a decade-long study
Authors: Husein Amanda , Boullion Jolie , Hossain Md Ismail , Xing Diensn , Khan Md Tareq Ferdous , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin , Kolluru Gopi K. , Bhuiyan Md Mostafizur Rahman , Goeders Nicholas E. , Conrad Steven A. , Vanchiere John A. , Orr A. Wayne , Kevil Christopher G. , Bhuiyan Mohammad Alfrad Nobel
Published: October 2024

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, chronic, progressive form of pulmonary hypertension in which increased arterial pressure causes remodeling of the arterial system and is associated with heart failure. Methamphetamine is a stimulant that has recently become a focus in PAH research, but the recent trends and demographics of this cohort of patients are not known. The study aimed to analyze the overall trends and demographics of PAH patients with and without concurrent methamphetamine usage.

Methods

The study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) from 2008 to 2020 to calculate nationally weighted estimates for both conditions by ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes. We used several statistical measures, including descriptive statistics with design-based chi-square and t-tests, trend analysis with Cochran-Armitage test, generalized linear models, and other data preprocessing measures.

Results

A significant increase was evident in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and concurrent methamphetamine use (9.2-fold). Most of the hospitalized patients were males (59.16%), aged 41–64 (45.77%), White (68.64%), from the West (53.09%), with Medicaid (50.48%), and with median income <$25,000. The rate of increase over the period was higher for males (11.8-fold), race (not sure which race; please check and modify), aged 41–64 (11.3-fold), and in the South (15.1-fold). An overall adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) for PAH hospitalizations among concurrent methamphetamine users was 32.19 (CI = 31.19–33.22) compared to non-users. With respective reference categories, the significantly higher PR was evident for males, patients aged 41–64, White, with Medicare, median income <$25,000, all regions compared to Northeast, length of hospital stays, and conditions, including chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and peripheral vascular disorders.

Conclusion

This study reveals a national overall and demographic-specific trend of increasing PAH with concurrent methamphetamine usage and associated factors. The findings may help to understand the current patterns and identify the vulnerable sociodemographic cohorts for further research and to take appropriate policy measures.
Improving family engagement during implementation of IEP-aided AAC services: an interdisciplinary US-based perspective
Authors: Erwin-Davidson Lisa , McKee Aja , O’Crowley Erin
Published: October 2024

All IEP team members should find statements pointing to where and when the aided AAC system and accessible learning tools will be used. Classroom-based and research supported AAC learning strategies and teaching practices should be clearly listed, explained, and accessible to all team members. Aided AAC refers to a variety of communication tools that are portable and external to the body. Aided AAC ranges from paper-based picture communication cards, boards, binders, tablets, or digital smartphone applications to multifunctional/high-tech devices offering synthesized and digitized speech. Aided AAC allows students with CCN/ESNs to access speech or writing using any body part capable of performing voluntary and independent movement. Many electronic/high-tech aided AAC systems can store thousands of multilingual words, allowing seamless communication between home and school. Students with CCN/ESNs can also use hightech aided AAC with native keyboards as “alternative pencils” to practice spelling and early writing, thus allowing equitable academic access and opportunities to make progress on emergent literacy skills. High-tech/digital-aided AAC allows for the maturation of linguistic specificity and fuller participation in daily routines required for academic success. It is critical for students with CCN/ESNs to use high-tech aided AAC with ample vocabulary storage to increase opportunities for self-generation of complex and decontextualized messages for varied social interactions. Additionally, digital device platforms (e.g., iPads, other tablets, Smartphones) offer multiple.
Socio-economic factors affecting spatial inequalities in pregnancy-related ambulance attendances in Greater London
Authors: Murphy Sam , Zhong Chen , Lopane Fulvio D. , Rogerson Luke , Gong Yi
Published: October 2024

Exploring inequalities in ambulance and pre-hospital demand is important to improve service equity and reduce wider health inequalities. Maternity incidents amongst ambulance demand are a key area of focus because of the specialized care that is needed for patients, as well as the impact of wider determinants of health on pregnancy outcomes. Since there are spatial inequalities amongst pregnant patients who call for an ambulance, the aim of this study is to assess the underlying factors associated with pregnancy related ambulance complaints, to determine why maternity patients utilize the ambulance service. Local indicators of spatial autocorrelation were used to identify clusters of ambulance maternity demand within Greater London (UK). A negative binomial regression model was used to explore associations between socioeconomic, environmental, accessibility and demographic variables. Our results reveal that neighborhoods with low adult skills (i.e. qualifications/English language abilities) have a higher rate of demand. Moreover, our results imply that the demand for ambulance services may not be directly tied to health outcomes; rather, it might be more closely associated with patients' reasons for calling an ambulance, irrespective of the actual necessity. The benefits of identifying factors that drive demand in ambulance services are not just linked to improving equity, but also to reducing demand, ultimately relieving pressure on services if alternative options are identified or underlying causes addressed. Doing so can improve health inequalities by firstly, improving ambulance care equity by directly supporting a better allocation of resources within ambulance systems to target patterns in demand.
Risk nomogram for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma with central lymph node metastasis and postoperative thyroid function follow-up
Authors: Huang Yuting , Lou Pengwei , Li Hui , Li Yinhui , Ma Li , Wang Kai
Published: October 2024

Background

The treatment for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is controversial. Central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is one of the main predictors of recurrence and survival, accurate preoperative identification of CLNM is essential for surgical protocol establishment for PTMC. The objective of this study was to establish a nomogram to predict the possibility of CLNM in PTMC patients.

Methods

A total of 3023 PTMC patients were randomly divided into two groups by a ratio of 7 to 3, the training group (n = 2116) and validation group (n = 907). The LASSO regression model and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to examine risk factors associated with CLNM. A nomogram for predicting CLNM was established and internally validated. Meanwhile, we follow-up the serum thyroid function FT3, FT4, TSH, Tg, TGAb and TPOAb in 789 PTMC patients for 4 years after surgery and compared the differences between the CLNM (+) and CLNM (-) groups, respectively.

Results

The LASSO regression model and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that younger age, lower BMI, being male, location in the lower pole, calcification, 1 ≥ diameter ≥ 0.5 cm, multifocality lesions, extra thyroidal extension (ETE), enlargement of central lymph node (ECLN), lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) and higher carcinoembryonic antigen were the ultimate risk factors for determining CLNM. A nomogram for predicting CLNM was constructed based on the influencing factors and internally validated. By establishing the prediction model, the AUC of CLNM in the training and validation groups were 0.73 (95% CI, 0.70-0.76) and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.71-0.79) respectively. Results of the DCA showed that the model is clinically useful when deciding on intervention in the most range of the threshold probability. A 4-year follow-up of thyroid function showed that FT3 and FT4 remained at stable levels after 3 months postoperative and were higher in the CLNM (+) group than in the CLNM (-) group. Hypothyroidism appeared predominantly within 3 months after surgery. The overall incidence of the CLNM (+) group and CLNM (-) groups were 16.46% and 12.04%, respectively.

Conclusion

The nomogram model constructed in this study has a good predictive effect on CLNM in PTMC patients and provides a reasonable reference for clinical treatment.
On the chemistry of the global warming potential of hydrogen
Authors: Chen Candice , Solomon Susan , Stone Kane
Published: October 2024

Hydrogen (H2) is considered a promising fuel to contribute to net-zero carbon emission goals. While hydrogen itself is not a greenhouse gas, leakage of hydrogen fuels causes indirect warming due to hydrogen’s influence on methane, tropospheric ozone, and stratospheric water vapor, with the methane term dominating the impact. Some studies consider a simple four-equation box model to explore the climate consequences of leakage from hydrogen fuel use relative to methane, while others have employed much more detailed global photochemical models. Here we use a comprehensive photochemical box model including 66 reactions to show and quantify how the analogous four-equation system is missing a critical OH feedback, leading it to overestimate the time-integrated methane response to a pulse of hydrogen by over 100%. We estimate a hydrogen global warming potential (GWP) relative to carbon dioxide of 28−11+18 on the 20-year time horizon and 10−4+7 on the 100-year time horizon based on the 66-reaction model and information from the literature. GWPs provide a measure of the relative global warming impact of emission of one gas compared to a selected reference gas per unit mass emitted. While CO2 is generally chosen for the reference, any gas can be used. We present the GWP of H2 using CH4 as the reference, as this choice cancels out some uncertainties that are common to both H2 and CH4. The GWP for H2 relative to CH4 from fossil fuel sources is 0.35−0.06+0.13 on time horizons beyond 15 years; put differently, we find that relative to an equivalent mass of emission of fossil CH4, hydrogen emission has a climate impact about three times smaller. These global warming potentials underscore that hydrogen leakage does contribute to climate change, emphasizing the importance of limiting both hydrogen and methane leakage if global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions are to be achieved by 2050.
A vulnerable soil environment study in karst areas: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Yan Taotao , Xue Jianhui
Published: October 2024

Karst landforms are widely distributed around the world, and karst rocky desertification has occurred on a large scale in many countries and regions, causing significant adverse impacts on local natural environments and societies. The improvement and rational use of karst soil is a key aspect of rocky desertification governance. Karst soil science studies are of great value in karst regions and are essential for controlling karst rocky desertification and ecological restoration. In order to understand the research hotspots and the development directions in the field of vulnerable karst soil environment, we undertook bibliometrics citation analysis on 1913 contributions to the literature written in the range from 2001 to 2019 based on the “Web of Science” core collection citation index database. Hopefully, this work will help to set up a scientific foundation for further studies. Using CiteSpace visualization software, we analyzed the distribution of disciplinary categories, reference co-citation clusters, and keyword clusters in the literature. The results show the basic characteristics and evolution of the literature related to karst pedology. We then recognized the main intellectual bases in the domain of karst soil science. This study also revealed the research hotspots and trends in this field. Through a bibliometrics citation analysis of research on karst vulnerable soil environment, the present study provides a quantitative and objective understanding of development directions that have emerged in this field over the past 19 years, offering a reference for future research.
TargetCall: eliminating the wasted computation in basecalling via pre-basecalling filtering
Authors: Cavlak Meryem Banu , Singh Gagandeep , Alser Mohammed , Firtina Can , Lindegger Joël , Sadrosadati Mohammad , Mansouri Ghiasi Nika , Alkan Can , Mutlu Onur
Published: October 2024

Basecalling is an essential step in nanopore sequencing analysis where the raw signals of nanopore sequencers are converted into nucleotide sequences, that is, reads. State-of-the-art basecallers use complex deep learning models to achieve high basecalling accuracy. This makes basecalling computationally inefficient and memory-hungry, bottlenecking the entire genome analysis pipeline. However, for many applications, most reads do not match the reference genome of interest (i.e., target reference) and thus are discarded in later steps in the genomics pipeline, wasting the basecalling computation. To overcome this issue, we propose TargetCall, the first pre-basecalling filter to eliminate the wasted computation in basecalling. TargetCall’s key idea is to discard reads that will not match the target reference (i.e., off-target reads) prior to basecalling. TargetCall consists of two main components: (1) LightCall, a lightweight neural network basecaller that produces noisy reads, and (2) Similarity Check, which labels each of these noisy reads as on-target or off-target by matching them to the target reference. Our thorough experimental evaluations show that TargetCall 1) improves the end-to-end basecalling runtime performance of the state-of-the-art basecaller by 3.31× while maintaining high (98.88%) recall in keeping on-target reads, 2) maintains high accuracy in downstream analysis, and 3) achieves better runtime performance, throughput, recall, precision, and generality than prior works. TargetCall is available at https://github.com/CMU-SAFARI/TargetCall.
The impact of intimate partner violence on adverse birth outcomes in 20 sub-Saharan African countries: propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Asnake Angwach Abrham , Seifu Beminate Lemma , Gebrehana Alemayehu Kasu , Gebeyehu Asaye Alamneh , Gebrekidan Amanuel Yosef , Lombebo Afework Alemu , Abajobir Amanuel Alemu
Published: October 2024

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem, with serious consequences on women's physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, as well as birth outcomes. Women who encounter IPV are more likely to experience adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and stillbirth. Although numerous studies are exploring the association between IPV and adverse birth outcomes, they merely used classical models and could not control for potential confounders. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there was a causation between IPV and adverse birth outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using a quasi-experimental statistical technique [i.e., propensity score matching (PSM) analysis].

Method

This study used the most recent (2015–22) Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 20 SSA countries. A total weighted sample of 13,727 women was included in this study. IPV (i.e., sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV) was the exposure/treatment variable and adverse birth outcomes (preterm delivery, low birth weight, stillbirth, and macrosomia) were the outcome variables of this study. PSM was employed to estimate the impact of IPV on adverse birth outcomes.

Results

The average treatment effects (ATE) of sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV were 0.031, 0.046, 0.084, and 0.025, respectively. Sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV increased adverse birth outcomes by 3.1%, 4.6%, 8.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. Findings from the average treatment effect on treated (ATT) showed that women who experienced sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV had an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes by 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.3%, and 3.0%, respectively, among treated groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a causal relationship between IPV and adverse birth outcomes in SSA countries, indicating a need for programs and effective interventions to mitigate the impact of IPV during pregnancy to reduce related adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, we suggest further research that investigates the causal effect of IPV on adverse birth outcomes by incorporating additional proximal variables not observed in this study.
Exploring fungal potential for microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) in bio-cement production
Authors: Devgon Inderpal , Kumar Sachan Rohan Samir , Rajput Khushboo , Kumar Mukesh , Mohammad Said Al-Tawaha Abdel Rahman , Karnwal Arun , Malik Tabarak
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) involves various microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. This study focuses on producing bio-cement using fungal species and selecting potential candidates isolated from alkaline soil of different regions of Punjab, namely, Majha, Malwa, and Doaba.

Methods

The selection of fungi isolates capable of bio-cement production involves several tests, including a urease assay and calcium precipitation. Isolates having high urease enzyme production and the ability to perform calcite precipitation are selected for instrumental analyses such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The isolates selected for further analysis are S1 (3) with 8.879 ± 2.94 µg/ml, S1 (18) with 8.421 ± 0.13 µg/ml, and S4 (1) with 10.057 ± 0.45 µg/ml urease activity and least free calcium ions that are 2.337 ± 0.5 µg/ml, 3.339 ± 0.5 µg/ml, and 4.074 ± 0.1 µg/ml respectively.

Results and discussion

Calcite precipitation is confirmed through XRD and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). XRD images showing calcite precipitation with sharp crystalline peaks for S1 (3), S1 (18), and S4 (1) are shown. The calcite precipitation is evident in the micrographs of FESEM. These combined results confirm the potential of urease-positive fungi to facilitate calcite production, which could lead to bio-cement development in future research.
The effects of tranexamic acid on the histopathology of defect healing in an in vivo porcine model after gastric and colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Bermont Anton , Matalon Shay , Cohen Daniel L. , Richter Vered , Siman-Tov Yariv , Shirin Haim , Vosko Sergei
Published: October 2024

Introduction

There is limited data on the histopathological effects of hemostatic agents (HAs) used during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We used an in vivo porcine model to compare the tissue effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) and adrenaline (epinephrine) compared to controls.

Methods

Standard ESD, using a 2 mm flash-knife, was performed in three pigs. Four resections were performed in the stomach and rectum of each pig. Injectate contained 4% succinylated gelatin solution and indigo carmine, plus either TXA, adrenaline, or neither. Pigs were euthanized after 7 days and evaluated by two blinded pathologists.

Results

Twenty-four defects were analyzed. Within each animal no significant histopathological changes were noted between the defects, but differences were noted between the animals. In the stomachs of the TXA and adrenaline pigs, pathology revealed a clear ulcer in the mucosa/submucosa with abundant granulation tissue, while the muscular layer was unaffected. In the control pig’s stomach, the lesions were deeper, transmurally distributed, with inflammation of the muscular and adventitia layers accompanied by severe inflammation and necrosis. Fewer differences were noted in the rectum.

Conclusion

For ESD, HAs such as TXA and adrenaline may have protective effects on the depth and extent of injury to the underlying tissue.
Quantitative proteomics reveals oxygen-induced adaptations in Caldalkalibacillus thermarum TA2.A1 microaerobic chemostat cultures
Authors: de Jong Samuel I. , Wissink Martijn , Yildirim Kadir , Pabst Martin , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , McMillan Duncan G. G.
Published: October 2024

The thermoalkaliphile Caldalkalibacillus thermarum possesses a highly branched respiratory chain. These primarily facilitate growth at a wide range of dissolved oxygen levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of C. thermarum respiratory chain. C. thermarum was cultivated in chemostat bioreactors with a range of oxygen levels (0.25% O2–4.2% O2). Proteomic analysis unexpectedly showed that both the type I and the type II NADH dehydrogenase present are constitutive. The two terminal oxidases detected were the cytochrome c:oxygen aa3 oxidase, whose abundance was highest at 4.2% O2. The cytochrome c:oxygen ba3 oxidase was more abundant at most other O2 levels, but its abundance started to decline below 0.42% O2. We expected this would result in the emergence of the cytochrome c:oxygen bb3 complex or the menaquinol:oxygen bd complex, the other two terminal oxidases of C. thermarum; but neither was detected. Furthermore, the sodium-proton antiporter complex Mrp was downregulated under the lower oxygen levels. Normally, in alkaliphiles, this enzyme is considered crucial for sodium homeostasis. We propose that the existence of a sodium:acetate exporter decreases the requirement for Mrp under strong oxygen limitation.
Carbon nanostructures for high-frequency line-filtering supercapacitors
Authors: M. Santhosh Neelakandan , Cvelbar Uros
Published: October 2024

Supercapacitors (SCs) are considered one of the front-runner energy storage devices for future electronic and automobile device applications. Even though their high-power densities, fast charge/discharge, and long cycling stabilities make them promising for future applications, their charge-discharge takes place below 1 Hz, a major issue for using them as capacitors for line filtering applications. Therefore, developing ultrafast electrochemical supercapacitors with alternating current (AC) line filtering functions has gained research attention to replace conventional aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AEC). Most available SCs possess resistive features rather than capacitive at 120 Hz because of the electrode geometry and configurations, which is a bottleneck in the research of line-filtering SCs. Addressing this challenge could be possible by developing novel electrode materials using hybrid nanostructures to meet the critical requirements for line filtering functions. This mini-review focuses on the advancement and challenges of carbon nanostructure-based electrode materials for AC line filtering applications and the future directions of this growing research area.
Perceived discrepancies in neurosonology training and certification across Europe: a RRFS/EAN survey
Authors: Tiu Vlad , Durães João , Di Lorenzo Francesco , Vashchenko Nina , Gonzalez-Martinez Alicia , Accorroni Alice , Carvalho Vanessa , Sferruzza Giacomo , Cuffaro Luca
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Neurosonology is a vital paraclinical investigation in modern neurology. However, access to education and certification in neurosonology for neurology residents and young specialists in Europe is challenging, and comprehensive data regarding this topic are scarce. Information regarding difficulties in neurosonology training across Europe may help bring this topic under the spotlight and act as a call for the harmonization of curricula across the continent.

Methods

We performed an online survey targeting European neurology residents and young specialists, focusing on neurosonology training and certification. The survey was conducted between May and September 2023 and received responses from 282 participants representing 37 European countries.

Results

There were disparities in neurosonology training during residency, with 6 (16.2%) out of 37 countries reporting a dedicated curriculum. The respondents expressed an overall lack of satisfaction with theoretical knowledge (rating their experience as very poor 28.0%, poor 20.2%, neutral 25.9%, good 19.3%, and very good 6.6%) and practical skills gained during their training (rating their experience as very poor 30.9%, poor 18.9%, neutral 22.6%, good 18.1%, and very good 9.5%). A total of 282 respondents (5.7%), 16 held a national certification in neurosonology, claiming obstacles such as high costs of certification and a limited number of certifying centers.

Discussion

This survey reveals significant variations in neurosonology training across Europe, indicating difficulties in obtaining certification. Despite the increasing importance of neurosonology, many neurologists feel inadequately prepared and lack practical training during residency, emphasizing the need for better and more standardized access.

Conclusion

The survey underscores challenges and disparities in neurosonology training and certification in Europe. Standardization of curricula and increased awareness about available certifications are crucial to address these issues. The interest in European Certification suggests a potential solution for enhancing neurosonology training at the international level.
Level of food consumption score and associated factors among households in Konso Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Markos Kasata , Dake Samson Kastro , Bisetegn Fithamlak Solomon , Nane Debritu
Published: October 2024

Background

Despite several attempts made in the developing world to improve overall food consumption patterns, it is still a major problem. However, there is limited literature on evidence of FCS, particularly in the study area.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the level of food consumption score and associated factors among households in Konso Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 488 households in Konso Zone, southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered, pre-tested, structured questionnaire. We assessed FCS through a seven-day dietary recall of food consumption. The households were labeled as “poor FCS” when they had a food composite score of <21.5; “borderline FCS” when they had a food composite score of 21.5–35; and “acceptable FCS” when they had a food composite score of >35 during the reference period. The data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. The p-value, adjusted odds ratios (AORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to identify the associated factors.

Results

The acceptable FCS among the study participants was 68.3% (95% CI: 63.9, 72.4), whereas 17.4% (95% CI: 14.1, 21.2) were borderline and 14.3% (95% CI: 11.3, 17.8) were poor. There was a higher level of acceptable FCS among households with household heads who were married (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.08, 4.58), aged 18–24 years (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.30), farmers (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.39), and attended formal education (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.65, 4.21).

Conclusion

The prevalence of acceptable FCS was found to be low. The age of the household head, marital status, occupation, and residence had a significant relationship with the study outcome. Therefore, interventions should target younger-headed and unmarried households. Policies and programs should support the ownership of farmland and promote formal education.
Comprehensive characterization and comparison of aroma profiles of rambutan seed oils using GC-MS and GC-IMS combined with chemometrics
Authors: Zhou Yanchi , Cui Jingtao , Wei Qiaozhu , Wu Long , Li Tian , Zhang Weimin
Published: October 2024

Background

Aroma significantly influences the quality of rambutan seed oil. Nonetheless, few studies have examined the volatile composition of rambutan seed oil. Thus, there is a need for a comprehensive characterization of the aroma profile of rambutan seed oil.

Methods

This study systematically investigated and compared the aroma characteristics of three types (BR-4, BR-5 and BR-7) of rambutan seed oils using HS-SPME-GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS techniques, augmented by chemometric modeling.

Results

GC-MS identified 135 volatile compounds, primarily hydrocarbons and esters, while GC-IMS characterized 35 compounds, mainly aldehydes and alcohols. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed significant differences in the aroma profiles among the oil samples. BR-5 exhibited the highest levels of aldehydes and hydrocarbons, whereas BR-7 demonstrated the highest content of esters and ketones. 21 and 15 differentially volatile compounds were extracted from the datasets obtained via GC-MS and GC-IMS. These compounds primarily comprised esters (floral and fruity) and aldehydes (green and fatty), interacting to create the distinctive aroma profiles of the three rambutan seed oils.

Conclusion

This study provides theoretical support for evaluating the flavor characteristics and utilization potential of rambutan seed oil.
Dietary soy protein reverses obesity-induced liver steatosis and alters fecal microbial composition independent of isoflavone level
Authors: Hakkak Reza , Korourian Soheila , Li Wei , Spray Beverly , Twaddle Nathan C. , Randolph Christopher E. , Børsheim Elisabet , Robeson II Michael S.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major public health concern that is exacerbated by the obesity pandemic. Dietary interventions have the potential to alleviate obesity-associated MASLD through variable mechanisms, including optimizing the gut microbiota. Previously, we reported that soy protein concentrate (SPC) with low or high levels of isoflavone (LIF or HIF) protected young obese Zucker rats from developing liver steatosis. The current study was designed to test whether SPC-LIF and SPC-HIF diets would reverse liver steatosis and alter fecal microbial composition in adult obese Zucker rats with existing steatosis.

Methods

Six-week-old male obese Zucker rats (n = 26) were fed a casein control diet (CAS) for 8 weeks and 7 rats were randomly selected and sacrificed to confirm liver steatosis. The remaining rats were randomly assigned to receive CAS, SPC-LIF, or SPC-HIF diet (n = 6–7/group) for an additional 10 weeks.

Results

Compared to CAS diet, feeding SPC-LIF and SPC-HIF diets resulted in significantly lower liver weight, liver steatosis score, and liver microvesicular score (p < 0.05), but did not lead to difference in body weight, liver macrovesicular score, serum ALT, or serum AST. Isoflavone levels (e.g., LIF vs. HIF) did not affect any of these measurements except in the SPC-HIF group, which had an additional decrease in liver weight (p < 0.05) compared to the SPC-LIF group. The SPC-HIF group also had significantly higher levels of the aglycone forms of daidzein, genistein, and equol as well as the total levels of daidzein, genistein, and equol compared to SPC-LIF or CAS diet fed rats (p < 0.05). The distribution of microbial communities based on measures of beta diversity of both SPC-LIF and SPC-HIF groups were significantly different to that of the CAS group (p ≤ 0.005). Alpha-diversity did not differ between any of the groups.

Conclusion

Taken together, dietary soy protein can reverse liver steatosis in adult Zucker rats, and the reversal of steatosis is accompanied by alterations in gut microbial composition.
Prognostic significance of systemic pan-immune-inflammation value in locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Yan Shu , Gong Xin , Liu Rui , Jia Xiaojing
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study investigates the significance of systemic pan-immune inflammation value (PIV) prior to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in predicting the therapeutic efficacy as well as prognosis of patients with locally advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 847 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) treated at the Second Hospital of Jilin University between 2016 and 2020. All patients underwent radical CCRT, including platinum-based sensitizing chemotherapy. The PIV was measured as given by: (platelet count × neutrophil count × monocyte count)/lymphocyte count. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to study the effect of PIV on therapeutic response in LACC patients and Kaplan–Meier survival together with Cox proportional hazard model to assess its impact on prognosis.

Results

With the therapeutic effect as the endpoint, the optimal cutoff of PIV (356.0099) was signified via the receiver operating characteristics curve, and patients were grouped and compared based on this value. PIV was determined as an independent predictor of the therapeutic effect in CCRT for LACC (hazard ratio (HR) 1.696, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.111–2.590). PIV was also an independent predictor of overall survival (OS) (HR 0.540, 95% CI 0.409–0.713, p<0.001) as well as disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 0.680, 95% CI 0.528–0.876, p=0.003). Compared to the low-PIV group, it was noted that individuals with a high PIV exhibited a poorer therapeutic effect and shorter OS and DFS.

Conclusion

Patients with LACC and high PIV had poorer therapeutic outcomes and shorter OS and DFS. Our results may provide PIV as a new prognostic biomarker for LACC, if future prospective studies with large patient numbers support our findings.
Case Report: Management of a congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with portal vein aneurysm in a child using 3D computer-assisted partial right hepatectomy
Authors: Liu Yao , Arief Johan , Xiu Wenli , Hao Xiwei , Wang Feifei , Xia Nan , Dong Qian
Published: October 2024

Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are rare pediatric vascular malformations characterized by abnormal development of the portal vein, which is attributed to incomplete embryonic remodeling of the hepatic and surrounding vasculature. CPSS manifests in two main forms: intrahepatic and extrahepatic. This study details the management of a pediatric patient diagnosed with Congenital Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (CIPS) who was referred to our institution. By using a computer-assisted surgical system, the right hepatectomy was successfully performed, guided by precise intraoperative navigation based on three-dimensional reconstructions of enhanced CT imagery. The patient exhibited a favorable postoperative recovery trajectory, with the absence of complications or recurrence throughout the monitoring period.
The impacts of tobacco and nicotine on HIV-1 infection, inflammation, and the blood-brain barrier in the central nervous system
Authors: Keane Aislinn M. , Swartz Talia H.
Published: October 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) remains a persistent global health crisis. Even while successfully virologically suppressed, people with HIV (PWH) experience a higher risk for inflammatory disorders such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Tobacco use puts PWH at higher risk for neurocognitive symptoms resulting from HIV-associated neuroinflammation. The NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been implicated as a driver of HIV-associated inflammation, including HAND. Nicotine, the psychoactive component of tobacco smoke, has also been shown to signal through the NLRP3 inflammasome and modulate inflammatory signaling in the CNS. Here, we explore the impacts of nicotine and tobacco on the complex neurobiology of HAND, including effects on cognition, inflammation, viral latency, and blood-brain barrier integrity. We outline nicotine’s role in the establishment of active and latent infection in the brain and posit the NLRP3 inflammasome as a common pathway by which HIV-1 and nicotine promote neuroinflammation in PWH.
Environmental therapy: interface design strategies for color graphics to assist navigational tasks in patients with visuospatial disorders through an analytic hierarchy process based on CIE color perception
Authors: Li Weicong , Ma Shangbing , Liu Yueling , Lin Haopai , Lv Huabin , Shi Wenwen , Ao Jinghui
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Environmental therapy theory has been applied in the research of disease prevention, and the effectiveness of using color and graphic designs to assist patients with spatial orientation has been confirmed. Visual-spatial impairments are common symptoms associated with cognitive decline. However, the interaction and driving factors between these impairments and spatial color and graphic designs remain unclear.

Methods

This paper first discusses the correlation between the characteristics of visual-spatial impairments and environmental factors and then investigates the color preferences of such patients based on the CIE 1976 color system and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Subsequently, the paper explores spatial design strategies conducive to spatial orientation from the perspective of adaptability to pathological characteristics, utilizing case study analysis.

Results

(1) Pathological characteristics of visual-spatial impairments (such as difficulties in spatial orientation and spatial neglect) are related to environmental factors; (2) Emotional attachment factors play a key role in patients’ perception of satisfaction with environmental colors; (3) Color associations have the potential to strengthen spatial memory. Additionally, interface designs with high luminance, low saturation, and clear color differentiation facilitate patients’ recognition of space.

Discussion

This paper posits that spatial interface design is a feasible approach to assist with spatial orientation, and it achieves this through a mediating process that progresses from influencing visual stimuli to cognitive memory and then to behavioral orientation. The article provides insights into the operational feasibility of this method.
Interconnected factors in EFL engagement: classroom climate, growth mindset, and achievement goals
Authors: Ma Weiran , Yang Weian , Bu Qinggang
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This study explores the relationships among classroom climate, growth mindset, achievement goal orientation, and student engagement in the context of English as a foreign language (EFL) education in China. The study aims to understand how these factors interact to influence student engagement and motivation in EFL learning.

Methods

Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 587 Chinese undergraduate EFL students. The questionnaire assessed students’ perceptions of classroom climate, growth mindset, achievement goal orientation, and engagement. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the relationships among these variables.

Results

The SEM analysis revealed significant positive correlations among classroom climate, growth mindset, achievement goal orientation, and student engagement. Both classroom climate and growth mindset were found to directly and positively predict student engagement. Additionally, achievement goal orientation mediated the relationships between both classroom climate and student engagement, and between growth mindset and student engagement.

Discussion

The findings underscore the interconnectedness of classroom climate, growth mindset, and achievement goal orientation in shaping student engagement in EFL education. These results suggest that fostering a positive classroom climate and promoting mastery-oriented goals can enhance student motivation and contribute to more effective language acquisition. Practical implications for EFL educators are also discussed.
The introduction of the concept of anxiety into China: a thematic historical study
Authors: Miao Peng
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This article presents a thematic historical study on the introduction of “anxiety” to modern China. Based on seminal research conducted previously by European scholars on histories of psychological and psychiatric concepts, this article reviews the itinerary of “anxiety” to China by using multiple types of textual evidence. Alongside a detailed description of how “anxiety” was translated and introduced, a comparison between the notions of “anxiety” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western psychoanalytic approaches was made. The processes of how “depression” and “anxiety” were introduced to China were also compared.

Materials and methods

Three types of textual evidence were meticulously analyzed. First, lexicographical works published since the 19th century were examined to trace the initial introduction and observe the standardized translation of “anxiety” in Chinese. Second, newspaper and periodical articles were analyzed to understand how knowledge of “anxiety” was communicated to the general public. Third, the evolution of psychological and psychiatric terminologies was observed through medical books.

Results

It was found that “anxiety” was initially translated into various Chinese terms, with “jiaolyu” eventually emerging as the standardized term after 1949. The textual evidence showed that “anxiety” began to be acknowledged as a disease concept in the early 20th century, though it was not formally recognized as a diagnostic category until the late 20th century. This article also highlights the differences between the Western psychoanalytic view on anxiety and the Chinese folk conception of it.

Discussion and conclusions

It was observed that the introduction processes of depression and anxiety to China were similar, though their conceptual histories in the West showed much difference. The fading of neurasthenia marked a new era of psychiatric development in China, characterized by an enhanced specificity in the classification of mental disorders, which was never observed in the discourse about “xin feng,” a corresponding TCM notion of “anxiety.” The article also underscores the need for further exploration of corresponding TCM concepts of “anxiety” and the assimilation of Western psychiatric concepts in China.
Being blind (or not) to scenarios used in sacrificial dilemmas: the influence of factual and contextual information on moral responses
Authors: Carron Robin , Brigaud Emmanuelle , Anders Royce , Blanc Nathalie
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Traditionally, human morality has been largely studied with classical sacrificial dilemmas. A way to advance current understandings of moral judgment and decision-making may involve testing the impact of contexts that are made available to individuals presented with these archetypal dilemmas. This preliminary study focused on assessing whether the availability of factual and contextual information delivered through classical scenarios would change moral responses.

Method

A total of 334 participants were presented with sacrificial dilemmas either with a scenario or without a scenario before performing two moral tasks: one consisted in moral judgment (e.g., is it acceptable to sacrifice one person to save five?) and one was related to choice of action (e.g., would you sacrifice one person to save five?). In the condition with a scenario, participants were presented with a story describing the dilemma, its protagonists, their roles, the location and some background details of the situation, before answering to the two moral tasks. In the condition without a scenario, participants were only asked to perform the two moral tasks without any additional contextual elements usually provided by the scenario. Participants’ emotions were also measured before and after completing the two moral tasks.

Results

The results indicated that the presence of a scenario did not affect moral judgments. However, the presence of a scenario significantly increased utilitarian action choices (i.e., sacrificing one person in the interest of saving a greater number) and this effect was partially mediated by an increase in the perceived plausibility of the sacrificial action. Regarding emotional reaction to dilemmas, no differences were observed between the two conditions, suggesting that emotions are mainly based on the two moral tasks.

Discussion

These findings underscore the value of carefully considering the role of factual and contextual information provided by the scenarios in moral dilemmas.