bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keratocystoma of the Parotid Gland: A Rare Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Liu Liyan , Xu Haoyue , Ren Yi , Zhan Xiaohong , Bu Lingxue
Published: October 2024

Keratocystoma of the parotid gland is a rare benign salivary gland tumor. In 2022, the World Health Organization added keratocystoma to the classification of benign parotid tumors. Recently, our hospital encountered a case involving a 2-year-old child, making this the youngest patient reported to date. We excised part of the parotid gland and lesion under general anesthesia while preserving the facial nerve. There was no local recurrence during the 1-year follow-up period after surgery. Despite its rarity, it is essential to consider the possibility of keratocystoma and distinguish it from other benign neoplastic lesions of the parotid gland.
Yo! Chisme Is Good! Latina/x Girls’ Cultivando Confianza in an After-School Program
Authors: Nuñez Idalia , Ybarra Mónica González , Tissenbaum Catherine Dornfeld , Acosta Brian
Published: October 2024

Background or Context:

Middle-school Girls of Color experience complex systems of relationships, structures, and situations in and out of school spaces. Their experiences, however, are often at the margins or excluded from middle school curricula and after-school programming. In this article, we focus on how young women engage with chisme to liberate themselves from social and academic pressures placed upon them.

Purpose and Research Questions:

Our study seeks to center and explore the ways of knowing and being of Latina/x middle school girls with particular attention to the role of chisme. We draw on Chicana/Latina feminist perspectives to address the following research questions: (1) How do middle school Latina/x girls define chisme? (2) How and why was chisme enacted or leveraged to co-create a trusting space in an after-school program for middle school Latina/x girls?

Research Design:

We employed a practitioner research inquiry design to explore chisme as a literacy practice of Latina/x middle-school girls in an after-school program. The after-school program, Latina/x Girlhood Narratives, was implemented in a middle school in a mid-sized, urban city in the Midwest region of the United States. Analytically, we engaged in video data analysis and qualitative coding analysis to examine the data.

Results and Conclusions:

Three main findings emerged from the study: (1) shared understandings: chismes, rumors, and snitching; (2) todo or la mitad del chisme: a process and product of confianza; and (3) from chismes to liberatory literacy practices of desahogamiento. Our study demonstrates how chisme, in particular, not only was vital to building and deepening confianza, but also allowed access to the girls’ ideas for activities and pedagogies. The field of education must continue to work to make visible the ways in which Latina/x girls engage with themselves and the world in order to sustain better relationships with and for them, and to build pathways for Latina/x girls to see themselves as successful in schools and in society.
Hungry for nutrition information: Undergraduate students’ engagement with nutrition social media nutrition content
Authors: Gersten Zachary P. , Anderson Olivia S.
Published: October 2024

Background: Social media is a fast-changing, normalized way through which youth access health and nutrition information. Yet, social media content that lacks expertise or altruistic motives can negatively impact this vulnerable population through mis- or disinformation. Aim: The aims of this study were to 1) assess how adolescents and young adults engage with nutrition information across social media platforms and account types, and 2) describe their preferences for nutrition social media content. Methods: We conducted an exploratory mixed methods study with 57 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory public health nutrition course. First, we calculated descriptive statistics on close-ended survey data on social media use and sociodemographic variables. Then, we performed thematic analysis on open-ended survey data regarding social media use, preferences, and experiences. Results: The median age of participants was 20 years old; 70% of participants identified as female and 11% identified as male. We found that TikTok and Instagram were highly preferred by participants for weight loss, wellness, diet promotion, and sports and fitness topics. In general, participants reported wanting personalized content that conveys positive nutrition messages that are supported by credible expertise. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the nutrition community can engage adolescents and young adults by presenting information as image- and video-based content on social media. Social media content related to weight loss, wellness, diet promotion, and sports and fitness topics should establish credibility using visible markers and embrace body positive messaging for maximum uptake.
Type of delivery lacks the association with dietary patterns followed by pregnant women in their third trimester
Authors: Tayyem Reema F. , Yadak Amal , Al-Kuran Oqba , Allehdan Sabika
Published: October 2024

Background: Maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in fetal development, women's health, and reproductive capacity. Dietary pattern (DP) is a measure of overall diet and has become widespread in nutrition research as an alternative method to studying individual components of the diet. Aim: this study aims to determine the adopted DPs by Jordanian pregnant women and evaluate their potential associations with the mode of delivery. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 249 healthy Jordanian pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy who attended antenatal clinics at Jordan University. Personal information was gathered using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. To investigate dietary patterns, a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire was employed, and a pregnant physical activity questionnaire was used to estimate physical activity levels. The mode of delivery data was collected from the medical records after delivery. Results: The majority of pregnant women (82.3%) fell within the age range of 20 to 35 years. Notably, 34.5% of the mothers were classified as overweight or obese. Additionally, around one in five deliveries involved emergency cesarean sections. Four distinct DPs were identified and labelled as “fruit and vegetables”, “healthy”, “traditional”, and ‘fat and sugar” dietary patterns. However, no significant association was found between these identified dietary patterns and the occurrence of Caesarean section (CS) across all tertiles. Conclusion: The analysis revealed no substantial protective effect of the DPs against the occurrence of CS across all tertiles of dietary patterns. However, further studies are needed to either confirm or challenge our findings.
Association between patient-reported frailty and nonhome discharge among older patients with acute stroke: A prospective study
Authors: Cui Yanli , Meng Cao , Xiang Lijun , Luo Yansi , Song Xuemei , Cheng Daihong , Ye Jiawei , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: October 2024

Objective

To investigate the association between prestroke frailty and nonhome discharge, prolonged length of stay as well as functional outcomes.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Single urban teaching hospital in Guangzhou, China.

Participants

Consecutive sample of 271 older patients admitted with acute stroke.

Intervention

N/A.

Main measures

A five-item FRAIL scale (0∼5 points) and the stroke severity at onset were measured. The primary outcome of interest was nonhome discharge, with secondary outcomes including prolonged length of stay and worse short-term prognosis. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for confounding factors was used to determine the association between patient-reported frailty and nonhome discharge, prolonged length of stay, worse short-term prognosis.

Results

The population had a median age of 68 [interquartile range (IQR), 64∼74)]years, with 50 individuals (18.5%) identified as frail. After adjusting for age, sex, Barthel index, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and Mini-Mental Status Exam score at admission, patients with self-reported frailty were significantly likely to experience nonhome discharge (Odds Ratio [ OR] = 4.788; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.272∼18.017; p  = .021), prolonged length of stay ( OR = 4.76; 95% CI  = 1.80∼12.56; p = .002), mRS scores at 30 days ( OR = 6.72;95% CI  = 1.79∼25.20; p = .005) and three months postdischarge and three-month ( OR = 8.94; 95% CI  = 2.10∼38.08; p = .003).

Conclusions

In older adults with stroke, frailty is associated with nonhome discharge, prolonged length of stay, and worse short-term prognosis, regardless of the stroke severity, cognition, and Barthel index score at admission. FRAIL scale can be used as a practical screening tool in acute care setting by multidisciplinary team in supporting discharge process.
The impact of cannabidiol placebo on amygdala-based neural responses to an acute stressor
Authors: Perry Robin N , Ethier-Gagnon Mikeala A , Helmick Carl , Spinella Toni C , Tibbo Philip G , Stewart Sherry H , Barrett Sean P
Published: October 2024

Background:

Cannabidiol (CBD) impacts brain regions implicated in anxiety reactivity and stress reactivity (e.g., amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), anterior insula (AI)); however, placebo-controlled studies are mixed regarding CBD’s anxiolytic effects. We previously reported that CBD expectancy alone can alter subjective, physiological, and endocrine markers of stress/anxiety; however, it is unclear whether these findings reflect altered brain reactivity. This study evaluated whether CBD expectancy independently alters amygdala resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) with the ACC and AI following acute stress.

Method:

Thirty-eight (20 females) healthy adults were randomly assigned to receive accurate or inaccurate information regarding the CBD content of a CBD-free oil administered during a single experimental session. Following a baseline resting state MRI scan, participants administered their assigned oil sublingually, engaged in a stress task (serial subtraction with negative feedback) inside the scanner, and underwent another resting state MRI scan. Amygdala rsFC with the ACC and AI was measured during each scan, and the subjective state was assessed at six time points. Outcomes were analyzed using ANCOVA.

Results:

CBD expectancy (vs CBD-free expectancy) was associated with significantly weaker rsFC between the left amygdala and right ACC ( p = 0.042), but did not systematically alter amygdala-AI rsFC ( p-values > 0.05). We also replicated our previously reported CBD expectancy effects on subjective stress/anxiety in the scanner context.

Conclusion:

CBD placebo effects may be sufficient to alter neural responses relevant to its purported anxiolytic and stress-relieving properties. Future work is needed to replicate these results and determine whether CBD expectancy and pharmacology interact to alter neural anxiety reactivity and stress reactivity.
Somatosensory migraine auras evoked by bihemispheric cortical spreading depression events in human parietal cortex
Authors: Gollion Cedric , Christensen Rune H , Ashina Håkan , Al-Khazali Haidar M , Fisher Patrick M , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Lauritzen Martin , Ashina Messoud
Published: October 2024

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is associated with pronounced alterations in cerebral blood flow. These alterations can be captured using high-field functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). While compelling clinical and experimental data suggest that CSD is involved in the pathogenesis of migraine aura, the mechanistic intricacies remain poorly understood. Here, we use visual stimulus-induced blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI responses to characterize spatiotemporal alterations in cerebral blood flow during spontaneous attacks with migraine aura. Six adult participants diagnosed with migraine with aura underwent BOLD fMRI scans with a visual stimulation paradigm, consisting of flickering checkerboard stimulation. Our results revealed that auras with somatosensory symptoms corresponded with bilateral alterations of stimulus-induced BOLD responses in the somatosensory cortex, exhibiting anterior-to-posterior propagation and absence of antecedent occipital abnormalities. These altered stimulus-induced BOLD responses were bilateral, despite a unilateral manifestation of aura symptoms, and had no relationship with positive or negative aura symptoms. The bilateral abnormalities in stimulus-induced BOLD responses completes our current knowledge on migraine aura.
A support vector machine-based approach to guide the selection of a pseudo-reference region for brain PET quantification
Authors: Tang Chunmeng , Vanderlinden Greet , Schroyen Gwen , Deprez Sabine , Van Laere Koen , Koole Michel
Published: October 2024

A Support Vector Machine (SVM) based approach was developed to identify a pseudo-reference region for brain PET scans with the aim of reducing interscan and intersubject variability. By training a binary linear SVM classifier with PET datasets from two different groups, potential pseudo-reference regions were identified by considering their regional average or total contribution to the classification score. This approach was evaluated in three cohorts with different brain PET tracers: (1) 11C-PiB PET scans of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and age-matched controls (OC); (2) baseline and blocking scans of an 11C-UCB-J PET occupancy study; and (3) 18F-DPA-714 PET scans for healthy controls (HC) and chemo-treated women with breast cancer (BC). In the first cohort, cerebellum, brainstem, and subcortical white matter were confirmed as pseudo-reference regions. The same regions were identified for the second cohort using either the VT maps or the SUV images. In the third cohort, cerebellum and brainstem were identified as pseudo-reference regions, alongside subcortical white matter and temporal cortex. In addition, the SVM-based approach demonstrated robust performance even with a reduced number of subjects, therefore confirming its applicability in identifying pseudo-reference regions without a priori assumptions and with only limited data across different PET tracers.
Spontaneous rupture of an unscarred uterus at the early third trimester due to placenta percreta: a case report
Authors: Zhang Li , Hong Xunyu , Hong Ling
Published: October 2024

Uterine rupture during pregnancy is a complication of placenta percreta. We present the case of a woman in her early 30s with a history of incomplete abortion treated by dilatation and curettage who was admitted with abdominal pain and vomiting at 30 weeks of gestation. She was diagnosed with thrombophilia and was administered anticoagulant drugs. After 10 hours of monitoring, the patient abruptly deteriorated. An emergency cesarean delivery showed a ruptured uterus due to placenta percreta. She accepted localized excision and uterine repair, and recovered well. Rupture of an unscarred uterus due to placental percreta is an extremely rare obstetric complication with high maternal and fetal mortality. This condition should be suspected in all pregnant women who have severe abdominal pain without being in labor. The treatment of uterine rupture due to placental percreta should be individualized, and repair of the uterus is possible in the majority of women.
Nonunion of the distal one-fourth of the tibia treated by retrograde tibial intramedullary nail
Authors: Zhai Wen-Liang , Xiong Yuan-Fei , Liu Hui , Zhang Jin-Hui , Xu Wei-Zhen , Wu Jin
Published: October 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of retrograde tibial intramedullary nail (RTN) in addressing nonunion in the distal one-fourth of the tibia.

Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive patients who were treated with RTN for nonunion in the distal one-fourth of the tibia between December 2020 and August 2023. Data regarding age, sex, injury mechanism, fracture type, initial fixation method, nonunion duration and type, risk factors, surgical duration, hospital stay, time to bone union, ankle function at final follow-up, and any complications were extracted from hospital records and analysed.

Results

Five patients in total were included, with previous treatments comprising locking plates and/or external fixation. The mean duration of RTN surgery was 94.0 ± 13.7 min, and mean duration of hospital stay was 9.8 ± 1.9 days. Patients were monitored for 10–18 months post RTN, achieving complete bone healing within a mean of 4.8 months. At the latest follow-up, the mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 84.4 ± 6.8 (range, 77–95). No complications, such as infection, reoperation, implant issues, rotational deformity, or shortening were reported.

Conclusion

RTN emerges as a dependable, minimally invasive, and safe treatment modality for managing nonunion in the distal one-fourth of the tibia.
Mathematical model of molten iron and slag flow in the hearth
Authors: Liu Peng-bo , Cheng Shu-sen , Cheng Xiao-man , Liu Zhao
Published: October 2024

The stable hearth discharge is crucial for the operation of a blast furnace (BF). This study established a mathematical model for hearth discharge based on Bernoulli's principle, which considers the blast pressure, kinetic energy of molten iron and slag, gravitational potential energy, the pressure loss of molten iron and slag flowing through the deadman and taphole. It is found that the sharp increase of molten iron and slag flow is probably due to the fracture of the mud, while the sharp decrease of molten iron and slag flow is probably due to the blockage of the taphole by coke. This paper also studies the effect of operating parameters on the hearth discharge. With the increase of taphole plug time, the production rate and slag viscosity, the tap-end time will increase. With the increase of deadman voidage, the tap-end time will be shortened. The correctness of the mathematical model was verified by the actual flow rate of slag and molten iron.
Identification and characterisation of Type Ⅱ MnS via YOLO deep learning method
Authors: Zheng Qiu-wei , Gao Xiao-yong , Zhang Li-feng
Published: October 2024

In order to solve the problem that the current inclusion characterisation methods can only identify single-point inclusions, the identification and characterisation model of type II MnS inclusions was established, and related software was developed. Scanning electron microscopy was used for establish a database of type II MnS. You Only Look Once deep learning model was used to realise the recognition of type II MnS with the learning rate 0.01. Image post-processing technologies such as edge detection and grey value extraction were used to characterise the identified type II MnS, and the accuracy of the characterisation was confirmed by visualising the characterisation information. This method achieved up to 91.485% mAP0.5 in identifying Type II MnS inclusions, and the accuracy and recall rate achieved up to 85.924% and 83.333%, respectively. The characterisation of Type II MnS inclusions could be accurately completed by adjusting the grey threshold. The current method to detect type II MnS inclusions greatly saved time and reduced the recognition error.
The Effect of 6 weeks Physical Activity on Cognitive Control and Trait Impulsivity in Multi-problem Young Adults: First Findings of an RCT-study
Authors: van der Sluys Maria-Elise , Marhe Reshmi , Popma Arne , van der Laan Peter H. , Scherder Erik J. A.
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to report the effect of a 6-week light-active versus moderate-active physical activity intervention embedded in a multimodal day treatment program on selected measures of cognitive control (i.e., response inhibition, error processing, and cognitive interference) and trait impulsivity. A randomized controlled design was implemented, including male multi-problem young adults (aged 18–27) assigned to either light-active ( N = 12) or moderate-active physical activity lessons ( N = 11). A repeated measures design was used to examine treatment effects between the two groups over time on response inhibition, error processing, and cognitive interference (measured respectively with a Go/NoGo task, a Flanker task, and the Stroop) and trait impulsivity (measured with the Dutch Baratt Impulsiveness Scale). Cognitive control, but not trait impulsivity, improved over time. Specifically, enhancements in inhibition and reduced cognitive interference were observed after 6 weeks. Error processing did not improve, but we did observe improved performance on an error-processing task. No interaction with physical activity intensity was found, suggesting similar treatment effects regardless of intensity. Results should be interpreted with caution due to several limitations, including the small sample size. Overall, due to current limitations (i.e., physical activity embedded in a larger treatment program, small sample size at follow-up, and low intervention adherence), it is not possible to draw any definite conclusions. However, the current findings contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting potential benefits of physical activity (embedded in a multi-modal day treatment program) in the enhancement of cognitive control deficits in at-risk populations, independent of exercise intensity.
Investigations of three-dimensional fiber orientation on mechanical impact behavior of short glass-fiber-reinforced PEEK composites
Authors: Ge Yuzhou , Zhan Zhangjie , Wu Wanxia , Zhao Jian , Román Allen Jonathan , Gim Jinsu , Su Dongxiao , Zuo Xiubin , Turng Lih-Sheng , Osswald Tim A
Published: October 2024

This work presents experimental and numerical investigations of three-dimensional (3D) fiber orientation on mechanical impact behavior of short glass-fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone (SGFR PEEK) composites. The incorporation of short fibers significantly enhances the stiffness and strength of the composites while reducing the ductility, thereby, making the study of their impact response essential. To this end, we firstly manufactured the composite components using injection molding, and used the micro-computed tomography (µCT) to measure the fiber orientation distribution in 3D space for mechanical behavior prediction. Then, by studying the molded components across the thickness based on the actual observation, a distinct laminate structure with seven layers was quantitatively evaluated. A representative volume element (RVE) micromechanical computational method was developed and compared with the experimental results. Furthermore, homogenization method with the periodic boundary condition was implemented to evaluate the effective mechanical properties of the molded components. Finally, the phenomenological Johnson Cook (JC) model with fracture behavior was conducted to analyze the impact response of the injected components with different fiber orientation distributions. The new framework is demonstrated by acceptable energy absorption capability prediction of the SGFR PEEK composites.
Exploring Debugging Challenges and Strategies Using Structural Topic Model: A Comparative Analysis of High and Low-Performing Students
Authors: Park Eunsung , Cheon Jongpil
Published: October 2024

Debugging is essential for identifying and rectifying errors in programming, yet time constraints and students’ trivialization of errors often hinder progress. This study examines differences in debugging challenges and strategies among students with varying computational thinking (CT) competencies using weekly coding journals from an online undergraduate CT course. Participants used Scratch, a block-based programming language, and their journals from five assignments were analyzed using Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency and Structural Topic Modeling. High-performing students engaged with diverse topics and specific blocks tied to their weekly projects while low-performing students faced repetitive and broad challenges, such as understanding motion blocks and broadcast concepts. These patterns reveal that low-performing students struggle particularly during the ‘diagnose the fault’ phase of debugging, often hindering their progress in the final stage. Such challenges highlight the necessity for targeted educational interventions to improve the debugging proficiency and overall CT skills. The study underscores the importance of further research into students’ logical thinking processes during code review and debugging, suggesting the use of think-aloud protocols and detailed tracking of debugging practices for deeper insights. This research contributes to the field by showing that differentiated instruction and strategic support can enhance debugging skills across different student performance levels.
Cross-Cultural Spectators: Examining the Representation and Development of Black Female Protagonists on the Big Screen
Authors: Andrews Josie L. , McClain Adam L.
Published: October 2024

Historically, the representation of Black women in film has been non-existent at worst and highly questionable at best. As cross-cultural spectators - a Black female and a White man - we used an oppositional gaze to critically “look” at the representation and adult development of Black female protagonists across U.S. films. Based on a critical visual methodology of 12 U.S. films, four themes emerged - #noBlackgirlmagic, transition from object-to-subject, the lies (you) tell, and hair it is. The implications for adult and higher education are discussed based on the findings.
Early Childhood Routines and Adolescent Health & Well-Being: Associations From a US Urban Cohort of Children With Socioeconomic Disadvantage
Authors: Duh-Leong Carol , Anyigbo Chidiogo , Canfield Caitlin F. , Pierce Kristyn A. , Fierman Arthur H. , Yo Katherine L. , Fuller Anne E.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To investigate longitudinal associations between the presence of early childhood routines– predictable and repeatable functional practices that promote healthy growth, development, and relationships – and adolescent health outcomes.

Design

Secondary data analysis.

Setting

20 large U.S. cities.

Subjects

2943 children with socioeconomic disadvantage from the Future of Families cohort.

Measures

Routines at age 3 (shared family meals, bedtime routine, daily reading); outcomes later in the same children at age 15 (healthy routines, overall health, psychological well-being).

Analysis

Descriptive statistics, regression analyses.

Results

We detected longitudinal associations between early childhood routines and later adolescent routines (increased count of shared family meals by parent report [IRR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.24, P = 0.007], bedtime routine and daily reading by adolescent report [aOR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.67, P = 0.008; aOR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.38, P = 0.04; respectively]). A bedtime routine in early childhood was associated with excellent health in adolescence (aOR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.79, P = 0.004]. Adolescent routines were concurrently associated with overall health and psychological well-being. We also detected two longitudinal patterns of associations suggesting multiple mechanisms for how early childhood routines influence later health and well-being.

Conclusion

Early childhood routines predict adolescent routines, and may contribute to long term adolescent health outcomes. Future studies may promote childhood routines during critical developmental stages as a strength-based strategy to promote long-term health and well-being.
State of art on evaluation of three- to six-dimensional novel additive manufacturing technology for biomedical applications
Authors: Girija M. , Sampath Kumar T.
Published: October 2024

Additive manufacturing has evolved over the last few decades. Three-dimensional printing is a digital manufacturing technology that provides nearly endless options for the creation of an accessible instrument for all parts of various medical practices, including tissue engineering, through meticulous optimization of material, processing, and geometry for every point in an object. Three-dimensional printing has opened up a new, faster, and safer manufacturing process, despite its incapability to fabricate complex structures and objects. Recently, novel four-dimensional printing techniques have been developed for the transformation of typical stable three-dimensional printed parts into smart objects. The limitations of three-dimensional printing could be remedied with four-dimensional printing, by applying time as the fourth dimension. Self-repairing and speedy printing are two additional benefits of this technology's by using smart materials. By adapting this technology, numerous medical domains could be profited. Four-dimensional printing does not have the ability to produce curved complicated forms. However, five-dimensional printing overcomes the flaws seems in four-dimensional printing. Five-dimensional additive manufacturing relies on the rotation of both the print bed and the extruder head. Five-dimensional printing outlasts in terms of durability than three- and four-dimensional printing. Currently, a combination of the principles of four- and five-dimensional printing into a single process is called six-dimensional printing. In six-dimensional printing, the form changes over time due to the reaction of environmental factors, which is primarily used in biomedical applications. This paper summarizes extensive research on biomaterials in the field of biomedical science and discusses the present implications of three-, four-, five-, and six-dimensional printing techniques.
Numerical investigation on influence of different geometrical cavity flame holders and flame stabilization mechanism in hydrogen fueled multi-strut-based scramjet combustor
Authors: Shajahan Shaik , Gugulothu Santhosh Kumar , Muthyala Raju , Barmavatu Praveen
Published: October 2024

A detailed computational study was carried out to explore how the presence of a cavity and cavity angles influence the performance and combustion mechanisms within a scramjet combustor. This research utilized ANSYS Fluent 2021 to create hexahedral meshes and simulate the complex fluid dynamics in scramjet engines equipped with dual strut injectors. The simulations addressed various critical aspects of fluid mechanics, including the continuity, momentum (via the Navier-Stokes equations), and energy equations. These equations were used to model non-reacting flows, while the species transport equations were applied to analyse reacting flows. The turbulence within the combustor was modelled using the standard K-ε model, a common choice for such high-speed aerodynamic evaluations. The study's primary goal was to assess the effects of different geometrical configurations of cavity flame holders on the performance characteristics of an H2-based scramjet combustor overall efficiency, focusing on mixing efficiency, combustion performance, and total pressure loss. Both configurations with and without a cavity were examined. Key findings indicate that incorporating a cavity into the combustor design leads to developing a robust recirculation zone within the cavity area. This recirculation zone is pivotal in enhancing fuel-air mixing and combustion efficiency, with cavity-based combustors showing an earlier onset of combustion and achieving peak combustion efficiencies around 90–95%. The extent of the recirculation region is notably influenced by the proximity of the strut injector to the cavity's length. Additionally, the presence of a shear layer within the cavity generates a weak shock at the cavity's trailing edge. This shock interaction can adversely affect scramjet combustor performance, especially at higher cavity angles (α) and specific geometric configurations, such as an L/D ratio of 4 and α=30°. The L/D ratio of 4 and α=30° combustor model results in a 13.8% increase in turbulence intensity, which raises air-fuel mixing and there by improves mixing and combustion efficiency by 14.23% and 13.34%, compared to the other depth of the cavities. This advantage is critical, especially considering the compact length of the combustor, which is a desirable attribute in scramjet design.
Materials for 3D printing in healthcare sector: A review
Authors: Nizam Maruf , Purohit Rajesh , Taufik Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Additive Manufacturing (AM) encompasses various techniques creating intricate components from digital models. The aim of incorporating 3D printing (3DP) in the healthcare sector is to transform patient care by providing personalized solutions, improving medical procedures, fostering research and development, and ultimately optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This review delves into the historical beginnings of AM’s 9 integration into medical contexts exploring various categories of AM methodologies and their roles within the medical sector. This survey also dives into the issue of material requirements and challenges specific to AM’s medical applications. Emphasis is placed on how AM processes directly enhance human well-being. The primary focus of this paper is to highlight the evolution and incentives for cross-disciplinary AM applications, particularly in the realm of healthcare by considering their principle, materials and applications. It is designed for a diverse audience, including manufacturing professionals and researchers, seeking insights into this transformative technology’s medical dimensions.
The right to the city for urban refugees? Living in the shadow of the camp in Nairobi, Amman and Addis Ababa
Authors: Earle Lucy
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the multiple ways in which the lives of urban refugees are impacted by the presence of refugee camps. It builds on a growing body of literature on the urban refugee experience that recognizes the agency exercised in the rejection of the camp. But it also demonstrates how, in countries with an encampment policy, the presence of camps can limit urban refugees’ mobility and their ability to take advantage of all that urban life has to offer. It also highlights the consequences of the choice refugees must make between receiving humanitarian aid in a camp and living unassisted in an urban area. The paper draws on qualitative interviews with refugees in Ethiopia, Kenya and Jordan. It presents conclusions on the inadequacy of the international response, which fails to capitalize on the presence of displaced people in cities, to achieve the supposed policy goal of “self-reliance”.
In silico evaluations of phytochemicals from Withania somnifera exhibiting anticancer activity against NAD[P]H-quinone oxidoreductase
Authors: Jahagirdar Sushma , Praveen Kumar Harshini , Bhat Smitha S , Poddar Arpita , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar , Ahmad Sheikh F , Prasad Shashanka K
Published: October 2024

Background

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and in the US, prompting research into medicinal plants with anticancer properties. Withania somnifera, or Ashwagandha, is one such plants, known for its diverse pharmacological effects. Withaferin A and Viscosalactone B are two compounds found in Ashwagandha with known anticancer activity. The protein NQO1, overexpressed in various cancers, was the focus of this study.

Hypothesis and aim

We hypothesize that specific phytochemicals in Withania somnifera can effectively interact with and inhibit the NQO1 protein, thereby exhibiting anticancer properties. This study aims to identify these interactions using in silico approaches.

Methodology

CFDT was performed using the Gaussian 16 program package, followed by QSAR analysis of the compounds in the PASS online web server. The Schrodinger suite was used to carry out ligand and protein preparation, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation to analyse the interaction of these compounds with NQO1 and ADME studies. Protox-II and SWISSADME tools were used to predict the toxicity and blood–brain barrier permeability of the phytochemicals.

Results and conclusion

CDFT and frontier molecular orbital analyses predicted the stability and reactivity of all the selected molecules. QSAR analysis predicted the biological activity and toxicity of the compounds. Withaferin A exhibited the highest glide gscore (−4.953 kcal/mol) and demonstrated 6 hydrogen bond interactions with NQO1, suggesting its potential as an anticancer agent. Conceptual density functional theory-based analysis suggested the strong electrophilicity of the ligands, further supporting their potential anticancer activities. Viscosalactone B, another phytochemical from Ashwagandha, also showed interactions involving 6 hydrogen bonds with NQO1, with a glide gscore of (−4.593 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamic simulations validated the stability of the Withaferin A-NQO1 complex. ADME-T properties predicted high oral absorption for the selected ligands, indicating that Withaferin A could be a viable orally administered drug.
LncRNA-NEAT1 facilitates autophagy to boost pemetrexed resistance in lung adenocarcinoma via the mir-379-3p/HIF1A pathway
Authors: Hu Wei , Cao Wenjun , Liu Jiheng
Published: October 2024

Background

As a primary chemotherapeutic agent for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), pemetrexed (PEM) faces the challenge of resistance development in cancer cells due to its chronic use, which compromises its therapeutic benefits. LncRNA-NEAT1, implicated in the promotion of cancer, is a key player in LUAD. The objective of this study is to explore the contribution of lncRNA-NEAT1 to PEM resistance in LUAD and to dissect the molecular mechanisms involved.

Method

The expression levels of lncRNA-NEAT1 in LUAD tissues and cells were deciphered using the TCGA database and qRT-PCR. To delve into the functional implications of lncRNA-NEAT1, we engineered plasmids to modulate its expression levels in PEM-resistant A549 cells. PEM resistance in the modified cells was then quantitatively assessed via a panel of assays including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and colony formation, and flow cytometry. To predict the interaction sites between lncRNA-NEAT1 and miR-379-3p, along with the miR-379-3p and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1A), we referred to the StarBase and TargetScan databases. The interplay between these RNA molecules was further characterized by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays, while the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3I, LC3II, and Beclin1 was profiled using western blot (WB).

Results

Abundant lncRNA-NEAT1 expression was observed in LUAD tissues and cell lines. Its depletion resulted in impeded growth of A549/PEM cells, enhanced apoptotic rates, and a lowered threshold for PEM to exert a half-maximal inhibitory effect. The interplay between lncRNA-NEAT1 and miR-379-3p, as evidenced by dual-luciferase reporter assays, RIP, and qRT-PCR, led to the upregulation of HIF1A. WB and CCK-8 outcomes illustrated that the autophagy and PEM resistance were compromised when HIF1A expression was curtailed by miR-379-3p mimics in A549/PEM cells. The restoration of these effects was observed upon lncRNA-NEAT1-mediated downregulation of miR-379-3p.

Conclusion

Our study illuminates the role of lncRNA-NEAT1 in LUAD, where it mediates resistance to PEM through the activation of autophagy via the miR-379-3p/HIF1A axis. This work paves the way for new therapeutic strategies for managing PEM resistance in LUAD patients.
Diving deep into lupus: Gastrointestinal involvement insights from the Oman lupus study
Authors: Al-Adhoubi Nasra K , Al Salmi Issa , Al Kaabi Juma , Al-Balushi Farida , Ali Maha , Al Lawati Talal , Al Lawati BSH , Abdwani Reem , Al Shamsi Ali , Al Mashaani Musallam , Jha Divij Krishna , Sayed Sherin , Al-Araimi Tariq , Liyanage Prabha , Al Kalbani Hilal , Al Wahshi Humaid A
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This multicenter longitudinal study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations in lupus patients and determined the risk factors associated with mortality.

Methods

This study is part of the Oman Lupus Study, which included 1160 patients who met the classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from January 2006 to February 2020. All patients were screened for GI symptoms and involvement.

Results

We identified 91 patients with GI manifestations, with a prevalence rate of 8.53% in the pediatric group and 7.75% in the adult group, and this difference was not statistically significant ( p = .755). Ischemic colitis was significantly associated with longer disease duration ( p < .001) and positivity for B2-glycoprotein I (B2GPI) autoantibodies ( p < .0001). Moreover, a significant correlation was found between ischemic colitis and hematologic manifestations ( p = .001), lupus nephritis ( p = .007), pulmonary complications ( p = .000-.039), and some cardiac complications ( p = .012-.269). Mortality rates were greater in patients with GI involvement (24.37%), including those with ischemic colitis ( p = .005), chronic peritonitis ( p < .001), and spleen/liver infarction ( p = .001). Sepsis, thrombocytopenia, and different internal organ involvement rates were significantly associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion

This research provides significant insights into GI manifestations in lupus patients. A higher mortality rate was found to be associated with organ involvement, disease duration, autoantibody profile, and specific complications. Considering this fact, it is vital to prioritize management strategies to improve clinical outcomes in this group of patients.
A seamless Phase I/II platform design with a time-to-event efficacy endpoint for potential COVID-19 therapies
Authors: Jaki Thomas , Barnett Helen , Titman Andrew , Mozgunov Pavel
Published: October 2024

In the search for effective treatments for COVID-19, the initial emphasis has been on re-purposed treatments. To maximize the chances of finding successful treatments, novel treatments that have been developed for this disease in particular, are needed. In this article, we describe and evaluate the statistical design of the AGILE platform, an adaptive randomized seamless Phase I/II trial platform that seeks to quickly establish a safe range of doses and investigates treatments for potential efficacy. The bespoke Bayesian design (i) utilizes randomization during dose-finding, (ii) shares control arm information across the platform, and (iii) uses a time-to-event endpoint with a formal testing structure and error control for evaluation of potential efficacy. Both single-agent and combination treatments are considered. We find that the design can identify potential treatments that are safe and efficacious reliably with small to moderate sample sizes.
The Measurement of Consumers’ Purchase Intention in E-commerce  by Electronic Service Quality:  Mediation Test of E-satisfaction and E-trust
Authors: Sunyoto Hadi Kusuma , Gunawan Clara Angelia , Shrinithy Parthasarathi
Published: October 2024

As a result of the constantly changing digital environment, people change in terms of running a business or purchasing products. Customers can grab what they want easily because online transactions reduce or remove the distance barrier, making them more comfortable purchasing the products online. This study investigates several factors that affect customers’ intention to purchase: E-service quality as the main factor, e-satisfaction and e-trust. This research employs a quantitative descriptive approach by surveying 150 respondents across Indonesia who have connected to the internet and regularly make online purchases through Indonesian e-commerce named Shopee, Lazada and Tokopedia. The result of this study affirmed that e-service quality has a direct and significant influence on e-satisfaction, e-trust and purchase intention, respectively. E-trust was also found to directly and significantly influence purchase intention and mediate the relationship between e-service quality and purchase intention. However, e-satisfaction does not directly and significantly influence purchase intention or mediate the relationship between e-service quality and purchase intention.
Analyzing the Impact of Credit  Ratings on the Mode of Financing Employed by Indian Acquiring Companies
Authors: Jain Harshika , Nayyar Reena
Published: October 2024

This study examines the relationship between four different credit rating variables, namely the presence of credit ratings, the longevity of credit ratings, the division of credit ratings in the speculative vs investment grade category and the levels of credit ratings on the mode of payment employed by the Indian acquiring companies. Further, the impact of all these rating variables is analyzed on the preference for the mode of funding by group-affiliated acquiring companies. The results imply that the mode of payment is influenced by only two rating variables, namely the longevity of credit ratings and the levels of credit ratings. The reason is that both these variables hedge the information gap on the part of the external funds’ providers, specifically the lenders, regarding the creditworthiness of the acquiring companies and enable them to lend money to these companies comfortably. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of such companies funding their acquisitions with cash. The results remain the same for the group-affiliated acquiring companies and are consistent with the information asymmetry theory. The study contributes to the existing literature by extending the findings on the association between the mode of payment in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and credit ratings to an emerging market like India. The findings of the study can be generalized to other emerging economies where group affiliation and ownership concentration are prevalent.
Cybersecurity lessons from the Vastaamo psychotherapy data breach for psychiatrists and other mental healthcare providers
Authors: Looi Jeffrey CL , Allison Stephen , Bastiampillai Tarun , Maguire Paul A , Kisely Steve , Reutens Sharon , Looi Richard CH
Published: October 2024

Objective

The Vastaamo psychotherapy data breach in Finland is perhaps the largest cybersecurity incident in mental healthcare to date, resulting in significant patient harm. There are specific lessons for mental healthcare providers from an analysis of the incident.

Method

Case study of this specific electronic health record data breach, based on detailed media reporting.

Results

The issues raised include: the importance of governance of the cybersecurity of sensitive personal patient data, such as compliance with legislative requirements on privacy and data security; specific security measures such as de-identification of data, data protection via passwords, multi-factor authentication, firewalls and encryption; and timely and effective communication, and support of those who have been affected.

Conclusions

The implications for mental healthcare providers, including psychiatrists and trainees, are that, within their capability, providers need to assess the efficacy and robustness of cybersecurity of electronic health record systems they use, and carefully consider the information that is recorded to minimise exposures such as in the Vastaamo breach.
Flexible tactile sensing of magnetic hydrogel composites based on electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Li Bin , Yang Xuanxuan , Chen Haofeng , Xu Chanchan , Wang Xiaojie
Published: October 2024

Flexible and stretchable tactile sensors show promising applications in robotics, prosthetics, and wearable electronics. This paper demonstrates an electrical impedance tomography (EIT) based highly flexible, touch-sensitive pressure sensor using magnetic hydrogels. EIT technology has been explored for continuous distributed strain sensing and tactile imaging. Magnetic hydrogel composites are synthesized by simultaneous polymerization and crosslinking of acrylamide with magnetic carbonyl iron particles (CIPs). The effects of CIPs percentage on morphology, sensitivity, and electrical/mechanical properties is investigated. EIT accurately discerns pressure quantity, shape, and spatial distribution. Lower CIPs volume fractions (3%) exhibit maximum sensitivity to strain fields. Mechanical testing show the hydrogels have excellent fatigue resistance, ideal for repeated compression loading. The results demonstrate the potential of EIT with magnetic hydrogel composites for tactile sensing and imaging, with applications in soft robotics, prosthetics, and wearable electronics. The tunable sensitivity and multifunctionality make these soft composites promising materials for flexible electronics.