bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of inverted inner limiting membrane flap technique for macular holes of ≤400 μm: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Seung Min , Lee Ji Woong , Lee Ji Eun , Choi Hee-young , Lee Jong Soo , Byon Iksoo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique in full-thickness macular holes (MHs) with a size of ≤400 μm compared to the ILM peeling technique.

Methods

Related literatures that compared inverted ILM flap and ILM peeling in MHs ≤ 400 μm were reviewed by searching electronic databases including Pubmed, EMbase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library up to April 2023. The primary outcome measure was hole closure rate, and the secondary outcome measures were the mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal sensitivity, and outer status of the retinal layers, including the external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone. The quality of the articles was assessed according to the revised version of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials or the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. In the case of heterogeneity, a sensitivity analysis was conducted, and publication bias was visually evaluated using a funnel plot.

Results

This review included six studies with 610 eyes for the primary outcome and 385 eyes for the secondary outcomes, which were two randomized control trials and four retrospective studies. Pooled data revealed that the overall MH closure rate was 99.4% in the inverted ILM flap group and 96.2% in the ILM peeling group, without significant difference between the two groups (odds ratio = 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.82~18.69; P = 0.09). The inverted ILM flap technique did not have a favorable effect on the BCVA, retinal sensitivity, or recovery of the outer retinal layers. These results were consistent with those of the subgroup analysis of the different follow-up periods. No significant publication bias was observed.

Conclusion

In eyes with MHs of ≤400 μm, both techniques demonstrated excellent surgical outcomes without significant differences. Therefore, surgical techniques can be selected according to surgeon preferences.
Germinal center cytokine driven epigenetic control of Epstein-Barr virus latency gene expression
Authors: Liao Yifei , Yan Jinjie , Beri Nina R. , Giulino-Roth Lisa , Cesarman Ethel , Gewurz Benjamin E.
Published: April 2024

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) persistently infects 95% of adults worldwide and is associated with multiple human lymphomas that express characteristic EBV latency programs used by the virus to navigate the B-cell compartment. Upon primary infection, the EBV latency III program, comprised of six Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigens (EBNA) and two Latent Membrane Protein (LMP) antigens, drives infected B-cells into germinal center (GC). By incompletely understood mechanisms, GC microenvironmental cues trigger the EBV genome to switch to the latency II program, comprised of EBNA1, LMP1 and LMP2A and observed in GC-derived Hodgkin lymphoma. To gain insights into pathways and epigenetic mechanisms that control EBV latency reprogramming as EBV-infected B-cells encounter microenvironmental cues, we characterized GC cytokine effects on EBV latency protein expression and on the EBV epigenome. We confirmed and extended prior studies highlighting GC cytokine effects in support of the latency II transition. The T-follicular helper cytokine interleukin 21 (IL-21), which is a major regulator of GC responses, and to a lesser extent IL-4 and IL-10, hyper-induced LMP1 expression, while repressing EBNA expression. However, follicular dendritic cell cytokines including IL-15 and IL-27 downmodulate EBNA but not LMP1 expression. CRISPR editing highlighted that STAT3 and STAT5 were necessary for cytokine mediated EBNA silencing via epigenetic effects at the EBV genomic C promoter. By contrast, STAT3 was instead necessary for LMP1 promoter epigenetic remodeling, including gain of activating histone chromatin marks and loss of repressive polycomb repressive complex silencing marks. Thus, EBV has evolved to coopt STAT signaling to oppositely regulate the epigenetic status of key viral genomic promoters in response to GC cytokine cues.
Celebrating and extending the literary roots of media ecology: Spiralling forward and upward in our times
Authors: Cheyunski Fred
Published: April 2024

Many in recent years have been seeking solace and illumination due to trying circumstances by various means including reading. McLuhan’s broad pursuits in literature and into other written materials played an important part in the origins of media studies. This article reviews various sources to confirm as well as advocate further celebration and extension of these literary roots. Moreover, it highlights a recent translation of Machado de Assis’s classic Brazilian novel Brás Cubas as a gateway to increased use of world literature and other diverse sources. To advance McLuhan’s and other foundational works, those involved with media ecology should consider incorporating different recently available fiction and non-fiction more extensively. Such a widening of references could help broaden perspectives, foster additional insights, and help in spiralling the field forward and upward in our times.
Reflections on blending garment analysis with wardrobe interviews
Authors: Wood Sophie
Published: April 2024

This article presents my reflections on a method that attempts to bridge a methodological divide in fashion studies by blending garment analysis and wardrobe interviews. In doing so it presents the ways in which we can consider evidence from the subject, the object and the subject–object assemblage. Garment analysis is a method rooted in dress history and fashion curation, whereas wardrobe interviews grew out of anthropology and sociology. While wardrobe interviews do to some extent offset the preference for language in interviews, what is missing was a systematic way of encouraging a deeper engagement with that garment. Interview techniques can provoke the wearers or owners of clothes to narrate their garments. With one method we consider the object, the other method the subject. My research gathers evidence from both the subject and the object by blending garment analysis with wardrobe interviews to uncover the meanings entangled in objects and memories, to interrogate what we can consider evidence from the subject, the object and the subject–object assemblage. My study explores how this methodological pluralism can allow movement between material, semiotic and affective interpretations of garments. I conclude by emphasizing the importance of both the physical garment and the embodied experience of wearing to fashion research and argue that ‘turns’ in the discipline should instead be considered as expansions that allow the coexistence of multiple approaches.
Human Rights Due Diligence: Risks of modern slavery for workers displaced by conflict
Authors: Savill Eloise , Hoff Suzanne
Published: April 2024

This short paper outlines some of the risks of exploitation that people fleeing conflict-affected areas face when trying to access employment in countries of transit and destination. It argues that businesses have a responsibility to prevent and mitigate these risks in their operations and supply chains. Based on interviews with civil society representatives in six European countries, this paper provides a list of measures that employers can take to protect their employees from exploitation.
The liminal space: academic literacies practitioners’ construction of professional identity in the betwixt and between
Authors: Joubert Michelle
Published: April 2024

Research on third space practitioners in higher education has gained traction since the mid-2010s. However, less research has been done on academic literacy practitioners as third space practitioners, and their often-marginalised positioning at many South African higher education institutions. This is despite their integral role in student success, and the fact that many South African academic literacy practitioners support the academic literacies development of thousands of students. At the same time, many also negotiate problematic binaries in terms of institutional conceptualisations and positionings of academic literacies development. This article explores how academic literacy practitioners construct their professional identities and manage the complex tensions that are often an inherent part of these professional identities. Using qualitative data, this research explores which institutional structures and cultures surround academic literacy practitioners, and what constraining or enabling effects these have on how they perform their roles and construct their professional identities. The findings highlight that research helps academic literacy practitioners establish a professional identity and legitimise the value of academic literacies development work. Participants also spoke about the importance of communities of practice and collaboration in shaping their professional identities. Although this paper focuses on South Africa, the findings will likely be useful in other contexts where academic literacy practitioners negotiate problematic binaries while trying to construct professional identities.
The Effect of Immersive and Non-immersive Virtual Reality Intervention on Upper Limb Function in Persons With Chronic Stroke
Authors:   The Korean Society of Occupational Therapy, Han Soul , Yoo Eun-Young , Kim Jong-Bae , Park Ji-Hyuck
Published: April 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of intervention using immersive and non-immersive virtual reality devices on the improvement of the upper limb function in 3 participants with chronic stroke.
Methods: The design used a combination of an AB design and an alternating design to compare the effects of both intervention types based on a single-subject research design. The dependent variables were the upper limb functions, and BBT and FMA were applied as the evaluation tools. The study consisted of 20 sessions given during a total of 7 weeks including four sessions of a baseline period and 16 sessions of an intervention period.
Results: As the results indicate, it was first confirmed that virtual reality intervention had a positive effect on improvements of the upper limb function of chronic stroke patients. All dependent variables measured during the intervention period exceeded the 2SD interval of the measured value during the baseline period. Second, there was no significant difference between non-immersive virtual reality intervention and immersive virtual reality intervention.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that intervention using immersive and non-immersive virtual reality can have a positive effect on improvements of upper limb function of chronic stroke subjects.
A Phenomenological Study on the Experience of Home-based Rehabilitation Fieldwork Practice of Students in Occupational Therapy
Authors:   The Korean Society of Occupational Therapy, Eom Yunjeong , Jeong Yoo-gyeong , Jung Minye
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study aims to determine what students in the Department of Occupational Therapy experienced during visiting rehabilitation practice and to understand the essential meaning so as to provide a wide understanding of visiting rehabilitation practice.
Methods: Among qualitative research approaches, phenomenological research methods were applied for data collection through one-on-one interviews with eight occupational therapy students between November 29 and December 15, 2022. Colaizzi's research method was used for the data analysis.
Results: A total of 276 meaningful statements among the collected data were derived from 30 codes, 11 themes, and 4 theme clusters. It was found that after home-based rehabilitation fieldwork practice, occupational therapy students came to think of new experiences, psychological experiences, and occupational therapy as being different from pre-fieldwork practice. The limitations included unorganized fieldwork practice guidance management and differences in intervention according to the level of competence of the occupational therapist.
Conclusion: Owing to the recent changes in the rehabilitation paradigm and increasing interest and need for community care and home-based rehabilitation, this study can be used as basic data to reflect and expand home-based rehabilitation fieldwork practice in a regular clinical fieldwork practice curriculum.
Effects of Physical Leisure Activities on Physical Function and Quality of Life of Elderly Women in Rural Areas
Authors:   The Korean Society of Occupational Therapy, Park So-Yeon , Kim Jin-Kyung
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of a physical leisure activity program on the physical function and health-related quality of life of elderly women in rural areas. Methods: One hundred and thirteen elderly women living in rural communities participated using a one-group pre-post design. The physical leisure activity program was conducted for 16 group activities over 8 weeks. To determine changes in the physical function of the elderly after participation, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance ability were measured, and the 8 domain Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8) was used to examine changes in quality of life. Results: The physical function of the participants in the program was significantly increased in upper and lower limb muscle strength, balance, and flexibility (p < 0.05). The total score of QOL of elderly women who participated in the program also improved from 335.73 ± 52.93 points to 395.42 ± 28.79 points, and significantly changed in all sub-items (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Participation in leisure activities was confirmed effective not only in improving the physical health of the elderly women, but also in improving their quality of life. In the future, we look forward to the development and support of various participatory activity programs suitable for rural areas.
Systematic Review of Self-Driving for Persons With Disabilities: Focusing on Domestic Literature
Authors:   The Korean Society of Occupational Therapy, Choi WonSeuk , Kim JongBae
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study systematically analyzed and reviewed literature on self-driving for the disabled published in Korea over the past 10 years. Methods: We searched literature published between January 2014 and December 2023 in the Library of Congress, RISS, KISS, DBpia, and Google Scholar. The search terms “disabled” and “self-driving” were used, and a total of 469 documents were searched. Of these, 28 articles that met the selection criteria were analyzed. Results: Research published domestically on self-driving for the disabled was gradually decreasing. The most common type of published literature was academic journals. The first author who conducted literature research most often belonged to the Department of Occupational Therapy and the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, and the most common research area was the establishment of systems to promote and support self-driving for the disabled. The majority of research designs were experimental studies, but the overall level of research was confirmed to be low. Conclusion: Analyzing literature on self-driving for the disabled published domestically, we were able to understand the current status of research in our country. This study is significant as basic data that can be used as a reference when an advanced system that can support and guarantee self-driving for the disabled is introduced in Korea in the future.
Parental Attachment and Time Use Satisfaction and Their Effects on School Adaptation in Elementary School Students
Authors:   The Korean Society of Occupational Therapy, Choi Ji-Hyun , Kim Su-Kyoung
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of parental attachment and time use satisfaction on school adaptation among elementary school students. Methods: Data on parental attachment, time use satisfaction, and school adaptation were extracted from 1,172 elementary school student respondents who participated in the 12th panel of the Korean Children’s Panel Study in 2019. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results: The results showed that school adaptation correlated positively with communication with parents, trust, and time use satisfaction. Conversely, it correlated negatively with feelings of alienation from parents. Parental attachment and time use satisfaction collectively accounted for 25% of the influence on school adaptation. Conclusion: To enhance children’s school adaptation, parents must invest quality time with their children. Public support and environmental changes are suggested and may be necessary to facilitate this process.
Neznámá univerzitní teze rytecké rodiny Rugendasů ve sbírce Národní knihovny
Authors: Boháč Ivan , Boháčová Adéla
Published: April 2024

This article presents a previously unknown thesis print which includes a depiction of the Holy Family. This thesis was produced by the Rugendases, a famous Augsburg family of engravers: in particular, we know it had been engraved by Georg Philipp Rugendas the Elder and Christian Rugendas. The article describes the Rugendas family and university theses as graphic images. The core of the contribution, however, focuses on the previously unknown thesis print no. 527 and its comparison with the Dresden thesis no. 1215, which was produced by the same engravers and likewise depicts the Holy Family. In 2022, this thesis had been added to the collection of university theses of the National Library of the Czech Republic, which is the largest compact collection of its kind in the world and as such is on the World Heritage List of the UNESCO. In the past 250 years, only eight new theses have been added to it.
Konference „Katholische Erfahrungsräume und Bildungswirklichkeiten. Jesuitische Studentenkulturen und akademischer Alltag in Mittel- und Ostmitteleuropa vom 16. bis 18. Jahrhundert“, 29.–30. 11. 2022, Praha
Authors: Brčák Marek , Ďurčanský Marek
Published: April 2024

Conference report
Numerical modeling of the heat flow component of the composite developed on the basis of basalt fabric
Authors: Miśkiewicz Pamela , Cichocka Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

Numerical simulation basic steps are making a model and recreating the course of the examined process. The article presents numerical modeling of the component of heat flow through a composite developed on the basis of basalt fabric. The composite consisted of the following components: basalt fabric, modified with a composite coating consisting of 1 µm thick aluminum with a mixture of 1 µm zirconia and titanium dioxide, silicone, and Mylar® film modified with the same coating as the basalt fabric. Numerical modeling was performed using the ANSYS 2022 R1 program. The performed numerical simulations of the temperature gradient represented the contact heat resistance test for the contact temperature of 250°C for the basalt fabric and the composite. The proposed model reproduced the exact course and results of the actual study. Each of the layers making up the composite had a thickness and was mapped in accordance with the physical model.
The African seaforest: a review
Authors: Prew Zara S. , Reddy Maggie M. , Mehta Akshata , Dyer David C. , Smit Albertus J.
Published: April 2024

Kelp forests dominate the western and southwestern coastlines of southern Africa. This expansive ecosystem spreads over two very different ecoregions that are of particular interest to researchers due to the complexities of their physical environment. The mid-to-late 1900s saw a proliferation in pioneering research on southern African kelp forests. Since this period (1970–1989), researchers have published comparatively few seminal studies concerning kelp forest ecology and biological functioning. In light of this deficit, this review synthesised pre-existing research on southern African kelp forests, and highlighted key gaps in the research landscape to spark interest and facilitate new studies. Among several others, key research gaps uncovered by this review include kelp carbon sequestration potential and possible contributions to the blue bioeconomy; deeper exploration into the biological functioning and ecological roles of Macrocysis pyrifera and Ecklonia radiata populations in southern Africa; and the impacts of a changing physical environment on these kelp forests. In light of our rapidly changing climate, filling these gaps will be essential in informing conversations around coastal and marine management decisions and policy.
Chemical ecology of plankton parasitism in algae
Authors: Vallet Marine
Published: April 2024

Plankton parasites such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and unicellular eukaryotes are associated symbionts colonizing algal groups in aquatic ecosystems. They occur within a network of microbe–microbe interactions in which they parasitize phytoplankton and seaweeds, i.e., primary producers generating organic carbon and forming the basis of marine food webs. These parasites use algae as a source of nutrients and reproduce at the expense of their host, causing infectious symptoms leading to disease and death. Plankton parasites can reduce the algal populations, and the infection of one specific species may, in turn, favor the development of another, influencing the seasonal succession of algal blooms in oceans, seas, and lakes. Many parasites have free-living stages that zooplankton graze upon, representing a significant trophic link in food webs. The biology and life cycle of plankton parasites are well investigated in marine and freshwater algal hosts. Still, the chemical signaling mediating these microbial interactions and the effect of co-occurring symbionts remain underexplored. This review focuses on the diversity of plankton parasites infecting algae, with a particular emphasis on unicellular eukaryotes. The ecological role of plankton parasites, the mechanisms regulating cellular infection and host resistance, and the interplay of alga-parasite interactions with coexisting microorganisms are discussed.
Phytochemical screening, antioxidant properties, and photo-protective activities ofSalvia balansaede Noé ex Coss
Authors: Bendrihem Khadra Afaf , Zeraib Azzeddine , Atoki Ayomide Victor , Mihoubi Mohamed Aimene , Kadi Kenza , Bensuici Chawki , Hachemi Messaoud , Elhouda Ayeb Nour , Nagaz Kamel , Messaoudi Mohammed
Published: April 2024

The present study evaluated the potential ofSalvia balansaefrom the Aures Mountains as a source of natural bioactive compounds. Leaves, flowers, and stems were extracted separately using methanol, ethanol, and acetone. Phenolic compounds were quantified colorimetrically and identified using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant capacity was assessed using six differentin vitroassays, 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, ferrous ion chelating, and phenanthroline assay, while the photo-protective capacity was evaluated using the sun protective factor. The methanolic flower extracts revealed the highest O-diphenol and phenolic levels (287.9 ± 0.50 and 147.87 ± 0.21 µg GAE/mg, respectively), whereas the acetonic and ethanolic leaf extracts contained the highest flavonoid (72.17 ± 0.12 μg QE/mg) and flavonol (35.28 ± 0.05 μg QE/mg) levels, respectively. LC-MS was used to identify 18 phenolics, including quinic acid (5.051–69.69 ppm), luteolin-7-o-glucoside (7.802–44.917 ppm), apigenin-7-o-glucoside (3.751–68.507 ppm), and cirsiliol (2.081–15.608 ppm), distinguishing this Aures taxon. Principal component analysis and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean revealed variability in phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and photo-protective activity influenced by biological activities and the compound content. Overall,S. balansaedemonstrated promising photo-protective capacity, the presence of key bioactive compounds, and wide-ranging antioxidant potential, presenting this endemic plant as a valuable source of natural antioxidants and photo-protective agents with pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Prediction mechanism of depression tendency among college students under computer intelligent systems
Authors: He Zhang
Published: April 2024

In response to the existing problems in the prediction accuracy, data collection, real-time monitoring, and consideration of factors leading to depression in the current mechanism for predicting depression among college students, this article used computer intelligent systems to study the prediction mechanism of depression among college students. This article conducted a survey on students at University A using a survey questionnaire to understand the main reasons that affect their tendency to develop depression. It processed and analyzed the data using the Beck Depression Scale and Statistical Product and Service Solution 21.0 (SPSS 21.0). Meanwhile, natural language processing techniques in computer intelligence systems can be utilized. This article combines emotional dictionaries and word frequency-inverse document frequency to construct a prediction mechanism model for depression tendencies among college students, improving the accuracy of predicting student depression tendencies. The experiment shows that the average accuracy of the depression tendency prediction mechanism model constructed based on Natural Language Processing technology after 50 experiments was 97.02%, which was 5.33% higher than the model constructed based on neural network calculations. Overall, research on the prediction mechanism of depression tendency among college students based on computer intelligence systems can provide more effective mental health support and intervention measures for schools, helping students improve their psychological state, academic achievement, and quality of life.
Enhancing 5G communication in business networks with an innovative secured narrowband IoT framework
Authors: Tarish Hiba A.
Published: April 2024

These days, 5G mobile technology highly influences the wireless communication process, which is more responsive than the other generation. However, the 5G communication process handles the speed and latency issues while transmitting data over the network. Especially in rural areas, most people face this speed and latency problem while connecting to the network. Therefore, the network uses massive amounts of data to analyse this problem by integrating 5G with the Internet of things (IoT). The IoT-based data transmission and collection helps manage the data capacity, connection, and transmission rate. Therefore, this study uses the novel secured narrowband IoT framework for 5G communication and operational goals based on their position in the market. The 5G network uses business connectivity and access information to manage the data transmission. The network uses cellular bandwidth and IoT devices to connect more during this process. According to the connection, the information is transmitted with the minimum delay. Thus, experimental results have proposed these parameters: an accuracy ratio of 92.5%, a security ratio of 94.4%, a reliability ratio of 93.5%, a latency ratio of 91.8%, a cost-effective ratio of 20.5%, and a throughput ratio of 25.4% compared to other methods.
Sustainable Development Under AfCFTA: Dimensions, Limitations and Prospects
Authors: Ajibo Collins Chikodili , Kaime Thoko
Published: April 2024

Sustainable development constitutes a catch phrase for integrated and inclusive development more so in Africa that is battling with development challenges. Despite its legitimization at the highest institutional level, a principal impediment encountered in the concretization of sustainable development principles (environmental, social and economic) in Africa remains the enforcement conundrum. The situation is compounded by indifference of the state and non-state actors. Cases of environmental damage, social malpractices and economic marginalization in the execution of trade and investment policies are largely treated with levity, with prioritization accorded to financial accruals over disciplining delinquent behaviour. Consequently, the emergence of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) with provisions on sustainable development renews hope for the concretization of the sustainable development principles in Africa. A crystallization of effective enforcement of sustainable development principles is deeply intertwined with an existence of an effective peer-review mechanism with a network of reporting linkages. Arguably, effective peer review system is fundamental to assessment of state of play, investigation of violations, collation of reports, and institutional strengthening to change the dynamics in favour of improved performance.
Crystal structure of N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-2-chloroacetamide, C9H7ClN2OS
Authors: Geng Yi-Ding , Huang Ming-Yu , Zhang Yi-Xiu , Gong Yi-Xia , Zhang Ya-Lu
Published: April 2024

C9H7ClN2OS, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.3507(3) Å, b = 12.3768(4) Å, c = 10.2340(4) Å, β = 96.857(4)°, V = 1050.17(7) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0673, wRref
(F
2) = 0.2013, T = 296(2) K.
The virtual conference on chemistry and its applications, VCCA-2023, 7–11 August 2023
Authors: Ramasami Ponnadurai
Published: April 2024

This is the preface of the proceedings of the Virtual Conference on Chemistry and its Applications (VCCA-2023) which was held from 7th to 11th August 2023. This special issue of PAC is the proceedings of VCCA-2023 with a collection of the 12 manuscripts with topics ranging from pure to applied chemistry.
Prediction of COVID-19 spread with models in different patterns: A case study of Russia
Authors: Cetin Mehmet Akif , Araz Seda Igret
Published: April 2024

This study deals with a mathematical model that examines the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This model has been handled with different processes such as deterministic, stochastic, and deterministic–stochastic. First of all, a detailed analysis is presented for the deterministic model, which includes the positivity of the solution, the basic reproduction number, the disease, and endemic equilibrium points. Then, for the stochastic model, we investigate under which conditions, the solution exists and is unique. Later, model is reconsidered with the help of the piecewise derivative, which can combine deterministic and stochastic processes. Numerical simulations are presented for all these processes. Finally, the model has been modified with the rate indicator function. The model presenting these four different situations is compared with the real data in Russia. According to the results obtained from these situations, the model that is obtained by adding the rate indicator function predicts the COVID-19 outbreak in Russia more accurately. Thus, it is concluded that the model with the rate indicator function presents more realistic approach than the previous ones.
Sex moderates the association between quantitative sensory testing and acute and chronic pain after total knee/hip arthroplasty
Authors: Paredes Ana C. , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Almeida Armando , Pinto Patrícia R.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Acute postsurgical pain (APSP) may persist over time and become chronic. Research on predictors for APSP and chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) has produced inconsistent results. This observational study aimed to analyze psychological and psychophysical variables associated with APSP and CPSP after total knee or hip arthroplasty, and to explore the role of sex.

Methods

Assessments were conducted before surgery, 48 h, and 3 months postsurgery, including questionnaires (sociodemographic, pain related, and psychological) and quantitative sensory testing (QST). Hierarchical linear regression models analyzed potential predictors of APSP and CPSP, and moderation analyses evaluated the role of sex.

Results

The study included 63 participants undergoing total knee (34, 54%) or hip (29, 46%) arthroplasty. Thirty-one (49.2%) were female and 32 (50.8%) were male. APSP (48 h) was associated with impaired conditioned pain modulation (CPM) (β = 0.301, p = 0.019). CPSP (3 months) was associated with being female (β = 0.282, p = 0.029), longer presurgical pain duration (β = 0.353, p = 0.006), knee arthroplasty (β = −0.312, p = 0.015), higher APSP intensity (β = 373, p = 0.004), and impaired CPM (β = 0.126, p = 0.004). In multivariate analysis, these clinical variables were significant predictors of CPSP, unlike sex, and CPM (adj. R
2 = 0.349). Moderation analyses showed that wind-up ratio (WUR) was a significant predictor of APSP in men (WUR × sex: b = −1.373, p = 0.046) and CPM was a significant predictor of CPSP in women (CPM × sex: b = 1.625, p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Specific QST parameters could identify patients at risk for high-intensity APSP and CPSP, with sex as a moderator. This has important clinical implications for patient care, paving the way for developing tailored preventive pain management strategies.
Neutron diffraction: a primer
Authors: Dronskowski Richard , Brückel Thomas , Kohlmann Holger , Avdeev Maxim , Houben Andreas , Meven Martin , Hofmann Michael , Kamiyama Takashi , Zobel Mirijam , Schweika Werner , Hermann Raphaël P. , Sano-Furukawa Asami
Published: April 2024

Because of the neutron’s special properties, neutron diffraction may be considered one of the most powerful techniques for structure determination of crystalline and related matter. Neutrons can be released from nuclear fission, from spallation processes, and also from low-energy nuclear reactions, and they can then be used in powder, time-of-flight, texture, single crystal, and other techniques, all of which are perfectly suited to clarify crystal and magnetic structures. With high neutron flux and sufficient brilliance, neutron diffraction also excels for diffuse scattering, for in situ and operando studies as well as for high-pressure experiments of today’s materials. For these, the wave-like neutron’s infinite advantage (isotope specific, magnetic) is crucial to answering important scientific questions, for example, on the structure and dynamics of light atoms in energy conversion and storage materials, magnetic matter, or protein structures. In this primer, we summarize the current state of neutron diffraction (and how it came to be), but also look at recent advances and new ideas, e.g., the design of new instruments, and what follows from that.
Cardiovascular Demand Differences Between Male and Female US Marine Recruits During Progressive Loaded Hikes
Authors: Schram Ben , Orr Robin , Niederberger Brenda , Givens Andrea , Bernards Jake , Kelly Karen R.
Published: April 2024

Schram, B, Orr, R, Niederberger, B, Givens, A, Bernards, J, and Kelly, KR. Cardiovascular demand differences between male and female US Marine recruits during progressive loaded hikes. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): e454–e458, 2024—Despite having to carry the same occupational load, female soldiers tend to be lighter than male soldiers. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in cardiovascular load between female and male US Marine recruits during progressive load carriage hikes. United States Marine Corps recruits (565 male recruits; 364 female recruits) completed 6 loaded hikes over 6 weeks (1: 10 kg, 30 minutes; 2: 10 kg, 45 minutes; 3: 15 kg, 30 minutes, 4: 15 kg, 45 minutes; 5: 20 kg, 30 minutes; 6: 20 kg, 45 minutes) during which cardiovascular response was measured. Average heart rate (HRavg), HR maximum (HRmax), and pace were measured via a wrist-worn physiological monitor. Independent sample t-tests were conducted to compare between sexes, with significance set at 0.008 after adjusting for multiple comparisons. The average female recruit had significantly lower body mass (BM) compared with the average male recruit (p < 0.001) and thus carried a significantly heavier relative load. (10 kg ∼17%, 15 kg ∼25%, 20 kg ∼33%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in pace in any hike, and no significant differences were found in HRavg or HRmax when comparing female and male Marines during Hike 1. For female Marines, HRavg was significantly higher compared with male Marines during Hike 2 (+6.5 b·min–1, p < 0.001) and Hike 3 (+7.4 b·min–1, p < 0.001), and both HRavg and HRmax were significantly higher in Hike 4 (+11.9 b·min–1, +8.4 b·min–1, p < 0.001), Hike 5 (+7.7 b·min–1, +7.9 b·min–1, p < 0.001), and Hike 6 (+6.9 b·min–1, +7.1 b·min–1, p < 0.001), respectively. Female Marines endured greater cardiovascular demand compared with male Marines during load carriage events when carrying loads greater than 15 kg (∼25% BM).
Adaptive Responding to Stimulus–Outcome Associations Requires Noradrenergic Transmission in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Piccin Alessandro , Plat Hadrien , Wolff Mathieu , Coutureau Etienne
Published: April 2024

A dynamic environment, such as the one we inhabit, requires organisms to continuously update their knowledge of the setting. While the prefrontal cortex is recognized for its pivotal role in regulating such adaptive behavior, the specific contribution of each prefrontal area remains elusive. In the current work, we investigated the direct involvement of two major prefrontal subregions, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC, A32D + A32V) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC, VO + LO), in updating pavlovian stimulus–outcome (S–O) associations following contingency degradation in male rats. Specifically, animals had to learn that a particular cue, previously fully predicting the delivery of a specific reward, was no longer a reliable predictor. First, we found that chemogenetic inhibition of mPFC, but not of OFC, neurons altered the rats’ ability to adaptively respond to degraded and non-degraded cues. Next, given the growing evidence pointing at noradrenaline (NA) as a main neuromodulator of adaptive behavior, we decided to investigate the possible involvement of NA projections to the two subregions in this higher-order cognitive process. Employing a pair of novel retrograde vectors, we traced NA projections from the locus ceruleus (LC) to both structures and observed an equivalent yet relatively segregated amount of inputs. Then, we showed that chemogenetic inhibition of NA projections to the mPFC, but not to the OFC, also impaired the rats’ ability to adaptively respond to the degradation procedure. Altogether, our findings provide important evidence of functional parcellation within the prefrontal cortex and point at mPFC NA as key for updating pavlovian S–O associations.
Essential Role of Latrophilin-1 Adhesion GPCR Nanoclusters in Inhibitory Synapses
Authors: Mat Daniel , Lopez Jaybree M. , Sando Richard C. , Sdhof Thomas C.
Published: April 2024

Latrophilin-1 (Lphn1, aka CIRL1 and CL1; gene symbol
Adgrl1
) is an adhesion GPCR that has been implicated in excitatory synaptic transmission as a candidate receptor for a-latrotoxin. Here we analyzed conditional knock-in/knock-out mice for Lphn1 that contain an extracellular myc epitope tag. Mice of both sexes were used in all experiments. Surprisingly, we found that Lphn1 is localized in cultured neurons to synaptic nanoclusters that are present in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Conditional deletion of Lphn1 in cultured neurons failed to elicit a detectable impairment in excitatory synapses but produced a decrease in inhibitory synapse numbers and synaptic transmission that was most pronounced for synapses close to the neuronal soma. No changes in axonal or dendritic outgrowth or branching were observed. Our data indicate that Lphn1 is among the few postsynaptic adhesion molecules that are present in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses and that Lphn1 by itself is not essential for excitatory synaptic transmission but is required for some inhibitory synaptic connections.
Superagers Resist Typical Age-Related White Matter Structural Changes
Authors: Garo-Pascual Marta , Zhang Linda , Valent-Soler Meritxell , Strange Bryan A.
Published: April 2024

Superagers are elderly individuals with the memory ability of people 30 years younger and provide evidence that age-related cognitive decline is not inevitable. In a sample of 64 superagers (mean age, 81.9; 59% women) and 55 typical older adults (mean age, 82.4; 64% women) from the Vallecas Project, we studied, cross-sectionally and longitudinally over 5 years with yearly follow-ups, the global cerebral white matter status as well as region-specific white matter microstructure assessment derived from diffusivity measures. Superagers and typical older adults showed no difference in global white matter health (total white matter volume, Fazekas score, and lesions volume) cross-sectionally or longitudinally. However, analyses of diffusion parameters revealed the better white matter microstructure in superagers than in typical older adults. Cross-sectional differences showed higher fractional anisotropy (FA) in superagers mostly in frontal fibers and lower mean diffusivity (MD) in most white matter tracts, expressed as an anteroposterior gradient with greater group differences in anterior tracts. FA decrease over time is slower in superagers than in typical older adults in all white matter tracts assessed, which is mirrored by MD increases over time being slower in superagers than in typical older adults in all white matter tracts except for the corticospinal tract, the uncinate fasciculus, and the forceps minor. The better preservation of white matter microstructure in superagers relative to typical older adults supports resistance to age-related brain structural changes as a mechanism underpinning the remarkable memory capacity of superagers, while their regional aging pattern is in line with the last-in-first-out hypothesis.
Exploring the contrasts: in-depth analysis of human and canine mammary tumors - discoveries at the frontier
Authors: Gherman Luciana Madalina , Tomuleasa Diana , Cismaru Andrei , Nutu Andreea , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: April 2024

We have examined genomic and transcriptomic abnormalities in human and canine samples to evaluate the canine model’s validity for breast cancer research, emphasizing similarities and differences. Both species commonly utilize serum tumor markers and noncoding microRNAs. Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry were employed to illustrate and compare results based on histological diagnoses. In addition to these factors, similarities exist in spontaneous tumor occurrence, age of onset, hormonal influences, and disease progression, including tumor size, clinical stage, and lymph node involvement. Molecular traits such as hormone receptor status, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), and proliferation markers (Ki67) further endorse the canine model’s utility in breast cancer studies. The advancement of technologies facilitates the identification of new cancer-associated molecules, both coding and non-coding genes, underscoring their potential as prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
A comparative study of pose estimation algorithms for visual navigation in autonomous robots
Authors: S Sreeja , Jacob Sharu Susan
Published: April 2024

Autonomous navigation is a research field that gives mobile robots the capacity to perform various tasks without human assistance. Autonomous navigation based on visual sensors can be used in GPS denied environments. Vision-based navigation performs feature detection, matching, and pose estimation using camera images. This paper presents a new approach to autonomous navigation for mobile robots using a Color-based Image Segmentation and Centroid Detection algorithm instead of traditional feature detection algorithms. The algorithm intentionally matches features across images using known feature points and uses conventional techniques such as Epipolar Geometry and Perspective-N-Points algorithms for camera pose estimation. The study includes camera calibration to estimate intrinsic parameters and their physical unit conversion ensuring accurate measurements. Experimental datasets are used to analyze the performance of the Epipolar geometry, Perspective-3-Point, and Efficient-Perspective-n-Point based pose estimation algorithms. To enhance accuracy, the P3P algorithm is modified to consider combinations of image points for pose estimation. The paper concludes with a comparative analysis between the original P3P algorithm and the modified version, providing valuable insights into their respective performances. Overall, the paper aims to provide a comparison of different pose estimation algorithms used for visual navigation. Keywords: pose estimation, visual navigation, camera calibration, perspective-n-point, efficient pnp, epipolar geometry Abbreviations PnP, perspective-n-point; P3P, perspective-3-point; EPnP, efficient perspective-n-point; SLAM, simultaneous localization and mapping; VO, visual odometry; GPS, global positioning system; SURF, speeded up robust features; SIFT, scale-invariant feature transform; EKF, extended kalman filter; RGB, red-green-blue; HSV, hue- saturation-value; CNN, convolutional neural network
ЕЛЕКТРОННІ, ЦИФРОВІ, СМАРТДОГОВОРИ, «E-CONTRACTS» В УКРАЇНСЬКОМУ ПРАВІ І ЗАКОНОДАВСТВІ
Authors: Myroslavskyi Serhii
Published: April 2024

У статті на основі аналізу засадничих положень про господарський договір з’ясовано і наведено сучасне розуміння електронних, цифрових договорів, «e-contracts» і смартдоговорів, визначено співвідношення між собою та схарактеризовано їх особливості, важливі для практичної діяльності учасників. Наукова новизна полягає у дослідженні особливостей сучасних видів господарських договорів, які укладаються за допомогою сучасних комп’ютерних програм та цифрових технологій. Визначено місце таких договорів у певній ієрархії, тобто співвідношення між собою у межах особливостей ніших господарських договорів. Показано, що найширшим є поняття «електронний договір», легітимізоване Законом України «Про електрон- ну комерцію», який укладається в електронній формі. Поняття «цифровий договір» поширення в Україні не отримало, може використовуватися неофіційно як синонім або підвид електронного договору. Наведено приклади суміжних понять із прикметниками «електронний» та «цифровий». Смартдоговір та «e-contract» досить поширені та є підвидами електронного договору і потребують легітимації спеціальним законодавством України. «E-contract» укладається у мережі Інтернет для здійснення господарсько-торговельної діяльності; під час укладення сторони узнають одна одну і підписують договір електронними цифровими підписами або в інший спосіб. Смартдоговір існує у формі програмного коду, імплементованого на платформі блокчейн, та забезпечує автономність і самовиконання умов такого договору у разі настання заздалегідь визначених у ньому обставин, а сторони не знають одна одну. Зроблено висновок, що поширене застосування у господарській практиці смартдоговору та «e-contract» має сприяти економії часу, фінансових та інших ресурсів учасниками договірних відносин.