bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapting a selective parent-focused child sexual abuse prevention curriculum for a universal audience: A pilot study
Authors: Guastaferro Kate , Abuchaibe Vanessa , McCormick Kaylee V. , Bhoja Arushee , Abourjaily Ella , Melchior Mia , Grayson Corinne , Welikson Paige , Dan Colin , Zeleke Meron B.
Published: May 2024

Parents are an obvious, but underutilized player in the prevention of child sexual abuse (CSA). A handful of universal parent-focused prevention programs have emerged, however, the evidence for these programs is mixed and the programs suffer ubiquitously from barriers to implementation (e.g., poor engagement, low participation) thereby limiting public health impact. To combat these barriers and improve evidence, researchers previously developed and tested a selective parent-focused CSA prevention program. While promising, the selective approach still leaves a gap in the prevention landscape–parents from the universal audience. However, there appear to be no standardized methods to inform this type of adaptation—interventions designed as universal or selective have primarily been delivered as such. This study sought to adapt the selective curriculum for a universal audience and examined the acceptability and feasibility of the program for evaluation in a future trial. Using mixed methods, N = 31 parents (i.e., primary caregiver for a child under 13) completed pre- and post-workshop surveys followed by a brief individual interview conducted via Zoom. Interviews, coded using content analysis methods, focused on three themes: parents as agents of prevention (e.g., prior action, confidence), curriculum (e.g., content, design), and engagement (e.g., future marketing and promotion). Overall participants’ mean score on CSA-related awareness and intention to use protective behavioral strategies increased. The participants found the curriculum highly acceptable noting strengths in the content and design. All told, the results of this pilot study suggest the acceptability and feasibility of examining the efficacy of the universal parent-focused curriculum in a larger trial. Procedural challenges, such as bots in recruitment, identify areas of caution in design of the larger trial and a roadmap for others seeking to adapt selective programs for universal audiences.
Observer-rated outcomes of communication-centered treatment for adults who stutter: A social validation study
Authors: Byrd Courtney T. , Coalson Geoffrey A. , Werle Danielle
Published: May 2024

Previous studies have reported that adults who stutter demonstrate significant gains in communication competence, per self-ratings and clinician-ratings, upon completion of a communication-centered treatment, or CCT. The purpose of this social validation study was to determine whether communication competence ratings reported by untrained observers are consistent with client and clinician judgments of communication competence gains following CCT. Eighty-one untrained observers completed an online survey that required each to view one of two videos depicting an adult who stutters during a mock interview recorded prior to CCT or after CCT. Observers were then asked to rate the communication competence of the interviewee on a 100-point visual analog scale and provide additional demographic information. Communication competence of the adult who stutters who had completed CCT was rated significantly higher in their post-treatment video. Upon controlling for two demographic factors found to be associated with observer ratings (years of education, years the observers had known an adult who stutters), significantly higher ratings of communication competence for the post-treatment video were maintained. These preliminary findings provide social validity for CCT by demonstrating that the gains in communication competence reported in previous studies through clinician and client observations are also reported by untrained observers who are not familiar with CCT.
Innovative AI methods for monitoring front-of-package information: A case study on infant foods
Authors: Kim Dohee , Kim Seo-Young , Yoo Ra , Choo Jaegul , Yang Hee
Published: May 2024

Front-of-package (FOP) is one of the most direct communication channels connecting manufacturers and consumers, as it displays crucial information such as certification, nutrition, and health. Traditional methods for obtaining information from FOPs often involved manual collection and analysis. To overcome these labor-intensive characteristics, new methods using two artificial intelligence (AI) approaches were applied for information monitoring of FOPs. In order to provide practical implementations, a case study was conducted on infant food products. First, FOP images were collected from Amazon.com. Then, from the FOP images, 1) the certification usage status of the infant food group was obtained by recognizing the certification marks using object detection. Moreover, 2) the nutrition and health-related texts written on the images were automatically extracted based on optical character recognition (OCR), and the associations between health-related texts were identified by network analysis. The model attained a 94.9% accuracy in identifying certification marks, unveiling prevalent certifications like Kosher. Frequency and network analysis revealed common nutrients and health associations, providing valuable insights into consumer perception. These methods enable fast and efficient monitoring capabilities, which can significantly benefit various food industries. Moreover, the AI-based approaches used in the study are believed to offer insights for related industries regarding the swift transformations in product information status.
Impact of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 and Prostaglandin receptors on osteoblast healing and organization of collagen
Authors: Salama Mohammad Ali , Anwar Ismail Asmaa , Islam Md Sofiqul , K. G. Aghila Rani , Al Kawas Sausan , Samsudin A. R. , A. C. Smriti Aryal
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate the impact of co-administering either a Prostaglandin EP2 receptor agonist or an EP1 receptor antagonist alone with a low dose BMP7 on in vitro healing process, collagen content and maturation of human osteoblasts.

Methodology

Human osteoblast cells were used in this study. These cells were cultured and subjected to different concentrations of Prostaglandin EP2 receptor agonist, EP1 receptor antagonist, BMP7, Control (Ct) (Vehicle alone), and various combinations treatments. Cell viability at 24, 48 and 72 hours (h) was evaluated using the XTT assay. A wound healing assay was conducted to observe the migration ability of human osteoblast cells. Additionally, Sirius red staining and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Imaging (FT-IR) was employed to analyze various parameters, including total protein concentration, collagen production, mature collagen concentration, and mineral content.

Results

The combination of low dose BMP7 and Prostaglandin EP2 receptor agonist resulted to the lowest cell viability when compared to both the Ct and individual treatments. In contrast, the Prostaglandin EP1 receptor antagonist alone showed the highest cellular viability at 72 h. In the wound healing assay, the combined treatment of low dose BMP7 with the Prostaglandin EP2 receptor agonist and EP1 receptor antagonist showed a decrease in human osteoblast healing after 24 h. Analysis of FT-IR data indicated a reduction in total protein content, collagen maturity, collagen concentration and mineral content in combination treatment compared to the single or Ct treatments.

Conclusion

The combination of a Prostaglandin EP2 receptor agonist or an EP1 receptor antagonist when combined with low dose BMP7 significantly hinders both human osteoblast healing and collagen maturity/concentration in comparison to low dose BMP7 treatment alone.
Burden and outcome of respiratory morbidities among children and adolescents with sickle cell disease—A retrospective review of emergency presentations in some Nigerian tertiary institutions
Authors: Ibraheem Rasheedat Mobolaji , Abdulkadir Mohammed Baba , Aliu Rasaki , Issa Amudalat , Ibrahim Olayinka Rashid , Bello Abdulafeez Oyesola , Abubakar Fatima Ishaq , Oloyede Iso Precious , Olasinde Yetunde Toyin , Briggs Datonye Christopher , Bashir Muhammad Faruk , Salau Qasim Olakunle , Garba Bilkisu Ilah , Ameen Hafsat Abolore , Suleiman Mohammed Bello , Bewaji Temitayo Olubunmi , Shina Hassan Kamiludeen
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite the huge burden of sickle cell disease (SCD) among Nigerian children, the burden and outcome of respiratory illnesses remain undocumented. Thus, we aimed to describe the spectrum and outcome of respiratory illnesses among SCD childrenand adolescentadmissions in ten Nigerian tertiary hospitals.

Method

A retrospective review of the SCD admission records of children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of respiratory illnesses from 2012 to 2021 in ten tertiary health facilities across five geopolitical zones in Nigeria was conducted. The data, collectedbetween March and June 2023, included the age, sex, diagnosis, complications, duration and outcome of hospitalization.

Results

Of the 72,333 paediatric admissions, 7,256 (10.0%) had SCD; the proportion of SCD from the total admission ranged from 2.1 to 16.3% in the facilities. Of the 7,256 children and adolescents with SCD, 1,213 (16.7%) had respiratory morbidities. Lower respiratory disease was the most common (70.0%) respiratory entity and the majority were pneumonia (40.1.0%), followed by acute chest syndrome (26.7%). Seventeen (1.4%) patients died; all had lower respiratory diseases [(acute chest syndrome ACS (11, 64.7%), pneumonia; 5, 29.4%, and asthma (1, 5.9%). Based on the proportion of deaths among overall SCD, the 17 death cases contributed 9.4% (95% CI 5.9 to 14.5). Factors associated with deaths included duration of hospitalization less than 72 hours and lower respiratory tract diseases.

Conclusion

Sickle cell disease is a major contributor to hospitalization among Nigerian children and adolescents, with high respiratory morbidity and mortality. Pneumonia and acute chest syndrome were associated with mortality, andthe highest risk of death within the first 72 hours.
Benzyl isothiocyanate as an alternative to antibiotics? a comparative in vivo study using Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection as a model
Authors: Yang Jian , Hediyal Tousif Ahmed , Chidambaram Saravana Babu , Kaul-Ghanekar Ruchika , Sakharkar Meena Kishore
Published: May 2024

Due to over-prescription of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance has emerged to be a critical concern globally. Many countries have tightened the control of antibiotic usage, which, in turn, promotes the search for alternatives to antibiotics. Quite a few phytochemicals have been investigated. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is an important secondary metabolite in cruciferous species and exhibited potent antimicrobial activity under in vitro conditions. In this research, we undertook a comparative mouse model study of BITC with gentamycin sulfate (positive antibiotic control) and ceftiofur hydrochloride (negative antibiotic control) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Our results showed that BITC exhibited comparable or better antimicrobial activity and lower infiltration of mouse immune cells upon comparing to gentamycin sulfate. Furthermore, BITC did not impose any toxicity to the air pouch skin tissues. In summary, our current study suggests that BITC could be an alternative to antibiotics and deserves further in vivo and clinical trial studies.
Non-replicative phage particles delivering CRISPR-Cas9 to target major blaCTX-M variants
Authors: Nittayasut Naiyaphat , Yata Teerapong , Chirakul Sunisa , Techakriengkrai Navapon , Chanchaithong Pattrarat
Published: May 2024

Cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) is a promising tool for antimicrobial re-sensitization by inactivating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes of bacteria. Here, we programmed CRISPR-Cas9 with common spacers to target predominant blaCTX-M variants in group 1 and group 9 and their promoter in an Escherichia coli model. The CRISPR-Cas9 was delivered by non-replicative phagemid particles from a two-step process, including insertion of spacer in CRISPR and construction of phagemid vector. Spacers targeting blaCTX-M promoters and internal sequences of blaCTX-M group 1 (blaCTX-M-15 and -55) and group 9 (blaCTX-M-14, -27, -65, and -90) were cloned into pCRISPR and phagemid pRC319 for spacer evaluation and phagemid particle production. Re-sensitization and plasmid clearance were mediated by the spacers targeting internal sequences of each group, resulting in 3 log10 to 4 log10 reduction of the ratio of resistant cells, but not by those targeting the promoters. The CRISPR-Cas9 delivered by modified ΦRC319 particles were capable of re-sensitizing E. coli K-12 carrying either blaCTX-M group 1 or group 9 in a dose-dependent manner from 0.1 to 100 multiplicity of infection (MOI). In conclusion, CRISPR-Cas9 system programmed with well-designed spacers targeting multiple variants of AMR gene along with a phage-based delivery system could eliminate the widespread blaCTX-M genes for efficacy restoration of available third-generation cephalosporins by reversal of resistance in bacteria.
Evolutionary Digital Twin-Oriented Complex Networked Systems driven by node features and the mutation of feature preferences
Authors: Wen Jiaqi , Gabrys Bogdan , Musial Katarzyna
Published: May 2024

Accurate modelling of complex social systems, where people interact with each other and those interactions change over time, has been a research challenge for many years. This study proposes an evolutionary Digital Twin-Oriented Complex Networked System (DT-CNS) framework that considers heterogeneous node features and changeable connection preferences. We create heterogeneous preference mutation mechanisms to characterise nodes’ adaptive decisions on preference mutation in response to interaction patterns and epidemic risks. In this space, we use nodes’ interaction utilities to characterise the positive feedback from interactions and negative impact of epidemic risks. We also introduce social capital constraint to harness the density of social connections better. The nodes’ heterogeneous preference mutation styles include the (i)inactive style that keeps initial social preferences, (ii) ignorant style that randomly mutates preferences, (iii) egocentric style that optimises individual interaction utility, (iv) cooperative style that optimises the total interaction utilities by group decisions and (v) collaborative style that further allows the cooperative nodes to transfer social capital. Our simulation experiments on evolutionary DT-CNSs reveal that heterogeneous preference mutation styles lead to various interaction and infection patterns. The results also show that (i) increasing social capital enables higher interactions but higher infection risks and uncertainty in decision-making; (ii) group decisions outperform individual decisions by eliminating the unawareness of the decisions of other nodes; (iii) the collaborative nodes under a strict social capital limit can promote interactions, reduce infection risks and achieve higher overall interaction utilities.
Human- common hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius)-conflict in the Dhidhessa Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Tefera Girma Gizachew , Tessema Tadesse Habtamu , Bekere Tibebu Alemu , Gutema Tariku Mekonnen
Published: May 2024

The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is one of the most endangered mega herbivore in Africa. Although the human-hippo conflict (HHC) is currently escalating due to habitat loss, little is known about the scope of the conflict and potential mitigation measures. From 2021 to 2022, the extent of HHC, the perception of local inhabitants towards the animal, and its impacts on the conservation of the hippo were assessed within and in the surrounding areas of Dhidhessa Wildlife Sanctuary, southwestern Ethiopia. A total of 227 households were used as a data sources, participating in the questionnaire survey, focus group discussion and key informant interviews. Direct field observations were also used as key data source. Crop raiding and damage (63%, n = 143), was the most severely reported source of conflict, followed by direct human attack (22.9%, n = 52). Livestock predation and increased hippo mortality were also common types of HHC in the area. According to the study, the majority of respondents (74.4%, n = 169) agreed that the trend of conflict was increasing, while 16.7% (n = 38) argued that there was no change. Food scarcities in the buffer zone, as well as agricultural expansion in the area, have been identified as major drivers of HHC. The majority of respondents had a negative attitude toward hippo conservation; however, there were differences based on gender, age, and educational level. The major traditional hippo conflict mitigation strategies in the area include guarding, fencing, and trenching. Field observation revealed that a large extent of the former grazing and ranging areas of hippo in the area are heavily encroached and taken over by large private and public agricultural investments. Vacating and recovering at least the former buffer areas dedicated to the wildlife in the area and modern, non-lethal mitigation strategies are recommended for better conservation and safeguarding of the currently good-sized hippo population of the sanctuary.
La corrupción de la beneficencia en los debates parlamentarios del Trienio Liberal en España (1820-1823)
Authors: Feria Lorenzo Diego José , Ramos Cobano Cristina
Published: May 2024

Una de las principales novedades del debate parlamentario de la ley de beneficencia en el Trienio Liberal radicó en las delaciones de irregularidades en la gestión de este tipo de establecimientos. La meta principal de este estudio es analizar dichas denuncias sobre la base de una triple diferenciación: las que apuntan a las irregularidades debidas a una mala gestión de los recursos económicos, las que se refieren a la administración concejil y las que tienen que ver con la dejadez de quienes cuidaban a los menesterosos en tales casas. Los debates parlamentarios del Trienio liberal en la Ley de Beneficencia se constituyen como fuente principal del estudio. Metodológicamente se aborda el análisis de las intervenciones de los diputados que participaron en la elaboración de dicha normativa. Lo extraño en esta época no eran estas irregularidades, asumidas como algo natural, sino el hecho de que fueran denunciadas por los parlamentarios, pues ello evidencia un cambio sustancial en cuanto a la voluntad de controlar la gestión económica de estos establecimientos, así como la responsabilidad de los cuidadores.
Necessidades humanas básicas em gestantes de alto risco obstétrico analisadas sob a Teoria de Wanda Horta
Authors: Moreira Rodrigues Antonia Regynara , Moura da Silveira Maria Adelaide , Da Costa Dantas Sibele Lima , Guerreiro Barbosa Eryjosy Marculino , Silva Bezerra dos Anjos Saiwori de Jesus , Rodrigues Dafne Paiva
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: identificar as necessidades humanas básicas de gestantes de alto risco hospitalizadas com base na Teoria de Wanda Horta. Método: pesquisa-cuidado realizada com dezesseis gestantes de alto risco hospitalizadas em maternidade de referência no Ceará entre setembro e novembro de 2019. As informações foram coletadas através de diário de campo e formulário para caracterização das gestantes e registros das necessidades humanas básicas. Os resultados foram analisados por estatística descritiva simples e abordagem compreensiva à luz do referencial de Wanda Horta. Resultados: as gestantes apresentaram necessidades psicobiológicas, psicossociais e psicoespirituais, sendo prevalentes: ausência de atividades de lazer, insegurança emocional, conhecimento deficiente, sono e repouso prejudicado e atividades físicas restritas por indicação de repouso. Considerações finais: acredita-se que o raciocínio crítico e o julgamento clínico dos enfermeiros estiveram focados na individualidade das gestantes, identificando necessidades nos três níveis propostos pela teoria, apontando caminhos para qualificar a assistência de enfermagem às gestantes de alto risco.
El arte gráfico como medio de comunicación y cuidados en personas con demencia temprana y Alzhéimer
Authors: López Méndez Lorena , Albar-Mansoa Pedro Javier , Martínez-Vérez María Victoria
Published: May 2024

El presente trabajo analiza la repercusión de la técnica de grabado no tóxica Collagraph, en personas con Demencia temprana tipo Alzhéimer, en el programa de educación artística “Retales de una vida”. El objetivo es conectar a los participantes con programas de carácter cultural para fomentar la comunicación e interacción entre participantes. La experiencia se llevó a cabo en el Centro de Referencia Estatal para personas con Alzheimer y otras Demencias de Salamanca (CREA). Una vez adaptada la metodología del taller a las características personales y de salud de las personas enfermas de Alzheimer, se considera la utilización del grabado genera importantes beneficios en los participantes, relacionados con el incremento de la inteligencia cristalizada, la conducta prosocial y la valoración positiva de sí mismos, favoreciendo la inclusión social y familiar. Asimismo, el empleo del grabado puede ofrecer un soporte de ayuda terapéutica individual y cooperativa a los participantes, desarrollar habilidades funcionales, sociales y cognitivas, ampliando sus recursos emocionales y disfrutar de la experiencia. A su vez fortalecen su autoestima y seguridad ante su capacidad y valía. Por último, planteamos una serie de pautas para la planificación e implementación de este proceso artístico para que sirva de referente a profesionales de la salud.
Contribution of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to breast cancer treatment: In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Ferreira Tiago , Faustino-Rocha Ana I. , Gaspar Vítor M. , Medeiros Rui , Mano João F. , Oliveira Paula A.
Published: May 2024

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis. High levels of serum prostaglandin E2 and tissue overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) have been described in breast, urinary, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers as being involved in tumor initiation, promotion, progression, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for several medical conditions to not only decrease pain and fever but also reduce inflammation by inhibiting COX and its product synthesis. To date, significant efforts have been made to better understand and clarify the interplay between cancer development, inflammation, and NSAIDs with a view toward addressing their potential for cancer management. This review provides readers with an overview of the potential use of NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors for breast cancer treatment, highlighting pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies employed to evaluate the efficacy of NSAIDs and their use in combination with other antineoplastic drugs.

Keywords: breast cancer, chemoprevention, COX-2, cyclooxygenase, experimental studies, NSAIDs.
Note for the Perfect Numbers
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: May 2024

This paper tackles a longstanding problem in number theory: the infinitude of perfect numbers. A perfect number is defined as a positive integer whose sum of all its divisors is equal to twice the number itself. While Euclid's method provides a framework for constructing even perfect numbers using Mersenne primes, the infinitude of Mersenne primes remains an open question. If there are finitely many Mersenne primes, then there would also be a finite number of even perfect numbers. In this note, showing that there are finitely many Mersenne primes, we provide a partial answer by proving that is false the infinitude of even perfect numbers. The proof utilizes elementary techniques and relies on properties of the divisor sum function (sigma function) and the inherent structure of prime numbers.
Note for the Prime Gaps
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: May 2024

A prime gap is the difference between two successive prime numbers. The nth prime gap, denoted $g_{n}$ is the difference between the (n + 1)st and the nth prime numbers, i.e. $g_{n}=p_{n+1}-p_{n}$. There isn't a verified solution to Andrica's conjecture yet. The conjecture itself deals with the difference between the square roots of consecutive prime numbers. While mathematicians have proven it true for a vast number of primes, a general solution remains elusive. The Andrica's conjecture is equivalent to say that $g_{n}<2 \cdot {\sqrt {p_{n}}}+1$ holds for all $n$. In this note, using the divergence of the infinite sum of the reciprocals of all prime numbers, we prove that the Andrica's conjecture is true.
Reinvestigating millennial shopping behavior on the sharing economy platform: The moderating role of COVID-19 awareness level
Authors: Ashoer Muhammad , Karim Kasnaeny , Syahnur Muhammad Haerdiansyah , Ating Rashid
Published: May 2024

Drawing from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), this study aims to develop a predictive model concerning the shopping behaviour of millennials within the realm of the sharing economy (SE) mobile application. To accommodate prior research findings while providing novelty, this study integrates hedonic enjoyment and price-saving orientation as predictive factors, alongside the level of COVID-19 awareness as a moderating variable. An online survey was administered, and primary data was collected by distributing an electronic questionnaire link randomly via email and social media platforms. Employing a sampling judgement technique, 260 millennials in Indonesia who utilize the SE (Gojek) mobile app were identified as participants. Results from the PLS-SEM analysis reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence,  price-saving orientation, and habits exert a favorable and significant impact on behavioral intentions. Furthermore, habits and behavioral intentions were found to significantly influence the actual usage of the SE app among millennials. Conversely, hedonic enjoyment demonstrated no significant influence on behavioral intentions. Moreover, the moderating role of COVID-19 awareness was observed to both enhance and diminish direct relationships. The implications, both theoretical and practical, along with recommendations for future research, are deliberated upon.
The impact of green marketing on customer purchase intention: The mediating role of customer concerns and beliefs and green brand knowledge
Authors: Mulya Epifania Adita Wijaya , Kusumawardhani Amie
Published: May 2024

This study aims to analyse the effect of Green Marketing on Customer purchase intention by using two intervening variables, which are Green Brand Knowledge and Customer concern and beliefs, especially on Unilever customers in Indonesia. In order to analyse the relationship between Green Marketing, customer concern and beliefs, green brand knowledge, and customer purchase intention, a research framework was developed using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The number of samples used in this study was 192 respondents representing Indonesia. Those respondents came the age of over 17 years old and over, also aware of Unilever as a brand. The Analysis Moment of Structural (AMOS) program was used as a tool for the quantitative and structural analysis of the data utilising the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) method. The results indicate that Green Marketing positively and significantly affects Green Brand Knowledge and Customer Concern and Beliefs. Also, Green Brand Knowledge and Customer Concern and Beliefs positively and significantly affect Customer Purchase Intention. Moreover, Green Brand Knowledge and Customer Concern and Beliefs have proven to mediate Green Marketing and Customer Purchase Intention. Accordingly, all of the hypotheses in this were accepted.
Distress and Coping Strategy among Indonesian Men with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nugroho Fajar Ari , Chandra Rico Budhiarta , Laila Nike , Rukia Sera , Kusumastuty Inggita , Cempaka Anggun Rindang , Istifiani Lola Ayu , Latif Atifa Nafia Hasantie
Published: May 2024

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can have a notable impact on the psychological and physical well-being of individuals, which, in turn, affects the management of the condition. Both men and women experience stress and adopt distinct coping strategies. However, research focusing specifically on T2DM in men is still limited. Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the distress and coping strategies adopted by outpatient men with T2DM in Malang, East Java, Indonesia.Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design and conducted in-depth interviews with 24 outpatient men with T2DM. The interview guidelines were formulated using the Bahasa Indonesia version of the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS17) questionnaire, which includes four domains: physician distress, emotional burden, regimen distress, and interpersonal distress. Thematic analysis was performed to analyze the results gathered during the research and compile them into a final report. Results: The study revealed that individuals diagnosed with T2DM experienced a range of emotional and practical difficulties, including feelings of fear, anxiety, and a lack of understanding. Disease burden, a lack of understanding of healthcare services, difficulties managing their diet, routine medication, financial concerns, and fatigue also contributed to the distress. To cope with distress, the informants identified eight distinct coping strategies. Among these, the most effective was receiving support from family members. Additionally, acceptance of the condition, self-management, a positive attitude, understanding of the illness, participation in the diabetes community, spiritual solace, and gaining further knowledge of T2DM were also identified. Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that men experience eight distinct types of stress and utilize comparable coping strategies associated with T2DM. Emotional distress represents the predominant pressure, while family support constitutes the primary coping strategy. These results are important for nurses and other healthcare professionals in supporting patients.
Therapeutic Doses of Antioxidants Inhibit the Growth and Enhance the Effects Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy on Cancer Cells by Blocking the Uptake and Metabolism of Glucose and Glutamine
Authors: Prasad Kedar N.
Published: May 2024

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have produced increased 5-year survival rate in majority of cancers; however, acute side-effects during treatment and late adverse effects after these therapies remain a major concern of oncologists. To improve further 5-year survival rate and reduce acute and late adverse effects of therapies, a new non-toxic biological approach is needed.  Experimental data for such an approach was available for over 25 years. For example, therapeutic doses of antioxidants inhibit the growth of cancer cells and enhances the growth-inhibitory effects of chemotherapeutic agents and x-irradiation on cancer cells but not on normal cells. These exciting observations failed to draw any attention from oncologists, because mechanistic data on therapeutic doses was not available until now. The mechanistic data on preventive doses of antioxidants suggested that they scavenge free radicals. Since one of the mechanisms of action of chemotherapy and radiation therapy on cancer cells is mediated by free radicals, oncologists fear that supplementation with antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of cancer therapies by neutralizing free radicals. Cancer cells require glucose and glutamine for their survival and proliferation.  This review briefly describes the effects of therapeutic doses of antioxidants alone and in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy on the growth of neoplastic cells and normal cells. It also presents evidence to show that such doses of antioxidants reduce the uptake and metabolism of glucose and glutamine in cancer cells. We propose that therapeutic doses of multiple antioxidants can selectively kill cancer cells and enhance the growth-inhibitory effects of therapeutic agents on cancer cells without affecting normal cells by inhibiting the uptake and metabolism of glucose and glutamine.
Role of the median preoptic nucleus in the development of chronic deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐salt hypertension
Authors: Collister John P. , Fritcher Nora , Nahey David
Published: May 2024

We have previously reported that the subfornical organ (SFO) does not contribute to the chronic hypertensive response to DOCA‐salt in rats, and yet the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) plays a significant role in the development of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐salt hypertension. Since efferent fibers of the OVLT project to and through the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO), the present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the MnPO is necessary for DOCA‐salt hypertension in the rat. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent SHAM (MnPOsham; n = 5) or electrolytic lesion of the MnPO (MnPOx; n = 7) followed by subsequent unilateral nephrectomy and telemetry instrumentation. After recovery and during the experimental protocol, rats consumed a 0.1% NaCl diet and 0.9% NaCl drinking solution. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded telemetrically 5 days before and 21 days after DOCA implantation (100 mg/rat; SQ). The chronic pressor response to DOCA was attenuated in MnPOx rats by Day 11 of treatment and continued such that MAP increased 25 ± 3 mmHg in MnPOsham rats by Day 21 of DOCA compared to 14 ± 3 mmHg in MnPOx rats. These results support the hypothesis that the MnPO is an important brain site of action and necessary for the full development of DOCA‐salt hypertension in the rat.
Duty of Loyalty: Corruption of Company Directors and Prohibition of External Remuneration
Authors: Navarro Frías Irene
Published: May 2024

39While corruption in the public sphere has traditionally been socially and legally reproached, private corruption has not. In the private sphere, the violation by a decision-maker of his or her positional duties in exchange for receiving an extra-positional benefit has not always been seen as conduct that should be prosecuted by law. However, this has changed in recent times and within the field of company law the prohibition of receiving external remuneration has emerged as one of the manifestations of the directors’ duty of loyalty. This paper examines both the basis and the elements of the prohibition and questions how far it should extend. In this sense, although it shares the convenience of enshrining the prohibition in law, it also warns about the dangers of an excessive extension of the prohibition of receiving external remuneration.
Catalysis effect of rare earth element Ce on paste boriding treatment of AISI 410 steel
Authors: Shi Mingxiao , Li Jingyong , Mao Weidong , Li Shengliang , Yang Zhidong , Ma Xiang
Published: May 2024

Surface hardening techniques of steel are of great practical interest for applications in various industrial sectors. Boriding is one of the most economical choices. However, the chief deterrent to the widespread application of the technique is the difficulty in attaining a thick, dense boride layer. To solve this problem, a paste boriding process was performed on the surface of AISI 410 steel by introducing 6 wt.% CeO2 addition into the boriding agent. The microstructure of the boride layer is comprised of (Fe, Cr)B and (Fe, Cr)2B, which lie in the external and internal layers of the boride layer, respectively. CeO2 addition makes it possible to prepare a thick, dense boride layer on the surface of the steel substrate, thereby improving both wear and corrosion resistance of the steel. The catalysis mechanism of the rare earth element Ce can be ascribed to three aspects. First, CeO2 addition can take part in the chemical reactions involved in the boriding process to produce more active boron atoms. Second, Ce can facilitate the adsorption of active boron atoms onto the surface of the steel through preventing the formation of iron oxides on the steel’s surface. Third, Ce can diffuse into the surface of the steel and generate severe lattice distortion due to large atomic size, thereby promoting the boron diffusion. These results provide a high-quality, low-cost pathway for the surface hardening of steel in practical industrial applications.
The quasi-binary phase diagrams of R
2Fe14B–Ce2Fe14B (R = Nd, Pr) systems
Authors: Xu Chengfu , Fu Senyang , Peng Ling , Yang Yongquan , Gao Xinqiang , Ma Lei , Tian Jinping , Liu Rongjin , Gu Zhengfei , Yao Qingrong , Rao Guanghui , Cheng Linyi
Published: May 2024

The phase relations of the R
2Fe14B–Ce2Fe14B (R = Nd, Pr) pseudobinary systems have been investigated by using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis. The X-ray powder diffraction results show that continuous solid solutions were formed in this R
2Fe14B–Ce2Fe14B (R = Nd, Pr) pseudobinary systems, and all (R
, Ce)2Fe14B solid solutions belong to the tetragonal structure with space group P42/mnm. With the increase in Ce content, the lattice parameters a, c, the peritectic reaction temperatures of the (R, Ce)2Fe14B (R = Nd, Pr) solid solutions decrease linearly, and the cell volume V varies in the form of the regression line. Based on the X-ray powder diffraction results and differential thermal analysis data, the quasi-binary phase diagrams of the R
2Fe14B–Ce2Fe14B (R = Nd, Pr) systems have been established.
On algebraic normalisers of maximal tori in simple groups of Lie type
Authors: Baykalov Anton A.
Published: May 2024

Let 𝐺 be a finite simple group of Lie type and let 𝑇 be a maximal torus of 𝐺.
It is well known that if the defining field of 𝐺 is large enough, then the normaliser of 𝑇 in 𝐺 is equal to the algebraic normaliser

N
⁢

(
G
,
T
)

N(G,T)

.
We identify explicitly all the cases when

N
G

⁢

(
T
)

N_{G}(T)

is not equal to

N
⁢

(
G
,
T
)

N(G,T)

.
Groups whose proper subgroups of infinite rank have a permutability transitive relation
Authors: Ballester Bolinches Adolfo , De Falco Maria , de Giovanni Francesco , Musella Carmela
Published: May 2024

Let 𝐺 be a group.
A subgroup 𝐻 of 𝐺 is called permutable if

H
⁢
X

=

X
⁢
H

HX=XH

for all subgroups 𝑋 of 𝐺.
Permutability is not in general a transitive relation, and 𝐺 is called a

PT

\mathrm{PT}

-group if, whenever 𝐾 is a permutable subgroup of 𝐺 and 𝐻 is a permutable subgroup of 𝐾, we always have that 𝐻 is permutable in 𝐺. The property

PT

\mathrm{PT}

is not inherited by subgroups, and 𝐺 is called a

PT
̄

\overline{\mathrm{PT}}

-group if all its subgroups have the

PT

\mathrm{PT}

-property.
We prove that if 𝐺 is a soluble group of infinite rank whose proper subgroups of infinite rank have the

PT

\mathrm{PT}

-property, then 𝐺 is a

PT
̄

\overline{\mathrm{PT}}

-group.
Prognostic value of EIF5A2 in solid tumors: A meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Fang Jianwen , Yu Tianze , Jiang Xiaocong , Lu Yuexin , Shang Xi , Shen Haixing , Lu Yue , Zheng Jingyan , Fu Peifen
Published: May 2024

Aims

In cancer biology, the aberrant overexpression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2) has been correlative with an ominous prognosis, thereby underscoring its pivotal role in fostering metastatic progression. Consequently, EIF5A2 has garnered significant attention as a compelling prognostic biomarker for various malignancies. Our research endeavors were thus aimed at elucidating the utility and significance of EIF5A2 as a robust indicator of cancer outcome prediction.

Method

An exhaustive search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases found relevant studies. The link between EIF5A2 and survival prognosis was examined using hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Subsequently, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases were employed to validate EIF5A2 expression across various cancer types.

Results

Through pooled analysis, we found that increased EIF5A2 expression was significantly associated with decreased overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival/progression-free survival/relapse-free survival (DFS/PFS/RFS). Moreover, TCGA analysis revealed that EIF5A2 was significantly upregulated in 27 types of cancer, with overexpression being linked to shorter OS in three, worse DFS in two, and worse PFS in six types of cancer. GEPIA showed that patients with EIF5A2 overexpression had reduced OS and DFS.

Conclusions

In solid tumors, EIF5A2 emerges as a reliable prognostic marker. Our meta-analysis comprehensively analyzed the prognostic value of EIF5A2 in solid tumors and assessed its efficacy as a predictive marker.
Albert Camus and Rachel Bespaloff: Happiness in a Challenging World
Authors: Lombard Cécilia Andrée Monique
Published: May 2024

Albert Camus and Rachel Bespaloff had an undeniable influence on the existential thought of the twentieth century. The former, by claiming the world to be silent to our search for meaning, based the concept of happiness in the inherent value of life. The latter grounded her happiness in music and transcendence rather than in the acceptance of the absurd human condition, though the two thinkers seem to agree on the importance of subjective contemplation. In this article, I will offer a reading of Camus’s works that emphasizes his view of happiness in awareness of the absurd. I will then argue for the ethical and political challenges that such happiness causes. Finally, by putting into dialogue the philosophies of Camus and Bespaloff, I wish to show that the two thinkers advocate for the possibility of happiness despite the suffering of the world, and show that this concept, understood as contemplation, can be rooted in the absurd as well as in transcendence.
Flexible model-based non-negative matrix factorization with application to mutational signatures
Authors: Laursen Ragnhild , Maretty Lasse , Hobolth Asger
Published: May 2024

Somatic mutations in cancer can be viewed as a mixture distribution of several mutational signatures, which can be inferred using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). Mutational signatures have previously been parametrized using either simple mono-nucleotide interaction models or general tri-nucleotide interaction models. We describe a flexible and novel framework for identifying biologically plausible parametrizations of mutational signatures, and in particular for estimating di-nucleotide interaction models. Our novel estimation procedure is based on the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm and regression in the log-linear quasi–Poisson model. We show that di-nucleotide interaction signatures are statistically stable and sufficiently complex to fit the mutational patterns. Di-nucleotide interaction signatures often strike the right balance between appropriately fitting the data and avoiding over-fitting. They provide a better fit to data and are biologically more plausible than mono-nucleotide interaction signatures, and the parametrization is more stable than the parameter-rich tri-nucleotide interaction signatures. We illustrate our framework in a large simulation study where we compare to state of the art methods, and show results for three data sets of somatic mutation counts from patients with cancer in the breast, Liver and urinary tract.
Politische Konflikte in der Sozialpolitik zwischen 2017–2021 in Deutschland: Eine Inhaltsanalyse von Plenardokumenten und Pressemitteilungen
Authors: Bender Benedikt , Malsch Laura
Published: May 2024

Die Studie erweitert die Forschung zur Unterstützung sozialpolitischer Reformen bei Parteien, Gewerkschaften und Arbeitgeberverbänden. Wir zeigen, dass kompensatorische Maßnahmen die klassischen Konflikte zwischen rechts und links sowie Arbeit und Kapital widerspiegeln. Sozialinvestitionen zeigen hingegen klassenübergreifende Befürwortung; außer bei der AfD, die sich gegen eine breite Unterstützung zu Gleichstellungsmaßnahmen am Arbeitsplatz positioniert. Die Ergebnisse basieren auf einer systematisch qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse von 21 Plenarprotokollen und 323 Pressemitteilungen zwischen 2017 und 2021 (19. Legislaturperiode). Der Beitrag trägt zum einen dazu bei, die konzeptuelle Relevanz der Unterscheidung zwischen kompensatorischer und sozialinvestiver Sozialpolitik zu verdeutlichen. Zum anderen zeigen wir, dass es sich trotz unterschiedlicher Zielvorstellungen der Akteure bei den Sozialinvestitionen um ein überwiegend – wenn auch nicht völlig – konfliktfreies Politikfeld handelt. Dies trägt zur Erklärung des kontinuierlichen Ausbaus von Sozialinvestitionen bei und kann auch als Prognose für eine zukünftig, sozialinvestive Entwicklung in Deutschland betrachtet werden.
Effects of Extreme Physical and Mental Load on Circulating Exerkines in Professional Athletes
Authors:   ,   PTE ETK Egészségtudományi Doktori Iskola, Ligetvári Roland
Published: May 2024

I measured circulating peptide responses upon an extreme physical and an extreme mental load in Hungarian professional soccer players. Apelin-13, apelin-36, and endothelin-1 all responded to the extreme physical, while only apelin-13 responded to the mental load. NT-proBNP did not change in either load indicating an intact left ventricular function in our sample population. Additionally, apelin-13 correlated with measures of physical performance, whole-body oxygen consumption, and the pumping capability of the heart.
Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons Have Specific Characteristics during the Perinatal Period
Authors: Lozovaya Natalia , Moumen Anice , Hammond Constance
Published: May 2024

Cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain represent the main source of cholinergic innervation of large parts of the neocortex and are involved in adults in the modulation of attention, memory, and arousal. During the first postnatal days, they play a crucial role in the development of cortical neurons and cortical cytoarchitecture. However, their characteristics, during this period have not been studied. To understand how they can fulfill this role, we investigated the morphological and electrophysiological maturation of cholinergic neurons of the substantia innominata–nucleus basalis of Meynert (SI/NBM) complex in the perinatal period in mice. We show that cholinergic neurons, whether or not they express gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a cotransmitter, are already functional at Embryonic Day 18. Until the end of the first postnatal week, they constitute a single population of neurons with a well developed dendritic tree, a spontaneous activity including bursting periods, and a short-latency response to depolarizations (early-firing). They are excited by both their GABAergic and glutamatergic afferents. During the second postnatal week, a second, less excitable, neuronal population emerges, with a longer delay response to depolarizations (late-firing), together with the hyperpolarizing action of GABAAreceptor-mediated currents. This classification into early-firing (40%) and late-firing (60%) neurons is again independent of the coexpression of GABAergic markers. These results strongly suggest that during the first postnatal week, the specific properties of developing SI/NBM cholinergic neurons allow them to spontaneously release acetylcholine (ACh), or ACh and GABA, into the developing cortex.