bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlates of neurocognitive performance in older adults with chronic pain and negative emotions: baseline data from the problem adaptation therapy for pain (PATH-pain) randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mindlis Irina , Ravdin Lisa D. , Reid M. Carrington , Kiosses Dimitris
Published: December 2024

Chronic pain is highly prevalent among older adults, is associated with cognitive deficits, and is commonly treated in primary care. We sought to document the extent of impairment across specific neurocognitive domains and its correlates among older adults with chronic pain in primary care. We analyzed baseline data from the Problem Adaptation Therapy for Pain trial, which examined a psychosocial intervention to improve emotion regulation in 100 adults ≥ 60 years with comorbid chronic pain and negative emotions, who did not have evidence of moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment. Questionnaires on comorbidities, depressive symptoms, pain intensity, and pain-related disability were administered along with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Multiple regression assessed the relationship between demographic and clinical characteristics with specific neurocognitive domains. Over half of participants (56%) had mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment (<26 on the MoCA). Across domains, participants scored the lowest in visuospatial/constructional (M = 86.2; SD = 15.7), and 15%–23% scored at least one standard deviation below the mean for immediate and delayed memory, visuospatial/constructional, and attention. In adjusted models, greater medical comorbidities were associated with poorer performance on the total RBANS, immediate memory, and attention. Cognitive deficits in older adults with chronic pain in primary care are substantial, with varying levels of deficits by neurocognitive domain. Future research should examine synergistic effects of chronic pain and comorbidities on cognition, and the impact of cognitive deficits on older adults' ability to engage in pain interventions and self-management behaviors.
In vitro elimination of antimicrobials during ADVanced Organ Support hemodialysis
Authors: König Christina , Frey Otto , Himmelein Susanne , Mulack Lisa , Brinkmann Alexander , Perez Ruiz de Garibay Aritz , Bingold Tobias
Published: December 2024

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy is common in critically ill patients. The ADVanced Organ Support (ADVOS) system is a novel hemodialysis machine that uses albumin enriched dialysate which allows the removal of protein-bound toxins and drugs. To date, data on antimicrobial removal under ADVOS has not yet been reported.

Methods

An in vitro study was conducted using whole porcine blood and continuous infusions of different antimicrobial agents to investigate the effect of ADVOS on drug exposure. Drugs with varying protein binding, molecular weights and renal clearances, anidulafungin, cefotaxime, daptomycin, fluconazole, ganciclovir, linezolid, meropenem and piperacillin were studied.

Results

All studied drugs were removed during the in vitro ADVOS experiment. Clearance under ADVOS (CLADVOS) for low protein-bound drugs, such as cefotaxime, fluconazole, ganciclovir, linezolid, meropenem and piperacillin ranged from 2.74 to 3.4 L/h at a blood flow of 100 mL/min. With a doubling of flow rate CL for these drugs increased. Although efficiently removed, this effect was not seen for CLADVOS in high protein-bound substances such as daptomycin (1.36 L/h) and anidulafungin (0.84 L/h).

Conclusion

The ADVOS system effectively removed protein-bound and unbound antimicrobials to a significant extent indicating that dose adjustments are required. Further, clinical studies are necessary to comprehensively assess the impact of ADVOS on antimicrobial drug removal. Until clinical data are available, therapeutic drug monitoring should guide antimicrobial dosing under ADVOS.
Role of exosomes in modulating non-small cell lung cancer radiosensitivity
Authors: Fang Jincheng , Rao Xinrui , Wang Changjian , Wang Yangchenxi , Wu Chuangyan , Zhou Rui
Published: December 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes a significant proportion of lung cancer cases, and despite advancements in treatment modalities, radiotherapy resistance remains a substantial hurdle in effective cancer management. Exosomes, which are small vesicles secreted by cells, have emerged as pivotal players in intercellular communication and influence various biological processes, including cancer progression and the response to therapy. This review discusses the intricate role of exosomes in the modulation of NSCLC radiosensitivity. The paper focuses on NSCLC and highlights how tumor-derived exosomes contribute to radioresistance by enhancing DNA repair, modulating immune responses, and altering the tumor microenvironment. We further explore the potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes to overcome radiotherapy resistance and their potential as biomarkers for predicting therapeutic outcomes. Understanding the mechanisms by which exosomes affect radiotherapy can provide new avenues for enhancing treatment efficacy and improving the survival rates of patients with NSCLC.
Comparative genetic mapping and a consensus interspecific genetic map reveal strong synteny and collinearity within the Citrus genus
Authors: Ollitrault Patrick , Hufnagel Barbara , Curk Franck , Perdereau Aude , Mournet Pierre , Miranda Maëva , Costantino Gilles , Froelicher Yann , Alves Mônica , Forner Giner Maria Angeles , Smith Malcolm W. , Aleza Pablo , Luro François , Wulff Nelson A. , Peña Leandro , Morillon Raphaël , Lemainque Arnaud
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Useful germplasm for citrus breeding includes all sexually compatible species of the former genera Citrus, Clymenia, Eremocitrus, Fortunella, Microcitrus, Oxanthera, and Poncirus, now merged in the single Citrus genus. An improved knowledge on the synteny/collinearity between the genome of these different species, and on their recombination landscapes, is essential to optimize interspecific breeding schemes.

Method

We have performed a large comparative genetic mapping study including several main clades of the Citrus genus. It concerns five species (C. maxima, C. medica, C. reticulata, C. trifoliata and C. glauca), two horticultural groups resulting from interspecific admixture (clementine and lemon) and two recent interspecific hybrids (C. australis x C. australasica and C. maxima x C. reticulata). The nine individual genetic maps were established from GBS data of 1,216 hybrids.

Results and discussion

The number of SNPs mapped for each parent varies from 760 for C. medica to 4,436 for the C. maxima x C. reticulata hybrid, with an average of 2,162.3 markers by map. Their comparison with C. clementina v1.0 assembly and inter-map comparisons revealed a high synteny and collinearity between the nine genetic maps. Non-Mendelian segregation was frequent and specific for each parental combination. The recombination landscape was similar for the nine mapped parents, and large genomic regions with very low recombination were identified. A consensus genetic map was successfully established. It encompasses 10,756 loci, including 7,915 gene-based markers and 2,841 non-genic SNPs. The anchoring of the consensus map on 15 published citrus chromosome-scale genome assemblies revealed a high synteny and collinearity for the most recent assemblies, whereas discrepancies were observed for some older ones. Large structural variations do not seem to have played a major role in the differentiation of the main species of the Citrus genus. The consensus genetic map is a useful tool to check the accuracy of genome assemblies, identify large structural variation and focus on analyzing potential relationships with phenotypic variations. It should also be a reference framework to integrate the positions of QTLs and useful genes identified in different analyses.
The effects of emotional distress on attentional bias toward cigarette warnings according to smokers' anxiety levels
Authors: Jung Younji , Hwang Jang-Sun , Lee Jang-Han
Published: December 2024

Anxiety is related with the substance use, including cigarette smoking. Avoidance is one of the strategies smokers with anxiety adopt to manage negative affect, which can be contradictory to a strategy of cigarette warnings that is used to induce negative affect to change smoking behaviors. Therefore, this study examined whether smokers' anxiety levels decrease their attentional biases toward cigarette warnings, especially in response to emotional distress. High-anxiety (n = 60) and low-anxiety (n = 60) smokers were randomly assigned to either a stress condition that utilized the PASAT-C task (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task-Computer version) or a controlled condition. With the eye-tracking task that involved viewing 8 visual stimuli of cigarette packs composed of warnings and brandings, time to first fixation and fixation duration to warnings compared to brandings were measured both pre and post conditions. The results revealed that high-anxiety smokers detected warnings faster after stress conditions while low-anxiety smokers showed the consistent time to first fixation on warnings. In terms of fixation durations, high-anxiety smokers showed hypervigilance toward warnings that are considered to be a threat, but low-anxiety smokers showed avoidance under stress conditions, particularly toward social-focused warnings. These results indicate that high-anxiety smokers are more vulnerable to emotional distress and have an attentional bias toward fear appeals. Despite hypervigilance, they had greater psychological reactance toward warnings that the conflict between avoidance and hypervigilance might have contributed to, so the effectiveness of fear appeals may be limited regardless of the increased fixation duration.
Depression and emotion regulation strategy use moderate age-related attentional positivity bias
Authors: Faul Leonard , Bellaiche Lucas , Madden David J. , Smoski Moria J. , LaBar Kevin S.
Published: December 2024

Effective emotion regulation is critical for maintaining emotional health in the face of adverse events that accumulate over the lifespan. These abilities are thought to be generally maintained in older adults, accompanied by the emergence of attentional biases to positive information. Such age-related positivity biases, however, are not always reported and may be moderated by individual differences in affective vulnerabilities and competencies, such as those related to dispositional negative affect and emotion regulation styles. To examine these relationships, we analyzed eye-tracking data from 72 participants (35–74 years; 50 female), 44 without and 28 with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder during a free-viewing task comprising neutral-neutral, negative-neutral, and positive-neutral image pairs. Emotional bias scores were calculated based on the ratio of time spent dwelling on the emotional image vs. the neutral image in each emotional-neutral pair. Results indicate that healthy participants exhibited a stronger positivity bias than a negativity bias, whereas individuals with higher depressive symptom scores showed no difference. Next, we examined how age and emotion regulation strategy use (reappraisal vs. suppression, measured with the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire) impacted these effects. Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder did not exhibit a significant relationship between age and positivity bias. However, for healthy participants who self-reported a preference for using reappraisal in daily life, increased age was associated with an increased positivity bias. These findings indicate that the emergence of the positivity effect in older adults is related to reappraisal regulatory preferences in the absence of depressive symptoms.
The mediating role of rumination in the relationship between insomnia and non-suicidal self-injury of college students
Authors: Wang Hanqing , Sun Hongli
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a high-risk factor for suicide, which is widespread among college students and is closely associated with psychological issues. Insomnia tends to cause mental instability, and chronic insomnia can trigger severe mood swings, including anxiety, depression, and irritability. It can also lead to memory loss and metabolic disorders. College students are in a critical period of self-development, with significant vulnerability to insomnia and NSSI. This study investigated the influence of insomnia on NSSI among college students and examined the significance of rumination as a mediating factor.

Methods

Using random cluster sampling, we selected 667 college students from Jiangsu, China, and evaluated them using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Adolescent Self-Injury Scale (ASIS), and Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS). The significance of the mediating effect of rumination on the relationship between insomnia and NSSI among college students was tested using Bootstrap methods.

Results

The fact that the students were only children was statistically significant for rumination scores (p < 0.05). The results showed a significant positive correlation among insomnia, NSSI, and rumination (r = 0.198, 0.737, 0.243, respectively; p < 0.001). Insomnia of college students affects NSSI directly and indirectly through rumination.

Conclusion

Rumination fully mediated the relationship between insomnia and NSSI among college students, indicating an indirect influence of insomnia on NSSI. Total effect value is 0.192. Rumination plays a complete mediating role in the relationship between insomnia and NSSI among college students, with a mediating effect of 84.21%.
Translation and validation of the Nature Relatedness Scale to German
Authors: Gallus Viviane , Hucke Christine Ida , Butter Katja , Ohlmeyer Martin , van Thriel Christoph
Published: December 2024

Over the recent past, tools have been developed to asses people's connection to and attitudes towards nature due to increasing interest in this topic in society and research. We translated one such questionnaire, the Nature Relatedness Scale, consisting of three subscales (NR-Self, NR-Perspective, NR-Experience) to German. We collected 251 data sets and performed a confirmatory factor analysis, followed by an exploratory factor analysis. The analyses revealed that the reliability of the German NRS as a whole was good. However, they also showed NR-Perspective to be the weakest factor, and that NR-Self was a rather vague construct, closely connected to the other two subscales. Overall, we came to the conclusion that the NRS' three subscales are not as distinct and reliable as expected, and instead suggest a two-factor solution (NR-Presence and NR-Perspective) for use in German.
I-CONECT intervention effects on weekly time spent outside of home and social contacts among socially isolated older adults
Authors: Yu Kexin , Wu Chao-Yi , Silbert Lisa C. , Kaye Jeffrey A. , Dodge Hiroko H.
Published: December 2024

Background

Socially isolated individuals tend to have less access to cognitively stimulating activities, which could adversely impact their cognitive health. The Internet-Based Conversational Engagement Clinical Trial (I-CONECT) intervention was designed to deliver online conversation sessions to socially isolated older old adults to prevent cognitive decline. The current study examined the intervention efficacy on participants’ weekly time spent out-of-home and their social interaction with family and friends.

Methods

The intervention group engaged in frequent conversations with trained interviewers via the Internet. Both intervention and control group participants received 10-min weekly phone check-in calls over 48 weeks, during which they were asked to self-report their time (in hours) spent out of home and whether they had contacted family or friends during this week (yes/no). Linear mixed-effect models for repeated measures were run for time spent out-of-home, and mixed-effect models with a logistic link for contact with family and friends. The intervention effect was modeled by including an interaction term of time (measured in weeks) and group assignments (intervention vs. control). We ran subgroup analyses for participants with normal cognition (NC) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). All models controlled for age, sex, race, education, and the historical event of COVID-19.

Results

5,495 weekly records were included in the analysis. The main effect of time was statistically significant (p < 0.001), suggesting participants spent more time out of home over time. Among the participants with NC, the intervention group had a steeper increase in their time spent out-of-home (p = 0.016) compared with the control group. Among the participants with MCI, the intervention group had an increased likelihood of contacting friends over time (p = 0.001) than the control group. The intervention effect on contact with family was not significant for either the NC or MCI group.

Discussion

The I-CONECT intervention enhanced social activities among socially isolated older old participants, which could provide additional cognitive stimulation and prevent cognitive decline.
A study on anxiety and depression symptoms among menopausal women: a web based cross sectional survey
Authors: Kandasamy Geetha , Almaghaslah Dalia , Almanasef Mona
Published: December 2024

Background

An essential part of aging is menopause, which indicates the final phase of the female reproductive cycle. The objective of this research was to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms among menopausal women in Asir region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

The cross-sectional survey was carried out in February to June 2024, using a random sampling procedure, study participants were selected. All menopausal women including <50 and ≥60 years old, were included, and symptoms of depression and anxiety were collected using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) respectively.

Results

Of the 396 menopausal women, the majority 170 (42.9%) were <50 years old and 92 (23.2%) were between 50 and 54 years old. Two hundred eighty-one were married (71%) and 273 (68.9%) were literate. Most of them, 229 (57.8%) got married at <18 years and 196 (49.5%) have a parity of 3–5 and 189 (47.7%) women attained menopause at <50 years old. In terms of menopausal symptoms, 268 (67.7%) women experienced hot flushes; 252 (63.6%) had night sweats and were more irritable 256 (64.6%) followed by 244 (61.6%) had decreased sexual desire. In general, 258 (65.2%) and 206 (52.02%) menopausal women reported having depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Married (OR = 0.317; 95% CI = 0.182–0.551, p = 0.000) and literate (OR = 0.518; 95% CI = 0.309–0.868, p = 0.013) are less likely to be in depression compared to widowed/separated individuals. Literates (OR = 0.271; 95% CI = 0.165–0.443, p = 0.000), are less likely to have anxiety compared to illiterates.

Conclusion

The study found that a significant percentage of menopausal women had depression and anxiety symptoms. These results emphasize the significance of screening and assessing women experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms throughout the menopausal transition. To alleviate menopausal symptoms, it is also suggested to conduct activities to educate menopausal women, such as a health awareness program in shopping centers and other public places, etc.
Lung cancer risk and its potential association with PM2.5 in Bagmati province, Nepal—A spatiotemporal study from 2012 to 2021
Authors: Neupane Basanta Kumar , Acharya Bipin Kumar , Cao Chunxiang , Xu Min , Taylor Pornpimol Kodsup , Wang Shaohua , Yang Yujie
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite examining the role of an association between particulate matter and lung cancer in low-income countries, studies on the association between long-term exposure to particulate matter and lung cancer risk are still contradictory. This study investigates the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of lung cancer incidence and potential association with particulate matter (PM2.5) in Bagmati province, Nepal.

Methods

We performed a spatiotemporal study to analyze the LC – PM2.5 association, using LC and annual mean PM2.5 concentration data from 2012 to 2021. The study assessed the global spatial autocorrelation test using global Moran's I, applied hotspot analysis. A bivariate statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the association, we also applied the geographically weighted regression model (GWR) to look for possible relationships.

Results

The annual mean crude incidence rate (CIR) and standardized incidence rate (SIR) were 5.16, and 6.09 respectively. The study reveals an increasing trend with notable municipal-level spatial variations. Bhaktapur municipality exhibits the highest CIR (243.88), followed by Panchkhal and Sunapati. Males consistently exhibit higher rates, particularly in middle-aged and older adult populations. Bhaktapur displayed the highest CIR in males (171.9) but very low in females (72). The spatial analysis identified concentration trends and hotspots developed in the Bhaktapur, Panchkhal, and Sunapati municipalities. The SIR showed fluctuating patterns of continuous rise until 2019, decrease in 2020, and rise again thereafter. Similar fluctuation association patterns were observed with PM2.5, the r-squared value consistently fluctuated during the study period.

Conclusion

In this study, we found an association between PM2.5 exposure and lung cancer incidence. The findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, highlighting the role of PM2.5. Future research is suggested to explore the relationship between lung cancer distribution and various environmental risk factors for effective control and prevention. Addressing air pollution could potentially reduce future lung cancer risk.
High consciousness—low application: sustainable development and sustainable healthcare in undergraduate physiotherapy education in Sweden
Authors: Swärdh Emma , Brodin Nina , Palstam Annie , Pettersson Anna
Published: December 2024

Background

Swedish undergraduate physiotherapy education lacks comprehensive integration of sustainable development in curricula. Factors related to educators’ perspectives in preparing future physiotherapists for sustainable development and sustainable healthcare may shed light on this shortcoming.

Aim

This study aims to describe Swedish physiotherapy educators’ (i) consciousness of sustainable development and its inclusion in teaching and learning activities, (ii) ecological worldviews, (iii) attitudes toward sustainability and climate change in physiotherapy, (iv) perceptions of education for sustainable development and sustainable healthcare and (v) examine the relationship between ecological worldview and attitudes toward sustainability and climate change in physiotherapy.

Method

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed using a digital survey to collect data from educators within undergraduate physiotherapy education at five higher education institutions in Sweden. Data was collected using the Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire, the New Ecological Paradigm Scale, the Sustainability Attitudes in Nursing Survey 2, and questions related to knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy for education for sustainable development and sustainable healthcare.

Result

Most, but not all, of the 72 educators, (76%) were aware of Agenda 2030 and the sustainable development goals, and 17% included perspectives related to sustainable development in teaching and learning activities. The educators endorsed an eco-centered ecological worldview and had largely positive overall attitudes toward sustainability and climate change within physiotherapy. However, almost one-third (28%) disagreed that issues about climate change should be included in the physiotherapy curriculum. Most agreed about having content knowledge on climate and health (81%), while a smaller part agreed on having pedagogical content knowledge regarding how to inspire or educate for sustainable development (17–28%). There was also a wide variation in perceived self-efficacy in education for sustainable development and sustainable healthcare.

Conclusion

Despite the endorsement of eco-centered ecological worldviews and a rather high consciousness of sustainable development as an overall concept, there remains a disconnect to educational attitudes and actions among Swedish physiotherapy educators. This points to the need to explore the narrative of sustainable development within physiotherapy in Sweden rooted in broader concept understanding, ethics, and reflective practice for sustainable development. A key priority should be to offer new perspectives on professional identity and continuing professional development within sustainable development.
Multiuser design of an architecture for social robots in education: teachers, students, and researchers perspectives
Authors: Tozadore Daniel C. , Romero Roseli A. F.
Published: December 2024

Research on social assistive robots in education faces many challenges that extend beyond technical issues. On one hand, hardware and software limitations, such as algorithm accuracy in real-world applications, render this approach difficult for daily use. On the other hand, there are human factors that need addressing as well, such as student motivations and expectations toward the robot, teachers’ time management and lack of knowledge to deal with such technologies, and effective communication between experimenters and stakeholders. In this paper, we present a complete evaluation of the design process for a robotic architecture targeting teachers, students, and researchers. The contribution of this work is three-fold: (i) we first present a high-level assessment of the studies conducted with students and teachers that allowed us to build the final version of the architecture’s module and its graphical interface; (ii) we present the R-CASTLE architecture from a technical perspective and its implications for developers and researchers; and, finally, (iii) we validated the R-CASTLE architecture with an in-depth qualitative analysis with five new teachers. Findings suggest that teachers can intuitively import their daily activities into our architecture at first glance, even without prior contact with any social robot.
Trends and projections of the burden of disease for male infertility in China from 1990 to 2021: an analysis from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study
Authors: Xu Ran , Wang Xin-jun , Lin Qing-cheng , Zhuang Yan-ting , Zhou Qing-ying , Xu Nai-fen , Zheng Ding-qin
Published: December 2024

Background

Currently, male infertility represents a serious disease burden worldwide, and China is one of the most affected countries. The aim of this study was to examine the evolution of the disease burden of male infertility in China during the period 1990–2021 and to project the trend for 2022–2036.

Methods

By screening and processing data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021, this study obtained data on the prevalence, disability-adjusted life years and corresponding rates and age-standardised rates of male infertility between 1990 and 2021. To assess the trend in the burden of male infertility over the past 30 years, the annual percentage change and the average annual percentage change were calculated from the above data using Joinpoint regression models. In addition, age-period-cohort models were used to estimate the independent effects of age, period and cohort factors on male infertility, and Bayesian projection models were used to predict the trend in the disease over the next 15 years.

Result

In both 1990 and 2021, the burden of male infertility tended to increase and then decrease with age, with the heaviest burden in the 35–39 age group. Meanwhile, the Joinpoint model found statistically significant average annual percentage changes in age-standardised prevalence and age-standardised disability-adjusted life years of 0.14% and 0.19%, respectively. In addition, the trend for both was a gradual increase over time until 1994 and a gradual decrease over time after 1994. In the age-period-cohort analysis model, age, period and cohort effects indicated that 35–39 years, 1997–2001 and 1945–1949 were the years with the highest risk of male infertility. Finally, the Bayesian projection model suggested that the disease burden of male infertility in China would show a decreasing trend over the next 15 years.

Conclusion

From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of male infertility in China generally increased. However, thanks to a number of factors, including China's proactive health policies and effective management, the burden of disease has continued to decrease in the last decade and is projected to continue declining from 2022 to 2036. To sustain this positive trend, it remains essential for China to maintain and strengthen effective management and control of male infertility.
Understanding the scientific validity of synthetic torpor for radiation research and extended space missions
Authors: Kokko Anggraeini Puspitasari , Chowdhury Reema , Sherman Katelin , Cerri Matteo , Tinganelli Walter
Published: December 2024

The idea of synthetic torpor, an artificial state resembling the hypo-metabolic state of torpor/hibernation, has recently gained significant scientific attention. Building on pioneering research demonstrating the protective effects of torpor against radiation in mammals, this mini-review aims to evaluate its scientific validity. We will explore the theoretical foundations, practical applications, and potential challenges linked to synthetic torpor. By critically examining the current knowledge, we aim to determine if synthetic torpor is a scientifically viable and achievable concept with broad implications for fields such as space exploration and healthcare.
Immunoproteasome inhibition reduces donor specific antibody production and cardiac allograft vasculopathy in a mouse heart transplantation model
Authors: Schwalb Allison M. , Anwar Imran , DeLaura Isabel , Ladowski Joseph M. , Yoon Janghoon , Belloni Rafaela , Song Mingqing , Glass Carolyn , Wang Jun , Knechtle Stuart , Kwun Jean
Published: December 2024

Objective

Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV), a process of vascular damage accelerated by antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), is one of the leading causes of cardiac transplant failure. Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) are utilized to treat AMR, however PI-associated toxicity limits their therapeutic utility. Novel immunoproteasome inhibitors (IPIs) have higher specificity for immune cells and have not been investigated for AMR in cardiac transplant patients. We sought to evaluate IPI effect on AMR in a murine cardiac transplant model.

Methods

Fully MHC mismatched C57BL/6 to huCD52Tg heterotopic heart transplantations were performed. Recipients were treated with alemtuzumab (10 µg, IP) on days −2, −1, 2, and 4 and anti-CD25mAb (PC61, 100 µg, IP) on day 7 to accelerate AMR with or without IPI (ONX-0914,15 mg/kg, SQ), administered on transplant day and three times a week thereafter.

Results

Animals without IPI gradually developed post-transplant donor-specific antibody (DSA) and showed a significantly elevated DSA level compared to animals receiving IPI. (TFXM 48.86 vs. 14.17; p = 0.0291, BFXM 43.53 vs. 6.114; p = 0.0031). Accordingly, H&E staining of allograft showed reduced evidence of AMR with IPI compared to controls (P = 0.0410). Notably, increased mortality was observed in the IPI treated group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the ability of ONYX-0914, an IPI, to control post-transplant DSA production and the AMR development in a heart transplant model. However, IPI-resistant DSA production was also observed and increased mortality with IPI therapy raises concerns about potential toxicity. Further investigation is warranted to assess the utility and potential risk associated with the use of IPI as a post-transplant maintenance immunosuppression.
Reliability agreement in foul and penalty judgements between officials in the Swedish hockey league
Authors: Björklund Glenn , Procter Olivia , Swarén Mikael
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Officials are essential in terms of player safety and injury prevention, especially in contact team sports such as ice hockey, where numerous fast pace and high force contacts occur. If against the rules, these collisions can result in penalties. However, there is limited literature on the inter-rater reliability of the officials’ decisions. Hence, the purpose was to investigate the theoretical reliability agreement between professional ice hockey officials in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

Method

Fifty video clips with different match situations were shown to 33 professional ice hockey officials in the SHL. Each situation was shown three times and the officials had 20 s between each video clip to answer which offence and penalty they would judge. The answers were anonymously collected using an online questionnaire. Fleiss’ kappa was used to assess the reliability agreement between the referees, for each situation.

Results

The Fleiss’ kappa values for all officials were 0.63 and 0.35 for offences and penalties, respectively. Referees and linesmen had similar kappa values for offences (0.64 vs. 0.64), as well as for penalties (0.38 vs. 0.35).

Conclusion

The results show that the suggested methodology can be used to identify situations where officials agree and disagree. In ice hockey, poor agreement regarding penalties can depend on the chosen offence as the rulebook limits the availability of penalties, based on the chosen offence. This can create issues, as there are situations where different offences are equally correct but will result in different penalties.
Structural changes of the multifidus in animal models of intervertebral disk degeneration: a systematic review
Authors: Wang Yaobin , Zhao Xinghua , Zhang Xiangyu , Yang Yuhua , Zhang Weikang , Liu Shaocheng , Liu Zhenlei , Zhang Lei , Wang Kai , Wu Hao
Published: December 2024

Study design

Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread clinical symptom affecting nearly all age groups and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Degenerative changes in the spine and paraspinal tissues primarily contribute to the etiology of LBP.

Objectives

We conducted this systematic review of animal models of paraspinal muscle (PSM) degeneration secondary to degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD), providing a comprehensive evaluation of PSM structural changes observed in these models at both macroscopic and microscopic levels.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE Ovid databases were searched through November 2023. Literature was sequentially screened based on titles, abstracts, inclusion of animal models and full texts. A manual search of reference lists from all eligible studies was also performed to identify any eligible article. Two independent reviewers screened the articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation's Risk of Bias tool.

Results

A total of nine studies were included in the final analysis after a comprehensive screening process. The included studies were assessed for various aspects of the multifidus muscle. Given the limited number of studies and the substantial heterogeneity among them, a quantitative meta-analysis was deemed inappropriate.

Conclusions

This systematic review shows a comprehensive analysis of structural changes in the multifidus muscle in animal models of IVD degeneration and offers crucial insights for developing improved rodent models of IVD degeneration and assessing a battery of approaches for multifidus degeneration.
Enhancing Online Safety for Underage Children
Authors: Mahar Sorath , Memon Shahzad , Dhomeja Lachhman Das , Khoumbati Khalil
Published: December 2024

Social media has greatly affected society as we know it today, most especially to the teenagers and children under the age of 10, termed as ‘underage children’. Which requires a comprehensive understanding of its effects and risks. This study focuses on what parents think about their children’s usage of social media applications. By surveying parents, we aimed to learn more about their beliefs, concerns and how they manage their children’s online activities and experiences. Our research identified a significant gap between parental awareness and their children’s online experiences. This lack of understanding is concerning because social media platforms are ubiquitous. Many parents lack a thorough understanding of the potential risks and challenges their underage children encounter in this digital environment. Additionally, existing safety measures, even within supposedly child-safe platforms like YouTube Kids, focus only on video content, neglecting potential vulnerabilities in other areas. This highlights the necessity for parental perspectives in shaping safer online spaces for minors.  Our Proposed model addresses the current limitations by providing a social media experience with integrated parental controls. The proposed model includes features such as content sharing control, message control, Log-in/ Log-out timings, and customizable ad preferences. The model was stimulated by the literature review and a preliminary research study, which adopts a data-driven approach to enhance child safety within digital landscape. Future research should involve user testing of proposed model with focused group discussions, along with their validation and analysis.
A Complex Network Epidemiological Approach for Infectious Disease Spread Control with Time-Varying Connections
Authors: Alanis Alma Y. , Munoz-Gomez Gustavo , Ramirez Nancy F. , Sanchez Oscar D. , Alvarez Jesus G.
Published: December 2024

This work introduces an impulsive neural control algorithm designed to mitigate the spread of epidemic diseases. The objective of this paper is the development of a vaccination strategy based on a PIN-type impulsive controller based on an online-trained neural identifier to control the spread of infectious diseases under a complex network approach with time-varying connections where each node represents a population of individuals whose dynamics are defined by the MSEIR epidemiological model. Considering an unknown model of the system, a neural identifier is designed that provides a nonlinear model for the complex network trained through an extended Kalman filter algorithm. Simulation results are presented by applying the proposed control scheme for a complex network parameterized as infectious diseases.
Stability Analysis and Experimental Validation of Standard Proportional-Integral-Derivative Control in Bilateral Teleoperators with Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Arteaga Marco A. , Guajardo-Benavides Evert J. , Sánchez-Sánchez Pablo
Published: December 2024

The control of bilateral teleoperation systems with time-varying delays is a challenging problem that is frequently addressed with advanced control techniques. Widely known controllers, like Proportional-Derivative (PD) and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID), are seldom employed independently and are typically combined with other approaches, or at least with gravity compensation. This work aims to address a gap in the analysis of bilateral systems by demonstrating that the standard PID control law alone can achieve regulation in these systems when a human operator moves any of the robots while exchanging delayed positions. Experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis. Additionally, to illustrate the high degree of robustness of the standard PID, further experiments are conducted in constrained motion, both with and without force feedback.
Integrating Large Language Models and Optimization in Semi- Structured Decision Making: Methodology and a Case Study
Authors: Ghiani Gianpaolo , Solazzo Gianluca , Elia Gianluca
Published: December 2024

Semi-structured decisions, which fall between highly structured and unstructured decision types, rely on human intuition and experience for the final choice, while using data and analytical models to generate tentative solutions. These processes are traditionally iterative and time-consuming, requiring cycles of data gathering, analysis, and option evaluation. In this study, we propose a novel framework that integrates Large Language Models (LLMs) with optimization techniques to streamline such decision-making processes. In our approach, LLMs leverage their capabilities in data interpretation, common-sense reasoning, and mathematical modeling to assist decision makers by reducing cognitive load. They achieve this by automating aspects of information processing and option evaluation, while preserving human oversight as a crucial component of the final decision-making process. Another significant strength of our framework lies in its potential to drive the evolution of a new generation of decision support systems (DSSs). Unlike traditional systems that rely on rigid and inflexible interfaces, our approach enables users to express their preferences in a more natural, intuitive, and adaptable manner, substantially enhancing both usability and accessibility. A case study on last-mile delivery system design in a smart city demonstrates the practical application of this framework. The results suggest that our approach has the potential to simplify the decision-making process and improve efficiency by reducing cognitive load, enhancing user experience, and facilitating more intuitive interactions.
An Analytical Framework for Global Dynamic Modeling of Flexible Variable Topology Mechanisms
Authors: Geng Ruihai , Bian Yushu , Gao Zhihui , Zhao Yize , Liu Peng
Published: December 2024

The coupling of topology transition with flexible deformation and rigid motion presents significant challenges in the dynamic modeling of flexible variable topology mechanisms. Existing dynamics models are mostly special-purpose models for their particular cases and thus struggle to completely depict the general topology transition characteristics. To address this gap, this paper proposes an analytical framework for the global dynamic modeling of flexible variable topology mechanisms, focusing on general cases. Initially, the flexible variable topology mechanisms are rigorously defined by the ordered triples and the general topology transition approaches are presented. A novel concept, the “basic flexible kinematic chain set”, is suggested, which can easily transform into the topology of each submechanism by slightly extending. Based on this concept, basic and conditional constraints are established. The continuous dynamic modeling method for each topology is developed using Jourdain’s principle and the Lagrange multiplier method. Additionally, three classes of constraints related to topology transition are identified, and their equations are formulated, elucidating the topology transition nature. Compatibility equations are proposed to define the new coordinate system for describing the deformation of flexible components after the topology transition. An impact dynamic equation is established to describe abrupt velocity change. Integrating compatibility and impact equations, a discontinuous dynamic modeling method for topology transition is developed. Finally, a flexible variable topology mechanism example is studied, and simulations and experiments are conducted to validate the proposed framework. This analytical framework is general-purpose and efficient, guiding the global dynamic modeling of various flexible variable topology mechanisms and the development of sophisticated control techniques.
High-Precision Tea Plantation Mapping with Multi-Source Remote Sensing and Deep Learning
Authors: Zhou Yicheng , Yang Lingbo , Yuan Lin , Li Xin , Mao Yihu , Dong Jiancong , Lin Zhenyu , Zhou Xianfeng
Published: December 2024

Accurate mapping of tea plantations is crucial for agricultural management and economic planning, yet it poses a significant challenge due to the complex and variable nature of tea cultivation landscapes. This study presents a high-precision approach to mapping tea plantations in Anji County, Zhejiang Province, China, utilizing multi-source remote sensing data and advanced deep learning models. We employed a combination of Sentinel-2 optical imagery, Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar imagery, and digital elevation models to capture the rich spatial, spectral, and temporal characteristics of tea plantations. Three deep learning models, namely U-Net, SE-UNet, and Swin-UNet, were constructed and trained for the semantic segmentation of tea plantations. Cross-validation and point-based accuracy assessment methods were used to evaluate the performance of the models. The results demonstrated that the Swin-UNet model, a transformer-based approach capturing long-range dependencies and global context for superior feature extraction, outperformed the others, achieving an overall accuracy of 0.993 and an F1-score of 0.977 when using multi-temporal Sentinel-2 data. The integration of Sentinel-1 data with optical data slightly improved the classification accuracy, particularly in areas affected by cloud cover, highlighting the complementary nature of Sentinel-1 imagery for all-weather monitoring. The study also analyzed the influence of terrain factors, such as elevation, slope, and aspect, on the accuracy of tea plantation mapping. It was found that tea plantations at higher altitudes or on north-facing slopes exhibited higher classification accuracy, and that accuracy improves with increasing slope, likely due to simpler land cover types and tea’s preference for shade. The findings of this research not only provide valuable insights into the precision mapping of tea plantations but also contribute to the broader application of deep learning in remote sensing for agricultural monitoring.
Characterization of Three Novel Papillomavirus Genomes in Vampire Bats (Desmodus rotundus)
Authors: de Camargo Laura Junqueira , Alves Raquel Silva , dos Santos Raíssa Nunes , Baumbach Letícia Ferreira , Olegário Juliana do Canto , Rabaioli Vitória , Silva Matheus de Oliveira , Witt André Alberto , Godinho Fernanda Marques , Salvato Richard Steiner , Weber Matheus Nunes , da Silva Mariana Soares , Daudt Cíntia , Budaszewski Renata da Fontoura , Canal Cláudio Wageck
Published: December 2024

Bats are mammals with high biodiversity and wide geographical range. In Brazil, three haematophagous bat species are found. Desmodus rotundus is the most documented due to its role as a primary host of rabies virus in Latin America. Bats are known to harbor various emerging viruses causing severe human diseases. Beyond zoonotic viruses, these animals also harbor a diversity of non-zoonotic viruses. Papillomaviruses are circular double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) viruses that infect the epithelial and mucosal cells of many vertebrates, occasionally causing malignant lesions. High-throughput sequencing has enabled papillomaviruses discovery in different bat species. Here, 22 D. rotundus samples were collected through the rabies eradication program in Rio Grande do Sul. The DNA extracted from pooled intestines was amplified by the rolling-circle amplification (RCA) method and sequenced using the Illumina® MiSeq platform (San Diego, CA, USA).Analysis revealed three contigs corresponding to the Papillomaviridae family, representing three novel viruses named DrPV-1, DrPV-2, and DrPV-3. Phylogenetic analysis suggests DrPV-1 may constitute a new species within the Dyophipapillomavirus genus, while DrPV-2 and DrPV-3 may represent different types within the same species from a novel genus. This is the first description of a papillomavirus in the D. rotundus species, contributing to the characterization of PVs in the Chiropteran order.