bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum leptin levels in patients with sideropenic and pernicious anemia: the influence of anemia treatment.
Authors: Marková M , Haluzík M , Svobodová J , Rosická M , Nedvídková J , Haas T
Published: January 2025

Leptin is a 16 kDa protein hormone involved in food intake, energy expenditure regulation and numerous other physiological processes. Recently, leptin has been demonstrated to stimulate hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. The aim of our study was to measure serum leptin and erythropoietin levels in patients with sideropenic (n =18) and pernicious anemia (n=7) before and during anemia treatment. Blood samples for the blood count, leptin and erythropoietin determinations were obtained by venepunction at the time of the diagnosis of anemia and after partial and complete anemia recovery. The relationships of serum leptin levels to erythropoietin levels and blood count parameters were also studied. No significant differences in serum leptin levels between the groups studied were found. The serum leptin levels in none of groups were modified by treatment of anemia (basal levels, the levels during treatment and after anemia recovery were 13.1±14.5 vs 12.8±15.6 vs 12.0±14.8 ng/ml in patients with sideropenic anemia and 7.8±8.5 vs 9.5±10.0 vs 8.9±6.6 ng/ml in patients with pernicious anemia). The erythropoietin levels were higher at the time of anemia in both groups and decreased significantly after partial or complete recovery. Serum leptin levels in both groups correlated positively with the body mass index. No significant relationships were found between serum leptin levels and erythropoietin values or various parameters of the peripheral blood count. We conclude that serum leptin levels in patients with sideropenic and pernicious anemia positively correlate with the body mass index but are not influenced by the treatment of anemia.
Inhibitory effect of FK 506 and cyclosporin A on nitric oxide production by LPS-treated cultured rat macrophages.
Authors: Střeštíková P , Otová B , Filipec M , Farghali H
Published: January 2025

We analyzed the effect of FK 506 on the production of nitric oxide by macrophages. Isolated rat peritoneal macrophages were cultured for 24 h with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 µg/ml) and in the absence or presence of FK 506 (0.1 and 1 µg/ml). The concentration of NO2- in culture supernatants was taken as a measure of nitric oxide production. FK 506 (0.1 and 1 µg/ml) reduced the LPS-induced increase of NO2- levels by 68 % and 81 %, respectively. The impact of cyclosporin A (CsA) was studied in order to compare their effects. CsA (0.1 and 1 µg/ml) decreased the levels of nitrites by 39 % and 69 %, respectively. The results obtained suggest that both immunosuppressive drugs exhibit a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production and that FK 506 is a more potent agent than CsA in this respect.
ENHANCING HAND GESTURE RECOGNITION THROUGH DEEP LEARNING ARCHITECTURES
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Information Technology, Sir C R Reddy College of Engineering, Eluru, Gopinath Velivela , Dimmiti Mounika ,   Final Year Students, Department of Information Technology, Sir C R Reddy College of Engineering, Eluru, Chowdary Ravella Naveen ,   Final Year Students, Department of Information Technology, Sir C R Reddy College of Engineering, Eluru, Vemulapalli Pavan Kumar ,   Final Year Students, Department of Information Technology, Sir C R Reddy College of Engineering, Eluru, Pasumarthi Dhatri ,   Final Year Students, Department of Information Technology, Sir C R Reddy College of Engineering, Eluru
Published: January 2025

This project focuses on creating a robust hand
gesture recognition system using deep learning.
Traditional methods face challenges with diverse hand
poses, prompting the use of a convolutional neural
network (CNN). A comprehensive dataset is collected for
training the CNN, enabling it to automatically learn
features crucial for accurate gesture recognition. The
system is optimized for real-time responsiveness, and
techniques like data augmentation and fine-tuning are
applied to enhance its adaptability and overall
performance. The CNN is trained to process live video
input, accurately identifying and classifying hand
gestures. The project emphasizes simplicity and
effectiveness, using deep learning to address challenges
and improve human-computer interaction. Rigorous
evaluations measure accuracy, precision, recall, and
real-time responsiveness, showcasing the system's
reliability in recognizing a variety of hand gestures. This
research contributes to creating an intuitive and
adaptable interface for seamless interactions between
users and machines.
ECO-ADAPTIVISM: EVOLVE, SUSTAIN, THRIVE
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geography, Dayanand College, Hisar, Haryana, India, 125001, Kumar Dr. Surender
Published: January 2025

Historically, the degree and severity of
environmental challenges have increased daily at the
global level. These environmental challenges can be
handled, minimized and controlled by adapting the
concept of eco-adaptivism. It represents the
paradigm shift in environmental determinism,
possibilism and neodeterminism. The finding of the
present study emphasizes the urgent need for smart
and rapid adaptive measures in the face of
emerging environmental challenges, especially those
affecting the global environment. The next
deterministic approach (Eco-Adaptivism) is to
examine the fundamental principles, philosophical
foundations and practical applications of resilience,
stability, and human well-being in the dynamic
world. Eco-Adaptivism advocates a proactive
approach that integrates ecological principles with
adaptive strategies to reduce the impacts of
environmental changes that threaten the health and
biodiversity of ecosystems. It navigates the
complexities of shaping the earth and its
environment in the Anthropocene era. By adopting
this concept/ides/model, we can begin a sustainable
journey toward a more resilient, fair and
sustainable future, where humans and nature will
coexist in harmony.
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ENERGYEFFICIENT COMPRESSION ALGORITHMS FOR ENHANCING PERFORMANCE AND REDUCING POWER CONSUMPTION IN HANDHELD DEVICES
Authors:   Department of ECE JNTUK Kakinada, AP, India, Jyothirmai M. , Gopal Dr.Kesavan ,   Department of ECE LPU Punjab, India, Sailaja Dr.M. ,   Department of ECE JNTUK Kakinada, AP, India
Published: January 2025

The energy efficiency of handheld devices is of
prime importance for sustainable use of the device.
Watermarking, extraction, compression, decompression,
encryption, and decryption are some of the tasks which
can be performed on handheld devices. Earlier, a study on
the effect of watermarking of digital content and its effect
on energy efficiency was carried out. In this paper, a
comparative analysis of energy efficiency in handheld
devices is presented. The comparison, based on hardware
and software platforms, focuses on computing systems and
handheld devices. Multimedia content such as digital
images, videos, and audio files are also considered in the
following study. Energy efficiency in handheld devices can
be improved by offloading compute-intensive tasks to the
remote server which forms the research work by the
author in the future. The tasks which are less computeintense can be performed in handheld devices which can
result in energy savings in the devices.
LOW COST SMART GLASSES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED USING RASPBERRY PI
Authors:   Department of Electronics and Communication, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala- 678557, D Anjana , k S Ajay ,   Department of Electronics and Communication, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala- 678557, k Akash ,   Department of Electronics and Communication, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala- 678557, C Chaithanya ,   Department of Electronics and Communication, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala- 678557, Balamurugan Dr.V. ,   Department of Electronics and Communication, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala- 678557, mohan Divya ,   Department of Electronics and Communication, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad, Kerala- 678557
Published: January 2025

Blindness is the inability to perceive light, leading
individuals to rely on guiding tools and human assistance.
This study introduces a prototype of smart glasses designed
to help blind users by detecting objects and text signs,
providing audio feedback. The device uses a Raspberry Pi
as the microprocessor and a camera for detection. Object
detection is powered by the YOLO algorithm, while
Optical Character Recognition(OCR) identifies both
handwritten and printed text. MATLAB is employed for
OCR tasks, which include image capturing, text
extraction, and text-to-speech conversion. The prototype
can detect up to 15 objects and operates effectively under
varying light conditions. The system can use voice
responds to visually impaired people about the objects in
front of them by uploading the photos to our backend
object detection system through the camera function of
smart glasses and then download the text descriptions of
the result and then use the text-to-speech function . The
average processing time for the prototype is about 1.9
seconds while walking quickly and 1.7 seconds at a slower
pace.
Is reaching net zero a growth and prosperity plan? Economics, tools and actions for a rapidly changing world
Authors: Zenghelis Dimitri , Costa-Allendes Andrea , Stephenson Sam , Nemo Ramirez Chloe , Wale Will , Hunnable Harriet
Published: January 2025

Drawing on the latest evidence from a range of disciplines, this joint University of Cambridge and London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) policy report aims to assist decision-makers in HM Treasury (HMT) and beyond by offering constructive suggestions on how to help steer the UK economy through this transition, on to a path that boosts productivity, incomes, and employment, while maintaining healthy public finances and sustainable public debt. The report asks fundamental questions: is reaching net zero a growth and prosperity plan? If so, how much do we need to invest, can we afford it, and how do we pay for it? Are there less ambitious options which might be economically expeditious? To answer this, a conceptual understanding of the nature of the challenge and the drivers of innovation and structural change is needed. This further calls for a broadening of the analytical toolkit with profound conclusions for policy recommendations. This report was launched on 24 October 2024 in London with presentations by Dr John Llewellyn (Partner, Independent Economics), Anna Murphy (Low-carbon Innovation & Competitiveness consultant, The World Bank), Professor Emily Shuckburgh (Professor of Environmental Data Science, University of Cambridge and Director, Cambridge Zero), Lord Nicholas Stern (IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics and Political Science and Chair, Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment (GRI LSE)).  Bob Ward (Policy and Communications Director, GRI LSE). Followed by panel discussion chaired by Lindsay Hooper (Interim CEO, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership).
Economic Science: Reflection or Foresight?
Authors:   Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Ufa, Russia, Degtyarev Alexander N.
Published: January 2025

Introduction. Society holds economic science responsible for the processes occurring in the economies of the world. Global and local crises
that have taken place in recent history in the economy, politics and
humanitarian sphere, cause fear for the ability of science to foresee
even the near future. Therefore, the question is relevant: is economic
science just a posteriori reflection of the road map of evolutionary development passed by society or is it the basis for a foresight project
of the future round of evolution? To answer this question, the author
considers some modern problems of the relationship between economics and economic science. Methods. Retrospective and comparative analysis, methods of taxonomy and generalization were applied. Results and Discussion. It is noted that in the second half of the twentieth century the basic concepts and ideas on which the philosophical
understanding of human economic activity and its social portrait is based
have changed. There was a shift of emphasis in the study of the subject and method of research: from material goods, wealth and money in
conditions of limited material resources to family relations, political collisions, social and racial tensions, etc. Today, most researchers in various
fields of knowledge no longer doubt that describing a complex phenomenon in the previous ideas of linear thinking is insufficient and even dangerous. Thus, during the twentieth century, the subject and categories of
economic theory underwent significant changes, mainly towards the formation of new scientific approaches and methods of research of complex
processes, greater detailing and highlighting of previously unknown elements and economic categories. This allowed economic theory to move
far ahead in analyzing the increasingly complex multifaceted relationships
between the economic subject and the social environment. Conclusion.
The author's analysis shows that no economic ideas and theories can
claim to be universal. They all have a contextual sounding. Therefore, the
significance of economic theories cannot and should not be assessed in
terms of pure theory; it should have outputs in practice and not just correspond to it, but be ahead of it due to scientific search.
Academician V. M. Glushkov — Pioneer of Cybernetics and Computer Science, Ideologist of the Digital State
Authors:   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia, Kitova Olga V.
Published: January 2025

The article provides an overview of the life and work of the great Soviet scientist, pioneer of computer science and cybernetics, ideologist of the digital
state, author of the project of the General Automated System for Collection and Processing of Information for Accounting, Planning and Management of the National Economy (OGAS), Academician of the USSR Academy
of Sciences Viktor Mikhailovich Glushkov (1923—1982). The main stages of
his biography and major scientific achievements are given: solving the fifth
generalized Hilbert problem, creating and managing the largest Institute of
Cybernetics of the Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR in the USSR,
developing the theory of digital automata and applying it to designing computers in the PROJECT systems, developing new computers, including the
first personal computers for engineering calculations of the MIR series and
the most powerful supercomputers in the USSR with a new macropipeline architecture (MIMD architecture in modern classification), V.M. Glushkov's contribution to cybernetics and computer science, to programming theory and
computer algebra, to the creation of artificial intelligence systems.
The article reflects the role of V. M. Glushkov as an ideologist and one
of the founders of the automated management systems industry in the USSR, the scientific director of large automated management systems
and industry-specific automated management systems, such as the OASU
of the Ministry of Instrument Engineering, the ASU of the Armed Forces
of the USSR, the AMS "Moscow" and many others. Particular attention is
paid to his proposed General State Automated System for Collection and
Processing of Information for Accounting, Planning and Management of
the National Economy (OGAS) — the world's first integrated project of
a digital state.
University Scientific Library in the Context of Time
Authors:   National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russia, Otstavnova Irina V , Syromyasova Elena M.
Published: January 2025

The article analyses the most significant stages of the history and development of the Scientific Library of National Research Mordovia State University in terms of the sources of the forming the library stock, developing
the library structure, building human capacity , introducing innovative processes of library and information-bibliographic activity at each the development historical stages. The aim of the article is to demonstrate the key
milestones and trends in the development of scientific libraries, operating
at universities, as one of the components of educational, scientific and
cultural potential of the university society with the example of the history
of the M. M. Bakhtin Scientific Library of Mordovia University. Until now,
this topic has not enough scientific attention. To identify the key trends in
the development of scientific and educational environment of universities,
there were used the holistic and systematic analyses of publications on the
history of university libraries, and selective monitoring of websites of Russia scientific libraries. As the information base for the article, there were
used unpublished and published documents stored in the State Archive of
the Republic of Mordovia, the archive of the Mordovia State University and
the M. M. Bakhtin Scientific Library, publications on the history of Mordovia, scientific publications, and memories of former and current staff members of the Library. The article shows the role of the University Scientific
Library, which has the richest book collection and is the information centre
of the Republic of Mordovia providing a wide range of information resources and services that allows ensuring the prompt provision of information about scientific research, therefore contributes to developing the strategy of research activities of the University scientists.
Innovative CDR grafting and computational methods for PD-1 specific nanobody design
Authors: Devasani Jagadeeswara Reddy , Guntuku Girijasankar , Panatula Nalini , Muthyala Murali Krishna Kumar , Palla Mary Sulakshana , Siahaan Teruna J.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The development of nanobodies targeting Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 (PD-1) offers a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy. This study aims to design and characterize a PD-1-specific nanobody using an integrated computational and experimental approach.

Methods

An in silico design strategy was employed, involving Complementarity-Determining Region (CDR) grafting to construct the nanobody sequence. The three-dimensional structure of the nanobody was predicted using AlphaFold2, and molecular docking simulations via ClusPro were conducted to evaluate binding interactions with PD-1. Physicochemical properties, including stability and solubility, were analyzed using web-based tools, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations assessed stability under physiological conditions. The nanobody was produced and purified using Ni-NTA chromatography, and experimental validation was performed through Western blotting, ELISA, and dot blot analysis.

Results

Computational findings demonstrated favorable binding interactions, stability, and physicochemical properties of the nanobody. Experimental results confirmed the nanobody’s specific binding affinity to PD-1, with ELISA and dot blot analyses providing evidence of robust interaction.

Discussion

This study highlights the potential of combining computational and experimental approaches for engineering nanobodies. The engineered PD-1 nanobody exhibits promising characteristics, making it a strong candidate for further testing in cancer immunotherapy applications.
Optogenetic control of gene expression in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002
Authors: Forbes Liam , Papanatsiou Maria , Palombo Anna , Christie John M. , Amtmann Anna
Published: January 2025

Photosynthetic cyanobacteria can be utilised in biotechnology as environmentally sustainable cell factories to convert CO2 into a diverse range of biochemicals. However, a lack of molecular tools available for precise and dynamic control of gene expression hinders metabolic engineering and contributes to low product titres. Optogenetic tools enable light-regulated control of gene expression with high tunability and reversibility. To date, their application in cyanobacteria is limited and transferability between species remains unclear. In this study, we expressed the blue light-repressible YF1/FixJ and the green/red light-responsive CcaS/CcaR systems in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 and characterised their performance using GFP fluorescence assays and qRT-PCR. The YF1/FixJ system of non-cyanobacterial origin showed poor performance with a maximum dynamic range of 1.5-fold despite several steps to improve this. By contrast, the CcaS/CcaR system originating from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 responded well to light wavelengths and intensities, with a 6-fold increased protein fluorescence output observed after 30 min of green light. Monitoring GFP transcript levels allowed us to quantify the kinetics of transcriptional activation and deactivation and to test the effect of both multiple green/red and light/dark cycles on system performance. Finally, we increased CcaS/CcaR system activity under green light through targeted genetic modifications to the pCpcG2 output promoter. This study provides a detailed characterisation of the behaviour of the CcaS/CcaR system in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, as well as underlining the complexity of transferring optogenetic tools across species.
Impact of VSD therapy on surgical outcomes, inflammatory markers, and functional rehabilitation in patients with secondary bone infection following tibial fracture surgery
Authors: Chang Sheng , Wang Yu , Zhang Zengshan
Published: January 2025

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) treatment on surgical indicators, inflammatory factors, and functional recovery in patients with chronic osteomyelitis secondary to open tibial fractures.

Methods

In total, 87 patients with secondary bone infection after internal fixation of tibial fracture treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University from December 2020 to June 2022 were selected, all of whom were tibial shaft fractures. Of these, 55 cases of primary open fracture were sutured in the first stage; 32 cases underwent internal fixation after primary debridement at the time of trauma. The patients were treated with surgical debridement, removal of internal fixation, and fixation with an external fixation frame. After debridement, those with local wounds that could not be completely closed and were complicated with exposed bone were randomly selected for either VSD covering treatment (study group, n=46) or bone cement covering treatment (control group, n=41. The distribution of pathogenic bacteria, surgical indicators, inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor⁃α(TNF⁃α), interleukin⁃6 (IL⁃6), and C⁃reactive protein (CRP) levels], functional recovery [knee, ankle, and limb function recovery], and complications were summarized.

Results

There were 87 pathogenic bacteria strains in 87 patients, including 43 Gram⁃positive bacteria strains (49.42%), 32 Gram⁃negative bacteria strains (36.78%), and 12 fungi strains (13.80%). The number of dressing changes in the study group was less than that in the control group. The infection control time, wound sterility time, hospitalization time, and skin flap transfer operation time in the study group were shorter than those in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of TNF⁃α, IL⁃6, and CRP in the two groups decreased, among which the change in the study group was the most significant and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score and Baird–Jackson score of the two groups increased, among which the change in the study group was the most significant and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The excellent and good rate of the study group (95.65%) was higher than the excellent and good rate of the control group (80.49%) and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

When a wound cannot be closed, VSD treatment of patients with secondary bone infection after internal fixation of tibial fracture can improve the level of surgical indicators and inflammatory factor levels in patients, and promote the recovery of patients’ limb function, and is thus worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Prevalence and clinical correlates of Gardnerella spp., Fannyhessea vaginae, Lactobacillus crispatus and L. iners in pregnant women in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Himschoot Lisa , Mulinganya Guy , Rogier Tess , Bisimwa Ghislain , Kampara Freddy , Kujirakwinja Yvette , Mongane Jules , Mubalama Innocent , Callens Steven , Vaneechoutte Mario , Cools Piet
Published: January 2025

Background

Gardnerella is a key pathogen in bacterial vaginosis (BV), but the role of the different Gardnerella species remains unclear. We investigated the role of four Gardnerella species, as well as Fannyhessea vaginae, Lactobacillus crispatus and L. iners in BV.

Methods

From 331 pregnant women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, BV was diagnosed using Nugent scoring and a cervicovaginal lavage was used to quantify G. leopoldii, G. piotii, G. swidsinskii, G. vaginalis, F. vaginae, L. crispatus and L. iners by qPCR. Univariate associations between these species and clinical outcomes were assessed. A logistic regression model and ROC curves were calculated to determine the best diagnostic marker for BV.

Results

Here, L. iners (75.8%) was the most prevalent species and G. vaginalis (36.0%) the most common Gardnerella species. All investigated Gardnerella spp. were prevalent (50.9-57.9%) in women with (asymptomatic) BV. Univariate analysis revealed no significant associations with clinical symptoms of BV, while F. vaginae (positive Whiff test, high pH), G. vaginalis (high pH) and L. crispatus (low pH) were associated with signs of BV. G. piotii was associated with markers of urinary tract infection. Women with L. iners had higher odds of delivering preterm. ROC analyses showed that F. vaginae was the best marker for BV (AUC 0.81), and the combined model further increased the diagnostic performance (AUC 0.90).

Conclusion

All Gardnerella species were involved in BV, although none were associated with the most important clinical symptoms of BV and none emerged as a superior molecular marker for BV.
Beyond detection rate: understanding the vigilance decrement using signal detection theory
Authors: Skinner Henri Etel , Giesbrecht Barry
Published: January 2025

The vigilance decrement has been classically characterized as the decline in performance across time as individuals continuously attend to a task. Errors during these periods of degraded performance are often collectively characterized as failures of attention. Methodologically, the classic characterization of the vigilance decrement relies upon declines in detection rate, a binary measure that is unable to characterize performance beyond a single dimension. Theoretically, using a single construct, such as attention, to describe impaired performance obscures what is likely a range of behaviors. This is a critical issue for the study of vigilance because detection rate can be impacted both by changes in sensitivity and decision criterion. Commonly used tasks do not allow for the reliable computation of these metrics because they elicit a low number of false alarms or because they introduce confounding response demands. To address these shortcomings, we propose the use of a paradigm amenable to the application of the signal detection framework, which permits the reliable and isolated investigation of the vigilance decrement across multiple measures.
Breaking the cycle: a pilot study on autonomous Digital CBTe for recurrent binge eating
Authors: Murphy Rebecca , Khera Charandeep , Osborne Emma L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Only a minority of people with eating disorders receive evidence-based psychological treatment. This is especially true for those with recurrent binge eating because the shame that accompanies binge eating affects help seeking and there is a shortage of therapists to provide psychological treatments. Digital programme-led interventions have the potential to overcome both barriers.

Objective

This study examined the acceptability and effectiveness of a new digital programme-led intervention directly based on enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E), which is an empirically supported psychological treatment for eating disorders.

Methods

One hundred and ten adults with recurrent binge eating (self-reporting characteristics consistent with binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and similar conditions) were recruited through an advertisement on the website of the UK's national eating disorder charity, Beat. The intervention, called Digital CBTe, comprised 12 sessions over 8–12 weeks delivered autonomously (i.e., without external support). Participants completed self-report outcome measures of eating disorder features and secondary impairment at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up.

Results

Most participants identified as female, White, and were living in the United Kingdom. Most participants (85%) self-reported features that resembled binge eating disorder, and the rest self-reported features that resembled bulimia nervosa (8%) and atypical bulimia nervosa (7%). On average, participants reported that the onset of their eating disorder was more than twenty years ago. Sixty-three percent of the participants completed Digital CBTe (i.e., completed active treatment sessions). Those who completed all sessions and the post-intervention assessment (n = 55, 50%) reported significant decreases in binge eating, eating disorder psychopathology, and secondary impairment at post-intervention. These improvements were maintained at follow-up. Large effect sizes were observed for all these outcomes using a completer analysis and post-intervention data (d = 0.91–1.43). Significant improvements were also observed for all outcomes at post-intervention in the intent-to-treat analysis, with medium-to-large effect sizes.

Discussion

A substantial proportion of those who completed Digital CBTe and the post-intervention assessment experienced marked improvements. This provides promising data to support the conduct of a fully powered trial to test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of autonomous Digital CBTe.
Interdental papilla recession and reconstruction of the lost triangle: a review of the current literature
Authors: Barakat Sanabel O.
Published: January 2025

Interdental papilla (IDP) deficiency and the presence of gingival black triangles (GBT) are major concerns for both patients and dentists, as the IDP plays an important role in esthetics due to its strong association with the patient's smile. Interdental papilla deficiency is frequent among different populations, with a tendency to increase with age and in patients with periodontal disease. In addition, GBT causes phonetic problems, food impaction, plaque accumulation, and increased risk for root caries. The small dimensions of the IDP and the limited vascular supply to the interproximal space render treatment modalities of receded papillae unpredictable. Still, and based on the etiological factors, several non-surgical treatment options, including correction of traumatic oral hygiene practices, restorative interventions, papilla priming, papilla enhancement with either autologous fibroblast injection or hyaluronic acid, and orthodontic therapy, have been proposed to fill the GBT. In addition, different surgical techniques—with or without grafting biomaterials—have also been introduced to reconstruct the lost papilla. Nonetheless, there is no gold standard set yet. Further, systematic reviews evaluating the efficacy of surgical reconstruction of deficient IDP are still lacking due to the scarcity of large-scale clinical trials and the absence of long-term clinical outcomes. The aim of this review was to identify various causes of IDP recession as well as to explore the available treatment modalities to reconstruct the lost papilla.
Prediction of old goaf residual subsidence integrating EDS-InSAR with EsLSTM in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Ma Fei , Zhang Qingbin , Sui Lichun
Published: January 2025

In China, the Loess Plateau’s fragile geological structure leads to complex and variable surface subsidence in old gob areas following coal mining activities. Accurately predicting this residual subsidence remains a significant scientific challenge. In this study, a method for residual subsidence prediction using an Exponential Smoothing Long Short-Term Memory (EsLSTM) model is proposed. The investigation centers on the 18,001# old goaf area of the Yangquan Coal Mine in Shanxi Province. Using Sentinel-1A imagery, continuous SAR data from 98 periods were acquired and processed via Enhanced Distributed Scatter InSAR technology. The EsLSTM model was then developed to capture the subsidence time-series characteristics of all surface scatter points and predict future ground subsidence. The analysis reveals that the EsLSTM model delivered excellent accuracy, achieving an R2 value of 0.975. It also outperformed SVR and traditional LSTM models, with a Mean Absolute Error of 2.2 mm and a Root Mean Square Error of 7.9 mm. Predicted results indicate that by October 2023, the maximum cumulative subsidence at the 18,001# working face of the Yangquan Coal Mine will reach 204 mm. The subsidence trend is expected to become more gradual and stable, suggesting a low likelihood of geological disasters in the area.
Females in higher education and leadership: insights from a multi-method approach
Authors: Correa Alicia , Glas Maria Gracia , Opara Jana
Published: January 2025

Despite constituting more than half of higher education students globally, females remain underrepresented in academic roles, particularly in leadership positions that shape the future direction of higher education and impact society at large. This study, aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5, examines the gender gap in higher education and leadership across regional, national, and institutional contexts. Through descriptive analyses, surveys, and interviews, the research assesses female representation at various academic levels and identifies key factors influencing career progression. The findings reveal that gender parity in enrolment has been achieved, with Latin America & Caribbean leading, followed by Europe and Central Asia. However, parity in academic roles, such as teaching positions, remains unmet, with Central Asia showing higher female representation than Europe and Latin America & Caribbean. Parity in these roles is projected to be achieved well beyond 2030. Variations within regions, such as internal differences in Central Asia, emphasize the need for more granular analysis. Gender parity in senior and leadership roles is even further from being realized. Perceptions of obstacles faced by women in academia—such as work-life balance challenges and a lack of role models—are consistent across diverse regions and cultures. To address these issues, the results suggest improving visibility, offering mentoring programs, and promoting diverse leadership. Conducted across both developed and developing countries, the study concludes that achieving gender parity in leadership positions remains a distant goal, underscoring the need to reassess strategies to better align with the 2030 Agenda.
Strengthening STEM education through a professional development program on enhancing teachers' TPACK in selected calculus topics
Authors: Malusay Jeneveb T. , Cortes Sylvester T. , Ontolan Jay M. , Englis Tess P. , Pagaran Gabriel M. , Dizon Rhey L.
Published: January 2025

One means to strengthen STEM education is providing appropriate and timely professional development programs among teachers. Hence, this study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a professional development (PD) program using training as the PD model on enhancing senior high school mathematics teachers' technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) on selected Calculus topics, namely, derivatives, integration, and their applications. The PD program consisted of a series of lectures and workshops in designing teaching–learning sequence of the topics. Employing the mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, initial and final TPACK of the 11 senior high school mathematics teachers were evaluated. Data analysis showed that teachers' TPACK progressed from generally limited to the expert level. At the end of the PD program, teachers were tasked to present a teaching learning sequence (TLS) as the output of the PD program and as evidence of their learning. These were rated by experts, and the results generally fall at the very satisfactory levels across all domains of TPACK. Supported by the teacher-participants' narratives, the PD program proved to be a transformative experience for teachers, thus enabling them to acquire technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge in derivatives, integration, and their applications.
Therapeutic targeting of obesity-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration
Authors: Zeng Jialiu , Cheong Lenny Yi Tong , Lo Chih Hung
Published: January 2025

Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor leading to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Excessive fat storage in obesity promotes the progressive infiltration of immune cells into adipose tissue, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory factors such as cytokines and adipokines. These inflammatory mediators circulate through the bloodstream, propagating inflammation both in the periphery and in the central nervous system. Gut dysbiosis, which results in a leaky intestinal barrier, exacerbates inflammation and plays a significant role in linking obesity to the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration through the gut-brain/gut-brain-liver axis. Inflammatory states within the brain can lead to insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, autolysosomal dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress. These disruptions impair normal neuronal function and subsequently lead to cognitive decline and motor deficits, similar to the pathologies observed in major neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Understanding the underlying disease mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to address defects in these inflammatory and metabolic pathways. In this review, we summarize and provide insights into different therapeutic strategies, including methods to alter gut dysbiosis, lifestyle changes, dietary supplementation, as well as pharmacological agents derived from natural sources, that target obesity-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
Multi-task learning load time series situational prediction based on gated recurrent neural networks considering spatial correlations
Authors: Huang Mei , Ai Qian
Published: January 2025

Accurate load forecasting plays a crucial role in the effective planning, operation, and management of modern power systems. In this study, a novel approach to load time series situational prediction is proposed, which integrates spatial correlations of heterogeneous load resources through the application of Random Matrix Theory (RMT) with a Multi-Task Learning (MTL) framework based on Gated Recurrent Units (GRU). RMT is utilized to capture the complex, high-dimensional statistical relationships among various load profiles, enabling a deeper understanding of the underlying data patterns that traditional methods may overlook. The GRU-based MTL framework is employed to exploit these spatiotemporal correlations, allowing for the sharing of essential features across multiple tasks, which in turn enhances the accuracy and robustness of load predictions. This approach was validated using real-world data, demonstrating notable improvements in prediction accuracy when compared to single-task learning models. The results indicate that this method effectively captures complex relationships within the data, leading to more accurate load forecasting. This enhanced predictive capability is expected to contribute significantly to improving demand-side management, reducing the risks of grid overloading, and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources, thereby fostering the overall sustainability and resilience of power systems.
The effect of training intervention based on health belief model on self-care behaviors of women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mohammadkhah Fatemeh , Kamyab Amirhossein , Pezeshki Babak , Norouzrajabi Samira , Khani Jeihooni Ali
Published: January 2025

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is currently the most common complication of pregnancy, and the prevalence of undiagnosed hyperglycemia and overt diabetes in young women is increasing. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of training intervention based on the health belief model of self-care behaviors in women with gestational diabetes.

Methods

The present study was an interventional study, which was conducted on 160 women with gestational diabetes (80 in the interventional group and 80 in the control group), who were under treatment in healthcare centers in the city of Fasa in Fars Province, Iran, in 2022–2023. The method was simple random sampling. The collecting data tools were demographic characteristics questionnaire (age, education, occupation, monthly income of the family, gestational age (in the week), and rank of pregnancy, a knowledge assessment questionnaire, a questionnaire based on the health belief model (perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived advantages, and disadvantages, self-efficiency), and the self-care behaviors questionnaire. The questionnaires were completed before the intervention and 6 weeks after the intervention. The women in the intervention group received six sessions of 50–55 min. Fasting blood sugar level and blood sugar level 2 h after the meal, A1C hemoglobin, and the need for taking insulin and the required dosage were recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests (for normal distribution of data), independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-2 test, and descriptive statistics (P < 0.05).

Results

The mean age of the participants in the intervention group and control group was 32.45 ± 4.82 and 33.16 ± 4.69, respectively. The results showed that the mean scores of all structures of the health belief model in the intervention group were significantly different from those obtained after the intervention in this group (p < 0.001). Also, the comparison of averages of blood sugar levels after the intervention in the two groups indicated that fasting blood sugar level, A1C hemoglobin, and blood sugar levels measured 2 h after the meal significantly decreased in the intervention group (p < 0.001). The need to increase the dosage of insulin in the intervention group was lower than in the control group.

Conclusions

according to the results, the health belief model was effective in improving clinical results of self-care behaviors in women with gestational diabetes. HBM played an important role in understanding what care and support the women need. Therefore, the incidence of various diseases can be prevented and mothers with GDM can experience such vulnerability less than before. It can also be used as a model to design, implement, and monitor health programs for women with gestational diabetes.
Disulfidptosis-related gene signatures as prognostic biomarkers and predictors of immunotherapy response in HNSCC
Authors: Qin Haotian , Xu Juan , Yue Yaohang , Chen Meiling , Zhang Zheng , Xu Panpan , Zheng Yan , Zeng Hui , Weng Jian , Yang Jun , Yu Fei
Published: January 2025

Background

Disulfidptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death associated with tumorigenesis, particularly under oxidative stress and metabolic disorder conditions. Currently, the biological mechanisms of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unclear.

Methods

The study includes sections on methodologies, data sources, clinical data collection, subtype establishment, identification and analysis of differentially expressed genes, genetic variation, and the construction and validation of a DRG prognostic model. Various analyses are conducted, including the relationship between the risk scores model and clinicopathological features, immune status, immune checkpoints, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), ESTIMATE, mRNAsi, and drug sensitivity. The study also covers single-cell analysis and DNA methylation analysis of DRGs, and the prediction of potential microRNA and long non-coding RNA target genes. Prognostic DRGs expression in HNSCC is validated through RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The model’s predictive capability is confirmed using external validation cohorts from GEO datasets and clinical tissue samples. The role of DSTN in HNSCC is further validated through gene knockout experiments.

Results

We identified four valuable genes (SLC3A2, NUBPL, ACTB, DSTN) and constructed a prognostic model, along with identifying two DRG-related subtypes. Analysis of the DRG risk score revealed that the low-risk group had a better prognosis compared to the high-risk group. Significant correlations were found between the DRG risk score and clinical features, immunotherapy response, drug sensitivity, and genes related to RNA epigenetic modifications. Low-risk HNSCC patients were identified as potential beneficiaries of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. A regulatory axis involving DSTN, hsa-miR-181c-5p, LUCAT1, and IGFL2-AS1 was constructed for HNSCC. RT-qPCR and IHC data further validated the upregulation of prognostic DRGs in HNSCC. The prognostic model demonstrated excellent predictive performance for the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Additionally, DSTN was significantly overexpressed in tumor cells; its knockdown inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusion

The prognostic model effectively predicts HNSCC outcomes, with better prognosis in the low-risk group. DSTN upregulation promotes tumor growth, and its knockout inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion.
Severe metabolic accumulation of VV116 in kidney transplant patients with impaired renal function: a case series report
Authors: Zhang Jiaying , Gao Yuan , Miao Xiaoyun , Wang Wei , Zhou Zhongkai , Gao Yunyi , Liu Liwei , Wu Menghua , Ma Ke , Zhou Ling , Yang Yan , Meng Sha , Feng Yingmei , Zhao Zhuorui , Liu Wei , Mou Danlei , Kang Zixin , Liang Lianchun , Hu Zhongjie
Published: January 2025

The treatment of COVID-19 in the post-transplant individuals is challenging, primarily due to the drug-drug interaction between nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and tacrolimus. Deuremidevir hydrobromide tablets (VV116) is an orally small molecule agents target SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and inhibits viral replication. It may have a low likelihood of drug-drug interactions and has a potential to provide new treatment option. We described three cases of renal transplant patients with concomitant impaired renal function who developed COVID-19 pneumonia and were treated with VV116. Despite varying degrees of drug accumulation, these patients achieved rapid viral clearance and showed prompt improvement in pneumonia symptoms. Notably, tacrolimus blood concentrations remained within the therapeutic range throughout treatment, and no clinically significant adverse events were observed despite the drug accumulation.