bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced functional connectivity in nucleus accumbens subregions associates with the changes of reward circuit in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Yu Lefan , Feng Mengmeng , Shang Yi , Ren Zhaohai , Xing Hanqi , Chang Yue , Dong Ke , Xiao Yao , Dai Hui
Published: June 2024

To explore the alterations in the functional connectivity (FC) of subregions of nucleus accumbens (NAc) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and explore their association with clinical cognitive scores. 45 AD patients (57–89 years old) and 41 age - and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited in this study. Four subregions of the NAc were used as regions of interest for whole-brain FC analysis. A series of comprehensive neuropsychological tests was conducted for all of the subjects. And correlation analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between the changed FC of brain regions with significant differences and the clinical scores. Compared with the HCs, decreased FC was observed between NAc subregions and regions of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), precuneus (PCUN), insula(INS), cerebellum 8 and putamen in AD patients (Gaussian random field (GRF) corrected, voxel-level P < 0.001, cluster-level P < 0.05). Furthermore, the FC between the left core and the left PCUN was correlated with the score of the Clock-Drawing Test (r = 0.319, P = 0.039), and the FC between the right core and the left insula was correlated with the score of HAMA scale in AD patients (r=-0.310, P = 0.046). The FC between the left PCUN and the left NAc subregions were both associated with the episodic memory function in AD patients (r = 0.441, P = 0.003; r = 0.330, P = 0.033). The changes in the FC of the four subregions of NAc might affect patients' self-awareness, decision execution, as well as social emotion, providing fresh propositions into the neural mechanisms of the reward circuit in AD patients.
The information needs and information satisfaction levels of cancer patients in Guangxi, China
Authors: Wu Lili , Mo Donglian , Duan ChunLi , Wu Xiping , Pan Liangguang , Huang Xiaoli , Chen Ying , Lao JingMao
Published: June 2024

Purpose
To exploring the information needs and satisfaction levels of cancer patients in Guangxi, China.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate 335 cancer patients in two tertiary hospitals in Guangxi, China. Data was gathered using a general information questionnaire and EORTC QLQ-INFO25.
Results
The overall score of EORTC QLQ-INFO25 is (50.47 ± 18.42). This included scores for disease information (50.00, 33.33), medical test score (66.67, 44.44), treatment-related information score (50.00, 27.78), and nursing related information score (44.44, 38.89), 48% patients (N = 162) had received written information, and only 27% patients (N = 89) had received video related information. 82% of patients (N = 276) wished to receive more information. The different types of hospitals, the educational level of cancer patients, their place of residence, and the stage of disease affect their information level and satisfaction.
Conclusions
This study reveals that the information currently provided to cancer patients is inadequate and only partially meets their needs. It also identifies the differences between different hospitals and proposes ways to meet the information need of cancer patients.
(DBR) on the Inflammatory Response Chronic Kidney Disease A Brief Clinical Communication
Authors: Soldati Laura , Lobe Thom E , Shafer Kim
Published: June 2024

To evaluate the effect of the oral administration of a novel probiotic/digestive enzyme supplementation (DBR), on inflammation in CKD patients, the impact on inflammatory markers were assessed at three and six months. When administered twice daily over 6 months, DBR supplementation appears to be effective in decreasing MCP = 1/CCL-2, a pro-inflammatory chemokine responsible for CKD worsening. DBR appears to be a promising adjuvant in CKD treatment
Advancing Breast Cancer Screening in Gauteng: A Comparative Study of Clinical Examination and Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Malherbe Kathryn
Published: June 2024

Breast cancer stands as the predominant malignancy among women globally, with a particularly pronounced impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa (SA). Given the significant burden of this disease, the imperative for advancing detection technologies is evident. Aim and Objectives: This study endeavours to establish a point-of-care risk-stratified breast cancer screening program in the Gauteng region by comparing the efficacy of clinical breast examination (CBE) and artificial intelligence (AI) breast ultrasound screening techniques, alongside assessing incidence rates. The first objective involves prospectively evaluating breast cancer incidence rates using CBE exclusively at urban clinics in Gauteng for risk-stratified screening. The second objective extends this assessment by incorporating AI breast ultrasound software alongside CBE at similar urban clinics. Lastly, the study aims to compare patient referral pathways and breast cancer incidence rates between CBE and AI methods. Methodology: A quantitative comparative descriptive study spanning a 6-month period is employed, encompassing women aged 25 to 85, with or without a clinical history of breast cancer or related symptoms. Current Results: From July 31st to February 28th, 2024, 530 patients underwent screening at Daspoort Policlinic. Concurrently, 1200 women received breast cancer self-examination education at Melusi settlement, supported by weekly transportation to Daspoort Poli Clinic, ensuring comprehensive patient referral pathways. Among these women, 530 presented with concerning signs, leading to eight referrals for short-term follow-up due to BIRADS-2-3 findings, reaffirming the study's assertion regarding the limited need for immediate surgical intervention. Notably, the patient referral pathway blueprint™ has expedited clinic appointments, facilitating timely interventions. Conclusion: The statistical outcomes of this research offer promising implications for clinical downstaging and rural screening efforts. Compared to recent studies, the developed diagnostic algorithm demonstrates superior efficacy, underscoring its validity and accuracy in clinical application.
Shared decision-making with users with complex care needs: A scoping review
Authors: Perron Marie-Eve , Hudon Catherine , Roux-Levy Pierre-Henri , Poitras Marie-Eve
Published: June 2024

Background
A number of patients have complex care needs that arise from interactions among multiple factors, such as multimorbidity, mental health issues, and social vulnerability. These factors influence decisions about healthcare and health services. Shared decision-making (SDM), a collaborative process between patients and professionals, is known to improve the quality of the decision-making process. However, follow-up challenges of patients with complex care needs (PCCN) can lead to SDM specificities.
Objective
To identify specificities of SDM with PCCNs.
Methods
We conducted a scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. We conducted a systematic search across MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Complete databases. We carried out a mixed thematic analysis using deductive (Ottawa Decision Support Framework and Interprofessional Shared Decision-Making Model) and inductive approaches. Following Arksey & O’Malley’s and Levac et al.’s methodological recommendations, we consulted experts (researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient partners) to enhance the findings.
Results
Twelve studies were included in the review. Overall, our results demonstrated the importance of recognizing some specificities of SDM with patients with complex care needs, such as the simultaneous presence of multiple decisions and the multidisciplinary and intersectoral nature of the healthcare and health services they receive.
Conclusion
This scoping review highlights some specificities that must be considered in SDM with patients with complex care needs to maintain its already-known benefits and ensure positive health and decision-making outcomes.
Wire-based Direct Energy Deposition (DED-wire) used as additive manufacturing technology for industrial Inconel 718 tools for Robotic Friction Stir Welding (R-FSW)
Authors: ALVAREZ MARTA , Leal Marta Alvarez , Pastor-Cintas Manuel , Fraile-Martin Ana , Ureña Julia
Published: June 2024

The Inconel 718 nickel-base superalloy (IN718) is a high-strength and highly corrosion-resistant material used in several industrial applications. Its high mechanical and chemical properties make this material a focus of interest for additive manufacturing because IN718 is expensive, and a heat treatment post-manufacturing is typically needed. This greatly increases costs and production time, with a loss of material due to machining of the material blocks that can be avoided with additive manufacturing by providing material only where needed. For the Robotic Friction Stir Welding (R-FSW) a tool with high performance is demanded. It is because the tool is inserted and moved forward between the two work pieces to join. Frictional heat is generated between the wear-resistant tool and the two workpieces. This means that the tool material is subjected to high temperature, normal oxygen conditions and high mechanical stress. Furthermore, the tool's design usually has to change very often depending on the type of material to be welded and the thickness. In this work, IN718 tools for the R-FSW process have been additively manufactured with optimized parameters under high manufacturing speed conditions and with the advantages of using metal wire. As built and heat-treated conditions heat have been microstructural and mechanically analyzed. Finally, different tool designs of the same IN718 DED-wire manufactured material have been tested in several friction stir welds, analyzing their behavior and the relation with the successful welds. The optimal thermal status and design for the IN718 FSW tools has been determined.
One-Year Mortality and Associated Factors in Older Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea
Authors: Kim Eunji , Kim Jeong-Yeon , Moon Kyoung Min , Kim Tae Wan , Kim Won-Young , Jung Sun‑Young , Baek Moon Seong
Published: June 2024

Background
This study aimed to evaluate the 1-year mortality rate among older patients with COVID-19 discharged from hospital and to identify the risk factors associated with this outcome.
Methods
Using a COVID-19 dataset from the Korean National Health Insurance System, this study’s evaluation period spanned from October 8, 2020, to December 31, 2021. The primary outcome was the 1-year mortality rate following hospital discharge. A logistic regression model was employed for multivariable analysis to estimate the odds ratios for the outcomes, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze differences in 1-year survival rates.
Results
Of the 66,810 COVID-19 patients aged 60 years or older who were hospitalized during the study period, the in-hospital mortality rate was 4.8% (n = 3219). Among the survivors (n = 63,369), the 1-year mortality rate was 4.9% (n = 3093). Non-survivors, compared to survivors, were significantly older (79.2 ± 9.5 vs. 68.9 ± 7.8, P < .001) and exhibited a lower rate of COVID-19 vaccination (63.1% vs. 91.8%, P < .001). Additionally, non-survivors experienced a higher incidence of organ dysfunction, and a greater proportion required mechanical ventilation (14.6% vs. 1.0%, P < .001) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (4.0% vs. 0.1%, P < .001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified older age, male sex, immunosuppression, organ dysfunction, severity of illness, and corticosteroid use during hospitalization as factors associated with death within 1 year after hospital discharge. However, vaccination was found to have a long-term protective effect against mortality among COVID-19 survivors.
Conclusions and Implications
The 1-year mortality rate after hospital discharge for older COVID-19 patients was comparable to the in-hospital mortality rate for these patients in Korea. The long-term mortality rate among hospitalized older COVID-19 patients was influenced by demographic factors and the severity of illness experienced during hospitalization.
Acute cerebral blood flow and its connectivity in patients with anti-LGI1 encephalitis: an arterial spin labeling study
Authors: shi yongwei , yu chuanyong , li zonghong , ma yun , sun yulei , miao ailiang
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) is an innovative technique for measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF). The aim of this study was to identify diagnostic CBF connectivity in patients with anti-leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 autoimmune encephalitis (anti-LGI1 AE) .
Methods
A total of 46 patients with anti-LGI1 AE including 27 patients with CBF during the acute stage were recruited from May 2017 to Jan 2023. The CBF in 27 patients with anti-LGI1 AE during the acute stage and 65 healthy subjects was analyzed using arterial spin labeling. Regions with CBF alterations were identified and designated as regions of interest (ROIs). Subsequently, the CBF connectivity of the ROIs was also compared between the groups.
Result
Patients in the acute stage of disease exhibited increased CBF in the bilateral putamen, bilateral amygdala (Amygdala_Bi), bilateral hippocampus (Hippocampus_Bi), bilateral parahippocampus and right insula (Insula_R) (P=0.001, cluster-level familywise error [FWE] corrected). Decreased CBF connectivity was observed between the right hippocampus and the right superior temporal gyrus (STG_R), right rolandic operculum (RO_R), right caudate (Caudate_R), right superior temporal pole (STP_R), right middle cingulate gyrus (MCG_R), and right anterior cingulate gyrus; between the right amygdala and the STG_R, RO_R, STP_R, right putamen, Caudate_R, MCG_R, and right supplementary motor area; and between the Insula_R and the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG_R) and STG_R (P=0.001, cluster-level FWE corrected). Furthermore, the patients also showed decreased CBF connectivity between the right parahippocampus and the STP_R, RO_R, Insula_R, MCG_R and left MTG; between the left hippocampus and the left STG, and left insula; and between the left parahippocampus and the left lingual gyrus, and left precuneus. Increased CBF connectivity was observed between Amygdala_Bi and Hippocampus_Bi (P=0.001, cluster-level FWE corrected).
Conclusion
The PCASL technique demonstrated high sensitivity in identifying anti-LGI1 AE patients, who in which patients exhibited decreased CBF connectivity originating from subcortical regions with increased CBF.
Establishment of an experimental model of canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma organoid culture using a three-dimensional culture method
Authors: Nagashima Yuko , Yamamoto Haru , Elbadawy Mohamed , Ishihara Yusuke , Tsurukami Issei , Abugomaa Amira , Kaneda Masahiro , Yamawaki Hideyuki , Usui Tatsuya , Sasaki Kazuaki
Published: June 2024

Canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) is a rare, malignant tumor in dogs. To date, few cell lines are available and used to establish the current treatment protocols. Organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures derived mainly from stem cells and can reproduce tissueʼs epithelial structure, function, and genetics, and thus, of great promise in precision medicine. In the current investigation, 6 AGASACA organoids were developed from surgically removed tissues of AGASACA-affected dogs and analyzed for comparison with the original tissues. AGASACA organoids were successfully generated from all cases and were CK7 positive and CK20 negative, consistent with previous reports in dogs and humans. Electron microscopic images of AGASACA organoids showed organelles, including numerous granules and fat droplets that characterize apocrine gland cells. In addition, treatment of the AGASACA organoids with carboplatin, mitoxantrone, toceranib, and lapatinib revealed different sensitivity among lineages, with lapatinib, in particular, being divided into sensitive and resistant lineages. In contrast, toceranib showed generally high efficacy in all organoids. In conclusion, our established AGASACA organoids have the potential to be an experimental tool for the development of novel therapies for canine and human apocrine gland adenocarcinoma.
The Wdr5-H3K4me3 epigenetic axis regulates pancreatic tumor immunogenicity and immune suppression
Authors: Deng Kaidi , Liang Liyan , Yang Yingcui , Wu Yanmin , Li Yan , Zhang Rongrong , Sheng Guannan , Tian Yulin , Lu Chunwan
Published: June 2024

The WDR5/MLL1-H3K4me3 epigenetic axis is often activated in both tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells to drive various cellular response in the tumor microenvironment and extensively studied in hematopoietic cancer, but its respective functions in tumor cells and immune cells in the context of tumor growth regulation of solid tumor is still incompletely understood. We report here that WDR5 exhibits higher expression level in human pancreatic tumor tissues compared with normal pancreas. Moreover, WDR5 expression is negatively correlated with patients’ response to chemotherapy or immunotherapy in human colon cancer and melanoma. However, WDR5 expression is positively correlated with HLA level in human cancer cells and H3K4me3 enrichment is observed at the promoter region of the HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C genes in pancreatic cancer cells. Using mouse tumor cell lines and in vivo tumor models, we determined that WDR5 deficiency or inhibition represses MHC I expression in vitro and in vivo in pancreatic tumor cells. Mechanistically, we determine that WDR5 deficiency inhibits H3K4me3 deposition at the MHC I (H2K1) promoter region to repress MHC I (H2Kb) transcription. On the other hand, WDR5 depletion leads to downregulation of immune checkpoints and immunosuppressive cytokines, including TGFb and IL6, in the pancreatic tumor microenvironments. Our data determine that WDR5 not only regulates tumor cell immunogenicity to suppress tumor growth but also activate immune suppressive pathways to promote tumor immune evasion. Selective activation of the WDR5-MHC I pathway and/or selective inhibition of the WDR5-immune checkpoint and WDR5-cytokine pathways should be considered in WDR5-based epigenetic cancer immunotherapy.
Attribution of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes in cervical lesions detected in a screening population in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Shi Ru , QI Wenjuan , Wang Zehua , Cai Jing , Zhao Min , Wang Zanhong
Published: June 2024

Objective: To explore the genotype distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) and the attribution of different grades of cervical lesions to the disease in Shanxi Province and estimate the potential impact of the HPV vaccine on CIN II+ lesions to direct the implementation of successful programs for cervical cancer prevention and management.
Methods: Data from the records of cervical cancer screening programs for rural women in Shanxi Province wereretrospectively collected. Women who underwent primary HPV screeningbetween January 2014 and December 2019 were included. The attribution proportion of specific hrHPV types for different grades of cervical lesions was calculated by using the type contribution weighting and the proportional attribution methods to estimate the potential impact of HPV vaccines on CIN II+ lesions.
Results: CIN II+ lesions were observed mainly with HPV16 (65.85%), HPV18 (10.20%), HPV58 (10.20%), HPV52 (7.98%), HPV31 (4.66%), HPV33 (4.43%), HPV51 (2.22%) and HPV56 (2.22%). A total of 97.42% of all CIN II+ lesions were attributed to HPV16, HPV18, HPV52, HPV58, HPV31, HPV33 and HPV35. A total of 75.4% (95% CI, 71.4-79.4) of CIN II+ lesions were attributable to HPV16/18, and 21.1% (95% CI, 17.4-25.1) were attributable to the 5 additional types (HPV31/33/45/52/58) covered by the 9-valent vaccine.
Conclusions: The prevalence of hrHPV infection among women in Shanxi Province was high, and HPV16, HPV18, HPV58, HPV52, HPV31, HPV33 and HPV35 had the highest attributable fractions of CIN II+ lesions. The type-specific HPV prevalence and attribution proportion of cervical precancerous lesions should be taken into consideration in both clinical management and the design of preventive strategies.
Estimation of Dynamic Soil Properties for Geotechnical Analysis in the Niger Delta Using Index Testing and Empirical Correlations
Authors: Kennedy Charles
Published: June 2024

This study investigated geotechnical properties of subsurface soils from Mbiama town in Rivers State, Niger Delta region through laboratory index testing and development of empirical correlations to estimate dynamic soil parameters. Grain size analyses revealed heterogeneous stratigraphy transitioning from upper clayey sands to lower gravelly sands deposited under changing fluvio-deltaic conditions. Atterberg limits exhibited decreasing plasticity trends with depth confirming the textural variations. Laboratory data conforms to layering architecture inferred from depositional facies analyses. Predictive models were developed relating Standard Penetration Test blow counts (SPT-N) and shear wave velocity (Vs) to depth, moisture content and percentage sand. High regression coefficients validated models' accuracy in reproducing over 90% of field measurements. Factor of safety against liquefaction was correlated to SPT-N, accounting for density-dependent properties. Index-based characterizations aligned well with trends predicted by the empirical correlations. This research demonstrated robust indirect estimation of dynamic geotechnical indices for foundation design and seismic risk analysis in data-scarce Niger Delta through standardized field and laboratory index testing integrated with depositionally-linked predictive models.
Predictors of time to death for children under-five in Mozambique: a survival model using Data from the 2011 and 2022/23 Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Xavier Sancho Pedro , Victor Audêncio , Gotine Ana Raquel Manuel , Rondó Patricia Hellen , Silva Ageo Mário Cândido da
Published: June 2024

Background
Under-five mortality (U5M) is a critical indicator for assessing the overall health status of a population. Mozambique faces challenges in this area, and understanding risk factors is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to analyze the overall survival of U5M and its predictors in Mozambique.
Methods
The study used data from the Mozambique Demographic and Health Surveys (MDHS) of 2011 and 2022/23. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier models were applied to determine survival time and identify predictors of death. The Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to measure the association between the analyzed factors.
Results
In 2011, the U5M rate was 7.3%, and 3.5% within the first year of life. By 2022/23, these rates decreased to 4.8% and 4.0%, respectively. The median age at death was 29.5 months. A significant reduction in the risk of death was observed among female children and those whose mothers had secondary or higher education. Additionally, the risk was lower in children born as the second to fourth child, as well as those living in households with 5 or more members. Conversely, the risk of death was higher in children whose mothers were under 20 years old at first birth, with low birth weight, born very preterm, and those born at home, in the private sector, or other places.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the importance of promoting maternal education and improving health services in Mozambique to reduce U5M rates. Investing in maternal education and prenatal and obstetric care is crucial to enhancing child survival.
Doping Position Estimation for FeRh-based alloys
Authors: Rumiantsev Egor , Khrabrov Kuzma , Tsypin Artem , Peresypkin Nikita , Gimaev Radel , Zverev Vladimir , Eremin Roman , Kadurin Artur
Published: June 2024

FeRh-based alloys have attracted considerable interest for their magnetic phase transitions and significant magnetocaloriceffects. These properties make them promising candidates for fundamental research and practical applications in areasincluding magnetic cooling and targeted drug delivery. A primary concern regarding FeRh-based alloys is Rhodium’s highcost. A potential strategy to alleviate these issues involves partially substituting Rhodium with a transition metal (therebyreducing its concentration within the alloy), as certain substitutions retain the alloy’s magnetocaloric properties. However, evenunder conditions of a particular structural type and without considering competing phases, it is unclear which atom is replacedupon the introduction of a third element. This paper addresses this ambiguity through ab initio calculations. We propose anapproach to predict whether a dopant will replace Fe or Rh, offering insights into the electronic and structural factors influencingsubstitution. Furthermore, we provide a dataset of ab initio calculations on doped FeRh alloys, facilitating future data-drivenmodeling efforts. Our findings contribute to the design of novel alloys for experimental exploration and industrial applications.
Shear resistance of RC members with closed FRP jacket for Eurocode 8
Authors: Biskinis Dionysis , Fardis Michael
Published: June 2024

The shear resistance computed using Annex J of Part 1–1 of Generation 2 of Eurocode 2 – on strengthening of RC members for static loads with externally-bonded Fibre-Reinforced-Polymers (FRPs) – exceeds by about 25% on average the cyclic shear resistance of 64 FRP-jacketed shear-critical RC specimens in the international literature. The semi-empirical cyclic shear resistance approach for FRP-wrapped RC members in Annex A of Part 3 of Generation 1 of Eurocode 8 is in good average agreement with the results of these tests, but conflicts with the rational, mechanics-based approach for shear resistance against static actions in Generation 2 of Eurocode 2, which has already been adopted in Generation 2 of Eurocode 8 for members without FRP jackets, adapted to the specific needs of seismic design. This latter approach is modified and extended to cover RC members with closed FRP jackets in a more technically sound way than in Annex J of Generation 2 of Eurocode 2. The new approach fits the available cyclic test results without bias or lack-of-fit with respect to the key variables controlling cyclic shear resistance, gives slightly better accuracy than the semi-empirical one in Generation 1 of Eurocode 8 and does much better in correctly identifying as not failing in shear FRP-wrapped RC members which have failed in flexure or not failed at all during cyclic testing.
Pain hypersensitivity and increased urinary tetrahydrobiopterin levels in mice submitted to high fat diet
Authors: Eichwald Tuany , Barros Leonardo , Solano Alexandre Francisco , Scheffer Débora da Luz , Menegassi Vivian , Pires Ananda Christina Staats , Spivakoski Camila Sartor , Silva Rodrigo A. Foganholi , Gaspar Joana Margarida , Ronsoni Marcelo Fernando , Latini Alexandra
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity on pain sensitivity and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) levels. The effect of moderate-intensity physical exercise, an anti-inflammatory non-pharmacological intervention, on pain scores was also investigated.
Methods: Adult male C57BL/J6 mice were fed standard or HFD for eight weeks. Total body weight, food intake, locomotor and motivational behavior and pain reflexes were measured. A subgroup of animals underwent physical exercise for five days per week over six weeks. Blood was collected for glucose tolerance testing and levels of lactate. Urine samples were collected to measure BH4 levels.
Results: We showed that HFD increased weight gain, visceral white adipose tissue, and the percentage of body fat. These anthropometric alterations were characterized by impaired glucose tolerance at four and eight weeks of the dietary intervention. It was also observed reduced locomotor activity and higher pain scores in HFD-fed mice that were prevented by the physical exercise intervention. HFD also induced the increase of urinary BH4 levels at four and eight weeks of intervention.
Conclusion: Urinary BH4 can be proposed as a potential easy-to-access, sensitive and reliable biomarker of pain development, and a promising target for the control of pain hypersensitivity in obesity.
Development and validation of a tool to measure knowledge and attitudes about traditional male circumcision and the links with HIV transmission in Indonesia
Authors: Asa Gregorius Abanit , Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Ward Paul Russell
Published: June 2024

Background
Medical male circumcision has been recommended as a strategy for reducing HIV transmission as it is associated with a reduced risk of HIV infection. There is limited evidence on how traditional male circumcision (TMC) practice including risky sexual behaviours following the cultural practice may lead to HIV transmission although it remained practiced in low middle-income countries as a rite of passage into manhood. TMC practice was shrouded in secrecy and exclusivity leading to health risks including HIV transmission and challenge for health intervention programs. Given the absence of validated tools to measure knowledge and attitude on TMC and HIV transmission, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a validated tool on knowledge and attitude on TMC and HIV transmission among the Indonesian general population.
Methods
This study was conducted among Indonesian men irrespective of their circumcision status. The questionnaire was developed from the literature review and then underwent a series of validation including content validity, face validity, test-retest reliability, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).
Results
The factor analysis with 140 participants resulted in two factors with a total of 8 items in knowledge domain and 6 items in attitude domain. The Kaiser-Meyer Olkin (KMO) test for the knowledge factor was 0.759, and for the attitude factor was 0.797, with Bartlett’s test of sphericity p-value < 0.001 indicating that the data were suitable to proceed with further factor analysis. The scale content validity index (S-CVI) for knowledge and attitude was 0.83 and 0.89 respectively. The Cronbach alpha value for knowledge was 0.861 and 0.824 for attitude, suggesting good internal consistency. Convergent validity was confirmed by a moderate correlation ranging from r = 0.262 (p ˂ 0.01) to r = 0.703 for knowledge factor, and attitude factor ranging from r = 0.266 (p ˂ 0.01) to r = 0.823 (p ˂ 0.01).
Conclusion
The results provided evidence of validity of the knowledge and attitude towards TMC and HIV transmission among men aged 18 to 49 years regardless of their circumcision status in Indonesia. The questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to assess the Indonesian public knowledge and attitude on TMC and HIV transmission.
Combining LoRA to GPT-Neo to Reduce Large Language Model Hallucination
Authors: Huang Shi-han , Chen Chia-yu
Published: June 2024

The deployment of Large Language Models (LLMs) often suffers from generating hallucinations, leading to outputs that appear plausible but are factually inaccurate or nonsensical. Incorporating Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) into GPT-Neo presents a novel approach to mitigating these hallucinations by leveraging the efficiency of low-rank approximations. This research details the integration of LoRA into GPT-Neo, demonstrating significant improvements in predictive performance, factual accuracy, and reduction in hallucination rates. The augmented model shows enhanced robustness and efficiency, making it more suitable for applications requiring high accuracy and reliability. Through comprehensive evaluations involving perplexity, BLEU, ROUGE-L scores, and qualitative analysis, the study highlights the augmented model's ability to generate more coherent and contextually appropriate text. The findings demonstrate the potential of LoRA to transform LLM deployment by reducing computational complexity and memory footprint, thus facilitating the use of large-scale models in resource-constrained environments. This advancement opens new possibilities for LLM applications across various domains, ensuring the accuracy and coherence of generated content.
The Role of Consumers’ Knowledge of Native and Pollinator-friendly Plants and Their Prioritization of Plant Characteristics in Purchase Decisions
Authors: Wei Xuan , Knuth Melinda , Khachatryan Hayk
Published: June 2024

There is a growing trend toward planting native and pollinator-friendly plants in residential gardens and landscapes due to concerns about invasive plant species, water conservation, and urban land management. Yet, understanding consumer purchase behavior and how knowledge affects their purchase intent is largely unknown. In this analysis, we integrated national online and in-person surveys to determine the influence of consumers’ subjective and objective knowledge of native and pollinator-friendly ornamental plants on their purchase decisions. Factors influencing plant purchase decisions were measured using a 7-point Likert rating scale. We found that participants with relatively higher knowledge of native and pollinator-attractive plants placed more emphasis on sustainable production methods relative to the plant’s physical attributes (e.g., plant size, shape, etc.) and care-related characteristics (e.g., plant health, easiness of care, etc.). Plant lovers (i.e., frequent purchasers who spent relatively more money on plants than infrequent purchasers) were more likely to prioritize sustainable production methods over the plants’ physical attributes. In contrast, participants primarily buying plants from mass merchandisers/box stores tend to focus on visual appeal or aesthetic characteristics. Consumer marketing implications for the nursery and greenhouse industry stakeholders are discussed.
Evaluation of Plant Introduction Lines of Yellow Squash (Cucurbita pepo) for Resistance against Single Infection of Cucurbit Chlorotic Yellows Virus and Cucurbit Leaf Crumple Virus
Authors: Adeleke Ismaila A. , Kavalappara Saritha R. , Codod Clarence B. , Kharel Prasanna , Luckew Alex , McGregor Cecilia , Simmons Alvin M. , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu , Bag Sudeep
Published: June 2024

Whitefly-transmitted viruses have emerged as a major threat to cucurbit production in the United States during the past several decades. Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), and Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) are the main arthropod-borne plant viruses in cucurbit crops, including yellow squash (Cucurbita pepo). Symptoms of these viruses include interveinal chlorosis, chlorotic spots, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. The evaluation of specific viruses affecting a plant is challenging because of the prevalence of mixed infections in naturally infected fields. To devise an efficient breeding-based management approach, two PI lines (PI 171625 and PI 171627) were screened in a greenhouse to assess their resistance to individual infections of CCYV and CuLCrV. These lines were compared against a susceptible cultivar Gentry in two separate trials. PI 171627 displayed delayed symptoms, a reduced virus load, and a smaller area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) compared with PI 171625 and susceptible cultivar Gentry when the plants were infected with CCYV. However, the AUDPC for CuLCrV was the same for both genotypes and the commercial line. Accession PI 171627, which displayed delayed and milder symptoms, could potentially provide a source for resistance against CCYV for breeding program. Future research is needed to comprehend the underlaying mechanism to understand this response.
EFFECTIVENESS OF SO HUM MEDITATION IN REDUCING THE LEVEL OF ACADEMIC STRESS AMONG FIRST SEMESTER B.SC. NURSING STUDENTS
Authors:   Department of Mental Health Nursing, State College of Nursing, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India., Joshi Nisha , Godiyal Pooja ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Mental Health Nursing, State College of Nursing, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Published: June 2024

Background:. Human beings have a natural power to cope with and manage with the stressful situations.Among all professions, nursing profession is considered as highly stressful for students. Nursing students face various stressful situations in their college life, like time pressure, excessive workload, clinical duties, long college hours, examinations and results. Some of the relaxation techniques that can help to reduce stress are guided imagery, mantra meditation, yoga and breathing exercises. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of So hum meditation among the first semester B.Sc. Nursing students at Government College of Nursing, Pauri, and Uttarakhand. Materials and Methods:Quasi-experimental approach with time series design was used in the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 65 first semester B.Sc. Nursing students. The subjects were given So hum meditation for approximately 15-20 minutes, once a day for four weeks. Pre-test, Post- test I and post-test II were conducted by using Academic Stress Rating Scale. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess the data. Result: Mean age of study participants was 31.9Â±7.77. Results revealed that a reduction in Academic stress with a mean difference (MD) of22.89, f value 47.56 following four weeks of So hum meditation was found significant at p = 0.001. Conclusion: This study concluded that So hum meditation is effective in reducing Academic stress among first semester B.Sc. nursing students.
A língua espanhola na região de fronteira Brasil-Peru: Olhares sobre o ensino e a aprendizagem em tempos de pandemia
Authors: Martins Silvana Neumann , Guerreiro Solano da Silva
Published: June 2024

Este artigo apresenta os resultados do trabalho que teve por objetivo investigar os processos de ensino e de aprendizagem da Língua Espanhola, na disciplina (INL025) Língua Espanhola II, desenvolvida remotamente com o auxílio do WhatsApp como ferramenta de ensino, junto aos alunos do segundo período do curso de Licenciatura em Letras: Língua e Literatura Portuguesa e Língua e Literatura Espanhola, do Instituto de Natureza e Cultura INC, da Universidade Federal do Amazonas-UFAM. Nesse sentido, procedemos metodologicamente utilizando um questionário com 15 perguntas, dentre estas 07 fechadas e 08 abertas e, formulado via Google Forms, e aplicado para uma turma de 42 alunos, dos quais 24 responderam ao questionário. A nossa análise centrou-se nos questionários e teve por base as reflexões de Borges e Paiva (2011), Kenski (2012), Có et al. (2020), Araújo e Bottentuit Junior (2015), entre outros; valendo-nos da abordagem qualitativa, bem como da Análise de Conteúdo (BARDIN, 2016). Os dados foram organizados em quatro categorias: a primeira referente aos Participantes da Pesquisa; a segunda em relação à Internet e Conectividade; a terceira categoria relacionada ao Uso do WhatsApp como Plataforma de Ensino e a quarta referente ao Ensino e Aprendizagem da Língua Espanhola na Modalidade Remota. Com isso, pudemos identificar as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos alunos na modalidade de ensino remoto.
A experiência de professores dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental contribuindo para a avaliação da aplicabilidade do protótipo de um jogo pedagógico digital para o ensino de probabilidade
Authors: Oliveira Júnior Ailton Paulo de , Barbosa Nilceia Datori
Published: June 2024

O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar o jogo digital “Probabilidade em Ação” referente à experiência do jogador ou sua aplicabilidade durante a interação com o jogo. Essa avaliação foi realizada em um curso de extensão na qual foi aplicado um questionário para determinar as impressões de professores dos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental que ensinam matemática de acordo com o grau de satisfação em relação à experiência do jogador. Baseou-se no modelo MEEGA+ em suas sete subdimensões: desafio; satisfação; interação social; diversão; atenção focada; relevância; e aprendizagem percebida. Os resultados apontaram aspectos positivos relacionados a todas as dimensões, ou seja, que o jogo possui atributos e proporciona interação dos participantes com dinâmica, diversão e competição. Por fim, apesar de serem indicadas sugestões para a melhoria do jogo digital, os professores destacaram a relevância do jogo por apresentar benefícios como ferramenta de ensino para o ensino de probabilidade nos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental.
Collaboration of Unplugged and Plugged Activities for Primary School Students: Developing Computational Thinking Skills with Programming
Authors: Fiş Erümit Semra
Published: June 2024

The study was carried out with 18 primary school students (11 girls, 7 boys) who participated in programming training conducted at a university. In this research, the implementation of programming activities in the whole classroom is a case study. While trying to understand the phenomena during the implementation of the activities in the study, a quasi-experimental design was carried out without a control group in order to determine the changes before and after learning and to investigate the research questions. In this quasi-experimental design, measurements were made both before the implementation (pre-test) and after the implementation (post-test). The results showed that the combination of plugged and unplugged programming activities help improve primary school students' computational thinking skills. At the end of the study, it was concluded that unplugged and plugged activities would be beneficial for primary school students when used together.  Further research is needed to evaluate these activities separately, their role in providing the gains, and the students' thoughts about these activities. In addition, the effects of using different teaching methods in programming education can be examined.
Comprehensive analysis of the impacts of climate and land use changes on flood damage (Case study: AqQala, Iran)
Authors: Majidi Arash , Hosseini Seyed Abbas , Nazif Sara , Ghermezcheshmeh Bagher
Published: June 2024

Population growth, community development, and waste generation impact climate, land use, water resources, and urban heat island effect. This research assesses the impacts of climate and land use changes on flood damage for different return periods (RPs) in AqQala area, Iran. Climate change anticipation is conducted using the CMCC-ESM2 model under shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) 126, 370, and 585 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sixth assessment report (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 – CMIP6). The LARS-WG model is used to downscale climatic information, and land use mapping is processed through Landsat satellite images in ENVI 5.3. The Markov chain method is implemented for 2050 and 2080 via TerrSet. Hydrographs and inundation maps are generated by the Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis (SSA) and Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) models. Results show an increase in average annual precipitation (up to 46%) and temperatures (up to 3.39 °C) under different SSP scenarios until 2080. The result indicates that land use changes are more significant than climate change. Peak flood discharge and damages could escalate by 38 and 29%, respectively, in the worst-case scenario. Eco-friendly design and implementation are crucial for improving the situation.
Reviving indigenous technology for promoting the concept of failsafe design in building climate-resilient weirs for irrigation
Authors: Parajuli Umesh Nath
Published: June 2024

The existence of indigenous technologies and knowledge bases that could be invaluable to responding to climate change is widely appreciated. This article focuses on one such indigenous technology of a bounder and brushwood diversion weir designed to divert water from the source river to its off-taking canal for irrigation. Of its several functions, this article first analyses its little-known designed function to enable it to failsafe and then documents such functions from the perspective of basic science. This article suggests that modern irrigation infrastructure can also be built to be climate-resilient to cope with unanticipated floods by adopting the concept of failsafe design. This article then presents a couple of conceptual frameworks of failsafe designs for water diversion weirs. This article is based on literature reviews, short case studies, and written reflections gathered through earlier studies in Nepal and elsewhere over the last 40 years.
Metodología cualitativa para visibilizar las tecnologías tradicionales en las familias de la vereda La Linda
Authors: Bonilla Marquínez Olga Patricia , Muñoz Muñoz Dilsa Estela
Published: June 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es dar cuenta del significado del rol parental en la educación mediada por tecnologías tradicionales en familias de escuelas rurales en tiempos de pandemia, durante los años 2020-2021. Se diseñó una metodología que dialoga con el paradigma constructivista, el enfoque cualitativo y la perspectiva de la etnografía crítica desde tres momentos cíclicos: exploración, focalización y profundización. La unidad de análisis estuvo conformada por trece madres de familia o acudientes de la vereda La Linda, en el municipio de Pensilvania, departamento de Caldas, Colombia, con hijos en edad escolar durante los años 2020 y 2021, quienes aportaron información en entrevistas abiertas, rejillas conversacionales y cartografía familiar de aula. En los resultados se valida la tesis de que las significaciones del rol parental se sostienen a partir de las construcciones de andamio humano en la escuela rural en tiempos de pandemia, confinamiento y estudio en casa. Se concluye que el significado de rol parental moviliza nuevos protagonismos en la educación rural; las prácticas educativas familiares instituyen tiempos transaccionales, y el uso de tecnologías tradicionales promueve nuevas relaciones entre la familia y la escuela.
Grape seed oil in the treatment of severe wound in a dog - case report
Authors: Alice de Quadros Elza , Magnino Chaban Núbia , Bernardes Bizinoto Lara , Supranzetti de Rezende Rodrigo , Rodrigues Rosado Isabel , Martin Ian , Gabellini Leonel Alves Endrigo
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study is to describe, for the first time, the use of grape seed oil in the treatment of a severe wound in a dog. A 10-year-old Dalmatian female dog presented with an abscess in the cervical region that progressed to cutaneous necrosis, resulting in a large wound. Samples were collected for culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing (TSA). Staphylococcus pseudointermedius and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli were isolated from the wound. The lesion was surgically debrided, and topical treatment with grape seed oil was initiated. The patient was followed until complete healing, which occurred in 28 days. The wound area was measured at seven-day intervals until complete healing (D0, D7, D14, D21, and D28), with the respective measurements being 11204.8 mm2, 4348.0 mm2, 2414.9 mm2, 120.2 mm2, and 0.00 mm2. The wound contraction potential was calculated for the intervals of 0 to 7, 7 to 14, 14 to 21, and 21 to 28 days, and it was -61.19%, -44.45%, -95.02%, and -100.00%, respectively. The complete healing of the wound at 28 days post-debridement indicates that grape seed oil is an alternative for wound treatment in dogs.