bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optic nerve compression associated with visual cortex functional alteration in dysthyroid optic neuropathy: A combined orbital and brain imaging study
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Liu Yuting , Jiang Mengda , Xia Duojin , Peng Yuhang , Zhu Ling , Tao Xiaofeng , Wang Jue , Li Jipeng , Sun Jing , Li Yinwei , Song Xuefei , Zhou Huifang , Fan Xianqun
Published: July 2024

Aims

To investigate the alterations of the optic nerve and visual cortex in dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON), a subgroup of thyroid eye disease (TED).

Methods

Multiple orbital imaging biomarkers related to optic nerve compression and the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) of the brain were obtained from 47 patients with DON, 56 TED patients without DON (nDON), and 37 healthy controls (HC). Correlation analyses and diagnostic tests were implemented.

Results

Compared with HC, the nDON group showed alterations in orbital imaging biomarkers related to optic nerve compression in posterior segments, as well as ALFF of the right inferior temporal gyrus and left fusiform gyrus. DON differed from nDON group mainly in the modified muscle index of the posterior segment of optic nerve, and ALFF of orbital part of right superior frontal gyrus, right hippocampus, and right superior temporal gyrus. Orbital and brain imaging biomarkers were significantly correlated with each other. Diagnostic models attained an area under a curve of 0.80 for the detection of DON.

Conclusion

The combined orbital and brain imaging study revealed alterations of the visual pathway in patients with TED and DON as well as provided diagnostic value. The initiation of alterations in the visual cortex in TED may precede the onset of DON.
The history and taxonomy of Lady Banks's Rose: Rosa banksiae W.T.Aiton
Authors: Compton James A.
Published: July 2024

Rosa banksiae W. T. Aiton was described as a species from a double, white‐flowering plant. The history of its transportation to Europe from Canton, China is reviewed and a neotype is designated for the name. The history and introduction of the single white flowered R. banksiae var. normalis Regel; double yellow flowered R. banksiae var. lutea Lindl. and single yellow flowered R. banksiae f. lutescens Voss. is fully documented. A lectotype is designated for R. banksiae var. lutea and neotypes designated for R. banksiae and R. banksiae f. lutescens.
Party and play: Associations between US male sex workers' internet advertising characteristics and advertising chemsex to prospective clients
Authors: Jackson Kristopher J.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

It is broadly recognised that chemsex is more prevalent among men who have sex with men, but little is known about chemsex in the context of commercial sexual encounters between men. This study investigates sex worker advertising characteristics and their advertised willingness to engage in chemsex with clients.

Methods

Data were web scraped from the profiles of US‐based male sex workers (N = 3773) advertising services on an internet advertising platform in February 2021. This study describes the association between chemsex advertising and advertised age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, encounter type and COVID‐19 acknowledgement.

Results

28.5% of sex workers (n = 1077) advertised chemsex, 64.7% of whom were 25–34 years‐old (n = 697). The odds of chemsex advertising increased between ages 21–24 (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.32) and declined among sex workers over 35 years‐old (aOR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–1.00). Sex workers advertising as bisexual were more likely to advertise chemsex than those identifying as gay (aOR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.18–1.63). Sex workers acknowledging COVID‐19 were less likely to advertise chemsex compared to those who did not (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.48–0.89). Encounter type was associated with chemsex advertising among sex workers in this sample; sex workers not offering the “boyfriend experience” were more than 50% less likely to advertise chemsex than those who did offer the boyfriend experience (aOR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.36–0.61).

Discussion and Conclusions

Chemsex advertising in this population is likely influenced by multiple sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. Identifying sex workers likely to engage in chemsex based on advertising data could inform targeted education and harm‐reduction campaigns in this population.
The disclosure perspective of firm‐specific political risk measure from conference calls
Authors: Hossain Ashrafee T. , Masum Abdullah‐Al , Hasan Mostafa M. , Li Donghui , Xu Jian
Published: July 2024

Hassan et al. (2019) quantified firm‐specific political risk during corporate conference calls. We argue that this metric captures voluntary risk disclosure by firms rather than just their level of political risk. Studying the impact of political risk disclosure (PRD) on stock price crash risk (SPCR) allows us to test how well their score captures firm‐specific risk or disclosure. Consistent with our disclosure perspective, we document that PRD significantly reduces SPCR. Our cross‐sectional analyses further indicate that the negative effect of PRD on SPCR is more pronounced for firms with poor monitoring and governance and those with more opaque information environments.
Photosynthetic responses of switchgrass to light and CO2 under different precipitation treatments
Authors: Kieffer Christina , Kaur Navneet , Li Jianwei , Matamala Roser , Fay Philip A. , Hui Dafeng
Published: July 2024

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a prominent bioenergy crop with robust resilience to environmental stresses. However, our knowledge regarding how precipitation changes affect switchgrass photosynthesis and its responses to light and CO2 remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a field precipitation experiment with five different treatments, including −50%, −33%, 0%, +33%, and +50% of ambient precipitation. To determine the responses of leaf photosynthesis to CO2 concentration and light, we measured leaf net photosynthesis of switchgrass under different CO2 concentrations and light levels in 2020 and 2021 for each of the five precipitation treatments. We first evaluated four light and CO2 response models (i.e., rectangular hyperbola model, nonrectangular hyperbola model, exponential model, and the modified rectangular hyperbola model) using the measurements in the ambient precipitation treatment. Based on the fitting criteria, we selected the nonrectangular hyperbola model as the optimal model and applied it to all precipitation treatments, and estimated model parameters. Overall, the model fit field measurements well for the light and CO2 response curves. Precipitation change did not influence the maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax) but influenced other model parameters including quantum yield (α), convexity (θ), dark respiration (Rd), light compensation point (LCP), and saturated light point (LSP). Specifically, the mean Pmax of five precipitation treatments was 17.6 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1, and the ambient treatment tended to have a higher Pmax. The +33% treatment had the highest α, and the ambient treatment had lower θ and LCP, higher Rd, and relatively lower LSP. Furthermore, precipitation significantly influenced all model parameters of CO2 response. The ambient treatment had the highest Pmax, largest α, and lowest θ, Rd, and CO2 compensation point LCP. Overall, this study improved our understanding of how switchgrass leaf photosynthesis responds to diverse environmental factors, providing valuable insights for accurately modeling switchgrass ecophysiology and productivity.
Top 100 most‐cited scientific articles in regenerative endodontics 2019–2023: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: dos Reis‐Prado Alexandre Henrique , Maia Caroline Andrade , Nunes Gabriel Pereira , de Arantes Lara Cancella , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Duncan Henry F. , Bottino Marco C. , Benetti Francine
Published: July 2024

Background

Bibliometric analysis is a critical indicator of the influence and relevance of scientific papers, whilst also highlighting key contributors and gaps in knowledge in a scientific field.

Objectives

To update and analyse the 100 most‐cited papers in regenerative endodontics from 2019 to 2023.

Methods

A search of the most‐cited recent papers focusing on regenerative endodontics using journals included in the category, ‘Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine’, in the Clarivate Web of Science database from 2019 to 2023 was performed. Three researchers conducted the study selection and data extraction. Data extraction included publication title and year, authors, number and mean number of citations, institution, country and continent, study design, journal title, keywords and research topic. Citation counts were also collected in Google Scholar and Scopus databases. Graphical bibliometric networks were created using VOSviewer software.

Results

The number of citations of the 100 most‐cited articles ranged from 6 to 85. Most were published in 2020 (n = 48), principally in the Journal of Endodontics (47%), followed by International Endodontic Journal (13%), Journal of Dental Research (6%) and Dental Materials (6%). Laboratory study was the most common study design amongst the included papers (n = 47), followed by narrative reviews (n = 17) and observational studies (n = 16). The most frequent first author on the top three most‐cited papers was Hacer Aksel, whilst Adham A. Azim (n = 6; 89 citations) contributed most to the top 100 articles. The institution from which most articles originated was the University of Hong Kong (China) (n = 5; 81 citations), whereas the corresponding authors were predominantly from the United States of America (USA) (n = 31; 560 citations). The VOSviewer map of co‐authorship demonstrated research collaborative clusters. ‘Regenerative endodontics’ and ‘stem‐cells’ were the most employed keywords (37 and 36 occurrences respectively).

Discussion

The current study was designed not only to showcase the most influential papers in regenerative endodontics since 2019 but also to provide a better understanding of global research in this area over the last five years.

Conclusions

This bibliometric analysis highlighted papers, authors, institutions and keywords in regenerative endodontics. The 100 most‐cited papers primarily consisted of laboratory studies published in the USA, focusing on evaluating biomaterials and scaffold design strategies in contact with stem cells. Clinical studies and systematic reviews representing higher levels of scientific evidence are currently not the most influential in the regenerative endodontic field.
Nurses' experiences of hospital‐acquired pressure injury prevention in acute healthcare services in Victoria, Australia: A qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Team Victoria , Bouguettaya Ayoub , Qiu Yunjing , Turnour Louise , Banaszak‐Holl Jane C. , Weller Carolina D. , Sussman Geoffrey , Jones Angela , Teede Helena
Published: July 2024

We investigated nurses' experiences of hospital‐acquired pressure injury (PI) prevention in acute care services to better understand how PI prevention may be optimised. We used the Theoretical Domains Framework to systematically identify barriers and enablers to evidence‐based preventive practices as required by the International Guideline. This study was one element of a complex capacity building project on PI surveillance and prevention within the acute health service partners of Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre, an accredited academic health partnership located in Melbourne, Australia. We adopted a qualitative descriptive design. We interviewed 32 nurses that provided care in intensive care units, general wards and COVID wards of four acute care services. Nurses were recruited from four large acute care services (three public, one private) located in Melbourne. Most of them worked with patients who were at high risk of hospital‐acquired PI on a daily basis. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed using thematic analysis guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. The domains referred to most frequently by all participants included: Knowledge, Skills, Social/Professional Role and Identity, Beliefs about Capabilities, and Environmental Context and Resources. The key barriers discussed by nurses included gaps in nurses' knowledge and skills related to identification and staging of PI, heavy nursing workload and inadequate staffing levels, stigma and self‐blame related to PI identification, and exacerbating impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Main facilitators discussed were training programmes, nursing audits and feedback, and teamwork. Participants suggested improvements including accessible and tailored training, visual reminders, and addressing heavy workloads and emotional barriers nurses face. Investing in tailored training initiatives to improve nurses' knowledge and organisational changes to address low level staffing and heavy workloads are urgently needed to support nurses in delivering optimal care and preventing hospital‐acquired PI.
Antimicrobial resistance is not increasing in subsequent cases of ischaemic foot infections, a single‐centre cohort from 2012 to 2021
Authors: Salm Jonas , Ikker Franziska , Noory Elias , Beschorner Ulrich , Kramer Tobias Siegfried , Rieg Siegbert , Westermann Dirk , Zeller Thomas
Published: July 2024

Patients with chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia (CLTI) are at risk of foot infections, which is associated with an increase in amputation rates. The use of antibiotics may lead to a higher incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in subsequent episodes of ischaemic foot infections (IFI). This retrospective single‐centre cohort study included 130 patients with IFI undergoing endovascular revascularisation. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the two most common pathogens, accounting for 20.5% and 10.8% of cases, respectively. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multi‐drug resistance did not significantly increase between episodes (10.2% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.42). In 59% of subsequent episodes, the identified pathogens were unrelated to the previous episode. However, the partial concordance of identified pathogens significantly increased to 66.7% when S. aureus was identified (p = 0.027). Subsequent episodes of IFI in the same patient are likely to differ in causative pathogens. However, in the case of S. aureus, the risk of reinfection, particularly with S. aureus, is increased. Multi‐drug resistance does not appear to change between IFI episodes. Therefore, recommendations for empirical antimicrobial therapy should be based on local pathogen and resistance statistics without the need to broaden the spectrum of antibiotics in subsequent episodes.
A Metacognitive Teaching Intervention to Overcome Student Misunderstandings About Negligence
Authors: Leach Judd L. , Leach Lesley F. , Post Kyle
Published: July 2024

Negligence can be a difficult concept for business law students to understand, likely due to faulty schemas and naïve theories formed by their prior experiences. In this article, we describe a metacognitive teaching intervention used in a business law course to potentially overcome students’ misconceptions regarding negligence. On average, students who received the teaching intervention experienced greater growth in their understanding of negligence than students who did not receive the teaching intervention. These initial results provide support for the development of additional metacognitive strategies to overcome student obstacles to understanding negligence.
How violence among consumers alters the expected benefits of participation in a consumer collective
Authors: Dessart Laurence , Cova Bernard , Davignon Native
Published: July 2024

In a consumer society, collective consumption is key to maintaining sociality. However, violence among consumers not only thwarts the benefits of participating in consumer collectives, but also reduces sociality and causes various types of harm. In this study, we investigate the League of Legends gaming community to examine interconsumer violence targeting female gamers and how the mistreatment they experience alters the benefits they derive from being part of the collective. Our exploratory study, based on consumer interviews and auto‐ethnographic findings, contributes to the literature on consumer collectives, consumer culture, and gender marketing. Specifically, our data highlight three categories of benefits altered by interconsumer violence—utilitarian, social, and symbolic—each composed of related subcategories. We explain how these benefits are altered by interconsumer violence. We also offer practical recommendations for consumers, community managers, and policymakers to address this phenomenon.
Diving into broad‐scale and high‐resolution population genomics to decipher drivers of structure and climatic vulnerability in a marine invertebrate
Authors: Bourret Audrey , Leung Christelle , Puncher Gregory N. , Le Corre Nicolas , Deslauriers David , Skanes Katherine , Bourdages Hugo , Cassista‐Da Ros Manon , Walkusz Wojciech , Jeffery Nicholas W. , Stanley Ryan R. E. , Parent Geneviève J.
Published: July 2024

Species with widespread distributions play a crucial role in our understanding of climate change impacts on population structure. In marine species, population structure is often governed by both high connectivity potential and selection across strong environmental gradients. Despite the complexity of factors influencing marine populations, studying species with broad distribution can provide valuable insights into the relative importance of these factors and the consequences of climate‐induced alterations across environmental gradients. We used the northern shrimp Pandalus borealis and its wide latitudinal distribution to identify current drivers of population structure and predict the species' vulnerability to climate change. A total of 1514 individuals sampled across 24° latitude were genotyped at high geographic (54 stations) and genetic (14,331 SNPs) resolutions to assess genetic variation and environmental correlations. Four populations were identified in addition to finer substructure associated with local adaptation. Geographic patterns of neutral population structure reflected predominant oceanographic currents, while a significant proportion of the genetic variation was associated with gradients in salinity and temperature. Adaptive landscapes generated using climate projections suggest a larger genomic offset in the southern extent of the P. borealis range, where shrimp had the largest adaptive standing genetic variation. Our genomic results combined with recent observations point to further deterioration in southern regions and an impending vulnerable status in the regions at higher latitudes for P. borealis. They also provide rare insights into the drivers of population structure and climatic vulnerability of a widespread meroplanktonic species, which is crucial to understanding future challenges associated with invertebrates essential to ecosystem functioning.
Aspidistra shangsiensis (Asparagaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China
Authors: Liang Yong‐Yan , Huang Jie , Chen Hai‐Ling , Lin Chun‐Rui
Published: July 2024

Aspidistra shangsiensis, a new species of Asparagaceae from southern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to A. hainanensis in the flower color and shape, but differs by the leaf blade narrowly lanceolate, 28–45 × 4.0–6.5 cm, perianth lobes 8–10, stigma upper surface with fine radial grooves distally. This new species is only known from Shangsi County in Guangxi, China.
Fecal bacteria and short‐chain fatty acids in irritable bowel syndrome: Relations to subtype
Authors: Teige Erica Sande , Hillestad Eline Margrete Randulff , Steinsvik Elisabeth Kjelsvik , Brønstad Ingeborg , Lundervold Arvid , Lundervold Astri J. , Valeur Jørgen , Hausken Trygve , Berentsen Birgitte , Lied Gülen Arslan
Published: July 2024

Background

The relationship between gut microbiota and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) subtype is unclear. We aimed to explore whether differences in fecal bacteria composition and short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were associated with subtypes and symptoms of IBS.

Methods

All participants delivered fecal samples and self‐reports on IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS‐SSS), Bristol Stool Scale (BSS), and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Fecal bacteria composition was assessed by the GA‐map® Dysbiosis Test based on 16S rRNA sequences of bacterial species/groups. SCFAs were analyzed by vacuum distillation followed by gas chromatography.

Key Results

Sixty patients with IBS were included (mean age 38 years, 46 [77%] females): Twenty‐one patients were classified as IBS‐D (diarrhea), 31 IBS‐M (mixed diarrhea and constipation), and eight IBS‐C (constipation). Forty‐two healthy controls (HCs) (mean age 35 years, 27 [64%] females) were included. Patients had a significantly higher relative frequency of dysbiosis, lower levels of Actinobacteria, and higher levels ofBacillithan HCs. Eight bacterial markers were significantly different across IBS subgroups and HCs, and 13 bacterial markers were weakly correlated with IBS symptoms.ClostridiaandVeillonellaspp. had a weak negative correlation with constipation scores (GSRS) and a weak positive correlation with loose stools (BSS). Diarrhea scores (GSRS) and looser stool (BSS) were weakly correlated with levels of total SCFAs, acetic and butyric acid. Levels of total SCFAs and acetic acid were weakly correlated with symptom severity (IBS‐SSS).

Conclusions & Inferences

Patients with IBS had a different fecal bacteria composition compared to HCs, and alterations of SCFAs may contribute to the subtype.
Development and Validation of an Evidence‐Based Home Pursed Lip Breathing Protocol for Improving Health Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Huang Houqiang , Da Jun , Watson Roger , Hayter Mark , Huang Min
Published: July 2024

Aim

To develop and validate an evidence‐based home pursed lip breathing (PLB) intervention protocol for improving related health outcomes (e.g., dyspnea and exercise capability) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to present a detailed intervention development process.

Methods

This home PLB intervention protocol employed phase one of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions to guide the development process of the PLB intervention. We searched for research evidence on 5 July 2023 from several databases, including PubMed, Embase (via Ovid), Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and China Biology Medicine Disk (CBM). Using the content validity index, a panel of experts assessed the appropriateness of the PLB protocol.

Results

We developed the preliminary home PLB intervention protocol on the basis of several underlying rationales, which encompass the extension of expiration time, enhancement of respiratory muscle strength, augmentation of tidal volume and integration of the most reliable research evidence obtained from four systematic reviews, five RCTs, five clinical trials, and 10 recommendations. We structured the PLB intervention with a designated time ratio of inspiration to expiration, set at 1:2. Additionally, this study recommends that the training parameters of the PLB intervention were as follows: three sessions per day, each lasting for 10 min, over 8 weeks. Individualised PLB training intensity adjusted the inhalation component according to each participant's tolerance level while emphasising the exhalation phase to ensure the complete expulsion of air from the lungs. The home PLB intervention protocol established strong content validity through consensus, which was reached among all panel experts. The item‐level and scale‐level content validity indices (CVIs) reached a maximum score of 1.0, indicating a high level of agreement and credibility in the protocol's content as evaluated by the expert panel.

Conclusion

An optimal evidence‐based home PLB protocol has been adapted and developed to manage health‐related outcomes of patients with COPD. The protocol is transparent and fully supported by relevant mechanisms, concrete evidence, recommendations and experts' consensus.

Implications for Practice

In this study, we consulted patients with COPD about the ‘Prepared Conditions Before PLB Practice’, to ensure appropriate measures to prevent patients with COPD from potential risks. In addition, patients with COPD also contributed to the PLB exercise frequency distribution.
EUFOREUM Berlin 2023: Optimizing care for type 2 inflammatory diseases from clinic to AI: A pediatric focus
Authors: Conti Diego M. , Vibeke Backer , Kirsten Beyer , Leif Bjermer , Adam Chaker , Stephanie Dramburg , Mina Gaga , Monika Gappa , Philippe Gevaert , Eckard Hamelmann , Hellings Peter W. , Milos Jesenak , Kopp Matthias V. , Marcus Maurer , Marcia Podesta , Dermot Ryan , Scadding Glenis K. , Eike Wüstenberg , Ulrich Wahn , Susanne Lau
Published: July 2024

The European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airways diseases (EUFOREA) organized its bi‐annual forum EUFOREUM in Berlin in November 2023. The aim of EUFOREUM 2023 was to highlight pediatric action plans for prevention and optimizing care for type 2 inflammatory conditions starting in childhood, with a focus on early‐stage diagnosis, ensuring neither under‐ nor overdiagnosis, optimal care, and suggestions for improvement of care. EUFOREA is an international not‐for‐profit organization forming an alliance of all stakeholders dedicated to reducing the prevalence and burden of chronic respiratory diseases through the implementation of optimal patient care via educational, research, and advocacy activities. The inclusive and multidisciplinary approach of EUFOREA was reflected in the keynote lectures and faculty of the virtual EUFOREUM 2023 (www.euforea.eu/euforeum) coming from the pediatric, allergology, pulmonology, ENT, dermatology, primary health care fields and patients around the central theme of type 2 inflammation. As most type 2 inflammatory conditions may start in childhood or adolescence, and most children have type 2 inflammation when suffering from a respiratory or skin disease, the moment has come to raise the bar of ambitions of care, including prevention, remission and disease modification at an early stage. The current report provides a comprehensive overview of key statements by the faculty of the EUFOREUM 2023 and the ambitions of EUFOREA allowing all stakeholders in the respiratory field to be updated and ready to join forces in Europe and beyond.

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Intervening dark periods negatively affect the photosynthetic performance of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii during growth under fluctuating high light
Authors: Hemker Fritz , Ammelburger Nicolas , Jahns Peter
Published: July 2024

The acclimation of the green algae Chlamydomoas reinhardtii to high light (HL) has been studied predominantly under continuous illumination of the cells. Here, we investigated the impact of fluctuating HL in alternation with either low light (LL) or darkness on photosynthetic performance and on photoprotective responses. Compared to intervening LL phases, dark phases led to (1) more pronounced reduction of the photosystem II quantum efficiency, (2) reduced degradation of the PsbS protein, (3) lower energy dissipation capacity and (4) an increased pool size of the xanthophyll cycle pigments. These characteristics indicate increased photo‐oxidative stress when HL periods are interrupted by dark phases instead of LL phases. This overall trend was similar when comparing long (8 h) and short (30 min) HL phases being interrupted by long (16 h) and short (60 min) phases of dark or low light, respectively. Only the degradation of PsbS was clearly more efficient during long (16 h) LL phases when compared to short (60 min) LL phases.
Qualitative analysis of naturalistically observed conversations among same‐ and different‐gender couples coping with breast cancer
Authors: Hague Katherine Emily , Martinez M. Anais , Robbins Megan L.
Published: July 2024

This naturalistic observation study explored communication between partners in different types of romantic couples coping with breast cancer (women with women [WW] and women with men [WM]). Past research has suggested WW, versus WM, couples are more likely to have a concordant, immersive approach to coping with illness, characterized by increased emotional disclosure and an emphasis on caregiving. This study aimed to further explore similarities and differences among WW and WM that may suggest how these types of couples cope with and adjust to cancer. Women with breast cancer and their partners wore the Electronically Activated Recorder over one weekend during treatment, as part of a larger study. Sound files from a subsample of eight WW couples and eight matched WM couples were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis. Overall, WW, versus WM, couples appeared to have more concordant approaches to coping with cancer, which seemed to be associated with less conflict or argumentative communication, suggesting WW may have better coping outcomes than WM. Understanding how diverse types of couples communicate about breast cancer in daily life may help clinicians tailor their treatments to their patients' unique needs.
Time trends in the incidence of interstitial lung disease across Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) from 1990 to 2019: An age‐period‐cohort analysis
Authors: Yang Zhen , Xie Zhiqin , Wang Zequan , Du Yunyu , Chen Shihan , Wu Xiuqiang , Zhou Shengliang , Yi Linxia , Zhang Peiyao , Xiang Tianxin , He Chaozhu
Published: July 2024

Background and Objective

The global incidence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) has risen over the past few decades. However, few studies have evaluated the status and incidence trends of ILD in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). This study assesses the trends of ILD incidence across the BRICS with an emphasis on ILD changes from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

Incidence rates were estimated by the data obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019). Age‐period‐cohort modelling was used to estimate the effects on ILD from 1990 to 2019, and the net drift and local drift were calculated.

Results

In 2019, a total of 11.4 million cases of ILD were reported in the BRICS countries. From 1990 to 2019, the incidence rate of ILD in BRICS showed an upward trend. India consistently reported the highest incidence rate, while China showed the fastest growth rate (107.6%). Russia reported a similar incidence rates for men and women, with a lower age of peak incidence compared to the other four countries. We found the time effect was unfavourable for BRICS in the first decade, especially for Brazil; in China and Brazil, the risk of people born after 1960 has rapidly decreased.

Conclusion

ILD shows a rising incidence in BRICS. with the trends varying based on age and other environmental factors. BRICS should strengthen specific public health approaches and policies for different stages and populations.

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Contextualizing Lorenzo Morelli's Youthful Patronage (1463–1473)☆
Authors: Hudson Hugh
Published: July 2024

A ledger of the Florentine apprentice silk merchant and rising bureaucrat, Lorenzo Morelli (1446–1528), is notable for its references to distinguished artworks and furniture he commissioned from a young age. Study of the ledger, now housed in the Archivio di Stato di Firenze and catalogued as Gherardi Piccolomini d'Aragona 137, has for the most part focused on the immediate circumstances in which the few surviving artworks were commissioned, or more broadly, but imprecisely, the extent to which his marriage and the dowry it brought, influenced his patronage. However, study of the ledger has not extended much beyond Morelli's marriage arrangements or exploited biographical information in his contemporary libro rosso (red book) ledger. Nor have studies engaged extensively with the substantial body of published research on the Morelli family and their political careers and social networks. Doing so provides a more holistic view of Morelli's youthful patronage, greater insight into how his personal, social and financial motivations for patronage were interrelated and gives rise to a new hypothesis about the intended destination for an early group of commissions whose purpose was not recorded by Morelli.
Association of Accelerometer‐Determined Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With the Gut Microbiome in Middle‐Aged Women: A Compositional Data Approach
Authors: Pérez‐Prieto Inmaculada , Migueles Jairo H. , Molina Nerea M. , Sola‐Leyva Alberto , Salas‐Espejo Eduardo , Arffman Riikka K. , Nurkkala Marjukka , Niemelä Maisa , Lüll Kreete , Org Elin , Franks Stephen , Tapanainen Juha S. , Salumets Andres , Piltonen Terhi T. , Ortega Francisco B. , Altmäe Signe
Published: July 2024

The beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on gut microbiome have been reported, nevertheless the findings are inconsistent, with the main limitation of subjective methods for assessing PA. It is well accepted that using an objective assessment of PA reduces the measurement error and also allows objective assessment of sedentary behavior (SB). We aimed to study the associations between accelerometer‐assessed behaviors (i.e., SB, light‐intensity physical activity [LPA] and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) with the gut microbiome using compositional data analysis, a novel approach that enables to study these behaviors accounting for their inter‐dependency. This cross‐sectional study included 289 women from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Physical activity was measured during 14 days by wrist‐worn accelerometers. Analyses based on the combined effect of MVPA and SB, and compositional data analyses in association with the gut microbiome data were performed. The microbial alpha‐ and beta‐diversity were not significantly different between the MVPA‐SB groups, and no differentially abundant microorganisms were detected. Compositional data analysis did not show any significant associations between any movement behavior (relative to the others) on microbial alpha‐diversity. Butyrate‐producing bacteria such as Agathobacter and Lachnospiraceae CAG56 were significantly more abundant when reallocating time from LPA or SB to MVPA (γ = 0.609 and 0.113, both p‐values = 0.007). While PA and SB were not associated with microbial diversity, we found associations of these behaviors with specific gut bacteria, suggesting that PA of at least moderate intensity (i.e., MVPA) could increase the abundance of short‐chain fatty acid–producing microbes.
A novel syphilis Treponema pallidum lipoprotein peptide antigen diagnostic assay using red cell kodecytes in routine blood centre column agglutination testing platforms
Authors: Datta Suvro Sankha , Nagappan Radhika , Biswas Durba , Basu Debapriya , Gupta Kaushik , Mondal Pradip Kumar , Tuzikov Alexander , Bovin Nicolai V. , Henry Stephen M.
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

The detection of treponemal antibodies, which are used to make a diagnosis of syphilis, is important both for diagnostic purposes and as a mandatory blood donor test in most countries. We evaluated the feasibility of using Kode Technology to make syphilis peptide red cell kodecytes for use in column agglutination serologic platforms.

Materials and Methods

Candidate Kode Technology function‐spacer‐lipid (FSL) constructs were made for the Treponema pallidum lipoprotein (TmpA) of T. pallidum, using the peptide and FSL selection algorithms, and then used to make kodecytes. Developmental kodecytes were evaluated against a large range of syphilis antibody reactive and non‐reactive samples in column agglutination platforms and compared against established methodologies. Overall, 150 reactive and 2072 non‐reactive Syphicheck assay (a modified T. pallidum particle agglutination) blood donor samples were used to evaluate the agreement rate of the developed kodecyte assay.

Results

From three FSL‐peptide candidate constructs, one was found to be the most suitable for diagnostics. Of 150 Syphicheck assay reactive samples, 146 were TmpA–kodecyte reactive (97.3% agreement), compared with 58.0% with the rapid plasmin reagin (RPR) assay for the same samples. Against the 2072 expected syphilis non‐reactive samples the agreement rate for TmpA–kodecytes was 98.8%.

Conclusion

TmpA–kodecytes are viable for use as cost‐effective serologic reagent red cells for the detection of treponemal antibodies to diagnose syphilis with a high level of specificity in blood centres. This kodecyte methodology also potentially allows for introduction of the reverse‐algorithm testing into low‐volume laboratories, by utilizing existing transfusion laboratory infrastructure.
The Formulation and Characterization of Antimicrobial Packaging from Chitosan and Curry Leaf (Murraya Koenigii) Essential Oil for Vegetables Packaging
Authors: Khoo Kean Hao , Salleh Eraricar
Published: July 2024

This study formulated chitosan-based antimicrobial films incorporating curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) essential oil using the film casting method. The films were characterized with 0%, 1%, and 2% concentrations of essential oil, and evaluated through physical, mechanical, and biological tests. Physical and mechanical tests included tensile testing, film thickness, pH, and water solubility. The film thickness ranged from 0.04 mm to 0.08 mm, and pH values ranged from 3.84 to 4.93. Water solubility was 22.7%, 20.56%, and 40.17% for films with 0%, 1%, and 2% essential oil, respectively. Tensile strength was assessed alongside antimicrobial properties using the zone of inhibition method against E. coli and Bacillus cereus. The films showed significant inhibition zones for the gram-negative E. coli and minimal inhibition for the gram-positive B. cereus. Shelf-life tests on dwarf pak choi (Brassica rapa chinensis) and baby kailan (Brassica oleracea L.) demonstrated an extended shelf-life of up to 14 days using common storage methods such as on-top placement and wrapping. This study concludes that chitosan-based films infused with curry leaf essential oil exhibit promising antimicrobial properties, making them a viable food packaging material with considerable strength, elongation, and flexibility, effectively inhibiting foodborne pathogens.
Optimizing Wall Material Ratios for Enhanced Bioactive Compound in Ficus deltoidea using Freeze Drying
Authors: Husin Fitrien , Baba Sayang , Wan Azelee Nur Izyan , Yaakob Harisun
Published: July 2024

Ficus deltoidea (FD) is well documented for its pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-aging properties. However, the stability and adsorption of many bioactive compounds in herbs are poor, limiting their bioavailability. This study aimed to investigate the optimal formulation ratios and different wall materials (maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic (GA)) for encapsulating FD extract using freeze drying. Physicochemical characterizations of the formulated FD powders included evaluation of marker compound (isovitexin), phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) content. The safety of the optimized encapsulated FD (OEFD) powder was assessed through microbiological assay. The optimal conditions, determined through response surface methodology (RSM), were a solid ratio of 20% w/v, a 75% MD: 25%GA and 3:1 of core to wall ratio, which resulted in the highest retention of isovitexin at 1.96 g/g, phenolic content of 1473 GAE mg/ 10 g extract and flavonoids content of 185 CE mg/ 10 g extract. Optimizing the freeze -drying process for FD extract improved its quality by retaining the marker compound. This optimization ensures that the bioactive compounds remain stable and effective, enhancing the therapeutic potential of the extract.
Application of the Field Hyperspectral Sensing to Estimate the Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) in Tropical Urban Waters
Authors: Mahmud Mohd Rizaludin , Awang Nor Wahida , Kai Ting Soo
Published: July 2024

Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is one of the critical water quality parameters used in determining the biochemical condition of water, especially in wastewater treatment. Conventional measurement of ORP requires physical contact with the water samples. A relative version of the ORP measurement that is faster and requires non-contact with the water can be helpful, especially for environmental monitoring. One way to perform this is by measuring the radiated electromagnetic wave from water bodies such as drainage, rivers, and streams that are exposed to sunlight. The reflected radiation from various water samples was obtained using a handheld hyperspectral sensor that is sensitive to 350 – 250 nm radiation and the ORP measurement was performed using the water quality probes sensor equipped with the ORP sensor. Forty-four water samples were taken from multiple locations, including rivers, tributaries, drainage, and streams. Our analysis revealed that the wave spectra at 654 nm can estimate ORP values ranging from 0 to 500 with moderate performance (R² = 0.581). The reflectance spectra need to undergo normalization, and the second derivative filtering of the Savitsky-Golay is required to obtain such desired results. This preliminary experiment demonstrated that the ORP estimation is plausible using the hyperspectral remote sensor with moderate accuracy for water that potentially experiences nitrification, denitrification, carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, and phosphorus waste.
A Review of Penetration Testing Process For Sql Injection Attack
Authors: Siti Hajar  , Jaafar Abdul Ghafar , Abdul Rahim Fiza
Published: July 2024

In this rapidly developing information technology age, the Internet has emerged as a critical component of modern life. The usage of the web server has become crucial in providing services to users for various transactions like online banking, online purchasing, and web-based email. Due to this atmosphere, protecting a web server from cyber-attacks became essential to prevent data breaches. Secured coding implementation in developing online systems is crucial, as failure to do so will result in an SQL injection attack. Another problem concerning this problem is configuration against security devices, which makes the attack possible to be executed. Furthermore, owing to the emergence of technology, cyber intruders can utilize various techniques and sophisticated tools to steal information easily. Penetration testing is the approach that can be taken to measure a web server's security level and prevent an attack. This study aims to review SQL injection attacks and describe the required steps to execute penetration testing successfully. Next, the practical SQL injection attack was executed according to the penetration methodology. The outcome indicates that cyber intruders can log in as regular users and steal sensitive information if the web server is vulnerable to attack.
Digital Community Support and Management Application and Dashboard Features for Pandemic Outbreak Management in Malaysia Setting
Authors: Maarop Dr Nurazean , Shaharudin Nurul Sakina , Chuprat Suriayati , Samy Ganthan Narayana , Hassan Noor Hafizah , Kamaruddin Norshaliza , Mohammad Roslina , Megat Mohd Zainuddin Norziha
Published: July 2024

Disaster management is the process of organizing and managing resources and responsibilities for dealing with the humanitarian elements of disasters, including preparedness, response, and recovery. Disaster management’s objective is to mitigate the impact of disasters on communities. Numerous infectious diseases can offer a significant threat on a local regional, and global scale, and in certain cases can result in epidemics or pandemics. Due to the massive volume of information and data generated every minute, data visualization is a necessary strategy for conveying information accurately and ensuring that people grasp it immediately upon first glance.  This scope of the inquiry was based on the phenomenon of the covid-19 outbreak, and all the data were gathered within Malaysia. The analysis’s parameters were chosen after thorough investigation and consultation with professionals. This study acquired data through telephone interviews with residents of the affected communities. Eight digital community features were proposed in this study to help the management of pandemic outbreak. With comprehensive features and the capacity to be accessed by the general public, all afflicted communities can be certain that they will receive all available aid from the government or non-governmental organization, and the extent of assistance covered is visible on the dashboard.
An Approach for Ensuring Communication Security in IoT
Authors: Diginsa Muhammad , Mohd Sam Suriani , Md Yusof Yusnaidi , Azizan Azizul
Published: July 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the connection of bodily objects “things” that are embedded with sensors, software, and other components for the purpose of connecting and exchanging statistics(data/information) with other devices and systems over the Internet. The exchanging of data between IoT devices occurs over the network. As a result of that, the kind of data that will be transmitted over the internet needs to be secured and protected from unauthorized users. To achieve this, IoT device communication needs to be achieved securely. The main objective of this paper is to present an overview and compare various communication protocols in the context of IoT (Internet of Things) environments, with a focus on recommending a data exchange mechanism that will provide secure communication after a comparative study.
A Bibliometric Review Of Academic Collaboration In The Governance, Risk And Compliance Of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Lau David , Narayana Samy Ganthan , Abdul Rahim Fiza , Selvananthan Mahiswaran , Maarop Nurazean , Hassan Noor Hafizah
Published: July 2024

As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly pervasive in its application, research efforts have shifted from the discourse on ethical principles to the mechanism of implementation that would eventually bring benefits to the world’s population while minimizing its risks. The adoption of best practices in governance, risk management and compliance would not only promote these objectives but also foster greater adoption of the technology by nations of the world. As Artificial Intelligence models are dependent upon the data ingested and used by algorithms, the input from researchers of different nationalities has the potential to reduce bias, enhance interoperability, and facilitate the generation of accurate decisions. Moreover, formulation of universal legislations and standards that are applicable to all nations would spur compliance and acceptance of AI solutions by its potential users. Thus, this study aims to shed light on the level of international collaboration among academicians by analyzing the publications in the past decade. The results show that the major contributors in this domain are the USA, UK, and China. Also, most of the contributions are from selected academic institutions in those countries only. Hence, greater collaborations can be forged with notable researchers from these institutions by researchers and practitioners from other countries to ensure that the development and use of AI can benefit all mankind in our increasingly connected societies.
Multi-Speaker Tracking from Azure Kinect: Performance Evaluation using Generalized Optimal Sub-Pattern Assignment
Authors: Bin Mohd Ariffin Muhammad Atiff Zakwan , Binti Mohd Robi Siti Nur Aisyah , Bin Mohd Izhar Mohd Azri , Binti Ahmad Norulhusna
Published: July 2024

The software and the hardware features of Azure Kinect show the potential for its application in multiple speaker tracking. We then evaluate the system’s capabilities by conducting tests using our given setup, including various scenarios to evaluate its tracking performance. The tracking performance is calculated using generalized optimal sub-pattern assignment (GOSPA) and multiple objects tracking accuracy (MOTA) metrics. It has been found that the body tracking algorithm can perform well in certain multi-speaker tracking conditions.