bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping Indoor Radon Concentrations in Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea: A Geospatial Analysis using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Widya Liadira Kusuma , Rezaie Fateemah , Lee Jungsub , Lee Jongchun , Yoo Juhee , Lee Woojin , Lee Saro
Published: May 2024

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in many terrestrial materials. Due to the potential health risks linked to persistent exposure to high radon concentrations, it is essential to investigate indoor radon accumulation. This study generated indoor radon index maps for Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, selected factors with frequency ratios (FRs) and validated them using the FR, convolutional neural network, long short-term memory, and group method of data handling machine learning models. The establishment of a geospatial database provided a basis for the integration and analysis of indoor radon concentrations (IRCs), along with relevant geological, soil, topographical, and geochemical data. The study calculated the correlations between IRC and diverse factors statistically. The IRC potential was mapped for Chungcheongbuk-do by applying the above techniques, to assess the potential radon distribution. The robustness of the validated model was assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve.
Digital Speech Hearing Screening Using A Quick Novel Mobile Hearing Impairment Assessment
Authors: Banks Russell , Greene Barry , Morrow Isaiah , Ciesla Marissa , Woolever David , Tobyne Sean , Gomes-Osman Joyce , Jannati Ali , Showalter John , Bates David , Pascual-Leone Alvaro
Published: May 2024

Background
By 2050, 1 in 4 people worldwide will be living with hearing impairment by 2050. We propose a digital Speech Hearing Screener (dSHS) using short nonsense word recognition to measure speech-hearing ability. We compare dSHS outcomes with standardized pure-tone averages (PTA) and speech-recognition thresholds (SRT). 50 participants (aged 55 or older underwent pure-tone and speech-recognition thresholding.
Methods
One-way ANOVA was used to compare differences between hearing impaired and hearing not-impaired groups, by the dSHS, with a clinical threshold of moderately impaired hearing at 35dB and severe hearing impairment at 50dB.
Results
dSHS results significantly correlated with PTAs/SRTs. ANOVA results revealed the dSHS was significantly different (F(1,47) = 38.1, p < 0.001) between hearing impaired and unimpaired groups. Classification analysis using a 35dB threshold, yielded accuracy of 85.7% forPTA-based impairment and 81.6% forSRT-based impairment. At a 50dB threshold, dSHS classification accuracy was 79.6% for PTA-based impairment (NPV-93%) and 83.7% (NPV-100%) for SRT-based impairment.
Conclusions
The dSHS successfully differentiates between hearing impaired and unimpaired individuals in under 3 minutes. This hearing screener offers a time saving, in clinic hearing screening to streamline the triage of those with likely hearing impairment to the appropriate follow up assessment, thereby improving the quality of services. Additionally, this tool can help to rule out hearing impairment as a cause or confounder of cognitive impairment.
CCL5: a novel biomarker in a diagnostic model for bone metastasis in prostate cancer
Authors: Chen Chiwei , Zhan Dandan , Xiang Yuyang , Deng Wei , Huang Renlun , Wang Zhigang , Huang Mei , Hong Min , Wang Yuanzhao , Xiang Songtao
Published: May 2024

Treating metastatic prostate cancer and bone metastasis is challenging, impacting both life quality and survival. CCL5 is known to promote prostate-cancer stem-cell activity, invasion, and metastasis. Here, we evaluated CCL5's role in a diagnostic model of bone metastasis in prostate cancer. Patient data from 2011 and 2022 formed the modelling dataset. Through logistic regression analyses, a classic diagnostic model ("classical model") for bone metastasis in prostate cancer was established. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was utilized as the validation dataset. Immunohistochemistry evaluated CCL5 expression in prostate cancer tissues. Incorporating CCL5 as a clinical factor into the dataset yielded a novel diagnostic model. Its performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). We collected clinical data from 160 patients with prostate cancer, establishing a modelling dataset for bone metastasis. Patients (2,215) originating from the SEER database were used to construct the validation dataset. T stage, PSA level, Gleason score, and CCL5 level emerged as significant risk factors for bone metastasis, indicating the classical model’s diagnostic significance. Furthermore, when CCL5 was included in the classical model, the CCL5 model exhibited superior discriminatory ability and clinical applicability. CCL5, as a novel biomarker, plays a significant role in the diagnosis of bone metastasis in prostate cancer.
Building Extraction on SegFormer Model and Post Processing from Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Li Deliang , Wang Haokun , Yan Long
Published: May 2024

Most of the traditional methods are based on remote sensing feature classification technology, which uses different classification methods to extract specific feature types, but the traditional classification process suffers from the problems of high threshold of use, cumbersome data processing process, slow recognition speed, and poor migration. Artificial intelligence, especially machine learning and deep learning, is constantly and deeply affecting our daily life and work, and the impact on intelligent extraction of remote sensing images is also very extensive. Classification and automatic extraction of geographic elements of remote sensing images is a popular research direction in the field of remote sensing. Remote sensing image building extraction has an important application value in the field of geographic information, especially in urban planning, resource management, and ecological protection. Deep learning convolutional neural network is used to recognize buildings in remote sensing images, and the current mainstream SegFormer network structure is selected for intelligent binary classification to extract buildings. The intelligent binary classification workflow ranges from data preparation, model construction, model release to application. Intelligent binary classification can intelligently decipher not only buildings, but also single land classes with obvious feature points such as roads and rivers. The development of deep learning algorithms, to a certain extent, to make up for some of the shortcomings of the traditional remote sensing image analysis methods, post-processing of the inference results, it greatly improves the presentation of the results, as well as the accuracy of the results, to provide a better technical basis for the analysis of remote sensing images.
Two novel DnaJ chaperone proteins CG5001 and P58IPK regulate the pathogenicity of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Deo Ankita , Ghosh Rishita , Ahire Snehal , Marathe Sayali , BOSE Tania , Majumdar Amitabha
Published: May 2024

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused due to aggregation of Huntingtin (HTT) protein. This study involves cloning of 40 DnaJ chaperones from Drosophila, and overexpressing them in yeasts and fly models of HD. Accordingly, DnaJ chaperones were catalogued as enhancers or suppressors based on their growth phenotypes and aggregation properties. 2 of the chaperones that came up as targets were CG5001 and P58IPK. Protein aggregation and slow growth phenotype was rescued in yeasts, S2 cells, and Drosophila transgenic lines of HTT103Q with these overexpressed chaperones. Since DnaJ chaperones have protein sequence similarity across species, they can be used as possible tools to combat the effects of neurodegenerative diseases.
Effect of ankle-foot orthosis on paretic gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles contraction of stroke survivors during walking: a pilot study
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Hui-Dong , Li Yu-Ying , Zhu Ringo Tang-Long , Luo Yu-Yan , Ling Yan To , Wang Li-Ke , Wang Jian-Fa , Zheng Yong-Ping , Ma Christina Zong-Hao
Published: May 2024

Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is commonly prescribed for stroke survivors with foot drop to aid in foot clearance while walking and reduce fall risk. However, its impact on the contraction patterns of paretic ankle muscles remains inconclusive. This pilot study investigated the contraction of paretic tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles in twenty sub-acute stroke patients wearing AFO during walking using a wearable dynamic ultrasound imaging and motion sensors. Results showed an increase in TA muscle thickness throughout a gait cycle (p > 0.05) and a significant increase in TA muscle surface mechanomyography (sMMG) signal during pre- and initial swing phases (p < 0.05) when using AFO. MG muscle thickness generally decreased with AFO (p > 0.05), aligning more closely with healthy adults' trends throughout a gait cycle. MG sEMG signal significantly decreased during the initial and mid-swing phases when wearing AFO (p < 0.05). The TA-MG co-contraction index notably decreased during initial and mid-swing phases with AFO (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that AFO can promptly influence the contraction patterns of paretic ankle muscles during walking in stroke patients, but further research is needed to understand its long-term effects.
Photocatalytic product-selective reduction of CO2, CO and carbonates
Authors: Borbas Eszter , Bhimpuria Rohan , Tomar Monika , Thapper Anders
Published: May 2024

CO2 conversion to value-added chemicals is a crucial technology towards carbon-neutral fuels.1 Photocatalysis using sunlight is an energy-efficient alternative to electrochemical and thermal CO2 reduction.1 Photocatalysts usually yield either CO or HCO2H with varying degrees of selectivity.1 Herein, a lanthanide-based photocatalytic platform producing CO, HCO2H, CH4 or CH3OH is reported. The catalyst consists of a pendant amine for CO2 capture and a light-harvesting sensitiser that generates the reactive divalent lanthanide centre. CO2 reduction to CO or formate was possible with >99% selectivity and with the highest turnover number reported for a photocatalyst by virtue of a distinct mechanistic pathway. Attractive (bi)carbonate CO2 feedstocks were efficiently converted to CO, and CO could be reduced to the secondary products methane and methanol, demonstrating the wide utility of the platform.
Exploring Stress and Recovery among Students: Implications for Well-being and Academic Performance
Authors: Stang Philipp , Weiss Maren , Jaensch Peter , Scholz Stefanie
Published: May 2024

Understanding stress and recovery dynamics among students is essential for promoting their well-being and academic success. This study delves into the complex interplay of stressors and coping mechanisms among university students. Drawing upon health psychology and resilience research, we investigate the experiences of stress and recovery among both full-time and part-time students, considering factors such as gender and age. Our findings reveal significant differences between full-time and part-time students in various aspects of stress, including emotional stress, conflicts, and lack of energy. Full-time students reported higher levels of stress in these dimensions, which could indicate possible effects on their academic performance and general well-being. Moreover, gender-specific differences in stress experiences were observed, with female students exhibiting higher levels of stress compared to their male counterparts, particularly in terms of emotional stress and lack of energy. Interestingly, while age did not significantly impact stress and recovery experiences, other variables such as workload and coping strategies appeared to play crucial roles. Our study underscores the importance of tailored interventions and support mechanisms to address the diverse needs of students, including mindfulness-based approaches, social support networks, and academic accommodations. Overall, this research sheds light on the intricate relationship between stress, resilience, and academic outcomes among students, offering valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and mental health practitioners seeking to enhance student well-being and academic success in higher education settings.
MAP4 kinase regulated reduced CLSTN1 expression in medulloblastoma is associated with increased invasiveness
Authors: Sönmez Ece , Yan Shen , Lin Meng-Syuan , Baumgartner Martin
Published: May 2024

De-regulated protein expression contributes to tumor growth and progression in medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant brain tumor in children. MB is associated with impaired differentiation of specific neural progenitors, suggesting that the deregulation of proteins involved in neural physiology could contribute to the transformed phenotype in MB.
Calsynthenin 1 (CLSTN1) is a neuronal protein involved in cell-cell interaction, vesicle trafficking, and synaptic signaling. Herein, we explored the expression and functional significance of CLSTN1 in MB. We found that CLSTN1 expression is decreased in primary MB tumors compared to tumor-free cerebellum or brain tissues. CLSTN1 is expressed in laboratory-established MB cell lines, where it localized to the plasma membrane, intracellular vesicular structures, and regions of cell-cell contact. The reduction of CLSTN1 expression significantly increased growth factor-driven invasiveness. Pharmacological inhibition of MAP4 kinases caused increased CLSTN1 expression and CLSTN1 accumulation in cell-cell contacts. Co-culture of tumor cells with astrocytes increased CLSTN1 localization in cell-cell contacts, which was further enhanced by MAP4K inhibition.
Our study revealed a repressive function of CLSTN1 in growth-factor-driven invasiveness in MB and its potential implication in homologous and heterologous interactions of the tumor with cells in its microenvironment.
Evaluation of Damage Discrimination in Dopaminergic Neurons Using Dopamine Transporter PET Tracer [18F]FECNT-d4
Authors: Tang Jie , Liu Congjin , Liu Chunyi , Hu Qianyue , Fang Yi , Chen Zhengping
Published: May 2024

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, diagnosed based on classic symptoms like motor dysfunction and cognitive impairments. With the development of various radioactive ligands， positron emission tomography (PET) imaging combined with specific radiolabelling probes has proven to be effective in aiding clinical PD diagnosis. Among these probes, 2β-Carbomethoxy-3β-(4-chlorophenyl)-8-(2-[18F]-fluoroethyl) nortropane ([18F]FECNT) has been utilized as a PET tracer to image dopamine transporter (DAT) integrity in striatal presynaptic dopaminergic terminals. However, the presence of brain-penetrant radioactive metabolites produced by [18F]FECNT may impact the accuracy of PET imaging. In previous research, we developed 2β-Carbomethoxy-3β-(4-chlorophenyl)-8-(2-[18F]-fluoroethyl-1,1,2,2-d4) nortropane ([18F]FECNT-d4), a deuterated derivative with enhanced stability in plasma and the striatum, along with a slower washout rate. In this study, we further investigated the potential of [18F]FECNT-d4 to detect dopaminergic neuron degeneration in Parkinson’s disease. This involved PET imaging in unilaterally-lesioned PD model rats and in vitro autoradiography conducted on postmortem brain sections.
Results: PET images revealed reduced specific uptake in the ipsilateral striatum of rats stereotactically injected with 6-hydroxydopamine hydrochloride (6-OHDA). Compared to the sham group, the ratio of standardized uptake value (SUV) in the ipsilateral to contralateral striatum decreased by 13%, 23%, and 63% in the mild, moderate, and severe lesioned groups, respectively. Dopaminergic denervation observed in PET imaging was further supported by behavioral assessments, immunostaining, and monoamine concentration tests. Moreover, the microPET results exhibited positive correlations with these measurements, except for the apomorphine-induced rotational behavior test, which showed a negative correlation. Additionally, [18F]FECNT-d4 uptake was approximately 40% lower in the postmortem striatal sections of a PD patient compared to a healthy subject. Furthermore, estimated human dosimetry (effective dose equivalent: 5.06 E-03 mSv/MBq), extrapolated from rat biodistribution data, remained below the current Food and Drug Administration limit for radiation exposure.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that [18F]FECNT-d4 accurately estimates levels of dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the 6-OHDA-induced PD rat model and effectively distinguishes between PD patients and healthy individuals. This highly sensitive and safe PET probe holds promising potential for clinical application in the diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson’s disease.
Investigation of the synergistic properties of raffinose and hesperidin on growth performance, immune parameters, oxidative status and hematology in juveniles of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Arshadi Ali , Heydarisalkhordeh Mohammadreza , Gisbert Enric
Published: May 2024

The goal of the present research was to assess how two immunomodulators, raffinose and hesperidin alone or in combination, affected the innate immune system and growth performance of common carp. Fish with an initial weight of 33.94 ± 1.45 g were fed the following experimental diets for 56 days: control (without supplementation, T1), 2.0 g kg− 1 raffinose (T2), 150 mg kg− 1 hesperidin (T3), and 2.0 g kg− 1 raffinose + 150 mg kg− 1 hesperidin (T4). Fish growth and feed efficiency, serum immunological parameters and hematological parameters were determined and compared with control after 56 days of feeding. The results of end feeding trial showed, Carp fed in combination with raffinose + hesperidin and control diets had the highest (62.63 ± 2.41) and the lowest (52.88 ± 1.10) final body weight, respectively. The highest growth performance, feed efficiency, total leukocyte counts (WBC), the non-specific humoral (lysozyme, total immunoglobulin, total protein, ACH50 and antioxidant status), and cellular (phagocytic capacity and respiratory burst activity) responses and other hematological parameters were noticed in fish fed mixture raffinose and hesperidin (P < 0.05). Feeding fish with supplemented diets (single or in combination) significantly showed enhanced antioxidant status: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum, meanwhile, values of antioxidant status enhanced by dietary immunostimulants administration in comparison with the control (P < 0.05). Overall, the combination of 2.0 g kg− 1 raffinose with 150 mg kg− 1 hesperidin is recommended for improving growth performance and immunological responses of Cyprinus carpio.
Cumulative sum analysis for evaluating learning curve of endoscopic lateral neck dissection
Authors: Chen Zhen-Xin , Zhao Xin-Ran , Deng Jie-Min , Cao Ying , Chen Jing-Bao , Pang Feng-Shun , Lin Zhan-Hong , Zhang Xiao-Bo , Xu Bo , Qin You
Published: May 2024

Objectives
Endoscopic lateral neck dissection (LND) can be a scarless procedure if a surgeon has performed a sufficient number of operations to become skilled at the techniques involved. Here, we examine the learning curve for a surgeon who performed 53 endoscopic LND procedures via chest approach.
Methods
Surgical outcomes for 53 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent endoscopic LND via chest approach between February 2017 and November 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgeon’s learning curve was evaluated using a cumulative sum graphic model (CUSUM).
Results
A CUSUM analysis was applied to 53 patients (10 males, 43 females) with a mean age of 41.4 y who underwent endoscopic LND via chest approach. The best model for the curve was determined to be a third-order polynomial equation as follows: CUSUMOT = − 0.007×patient number3-0.666×patient number2 + 55.721×patient number − 72.964. This equation has a high R2 value of 0.929. The peak operative time (OT) occurred at the 30th case. Consequently, the learning curve model was divided into two phases: phase 1 (1–30 cases) and phase 2 (31–53 cases). OT (307.9 ± 63.8 min vs. 232.4 ± 44.2 min, respectively; p < 0.001), blood loss (50 mL vs. 20 mL, respectively; p = 0.001), and complications (43.3% vs. 13.0%, respectively; p = 0.038) decreased significantly in phase 2 compared to phase 1.
Conclusions
The learning curve of endoscopic LND via chest approach was found to involve 30 cases. With greater experience, the surgery was completed with shorter OT and fewer complications. This approach is an alternative for patients who desire cosmesis. Furthermore, the present data and experience insights regarding endoscopic LND via chest approach may help other surgeons to pass the learning phase more safely.
CDK9 recruits HUWE1 E3 ligase to degrade RARα in a kinase independent manner and offers therapeutic opportunities for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Lu Ying , Luo Chen-Hui , Hu Li-Hong , Liu Jie-Yang , XIA Li , Zhou Li , Sun Ren-Hong , Chen Guoqiang , Yang Meng-Ying , Zhang Xue-Hong , Yang Xiao-Bao
Published: May 2024

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a highly heterogeneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates from the skin and invades the systemic hematopoietic system. Current skin-directed or systemic treatment including chemotherapy, retinoid analogs, interferons, HDAC inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies yielded limited clinical responses with high incidence of side effects, emphasizing urgent clinical need for more effective targeted therapy. Here, through small inhibitors library screening, we identify cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) as a driver for growth of CTCL. Single-cell RNA-seq data analyses reveal a CDK9high malignant T cell cluster with a unique actively proliferating feature. Pharmacological inhibition, genetic depletion or proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC)-medicated degradation of CDK9 significantly inhibit the growth of CTCL cells in vitro and in preclinical murine models. Beyond established kinase-dependent modulation on RNA polymerase II activity, CDK9 protein promotes degradation of retinoid acid receptor α (RARα) at lysine 360 in a kinase-independent manner via recruiting the HECT domain containing E3 ligase HUWE1. Depletion of CDK9 protein thus accumulates RARα and enhances the sensitivity of CTCL cells to all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) which induces growth arrest and T cell differentiation. Co-administration of CDK9-PROTAC (GT-02897) with ATRA leads to synergistic attenuation of tumor growth in vitro and in xenograft models, providing a potential translational treatment for complete eradication of CTCL.
Incidence and Factors Associated with Immediate Adverse Neonatal Outcomes Among Emergency Obstetric Referrals in Labor at a Tertiary Hospital in Uganda: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Okot Geoffrey , Omara Samuel , Kasujja Musa , Pebalo Francis , Baruti Petrus , Ubarnel Naranjo Almenares
Published: May 2024

Background
High incidences of adverse neonatal outcomes especially in resource-limited settings are multifactorial and vary from country to country and even within the same country, there are regional and institutional variations. In sub-Saharan Africa, the majority of adverse neonatal outcomes are intrapartum related, and studies in Uganda have shown that referral in labor is a major determinant of adverse neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to assess the incidence and factors associated with immediate adverse neonatal outcomes among emergency obstetric referrals in labor at a tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda.
Materials and Methods
This was a prospective cohort study involving 265 women referred with obstetric emergencies in labor at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital over 3 months. Consecutive sampling was employed, and interviewer-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Sociodemographic, referral, and obstetrical factors were recorded, and log-binominal regression analysis was used to establish risk ratios and associations with adverse neonatal outcomes.
Results
Of the 265 emergency obstetric referrals, 40% had adverse neonatal outcomes. Neonatal intensive care admission (27.6%), low Apgar score (23.8%), fresh stillbirth (11.3%), early-onset neonatal infection (6.8%), and early neonatal death (2.3%) were the common neonatal adverse outcomes. Factors significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcomes were; maternal age ≥ 35 years aRR = 1.72, (p = 0.004), APH aRR = 2.48, (p < 0.001) and nonreassuring fetal status aRR = 1.90, ( p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The study revealed a notable incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes, with the most common being admissions to neonatal intensive care units and low Apgar scores. Strong and statistically significant associations with adverse neonatal outcomes were observed for maternal age of 35 years or older, antepartum hemorrhage, and nonreassuring fetal status. Improving obstetric referral protocols is essential to ease the burden on tertiary care centers, enhance the birthing journey, and minimize risks for newborns.
Innate biosignature of treatment failure in human cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Gómez Maria Adelaida , Belew Ashton Trey , Vargas Deninson , Giraldo-Parra Lina , Rebellón-Sanchez David , Alexander Theresa , Sayed Najib El
Published: May 2024

The quality and magnitude of the immune and inflammatory responses determine the clinical outcome of Leishmania infection, and contribute to the efficacy of antileishmanial treatments. However, the precise immune mechanisms involved in healing or in chronic immunopathology of human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are not completely understood. Through sequential transcriptomic profiling of blood monocytes (Mo), neutrophils (Nφ), and eosinophils (Eφ) over the course of systemic treatment with meglumine antimoniate, we discovered that a heightened and sustained Type I interferon (IFN) response signature is a hallmark of treatment failure (TF) in CL patients. The transcriptomes of pre-treatment, mid-treatment and end-of-treatment samples were interrogated to identify predictive and prognostic biomarkers of TF. A composite score derived from the expression of 9 differentially expressed genes (common between Mo, Nφ and Eφ) was predictive of TF in this patient cohort for biomarker discovery. Similarly, machine learning models constructed using data from pre-treatment as well as post-treatment samples, accurately classified treatment outcome between cure and TF. Results from this study instigate the evaluation of Type-I IFN responses as new immunological targets for host-directed therapies for treatment of CL, and highlight the feasibility of using transcriptional signatures as predictive biomarkers of outcome for therapeutic decision making.
Caring for the carers: The influence of stress, burnout, and experiences of compassion on educational psychologists’ work-based motivations.
Authors: Sewell Alexandra , Coley Fiona , Gossman Peter , Park Jane
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the constructs of Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue, Work-based Stress, and Burnout among EPs, aiming to understand their impact on the motivations (thoughts and actions) toward changes in working practices and contexts. The paper also introduces Compassion Fatigue/Satisfaction to the field of educational psychology, which has been extensively studied in other helping professions but still needs to be explored in the EP field. The multi-dimensional nature of the role of compassion in caring professional practice is explored. A cross-sectional descriptive design study asked 201 EP participants to complete a range of measures relating to the focus variables, capturing working-life contexts, patterns, and work-based motivations. The findings revealed that EPs experience higher levels of Compassion Satisfaction and Burnout, while Compassion Fatigue remains relatively low. Work-based stress was primarily attributed to a lack of control and autonomy rather than workload pressures. Burnout emerged as a significant predictor of motivations to seek a different job/career, explore alternative options, or make changes within the EP role. These findings contribute to understanding EPs' working-life experiences and offer insights into the factors influencing their motivations and well-being, paralleling similar findings in the teaching profession. The results highlight the importance of addressing work-related stress and burnout to support EPs and enhance professional practices and how compassion satisfaction may be harnessed as a mediating variable.
Ascorbyl palmitate nanofiber-reinforced hydrogels for drug delivery in soft issues
Authors: Paul Arghya , Shamiiya Yasmeen , Chakraborty Aishik , Zahid Alap , Bainbridge Nicholas , Guan Jingyuan , Feng Biao , Pjontek Dominic , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: May 2024

Nanofiber-based hydrogel delivery systems have recently shown great potential in biomedical applications, specifically due to their high surface-to-volume ratio of ultra-fine nanofibers, ability to carry low solubility drugs, and ability to control drug release to the surrounding tissues. Herein, we introduce a visible light-triggered in situ-gelling drug delivery system (GAP Gel) composed of ascorbyl palmitate (AP) nanofibers and gelatin methacryloyl polymer. AP nanofibers form self-assembled structures with a hydrophilic periphery, while the hydrophobic core helps load hydrophobic drugs. We demonstrate that the hydrophilic periphery of AP nanofibers allows them to interact with other hydrophilic molecules, such as the amino acids of gelatin, via hydrogen bonds. The presence of AP nanofibers significantly enhances the viscoelasticity of GAP Gel in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, GAP Gel shows in vitro biocompatibility and sustained drug delivery efficacy when loaded with Erythromycin, a hydrophobic antibiotic. Likewise, GAP Gel shows excellent in vivo biocompatibility when implanted in immunocompetent mice in injectable and sprayable forms. Lastly, GAP Gels maintain cell viability when cultured in a 3D environment over 7 days, establishing it as a promising and versatile hydrogel platform for the delivery of biotherapeutics in soft tissues.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: Case Study
Authors: Horst Roberta , Marques Lucas , Otani Victor , Sanches Marsal , Uchida Ricardo
Published: May 2024

The rising rates of cannabis abuse have coincided with the recognition of a novel clinical condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). CHS is characterized by chronic cannabis use, cyclic episodes of nausea and vomiting, and frequent use of hot baths in an attempt to alleviate symptoms. This paper presents a case report of CHS, in which a patient referred to as P.M. was diagnosed with this syndrome. It delves into cannabis consumption as both a substance of abuse and for therapeutic purposes, as well as its connection with Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome. The significance of disseminating general medical knowledge about this syndrome is underscored, especially considering the increasing prevalence of cannabis consumption worldwide. This increase heightens the likelihood of medical professionals from various disciplines encountering cases akin to the one reported here. Thus, it emphasizes the necessity for improved diagnosis and management.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation shortens the time to extubation after surgery: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong Yushan , Zhu Yabing , Wang Yufei , Zhou Xiang , Wang Lu , Tu Qing , Huang Lina
Published: May 2024

Background
The delayed extubation time after often accompany with many adverse events. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the extubation time and adverse events after surgery.
Methods
The randomized controlled trials related to apply TEAS during perioperative period were searched in the database of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI from the inception to Apil 2024. The main outcome was the extubation time after surgery, and the secondary outcomes were the consumption of analgesics, adverse events during extubation, time of surgery and anesthesia. Data were pooled and analyzed by RevMan 5.3 software.
Results
The study enrolled 9 studies, including 1039 participants. The current results indicated that the application of TEAS effectively shortened the extubation time after surgery (SMD − 0.55 95%-CI [-0.84; -0.26], P = 0.0002), as well as time to recall after surgery (SMD − 0.18 95%-CI [-0.32; -0.03], P = 0.02). TEAS also reduced the consumption of remifentanail during surgery (SMD − 1.15 95%-CI [-1.72, -0.59], P < 0.00001). In addition, TEAS reduced the incidence of PONV (RR 0.49, 95%-CI [0.32, 0.74], P = 0.007), cough (RR 0.53, 95%-CI [0.31, 0.90], P = 0.02) and agitation (RR 0.31, 95%-CI [0.14, 0.67], P = 0.003) during extubation period. While TEAS have no effects on surgical (SMD 0.12, 95%-CI [-0.01, 0.26], P = 0.07) and anesthesia time (SMD 0.15, 95%-CI [-0.15, 0.45], P = 0.32).
Conclusions
The study suggested that application of TEAS effectively shortened the time to extubation and recall after surgery. TEAS also reduce the consumption of analgesics, and adverse events after surgery, but have no effects on surgical and anesthesia time. Which may positively improve the enhanced recovery of patients after surgery.
Trial registration
CRD42018099275
Microfinance Programme Sustainability Analysis Using a Complex System Approach
Authors: Gunawan Indra , Chasanah Nur
Published: May 2024

This study aims to analyse the sustainability of a microfinance programme project in Indonesia via a complex systems approach by using a case study and applied thematic analysis. Data are collected by document review, observation, interviews and focus group discussions. The results reveal some issues that arise as a result of closure of the programme and the actions taken to cope with those issues that led to sustainability of the microfinance institution. The issues are related to project governance, accountability, capital and profitability, competition and empowerment. The analysis shows that the move towards a sustainable project presents characteristics of a complex system, including interconnectedness, adaptation, feedback, self-organisation, and emergence (IAFSE). These findings have implications for microfinance sustainability management and microfinance programme design. Furthermore, a model of sustainable microfinance projects and a framework to sustain microfinance programme (institutions) using a complex system approach are proposed.
Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Integrity by Mesenchymal Stem Cell Extracellular Vesicles after Hemorrhagic Shock and Trauma
Authors: Barry Mark , Trivedi Alpa , Miyazawa Byron , Vivona Lindsay , Shimmin David , Pathipati Praneeti , Keane Callie , Cuschieri Joseph , Pati Shibani
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
Patients with hemorrhagic shock and trauma (HS/T) are vulnerable to the endotheliopathy of trauma (EOT), characterized by vascular barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and coagulopathy. Cellular therapies such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been proposed as potential therapies targeting the EOT. In this study we investigated the effects of MSCs and MSC EVs on endothelial and epithelial barrier integrity in vitro and in vivo in a mouse model of HS/T. This study addresses systemic effects of HS/T on multiorgan EOT in HS/T model.
METHODS
In vitro, pulmonary endothelial cell (PEC) and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell monolayers were treated with control media, MSC conditioned media (CM), or MSC EVs in varying doses and subjected to a thrombin or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) challenge, respectively. Monolayer permeability was evaluated with a cell impedance assay, and intercellular junction integrity was evaluated with immunofluorescent staining. In vivo, a mouse model of HS/T was used to evaluate the effects of lactated Ringer’s (LR), MSCs, and MSC EVs on endothelial and epithelial intercellular junctions in the lung and small intestine as well as on plasma inflammatory biomarkers.
RESULTS
MSC EVs and MSC CM attenuated permeability and preserved intercellular junctions of the PEC monolayer in vitro, whereas only MSC CM was protective of the Caco-2 epithelial monolayer. In vivo, both MSC EVs and MSCs mitigated the loss of endothelial adherens junctions in the lung and small intestine, though only MSCs had a protective effect on epithelial tight junctions in the lung. Several plasma biomarkers including MMP8 and VEGF were elevated in LR- and EV-treated but not MSC-treated mice.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, MSC EVs could be a potential cell-free therapy targeting endotheliopathy after HS/T via preservation of the vascular endothelial barrier in multiple organs early after injury. Further research is needed to better understand the immunomodulatory effects of these products following HS/T and to move toward translating these therapies into clinical studies.
CeVO 4 /Bentonite nanocomposite as a dual-functional photocatalytic adsorbent: One-step hydrothermal synthesis for enhanced water-soluble pollutant degradation
Authors: Farhadi Hajar , Mousavi-Kamazani Mehdi , Keramati Narjes , Alamdari Sanaz
Published: May 2024

Cerium vanadate/Bentonite (CeVO4/bt) nanocomposite with different composition percentages was synthesized through a simple one-step hydrothermal method at 180 ℃ then photocatalytic activity was evaluated by decolorizing methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous solution under light exposure. The structural and optical properties of the synthesized composites were determined by XRD, FT-IR, DRS, FESEM, EDS, and BET measurements. XRD and EDS results confirmed the successful synthesis of CeVO4. The calculated band gap energy for modified cerium vanadate/bentonite (CeVO4/mbt) was the lowest among all, indicating its more appropriateness for photocatalytic removal of MB dye. nanoparticles were well distributed on bentonite. Due to the synergistic effects, the MB removal efficiency (for just 0.1 g) of CeVO4/mbt nanocomposite was significantly increased (99% in 15 min) compared with neat bentonite, CeVO4, and CeVO4/bt samples. The mineralization degree of MB dye was also studied which obtained 61% for CeVO4/mbt sample. The mentioned nanocomposite followed the first order kinetics and constant speed equal to 0.957 min-1 and showed acceptable stability in five consecutive cycles. This research presents a simple approach to creating novel, very efficient modified nanocomposites for use in photocatalysis applications.
Lactucin reverses liver fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/STAT3 signaling pathway and regulating short-chain fatty acids metabolism
Authors: Qin Dongmei , Han Chang , Gao Yuefeng , Li Hong , Zhu Liping
Published: May 2024

TGF-β1 activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), transcriptional activator 3 (Stat3) activation and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolite of intestinal bacteria, is closely associated with hepatic fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that Lactucin has significant anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects; however, the mechanism of Lactucin's role in liver fibrosis associated with SCFAs remains unknown. This study was intended to investigate whether effect of Lactucin on liver fibrosis was mediated by TGF-β1/Stat3 and SCFAs. We found that Lactucin induced apoptosis in HSC-T6 cells, and inhibition of nuclear translocation of Stat3 and p-Stat3. And Smad3 and TGF-β1 protein expression was significantly inhibited, while TLR4 and Smad7 protein expression was significantly enhanced. For in vivo experiments, We demonstrated that Lactucin alleviated liver fibrosis in mice, as evidenced by a reduction in inflammatory factors, collagen deposition, liver injury and fibrosis-related factors expression, especially the expression of Smad3 and TGF-β1 proteins was significantly suppressed and Smad7 protein expression was significantly increased in the liver. In addition, the levels of acetic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid in the intestine of Lactucin-treated mice were significantly higher than those in the intestine of liver fibrosis mice. In conclusion, based on the results of in vivo and in vitro experiments, preventive mechanism of Lactucin against liver fibrosis in mice may be to improve the enterohepatic circulation by regulating the metabolites of intestinal microorganisms, acetic acid and butyric acid, and to further regulate the Stat3 and TGF-β1 signaling pathway through the "gut-liver axis" to combat liver fibrosis.
Two Ways To Measure Interpersonal Synchrony in Dance/Movement Therapy: Comparing Accelerometer Data with Observational Data
Authors: Prakash Nalini , Ramakrishnan Arun , Vader Daniel T. , Beardall Nancy , Moore Reneé H. , Shim Minjung , Goodill Sherry
Published: May 2024

Moving in synchrony with others is associated with heightened social engagement and cooperation between individuals. Creative arts-based approaches such as dance/movement therapy (DMT) incorporate nonverbal techniques to develop interpersonal synchrony and group cohesion, and to enhance kinesthetic empathy. Our goal was to explore the utility of the accelerometer to measure rhythmic synchrony and spatial synchrony with 14 middle school students during 10 weekly group DMT sessions.. A wrist-worn accelerometer and Laban Movement Analysis (LMA), a behavioral assessment system used in DMT, were used to measure rhythmic synchrony and spatial synchrony and the results were compared. Participants’ subjective experiences of wearing the device during movement were also investigated. In comparing the two data sets, overall biometric scores of RS increased marginally between the three time points, and overall observational scores notably increased between T1 and T2 and decreased between T2 and T3. Group 2 demonstrated similar upward trends in both data sets. This study is the first to investigate the useability of the accelerometer to measure interpersonal synchrony in DMT. Although the findings are encouraging, further investigation is needed to provide definitive information on the usefulness of the accelerometer in this context. Limitations and suggestions for future research are included.
Can Clinial Findings at Admission Exclude Bacterial Coinfection in Community Acquired Pneumonia when a Test for a Respiratory Virus is Positive?: a prospective study
Authors: Ward Ryan , Gonzalez Alejandro J. , Kahla Justin A. , Musher Daniel M.
Published: May 2024

Background. Current guidelines recommend empiric antibiotic therapy for all patients who require hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). In such patients, we sought to determine whether clinical, imaging or laboratory features sufficiently enabled exclusion of bacterial coinfection so that antibiotics could be withheld from patients who test positive for a respiratory virus.
Methods. In patients hospitalized for CAP, we selected for study those who provided a high-quality sputum sample at or shortly after admission and who were tested for a respiratory virus. We performed quantitative bacteriologic studies on sputum to determine the presence of bacterial coinfection and reviewed all clinical, radiologic and laboratory studies.
Results. 122 patients were studied. 77 (63.1%) had bacterial infection, 16 (13.1%) viral infection, and 29 (23.8%) bacterial/viral coinfection. No clinical, laboratory or imaging findings allowed exclusion of bacterial coinfection in patients who tested positive for a respiratory virus. A significantly greater proportion of patients with bacterial/viral coinfection (30%) were admitted or transferred to the ICU during their hospital course, compared to 17% and 19% of patients with bacterial or viral infection, respectively
Conclusions. Even if a test for a respiratory virus test is positive in a patient hospitalized for CAP, no sufficiently differentiating features exclude bacterial coinfection, thereby supporting the recommendation that antibiotics be administered empirically at admission.
The impact of self-regulated learning on the mental health of teacher trainees in the post-epidemic era: The multiple mediating roles of basic psychological needs
Authors: Gan qiying
Published: May 2024

(1)Background: Self-regulated learning is important to the mental health of teacher-training students. Based on self-determination theory, an analytical framework of "self-regulated learning - internal psychological needs" was constructed to promote the mental health of teacher-training students.
(2) Methods：A questionnaire on self-regulated learning, the Chinese version of the SDT Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale, and a self-assessed health scale were used to investigate the effects of self-regulated learning on the psychological health of 528 teacher trainees in three teacher training schools, and to examine the multiple mediating roles of autonomy, competence, and relationship needs.
(3)Results: The results showed that self-regulated learning not only positively predicted mental health, but also positively predicted mental health through autonomy needs, competence needs, and relational needs. The mechanisms of action of self-regulated learning, basic psychological needs, and psychological well-being were found to be informative for the development of teacher trainees. Self-regulated learning ability is an important factor in promoting teacher trainees' psychological health, and the basic psychological needs has a unique functional value for teacher trainees' psychological health; group intervention programs can be designed based on the need satisfaction model to develop teacher trainees' self-regulated learning ability and promote the improvement of psychological health.
Perforation and surgical prognosis of acute appendicitis, and a prediction nomogram for perforated appendicitis in adults: a retrospective study
Authors: Shi Yongping , Yang Xingyu , Song Jia , He Yiming , Han Shengbo , Cheng Yifeng , Zheng Hai , Chen Jinhuang
Published: May 2024

Background
The safety and feasibility of performing appendectomy beyond the initial 72-hour period following symptom onset remain largely unknown.
Aims
This retrospective study aims to provide valuable insights for the prospective clinical management of acute appendicitis.
Methods
Case records of patients with acute appendicitis and those who underwent an appendectomy at our hospital between 2014 and 2020 were analyzed. Propensity score matching was employed to mitigate and control for selection bias in each case. To construct a prediction nomogram, 468 patients with acute appendicitis admitted between Jan 1, 2014 and Mar 31, 2019 were divided into a training cohort, while those admitted between Apr 1, 2019 and Dec 31, 2020, constituted the validation cohort.
Results
Patients with pre-hospital delays under 72 hours did not exhibit significant differences in surgery time, hospitalization, and postoperative complications compared to those with delays over 72 hours. However, there was a significant difference in the occurrence of appendiceal perforation. We then developed a prediction model to forecast the occurrence of appendiceal perforation. The reliability of the prediction nomogram was established through calibration curve analysis, decision curve analysis, and external validation.
Conclusion
Pre-hospital delay was an independent risk factor for appendiceal perforation, but not a factor directly affecting the prognosis of surgery. A nomogram based on perioperative factors was developed to predict the occurrence of appendiceal perforation in adults. This nomogram offers clinicians a precise and effective tool for early prediction of perforated appendicitis.