bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An empirical investigation of college students’ acceptance of translation technologies
Authors: Li Xiang , Gao Zhaoyang , Liao Hong
Published: February 2024

With the advancement of information technology and artificial intelligence, translation technologies have seen rapid development in language services and increasing integration in higher education. However, research on factors affecting students’ acceptance of these technologies remains limited. This study intends to formulate and test an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) incorporating computer self-efficacy and perceived enjoyment to investigate students’ adoption of translation technologies. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 370 college students in China experienced with using translation technologies. The results from the structural equation modeling demonstrated a positive prediction on perceived ease of use and enjoyment from computer self-efficacy. Perceived enjoyment increased perceived ease of use and attitudes. Perceived ease of use positively influenced perceived usefulness and attitudes. Finally, attitudes positively predicted greater behavioral intentions to use translation technologies. However, computer self-efficacy was identified to have no significant effect on perceived usefulness. The study makes significant theoretical contributions by expanding TAM and offering practical guidance to improve students’ acceptance of translation technologies in tertiary education.
Justice beliefs for self and others: Associations with positive and negative affectivity in African Americans and White Americans
Authors: Lucas Todd , Lipkus Isaac M. , Zhdanova Ludmila
Published: February 2024

Prior research has shown that a belief in personal justice (i.e., justice for self) is associated with better health and well-being, whereas a belief in justice more generally (i.e., justice for others) is unrelated. However, an emerging perspective is that racial differences may overlay the relationships between multidimensional beliefs about justice and indices of well-being. This includes that well-being among African Americans may be additionally supported by rejecting rather than endorsing some forms of believing in justice. In the present study, we consider racial similarities and differences in the links between beliefs about justice for self and others and emotional well-being. African Americans (N = 117) and White Americans (N = 188) completed measures of beliefs about justice for self and others, and also measures of dispositional tendencies towards experiencing positive and negative emotion (i.e., positive and negative affectivity). In both groups, beliefs about justice for the self were associated with greater positive affect and reduced negative affect. However, beliefs about justice for others were additionally associated with greater negative affect only among African Americans. The link between justice for others and negative affect among African Americans was not attributable to measurement or mean differences in justice beliefs across racial groups, or to socioeconomic differences. Results align with an emerging perspective that simultaneously endorsing and rejecting justice beliefs may be vital to preserving well-being for some racial minorities.
Omentin expression in the ovarian follicles of Large White and Meishan sows during the oestrous cycle and in vitro effect of gonadotropins and steroids on its level: Role of ERK1/2 and PI3K signaling pathways
Authors: Pich Karolina , Respekta Natalia , Kurowska Patrycja , Rame Christelle , Dobrzyń Kamil , Smolińska Nina , Dupont Joëlle , Rak Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Omentin (ITLN1) is a novel adipokine mainly expressed in the white adipose tissue. It plays a crucial role in the metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Our last study documented that ITLN1 levels in the adipose tissue and plasma are lower in fat Meishan (MS) compared to normal weight Large White (LW) pigs. The aim of this study was to investigate transcript and protein concentrations of ITLN1 as well as its immunolocalisation in the ovarian follicles and examine the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of its expression in response to gonadotropins (FSH, LH) and steroids (P4, T, E2). Ovarian follicles were collected from LW and MS sows on days 2–3, 10–12, and 14–16 of the oestrous. We found the elevated ITLN1 expression in the ovarian follicles and the increase of concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) of LW pigs vs MS pigs; in both breeds of pigs, the levels of ITLN1 increased with the oestrous progression. We noted ITLN1 signals in oocyte, granulosa and theca cells. Gonadotropins and steroids increased ITLN1 levels in the ovarian follicle cells of LW pigs, while in MS pigs, we observed only the stimulatory effect of LH and T. Both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K) were involved in the regulation of ITLN1. Our study demonstrated the levels and regulation of ITLN1 in the porcine ovarian follicles through ERK1/2 and PI3K signaling pathways.
Increasing prevalence of cirrhosis among insured adults in the United States, 2012–2018
Authors: Ladner Daniela P. , Gmeiner Michael , Hasjim Bima J. , Mazumder Nikhilesh , Kang Raymond , Parker Emily , Stephen John , Polineni Praneet , Chorniy Anna , Zhao Lihui , VanWagner Lisa B. , Ackermann Ronald T. , Manski Charles F.
Published: February 2024

Background

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease that is known as a “silent killer” and its true prevalence is difficult to describe. It is imperative to accurately characterize the prevalence of cirrhosis because of its increasing healthcare burden.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, trends in cirrhosis prevalence were evaluated using administrative data from one of the largest national health insurance providers in the US. (2011–2018). Enrolled adult (≥18-years-old) patients with cirrhosis defined by ICD-9 and ICD-10 were included in the study. The primary outcome measured in the study was the prevalence of cirrhosis 2011–2018.

Results

Among the 371,482 patients with cirrhosis, the mean age was 62.2 (±13.7) years; 53.3% had commercial insurance and 46.4% had Medicare Advantage. The most frequent cirrhosis etiologies were alcohol-related (26.0%), NASH (20.9%) and HCV (20.0%). Mean time of follow-up was 725 (±732.3) days. The observed cirrhosis prevalence was 0.71% in 2018, a 2-fold increase from 2012 (0.34%). The highest prevalence observed was among patients with Medicare Advantage insurance (1.67%) in 2018. Prevalence increased in each US. state, with Southern states having the most rapid rise (2.3-fold). The most significant increases were observed in patients with NASH (3.9-fold) and alcohol-related (2-fold) cirrhosis.

Conclusion

Between 2012–2018, the prevalence of liver cirrhosis doubled among insured patients. Alcohol-related and NASH cirrhosis were the most significant contributors to this increase. Patients living in the South, and those insured by Medicare Advantage also have disproportionately higher prevalence of cirrhosis. Public health interventions are important to mitigate this concerning trajectory of strain to the health system.
Exploring risk factors for insect borer attack in Georgia’s (USA) urban landscapes
Authors: Williamson Zia V. , Blaauw Brett R. , Joseph Shimat V.
Published: February 2024

Urban trees are at risk of stress due to heat island effects and the increased proportion of impervious areas surrounding them. Among pests of trees, insect borers such as bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and flatheaded borers (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) are some of the most devastating, frequently colonizing stressed trees. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of biotic and abiotic risk factors on borer attacks on trees in urban areas. In the summer of 2021 and 2022, this study was conducted in 50 urban sites in Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia (USA). Specific factors explored include overall tree health, differentially warmer maximum and minimum temperatures of sites compared to surrounding areas, tree species, and the percentage of impervious surface surrounding trees. Generalized linear models and zero-inflated models explored how these factors were related to damage from these borers. The number of borer attacks on trees increased with higher percentage impervious area. As the two most commonly encountered trees, Acer rubrum was found to be significantly more susceptible to attack from borers than Ulmus parvifolia. Unhealthy trees were more likely to experience more frequent and more severe borer attack. Trees with increased impervious cover around them as well as those with differentially warmer daily maximum and minimum temperatures relative to surrounding were more likely to be attacked.
A conserved trypanosomatid differentiation regulator controls substrate attachment and morphological development in Trypanosoma congolense
Authors: Silvester Eleanor , Szoor Balazs , Ivens Alasdair , Awuah-Mensah Georgina , Gadelha Catarina , Wickstead Bill , Matthews Keith R.
Published: February 2024

Trypanosomatid parasites undergo developmental regulation to adapt to the different environments encountered during their life cycle. In Trypanosoma brucei, a genome wide selectional screen previously identified a regulator of the protein family ESAG9, which is highly expressed in stumpy forms, a morphologically distinct bloodstream stage adapted for tsetse transmission. This regulator, TbREG9.1, has an orthologue in Trypanosoma congolense, despite the absence of a stumpy morphotype in that parasite species, which is an important cause of livestock trypanosomosis. RNAi mediated gene silencing of TcREG9.1 in Trypanosoma congolense caused a loss of attachment of the parasites to a surface substrate in vitro, a key feature of the biology of these parasites that is distinct from T. brucei. This detachment was phenocopied by treatment of the parasites with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which also promotes detachment in the insect trypanosomatid Crithidia fasciculata. RNAseq analysis revealed that TcREG9.1 silencing caused the upregulation of mRNAs for several classes of surface molecules, including transferrin receptor-like molecules, immunoreactive proteins in experimental bovine infections, and molecules related to those associated with stumpy development in T. brucei. Depletion of TcREG9.1 in vivo also generated an enhanced level of parasites in the blood circulation consistent with reduced parasite attachment to the microvasculature. The morphological progression to insect forms of the parasite was also perturbed. We propose a model whereby TcREG9.1 acts as a regulator of attachment and development, with detached parasites being adapted for transmission.
Morphologic and mechanical adaptive variations in Saiga tatarica calcaneus: A model for interpreting the bone functional adaptation of wild artiodactyl in captivity
Authors: Jing Libaihe , Xu Jie , Cai Jiao , Huang Shan , Qiao Xinyu , Wan Fengqi
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim: Captivity alters the locomotor behavior of wild artiodactyls and affects the mechanical loading of the calcaneus; however, the resulting adaptive changes in calcaneus morphology have not been sufficiently studied to date. This study aimed to investigate the morphological and mechanical adaptive variations in the calcaneus of Saiga tatarica to understand further the functional adaptation of the calcaneus in wild artiodactyl to captivity.

Materials and Methods: Paired calcanei from autopsy samples of six captive wild artiodactyls (S. tatarica) and six domesticated artiodactyls (Ovis aries) were divided into skeletally immature and mature groups using X-ray evaluation of growth plate closure. High-resolution microcomputed tomography revealed a calcaneal diaphyseal cross-section. The mechanical and nanomorphological characteristics of the trabecular bone were determined by atomic force microscopy.

Results: The percent cortical bone area (%CA), cortical thickness ratio (CTR), and Young’s modulus (E) differed between species in the immature groups but not in the mature groups. S. tatarica had significantly higher growth rates for %CA, CTR, and E in the mid-shaft than O. aries (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The calcaneus morphology of S. tatarica converges with that of domesticated O. aries during ontogeny. These results indicate that the calcaneus of wild artiodactyls can undergo potentially transitional changes during the short-term adaptation to captivity. The above parameters can be preliminarily identified as morphological signs of functional bone adaptation in artiodactyls.

Keywords: artiodactyl, bone functional adaptation, calcaneus, captivity, morphological variation, Saiga tatarica.
On the antitumour effects of B vitamins
Authors: Gromova O. A. , Torshin I. Yu. , Filimonova M. V. , Frolova D. E.
Published: February 2024

In periodicals, vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes (VMCs) are “accused” of having allegedly carcinogenic effects. The results of a systematic review of the literature on B vitamins presented in this paper clearly show that vitamins have at least no influence on tumour risk. When analysing experimental and clinical data on this topic, particular attention should be paid to the dosage of vitamins in monotherapy and when used as part of a VMCs.
Assessment of spasticity-related pain in cerebral palsy and the efficacy of its treatment with incobotulinumtoxin A (literature review)
Authors: Kurenkov A. L. , Bursagova B. I. , Artemenko A. R.
Published: February 2024

Pain in cerebral palsy (CP) occurs in 30–60% of cases. Pain associated with spasticity (PAS) is one of the most common causes of pain syndrome in cerebral palsy, which is often associated with impairment of the child’s daily life. Recently, more studies have been published on the use of botulinum toxin type A preparations to control PAS. The review article presents the results of a special pooled analysis of data on the analgesic effect of the drug Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxin A) in the treatment of PAS based on data from three phase III multicentre prospective comparative studies in children and adolescents with spastic forms of cerebral palsy. To evaluate PAS and the effect of incobotulinumtoxin A on it, a special questionnaire (Questionnaire on Pain caused by Spasticity, QPS) was used in these studies. The QPS reflects the child's pain associated with spasticity, which can be observed at rest and during various activities of the child.It was found that the children included in these studies reported the presence of PAS in more than 80% of cases with lower limb spasticity and in almost 70% of cases with upper limb spasticity. Parents or caregivers of these children observed an even higher prevalence of PAS. The use of incobotulinumtoxin A showed not only a pronounced antispastic effect, but also a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of PAS in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy during normal daily activities, and during strenuous activities such as physical exercise and rehabilitation treatment. With repeated injection cycles of incobotulinumtoxin A, PAS continued to decrease, ensuring a reduction in pain even when physical activity became more difficult. Nowadays, injections with incobotulinumtoxin A can be considered as a routine therapeutic approach for the treatment of spasticity and increased muscle tone, but it is certainly an innovative method for effective pain reduction in cerebral palsy patients with lower and upper limb spasticity accompanied by PAS.
La soledad en las personas mayores. Estrategias de mediación para el éxito de las intervenciones sociales
Authors: Ruiz Trascastro Rosa Raquel
Published: February 2024

Con este libro la autora pretende ofrecer herramientas de intervención social como la mediación como técnica de intervención social para mejorar o eliminar la situación de aislamiento social de las personas mayores que viven en soledad. Trata de las potencialidades que las herramientas de la mediación ofrecen para la implementación efectiva, consolidación y mejora continua de las intervenciones sociales ofrece a fin de remediar la muy posiblemente venidera pandemia de aislamiento social y/o soledad de las próximas décadas. Lo novedoso de esta obra es que la autora ha realizado una clasificación pormenorizada de personas mayores en varias categorías en función a su edad (mayor de 80 años o menor de 80 años), esta clasificación permite comprender a las organizaciones y las empresas a sus usuarios potenciales, al considerar sus necesidades, aspiraciones, actitudes, sueños y otras características relevantes para realizar intervenciones eficientes para eliminar o disminuir la soledad de este colectivo. En esta obra se ofrecen alternativas dependiendo de la tipología de la persona mayor para solucionar los conflictos que surgen en las intervenciones con personas mayores en situación de soledad repercutiendo en las familias de estas personas y su entorno.
Підготовка фахівців до роботи з дітьми в умовах інклюзивної освіти в загально­освітніх закладах України [Training of specialists to work with children in the conditions of inclusive education in general educational institutions of Ukraine].
Authors: Potapchuk Tatiana , Kushnir Valentyna
Published: February 2024

The article proves the urgency of introducing inclusive education in general educational institutions; the system of vocational training of future primary school teachers in conditions of inclusive education is analyzed. The article actualizes that one of the prerequisites for Ukraine’s entry into a single European educational space is the introduction of European norms in education and science. The need for improving the Ukrainian education system, raising its level of quality is an important task, which is conditioned by the need to create positive conditions for the formation and realization of the student as a future professional and his personal self-realization. The solution of this problem is possible with the preparation of a future teacher with deep knowledge, has developed pedagogical abilities, perfect professional skills, professional self-awareness, pedagogical thinking, has the skills of self-education, self-improvement. Therefore, the formation of the readiness of the future teacher of an elementary school for professional work in modern conditions acquires special significance.
Znaczenie pracy zawodowej dla matek dzieci z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną
Authors: Gałuszka Izabella , Ochman Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Professional work for mothers of children with disabilities is described in the literature as a buffer factor that allows them to achieve a sense of satisfaction and self-realization. At the same time, mothers who want to return to this activity after maternity or parental leave encounter numerous difficulties, leading to resignation from further search. As a result, they most often switch to various types of benefits, dealing with the care and upbringing of their child. The aim of the article is to present the results of research on the importance of professional work for mothers of children with severe intellectual disabilities. The research studies determined the percentage of professionally active parents, the mother’s sense of satisfaction with her professional status, as well as the impact of the child’s disability on this activity and the relationship between professional work and parental attitude presented by the mother.
Zastosowanie osiągnięć neuronauki w procesie wspomagania rehabilitacji osób z niepełnosprawnością – przykładowe badania
Authors: Zielińska Jolanta
Published: February 2024

The article presents the issue of nervous systems and the neural correlate of information processing in the contextof the application of research results in this area in the process of supporting the rehabilitation of people with disabilities. The currently dynamically developing science of the borderland called “neuroscience” was presented, which is a great opportunity for special pedagogy to appear in its system, especially in the area of issues related to diagnosis and rehabilitation. The aim was to answer the question: What cognitive and research inspirations result from supporting the rehabilitation of people with disabilities with the achievements of neuroscience? The application of its achievements in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities has a complementary task, supporting an effective rehabilitation process in its practical dimension. The concept of a damaged brain of a disabled person was presented as a very general and imprecise one, resulting from diseases, injuries or developmental disorders, but which fundamentally affects the functioning of various areas of the brain, causing various symptoms and functional disorders. The essential and original part of the article is based on the latest literature on the subject, a review of the results of research on the brain work of people with various types of disabilities, made with the use of neuroimaging techniques. The concept of neuroplasticity was discussed in the context of obtaining an answer to the question: Can a damaged brain repair itself and how? By restoring, not bypassing, damaged or destroyed neural pathways. In conclusion, it was indicated that the intended effect of the discussed research is to create theoretical and empirical foundations for developing models of the functional architecture of the brain of a person with a specific type of disability, taking into account their individual capabilities, needs and even interests.
Global existence and finite-time blowup for a mixed pseudo-parabolic r(x)-Laplacian equation
Authors: Cheng Jiazhuo , Wang Qiru
Published: February 2024

This article is devoted to the study of the initial boundary value problem for a mixed pseudo-parabolic

r

(

x

)

r\left(x)

-Laplacian-type equation. First, by employing the imbedding theorems, the theory of potential wells, and the Galerkin method, we establish the existence and uniqueness of global solutions with subcritical initial energy, critical initial energy, and supercritical initial energy, respectively. Then, we obtain the decay estimate of global solutions with sub-sharp-critical initial energy, sharp-critical initial energy, and supercritical initial energy, respectively. For supercritical initial energy, we also need to analyze the properties of

ω

\omega

-limits of solutions. Finally, we discuss the finite-time blowup of solutions with sub-sharp-critical initial energy and sharp-critical initial energy, respectively.
Collaboratively pursuing student uptake of feedback through storytelling: a conversation analytic study of interaction in team doctoral supervision
Authors: Ta Binh Thanh
Published: February 2024

Team supervision has become prevalent in worldwide doctoral education programs in the past few decades. Research indicates that one area of challenges involves collaboration between supervisors. However, little is known about how supervisors collaborate in supervision meetings involving multiple supervisors as existing studies mostly draw on participant self-reports. Adopting conversation analysis, this study examines how supervisors can collaborate through storytelling drawing on the corpus of 34 storytelling sequences in 15 triadic supervision meetings. A major finding is that storytelling can be used as a resource for collaboratively pursuing student uptake of feedback. Specifically when a supervisor is providing feedback, and the other supervisor can tell stories in pursuit of student uptake. Another finding involves the production of second storytelling: when students do not show uptake at the completion of the first storytelling produced by one supervisor, the other supervisor may launch a second storytelling to pursue student uptake. In addition, supervisors can collaborate through co-production of storytelling: near the end of a story produced by one supervisor, the other supervisor can add increments, which shape student uptake of the feedback under delivery. These findings are potentially useful for the professional development of supervisors.
Quantification of circulating alpha-1-antitrypsin polymers associated with different SERPINA1 genotypes
Authors: Balderacchi Alice M. , Bignotti Mattia , Ottaviani Stefania , Denardo Andrea , Barzon Valentina , Ben Khlifa Emna , Vailati Guido , Piloni Davide , Benini Federica , Corda Luciano , Corsico Angelo G. , Ferrarotti Ilaria , Fra Annamaria
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene encoding alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), the major serine protease inhibitor in plasma. Reduced AAT levels are associated with elevated risk of developing emphysema mainly due to uncontrolled activity of neutrophil elastase in the lungs. The prevalent Z-AAT mutant and many rare pathogenic AAT variants also predispose to liver disease due to their accumulation as polymeric chains in hepatocytes. Part of these polymers are secreted into the bloodstream and could represent biomarkers of intra-hepatic accumulation. Moreover, being inactive, they further lower lung protection against proteases. Aim of our study is to accurately quantify the percentage of circulating polymers (CP) in a cohort of subjects with different SERPINA1 genotypes.

Methods

CP concentration was measured in plasma or Dried Blood Spot (DBS) by a sensitive sandwich ELISA based on capture by the polymer-specific 2C1 monoclonal antibody.

Results

CP were significantly elevated in patients with the prevalent PI*SZ and PI*ZZ genotypes, with considerable intra-genotype variability. Notably, higher percentage of polymers was observed in association with elevated C-reactive protein. CP levels were also increased in carriers of the Mmalton variant, and of Mprocida, I, Plowell and Mherleen in heterozygosity with Z-AAT.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of implementing CP quantification in a clinical laboratory. Indeed, the variable amount of CP in patients with the same genotype may correlate with the variable severity of the associated lung and liver diseases. Moreover, CP can reveal the polymerogenic potential of newly discovered ultrarare AAT variants.
Green synthesis, characterization, and application of iron and molybdenum nanoparticles and their composites for enhancing the growth of Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Habib Maria , Fatima Hina , Anwar Tauseef , Qureshi Huma , Aisida Samson O. , Ahmad Ishaq , Ali Iftikhar , Al-Mohaimeed Amal M. , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Razak Sarah Abdul , Kamal Asif
Published: February 2024

Nanomaterials have become integral in various aspects of agricultural practices, including the development of nano-fertilizers for optimized crop nutrition. This study explores the application of green-synthesized iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo) nanoparticles, as well as their composites, using a guava leaf extract (GLE). The focus is on assessing their impact on nitrogen fixation and growth in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). The nanoparticles were characterized through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet Diffused Reflectance Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The experiment involved two application methods (soil and direct plant spraying) with varying nanoparticle concentrations. Results indicate that the 1% composite nanoparticles applied to the soil and 3% Mo directly on plants yield the most favorable growth and nitrogen uptake in S. lycopersicum. Notably, the 1% composite treatment demonstrated significant enhancement in shoot length, number of branches, and shoot diameter at all three growth stages. Conversely, the 3% Mo treatment when applied directly to plants exhibited optimal results showing substantial shoot length, number of branches, and shoot diameter. Post-experimental soil nutrient analysis further revealed the nuanced effects of nanoparticle applications with 1% composite treatments enhancing nutrient availability compared to control and other concentrations. This research contributes to the evolving field of agri-nanotechnology emphasizing the importance of nanoparticle concentration and application method in influencing plant development and nutrient uptake, paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices.
Quantitative structure-electrochemistry relationship modeling of a series of anticancer agents using MLR and ANN approaches
Authors: Bouarra Nabil , Kherouf Soumaya , Nadji Nawel , Nouri Loubna , Boudjemaa Amel , Djerad Souad , Bachari Khaldoun
Published: February 2024

QSPR is a powerful tool for elucidating the correlation between chemical structure and property for both natural and synthesized compounds. In the present work, the half-wave reduction potential for a set of aziridinylquinones (Anticancer Agents [AA]) is modelled using a quantitative structure-electrochemistry relationship (QSER) based on multilinear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN). Molecular descriptors introduced in this work were computed using the Dragon software (V5). Before the model’s generation, using the Kennard and Stone algorithm, the data set of 84 aziridinylquinones was divided into training and prediction sets consisting of 70 % and 30 % of data points. Quantitative Structure Electrochemistry Relationship (QSER) models were developed using the Genetic Algorithm Multiple Linear Regressions (GA-MLR) and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The coefficient of determination (R
2) and Root Mean Squared Error of prediction (RMSE) were mentioned to demonstrate the QSER model’s prediction abilities. Calculated R
2 and RMSEval values for the MLR model were 0.858 and 0.054, respectively. The R
2 and RMSEval values for the ANN training set were calculated to be 0.914 and 0.050, respectively. Findings show that GA is a powerful tool for selecting variables in QSER analysis. Comparing the two employed regression methods showed that ANN is superior to MLR in predictive ability.
Lessons in clinical reasoning – pitfalls, myths, and pearls: a case of tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by an intraneural ganglion cyst
Authors: Phadke Sanjay Vishnu , Dalal Chirag , Seetharaman Rajmohan , Parsons Andrew S.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Intraneural ganglionic cysts are non-neoplastic cysts that can cause signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. However, the scarcity of such cases can lead to cognitive biases. Early surgical exploration of space occupying lesions plays an important role in identification and improving the outcomes for intraneural ganglionic cysts.

Case presentation

This patient presented with loss of sensation on the right sole with tingling numbness for six months. A diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome was made. Nerve conduction study revealed that the mixed nerve action potential (NAP) was absent in the right medial and lateral plantar nerves. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) found a cystic lesion measuring 1.4×1.8×3.8 cm as the presumed cause of the neuropathy. Surgical exploration revealed a ganglionic cyst traversing towards the flexor retinaculum with baby cysts. The latter finding came as a surprise to the treating surgeon and was confirmed to be an intraneural ganglionic cyst based on the histopathology report.

Conclusions

Through integrated commentary by a case discussant and reflection by an orthopedician, this case highlights the significance of the availability heuristic, confirmation bias, and anchoring bias in a case of rare disease. Despite diagnostic delays, a medically knowledgeable patient’s involvement in their own care lead to a more positive outcome. A fish-bone diagram is provided to visually demonstrate the major factors that contributed to the diagnostic delay. Finally, this case provides clinical teaching points in addition to a pitfall, myth, and pearl related to availability heuristic and the sunk cost fallacy.
Correlation of fetal heart rate dynamics to inflammatory markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor during pregnancy
Authors: Mercado Luis , Rose Shannon , Escalona-Vargas Diana , Siegel Eric R. , Whittington Julie R. , Preissl Hubert , Helmich Melissa , Eswaran Hari
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This study aims to show the relation between biomarkers in maternal and cord-blood samples and fetal heart rate variability (fHRV) metrics through a non-invasive fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) technique.

Methods

Twenty-three women were enrolled for collection of maternal serum and fMCG tracings immediately prior to their scheduled cesarean delivery. The umbilical cord blood was collected for measurement of biomarker levels. The fMCG metrics were then correlated to the biomarker levels from the maternal serum and cord blood.

Results

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) had a moderate correlation with fetal parasympathetic activity (0.416) and fetal sympathovagal ratios (−0.309; −0.356). Interleukin (IL)-6 also had moderate-sized correlations but with an inverse relationship as compared to BDNF. These correlations were primarily in cord-blood samples and not in the maternal blood.

Conclusions

In this small sample-sized exploratory study, we observed a moderate correlation between fHRV and cord-blood BDNF and IL-6 immediately preceding scheduled cesarean delivery at term. These findings need to be validated in a larger population.
Preliminary assessment of the Healthy Early Life Moments (HELMS) webinars in empowering Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept among healthcare professionals – a pragmatic serial cross-sectional study
Authors: Ku Chee Wai , Ng Roderica R.G. , Chang Ting Yu , Lim Celeste H.F. , Zheng Ruther Teo , Ma Weini , Chua Mei Chien , Chan Jerry K.Y. , Yap Fabian K.P. , Loy See Ling
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept has gained prominence in maternal and child health (MCH), emphasizing how early-life factors impact later-life non-communicable diseases. However, a knowledge–practice gap exists in applying DOHaD principles among healthcare professionals. Healthy Early Life Moments in Singapore (HELMS) introduced webinars to bridge this gap and empower healthcare professionals. We aimed to conduct a preliminary assessment to gain early insights into the outreach and effectiveness of the educational initiative offered with the HELMS webinars.

Methods

We employed a pragmatic serial cross-sectional study approach and targeted healthcare professionals involved in MCH care. We also collected and analyzed data on webinar registration and attendance, participants’ profession and organizational affiliations, and post-webinar survey responses.

Results

The median webinar attendance rate was 59.6 % (25th–75th percentile: 58.4–60.8 %). Nurses represented 68.6 % of attendees (n=2,589 out of 3,774). Post-webinar surveys revealed over 75 % of the participants providing positive responses to 14 out of 15 survey questions concerning content, delivery, applicability to work, and organization.

Conclusions

Assessment of the HELMS webinars provided insight into the outreach and early effectiveness in enhancing healthcare professionals’ knowledge and confidence in delivering DOHaD education. Bridging the knowledge–practice gap remains a crucial goal.
Metaphor forces argument overtness
Authors: Reinöhl Uta , Ellison T. Mark
Published: February 2024

This paper uncovers how metaphor forces argument overtness – across languages and parts of speech. It addresses the relationship between semantically unsaturated terms, functors, and the argument terms that complete them. When the component terms’ default senses clash semantically, a metaphor arises. In such cases, the argument must be overt, in contrast to literal uses. It is possible to say Everyone was waiting at the hotel. Finally, Kim arrived. By contrast, people do not use arrived metaphorically without a goal argument: Everything had been pointing to that conclusion all along. *Finally, Kim arrived. What they say is Finally, Kim arrived at it. We illustrate the phenomenon with powerful and diverse evidence: three corpus studies (Indo-Aryan languages, British English, Vera’a) and a sentence-completion experiment with around 250 native speakers of English. Both the corpus studies and the experiment show no or almost no exceptions to metaphor-driven argument overtness. The strength of the effect contrasts with a complete lack of speaker awareness. We propose that metaphor-driven argument overtness – as well as the lack of speaker consciousness – is a universal phenomenon that can be accounted for in terms of human language processing.
Facilitating or compromising inclusion? Language policies at Swedish higher education institutions as workplaces
Authors: Jeong Hyeseung , Lindemann Stephanie
Published: February 2024

Research has suggested that Swedish higher education institutions’ (HEIs’) language policies may exclude some academic staff from work-related activities due to (dual) monolingual ideologies requiring one language at a time. This study, based on the analysis of twenty-one language policy texts, investigates HEIs’ policies using a lens of inclusion at workplaces with linguistic diversity, drawing on concepts from diversity management and language policy for democracy of inclusion. All documents examined began with statements of HEIs’ values relevant to the policies. Inclusion was seldom explicitly emphasized, although policies suggested ways to facilitate it. We argue that some of the approaches – namely, taking a top-down monolinguistic approach to language choice, requiring staff to be highly proficient in both Swedish and English, and offering unspecified language support – reinforce language-based in-groups and out-groups, likely compromising rather than facilitating inclusion. Another approach, emphasizing individuals’ rights to choose what language they use, facilitates inclusion only if support is provided for everyone’s understanding. Providing immediate language support and encouraging bottom-up, flexible language choice were less common approaches but seem particularly likely to facilitate inclusion. Our analysis suggests that policies prioritizing successful communication, not specific languages, facilitate inclusion and help employees develop job-related language and intercultural communicative competence.
Crystal structure of methyl 3-methoxy-4-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethoxy)benzoate, C12H14O6
Authors: Yan-Ling Zheng , Miao-Miao Li
Published: February 2024

C12H14O6, triclinic, P

1
‾

$\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 5.3644(9) Å, b = 11.1880(18) Å, c = 11.4159(18) Å, α = 66.378(2)°, β = 79.970(2)°, γ = 78.138(2)°, V = 611.11(17) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0430, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1260, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)ethyl 2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)propanoate, C26H24O3
Authors: Xue De-dong , Hou Yu , Wan Li-jian
Published: February 2024

C26H24O3, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 11.4253(9) Å, b = 6.0417(5) Å, c = 14.9373(12) Å, β = 92.718(3)°, V = 1029.94(14) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0354, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0875, T = 100(2) K.
Association between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and levels of lipid profile based on human studies
Authors: Song Xinru , Ye Tingtao , Jing Dongmei , Wei Kai , Ge Yue , Bei Xinyue , Qi Yuqian , Wang Huanqiang , Li Jun , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2024

Epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is associated with lipid profile levels, but with inconsistent conclusions from different studies. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of the relationship between PFAS exposure and lipid profile levels based on population-based epidemiological studies. Embase, PubMed, Ovid database, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science database were used to search appropriate studies (before September 6, 2022) on the correlation between PFAS exposure and lipid profile levels. β value, odd ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted from studies. In this study, we found that higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were associated with exposure to perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) (β value=0.13, 95 % CIs: 0.02, 0.24) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) (β value=0.13, 95 % CIs: 0.04, 0.21). PFOA, PFOS and PFNA exposure were significantly related to the higher levels of total cholesterol (TC) with the pooled effect estimates of 0.08 (95 % CI: 0.02, 0.14), 0.13 (95 % CI: 0.05, 0.21) and 0.14 (95 % CI: 0.08, 0.20) respectively. In sum, our results identified that PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFUnDA were the most important risk factors for abnormal levels of lipid profile, indicating that we should prevent cerebrovascular disease by reducing and controlling PFAS exposure.
Silibinin suppresses glioblastoma cell growth, invasion, stemness, and glutamine metabolism by YY1/SLC1A5 pathway
Authors: Liu Ming , Liu Xipeng , Qiao Jianxin , Cao Bing
Published: February 2024

Background

Silibinin has been found to inhibit glioblastoma (GBM) progression. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which Silibinin regulates GBM process remains unclear.

Methods

GBM cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and stemness are assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and sphere formation assay. Western blot is used to measure the protein expression levels of apoptosis-related markers, solute carrier family 1 member 5 (SLC1A5), and Yin Yang-1 (YY1). Glutamine consumption, glutamate production, and α-ketoglutarate production are detected to evaluate glutamine metabolism in cells. Also, SLC1A5 and YY1 mRNA levels are examined using quantitative real-time PCR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay are used to detect the interaction between YY1 and SLC1A5. Mice xenograft models are constructed to explore Silibinin roles in vivo.

Results

Silibinin inhibits GBM cell proliferation, invasion, stemness, and glutamine metabolism, while promotes apoptosis. SLC1A5 is upregulated in GBM and its expression is decreased by Silibinin. SLC1A5 overexpression abolishes the anti-tumor effect of Silibinin in GBM cells. Transcription factor YY1 binds to SLC1A5 promoter region to induce SLC1A5 expression, and the inhibition effect of YY1 knockdown on GBM cell growth, invasion, stemness, and glutamine metabolism can be reversed by SLC1A5 overexpression. In addition, Silibinin reduces GBM tumor growth by regulating YY1/SLC1A5 pathway.

Conclusion

Silibinin plays an anti-tumor role in GBM process, which may be achieved via inhibiting YY1/SLC1A5 pathway.
Purification of water using TiO2/g-C3N5 nanocomposite: a visible light assisted photocatalytic activity
Authors: Chandrasekar Jayashree , Venkatesan Manikandan , Lin Ja-Hon , Kuo Chi-Ching
Published: February 2024

Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCN), widely recognized for its broad-spectrum efficacy and cost-effectiveness as an antibiotic, has raised significant environmental and health concerns due to its contamination in water bodies. This study introduces an innovative approach to address this issue by employing a titanium dioxide/graphitic carbon nitride (TiO2/g-C3N5) nanocomposite through photocatalysis. The synthesis of this composite involved a hydrothermal method, and a comprehensive characterization was conducted using XRD, FT-IR, and SEM techniques. The formed heterojunction between TiO2 and g-C3N5 exhibited remarkable photocatalytic degradation capabilities, achieving a removal rate of over 85 % within a short period of 135 min. This signifies the composite’s efficiency in breaking down TCN in aqueous environments. Beyond its high effectiveness, the TiO2/g-C3N5 nanocomposite presents itself as an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution for addressing the critical issues associated with antibiotic contamination in water. This study underscores the potential of photocatalysis using TiO2/g-C3N5 as a promising technology for mitigating the adverse effects of TCN on both ecosystems and human health.
IL-6 and D-dimer Levels at Admission Predict Cardiac Injury and Early Mortality during SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Peng Kexin , Du Beibei , Si Daoyuan , Jin Lina , Yang Bo , Johnson Neil , Ni Lujia , Zhang Qian , Azam Mohammed Ali , Lai Patrick F. H. , Epelman Slava , Nanthakumar Kumaraswamy , Yang Ping
Published: February 2024

Background: We previously described the mortality associated with cardiac injury in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The activation of immune and thrombotic biomarkers at admission, and their ability to predict cardiac injury and mortality patterns in COVID-19, remains unclear.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 170 patients with COVID-19 with cardiac injury at the time of admission to Tongji Hospital in Wuhan between January 29, 2020, and March 8, 2020. The temporal evolution of inflammatory cytokines, coagulation markers, clinical treatment, and mortality were analyzed. Continuous variables are expressed as median (interquartile range). The Mann-Whitney test was used for two-group comparisons, whereas the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparisons among three groups. Categorical variables are expressed as proportions and percentages, and Fisher’s exact test was used to compare differences. A multivariate regression model was used to predict in-hospital death. A simple linear regression analysis was applied to examine the correlation between baseline biomarkers and peak cTnI levels.

Results: Of the 170 patients, 60 (35.3%) died early (<21 d), and 61 (35.9%) died after a prolonged stay. The admission laboratory findings correlating with early death were elevated interleukin 6 (IL-6) (P < 0.0001), tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.0025), and C-reactive protein (P < 0.0001). We observed the trajectory of biomarker changes in patients after admission hospitalization, and determined that early mortality was associated with a rapidly increasing D-dimer level, and gradually decreasing platelet and lymphocyte counts. Multivariate and simple linear regression models indicated that the risk of death was associated with immune and thrombotic pathway activation. Elevated admission cTnI levels were associated with elevated IL-6 (P = 0.03) and D-dimer (P = 0.0021) levels.

Conclusion: In patients with COVID-19 with cardiac injury, IL-6 and D-dimer levels at admission predicted subsequently elevated cTnI levels and early death, thus highlighting the need for early inflammatory cytokine-based risk stratification in patients with cardiac injury.
Long-Horizon Associative Learning Explains Human Sensitivity to Statistical and Network Structures in Auditory Sequences
Authors: Benjamin Lucas , Sablé-Meyer Mathias , Fló Ana , Dehaene-Lambertz Ghislaine , Al Roumi Fosca
Published: February 2024

Networks are a useful mathematical tool for capturing the complexity of the world. In a previous behavioral study, we showed that human adults were sensitive to the high-level network structure underlying auditory sequences, even when presented with incomplete information. Their performance was best explained by a mathematical model compatible with associative learning principles, based on the integration of the transition probabilities between adjacent and nonadjacent elements with a memory decay. In the present study, we explored the neural correlates of this hypothesis via magnetoencephalography (MEG). Participants (N = 23, 16 females) passively listened to sequences of tones organized in a sparse community network structure comprising two communities. An early difference (∼150 ms) was observed in the brain responses to tone transitions with similar transition probability but occurring either within or between communities. This result implies a rapid and automatic encoding of the sequence structure. Using time-resolved decoding, we estimated the duration and overlap of the representation of each tone. The decoding performance exhibited exponential decay, resulting in a significant overlap between the representations of successive tones. Based on this extended decay profile, we estimated a long-horizon associative learning novelty index for each transition and found a correlation of this measure with the MEG signal. Overall, our study sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying human sensitivity to network structures and highlights the potential role of Hebbian-like mechanisms in supporting learning at various temporal scales.