bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestión de proyectos en la industria aeroespacial en Ecuador: experiencia con la modernización de aeronaves militares T-34C-1
Authors: Jara-Olmedo Lenin , Quisimalin-Santamaria Hernán
Published: January 2025

El trabajo describe el programa de modernización de la aeronave T-34C-1 de la Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana desarrollado en Ecuador por la Dirección de la Industria Aeronáutica DIAF. El marco para presentar los hechos es un proyecto complejo de productos y sistemas considerando que la reparación estructural y modernización de la aviónica incluye el desmontaje de todos los componentes para reconstruir la aeronave en un proceso de integración similar a uno de fabricación. El enfoque establece la adaptación de aspectos externos e internos de la organización de mantenimiento para un programa pionero en la industria aeroespacial nacional. Con base en la información histórica y técnica disponible, el trabajo presenta el estado inicial del programa de modernización, los retos de integración, las soluciones y el estado final tanto para el operador como para el integrador. Se hace énfasis en la adaptación de los mecanismos de integración, así como en las capacidades que el integrador tuvo que gestionar para el programa. Finalmente, este documento presenta lecciones aprendidas de la modernización, las cuales se mantienen vigentes en el tiempo y actualmente pueden servir como referencias para la planificación o determinación de requerimientos de proyectos mayores de mantenimiento o modernización de aeronaves militares. Los lineamientos establecidos son aplicables para el gerente del proyecto y los usuarios finales u operadores.
Investigation of Motor End Plate Functions in Individuals with Incidentally Detected Thymoma
Authors: Gonul Vural , Sadiye Gumusyayla
Published: January 2025

Purpose: Thymoma is a mediastinal tumor that is frequently associated with Myasthenia Graves (MG) and develops from thymic epithelial cells. In our study, we aimed to determine whether there is a neuromuscular transmission defect in individuals with incidentally detected thymoma and to show whether these individuals have subclinical involvement without any clinical findings.

Materials and Methods: Single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) records made between March 2019 and January 2024 were examined, individuals who underwent SFEMG due to thymoma and structural ptosis were identified and detailed file record information of the patients was accessed. Individuals with any other disease or neurological complaint were excluded from the study. Asymptomatic individuals who underwent SFEMG were divided into two groups: individuals with thymoma and individuals with structural ptosis, and the demographic information and
SFEMG findings of the two groups were compared with each other.

Results: Maximum jitter mean, minimum jitter mean and mean consecutive difference (MCD) values were found to be significantly higher in asymptomatic individuals with incidentally detected thymoma compared to patients with structural ptosis.

Discussion: Patients with thymoma may have subclinical neuromuscular transmission abnormalities even when they are asymptomatic in terms of MG. This is important for early diagnosis of MG and understanding the pathological processes in thymoma.
Solar Alpha Particle Radiation Increases Human Mortality – An Example from the Tuberculosis Mortality in the European Union
Authors: Takuchev Nikolay
Published: January 2025

A dangerous phenomenon for humanity is described. In the joint analysis of data from satellites in orbit around the Earth and from the health statistics source EUROSTAT, it became clear that, by some mechanism, flows of positively charged particles with high energy entering the Earth's orbit increase mortality on the planet's surface. The increase in mortality is in a zone of maximum risk in the Northern Hemisphere, parallel to the equator and bounded by the parallels of 30° and 50° north latitude. Examples are given for the European Union mortality from Tuberculosis confirming the described phenomenon. A hypothetical mechanism based on observational evidence has been proposed, according to which this dangerous phenomenon is due to solar alpha particles of high energy sufficient to overcome the atmosphere's resistance and reach the Earth's surface in a limited area of maximum death impact.
Depression and Thoughts of Suicide among Military Personnel and Veterans: Exploring Synthesized Mind-Sets Created By AI, Using Mind Genomics Principles
Authors: Wingert Sharon , Anderson Tonya , Moskowitz Howard R , Rappaport Stephen D , Saharan Sunaina , Mulvey Taylor , Mulvey Martin
Published: January 2025

AI was used to create eight mind-sets of military personnel and veterans who were at risk of depression and suicide. The use of synthetic mind-sets by AI allows the mental health professional, as well as other interested parties, to recognize language and behavior manifestations, which might be signals of deep depression and suicide. The AI synthesis uses Mind Genomics to structure the topic and is presented as an evolving technology to help the learning process. Users can specify aspects, such as the nature of warning language, to generate slogans designed to lift the spirit of the troubled individual. The study is part of a series, which explores topics of mental health by means of AI synthesis.
Outcome of Endodontic Microsurgery Using Resorbable Membranes and Lyophilized Human Bone Graft: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Rodriguez Pablo , Alfie Nicolás , Zmener Osvaldo , Pameijer Cornelis H
Published: January 2025

Purpose: The aim of this prospective randomized controlled clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a resorbable membrane with and without the complement of human lyophilized bone grafts used as aids in endodontic microsurgery. The study was conducted in patients that presented with periapical pathologies that had not responded to primary endodontic treatment and retreatment.

Methods: From a cohort of 189 consecutive patients presenting with non-resolving periapical radiolucencies located at the maxillary anterior teeth with a size that covered at least two apices, 174 (92%) of them met the inclusion criteria. They were randomly allocated into three modalities of treatment ie. Group 1: conventional enucleation procedures (CENP; n=58). Group 2: enucleation with placement of resorbable Fascia Lata Membrane (FLM; n=58). Group 3: enucleation with placement of resorbable Fascia Lata membrane combined with lyophilized human bone graft (FLM-HBG; n=58). After enucleation the tissues were submitted for histopathological analysis. The surgical outcome was determined clinically and radiographically after 24 months postoperatively using standardized periapical radiographs and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging. Data was subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: Of the initial 174 treated patients, 120 responded to the 24-month recall. In Group 1, 21 cases out of 39 (54%) had successfully healed. Patients in Group 2 showed a success rate of 93% in39 cases out of 42 while patients in Group 3 achieved a success rate of 95% in 37 cases out of 39. The histopathological analysis showed that the most frequent lesions were periapical granulomas. Groups 2 and 3 showed significant differences with Group 1 (P<0.001), however, no significant difference was found between Group 2 and 3 (P>0.05).

Conclusions: The use of Fascia Lata resorbable membranes, whether with or without the addition of a lyophilized human bone graft, showed significantly better bone repair than conventional surgical procedures.
Daratumumab Post Maintenance After Relapse in Multiple Myeloma. Report of 4 Cases
Authors: Martinez Roberto Ovilla , Islas Pamela Baez , Rangel Xochitl Cota , Pena Celaya Antonio de la , Muniz Nishalle Ramirez , Ibarra Martha Alvarado
Published: January 2025

Multiple myeloma is considered incurable and requires combined and continuous treatments. We present 4 cases of patients with multiple myeloma who received daratumumab after the administration of combined therapy to achieve the best response possible, 3 patients debuted with high-risk disease. In this case series, 100% of patients achieved a strict complete response with undetectable Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) by flow cytometry, after the administration of daratumumab regardless of the scheme used in induction and consolidation, with or without autologous transplantation. After daratumumab, all patients received lenalidomide for at least 6 months with subsequent discontinuation. Follow-up included MRD.
Public Health Ecology: Challenges for Clinical Practice in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Love Richard R
Published: January 2025

To improve health in populations addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development (SD) target goal 3.4 of reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by one third by 2030, discussions have centered on accessibility and quality of care. However, the increasingly commercial missions and centralized organization of health systems are not well aligned with public health goals for universal access. Additionally, quality-of-care conversations are focused on efficacy, often of modest levels, to the exclusion of major attention to efficiency, patient-centeredness, and equity. The promises of synthetic biology and precision medicine ignore the cost challenges of opulation applications.

In these broad contexts, there is an emerging paradigm for health that inflammation is a common biological pathway for multiple and interacting health conditions. This insight commands attention to the identification of the breadth of causes and stressors producing chronic inflammation and suggests that public health ecological activities may be significantly health-creating for populations. The ubiquitous causes of concern range from chemical, psychosocial, environmental, nutritional, and viral, to poor oral health. To illustrate the significant relevance of this long-overdue broader framework and new model for population health activities worldwide, this communication will consider, for one general rural Bangladeshi population, the depth of data implicating several factors in its health, and measures to decrease these adverse stressors.

Public health ecological deep medicine offers a potentially impactful and contrasting approach to population health from current business-dominated models which focus on isolated medical conditions.
The Evolving Disease Patterns and New Tracers to Assess the 21st Century Health Care
Authors: Turaman Cem
Published: January 2025

It goes without saying that we are in a new era of diseases. The target of disease for healthcare service has now shifted from infectious diseases to chronic degenerative diseases, and the target age group has shifted from children to the elderly. The tools used to assess the quality of health care services now need to be revised and tailored to the new target groups and their health issues. The tracer, one of these tools, is reviewed and potential new tracers are proposed in this manuscript. All tools used to assess both healthcare services and population health status should receive a similar updated intervention.
Evaluation of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Measurements in Eye Phantom Imaging using POCUS and AI
Authors: Khazaei Hadi , Khazaei Danesh , Lipor John , Etesami Faryar , Yi Sung
Published: January 2025

The aim of this review is to provide a wide overview of optic nerve ultrasound normal values assessment using eye phantom imaging techniques using POCUS. We examine the suitability of commercially available, low-cost, portable ultrasound devices that can be combined with artificial intelligence algorithms to reduce the training required for and cost of in-field optic nerve sheath diameter measurement. Several disorders can affect the optic nerve and their differential diagnosis can be challenging, requiring expensive or uncomfortable tests. Elucidation of its underlying disease and follow up may require expensive or uncomfortable tests or even invasive procedures like lumbar puncture. Ultrasound has been widely used for this purpose, but it requires knowledge and skill to give reliable results.

Methods: Transorbital sonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) was measured by pointof-care ultrasound machines on phantom ONS model. Measurements were analyzed for mean error and variance and tested for significance using regression analyses. We developed a low cost, easily made phantom model that may assist with training and improve the quality of sonographic measurements of the ONSD. This study aims to: (1) provide a step-by-step description of producing a sonographic phantom of the posterior chamber of the eye; and (2) validate the model as a realistic educational tool utilizing in vivo and phantom ONS images obtained by ultrasound.

Outcome: Accurate ONSD measurement is possible utilizing POCUS. Measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) via ultrasonography has been proposed as a non-invasive metric of intracranial pressure that may be employed during in-field patient triage. However, first responders are not typically trained to conduct sonographic exams and/or do not have access to an expensive ultrasound device. Therefore, for successful deployment of ONSD measurement in-field, we believe that first responders must have access to low-cost, portable ultrasound and be assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) systems that can automatically interpret the optic nerve sheath ultrasound scan.
Dissecting Aneurysm of the Aorta with Anevryma of Arteria Lusoria. A Case Report in Niger
Authors: ID Bako , MR Sani , MH Tijani , MR Saley Mani , SO Sidikou
Published: January 2025

Introduction: An aortic aneurysm is an increase in the caliber of the aorta greater than or equal to 50% of its normal caliber. Complications associated with these aneurysms are dissection and thrombosis. The supra-aortic trunks are collaterals of the aorta which arise from its segment II, intended for the arterial vascularization of the head, neck and upper limbs. Sometimes there can be modifications in the birth of these vessels, we speak of anatomical variants, one variant of which was involved in this study: it is the arteria lusoria. The authors report their experience with a dissecting aortic aneurysm with parietal thrombosis in a subject with arteria lusoria.

Patient and Observation: This is a subject aged 68 at the time of diagnosis, male, known to be hypertensive for 10 years with poor follow-up. He was referred to the radiology and medical imaging department for assessment of chest pain with dyspnea and dysphagia. Faced with this clinical picture, a frontal chest X-ray then a thoracoabdominopelvic CT scan were requested. The diagnosis that was retained at the end of the analysis of the CT scan was: An aneurysmal development of the aorta; a Stanford type B aortic dissection; an Arteria Lusoria (discovered incidentally) with an aneurysm (complication of aortic aneurysm); parietal arterial thrombosis. The patient was admitted to the cardiovascular surgery department for further treatment.

Conclusion: Dissecting aortic aneurysm, although rare, makes a logical association. However, the extension of the aneurysm to a branch of the supra-aortic trunks represents the primary interest of the case presented. Finally, the fact that this branch of the supra-aortic trunks is an Arteria Lusoria makes this case extremely rare and constitutes the second interest of the case presented both clinically and diagnostically.
Burden and Pattern of Metastatic Breast Cancer on Computed Tomography in Cameroon: A Preliminary Assessment
Authors: Tambe Joshua , Onana Yannick , Mbede Maggy , Mosse Wilfried , Mobit Paul , Guegang Emilienne , Moifo Boniface , Zeh Odile F
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women in sub-Saharan Africa and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Late diagnosis at advanced stage of disease is a prevailing problem, and the presence of metastatic disease is a significant prognostic factor. The aim of this study was to determine the burden of metastatic breast disease and to describe the pattern of spread in a sub-Saharan African population.

Methods: Data was extracted from eligible reports of CT scans of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis (CT-TAP) of patients with histologically proven breast cancer during an 18-month study period. Independent categorical variables were assessed for statistical association with metastatic breast disease, and a Sankey diagram used to illustrate the pattern of metastatic disease.

Results: Breast cancer represented 35.84% of all cancers in the study setting. The sex ratio of patients with breast cancer was 1:155 and the median age 41 years (range: 16 to 68 years). Sixty-five percent of the primary cancers occurred at the left breast (101/155) whilst 34.84 % (54/155) occurred at the right. Out of 156 eligible CT-TAP reports assessed, 99 had evidence of either locally invasive, regional or distant tumor spread (63.46%). There was metastatic disease in 65.85% of baseline studies and 63.16% of follow-up scans. Common sites for distant metastatic disease were the pleurae (20.00%), bones (18.71%), lung (16.13%) and liver (11.26%). While left breast cancers were more locally invasive and showed increased tropism for the pleurae and bones, right breast cancers showed increased tropism for the lungs and liver.

Conclusion: The burden of metastatic breast disease is high with diagnosis at advanced stage and differential metastatic tropism. Screening and early diagnosis strategies should be given priority, whilst follow-up planning adapted based on anticipated pattern of spread.
Contribution of Thoraco-Abdomino-Pelvic CT Tomography in the Assessment of Extension of Gastric Cancer at the “Marie Curie” Medical Clinic
Authors: Ousmane Traore , Siaka Diakité , Mansa Sidibe Drissa , Abdoulaye Kondé , Mamadou N’Diaye , Ouncoumba Diarra , Nagnoumague Camara , Modibo Coulibaly , Lansenou Bagayoko Ousmane , Moussa Dicko , Traoré Sidibé Assa , Diaman Keita Adama
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Gastric cancer is a common oncological pathology with a poor prognosis. It ranks 4th among cancers in the world and remains the 3rd cause of cancer-related mortality. The aim of our study was to study the contribution of the thoraco-abdomino-pelvic scanner in the assessment of the spread of gastric cancer in the “Marie Curie” and “Les Etoiles” medical clinics.

Methodology: This was a prospective study with a descriptive aim on reports of scannographic examinations, which took place over a period of 18 months at the “Marie Curie” medical clinic and the Etoiles clinic. The parameters studied were: sociodemographic data, clinical data, scan data and anatomopathological data.

Results: We collected 70 patients with gastric cancer out of a total of 1404 with a thoraco-abdominopelvic scan, i.e. 5% of cases. The male sex predominated with 68.6%. The age group of 60-70 years was the most common. The extension assessment for gastric tumor, epigastralgia with vomiting constituted the most frequent clinical information. The histological type found was adenocarcinoma in 100% of cases. CT revealed an irregular nodular thickening creating a pseudo-mass appearance in the antropyloric region of the stomach in the majority of cases (62.9% of cases). Liver damage alone represented 31.4%, lung damage alone 2.9%.

Conclusion: Gastric cancer is a significant tumor with a poor prognosis for which thoraco-abdominopelvic CT remains the reference and most accessible examination in Mali for extension assessment.
THE IMPACT OF ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS ON THE COMPUTATIONAL THINKING OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: BRYNDOVA LUCIE , KLEMENT MILAN , BARTKOVA EVA , BARTEK KVETOSLAV
Published: January 2025

The article presents the findings of a research focused on the comparison of the development of computational thinking in pupils taught by an alternative method of teaching mathematics and the classical method of teaching mathematics. The research builds on the findings of previous research, which suggests a link between the development of some dimensions of students' computational thinking and the development of mathematical thinking. We built on previous published research assumptions, which suggested that students taught in a constructivist way of teaching mathematics perform better on a test of computational thinking and thus potentially have better developed computational thinking. The study presented in this article tested 741 pupils aged 10 to 13 in the Czech Republic taught using an alternative constructivist method of teaching mathematics (the so-called "Hejny method") and pupils taught using the "classical" predominantly non-constructivist method of teaching mathematics. Statistical results show that the chosen teaching method does not affect the development of pupils' computational thinking.
Tra letteratura e mondo reale: una proposta didattica alternativa nel sistema educativo IB
Authors: Romeo Maria Veronica
Published: January 2025

Lo studio intende presentare due unità di lavoro sperimentate in classe all’interno del programma di studio IB di lingua e letteratura italiana (Middle Years Pro- gramme). Il curriculum è articolato in modo da sviluppare le competenze trasversali de- gli studenti e da stimolare le connessioni letteratura-mondo, attraverso l’esplorazio- ne dei cosiddetti global issues. Con questa espressione ci si riferisce a delle questio- ni globali che abbiano carattere transnazionale, che siano riscontrabili sia in letteratura sia in testi non letterari, ma soprattutto nella vita concreta di tutti i giorni.
La prospettiva didattica è quella ribaltata, in cui sono lo studente e il proprio vissuto a essere posti al centro, mentre al docente è assegnato il ruolo di guida e facilitatore. Quindi, lo studio dei testi è strutturato in modo tale da prevedere attività che coinvol- gano attivamente la classe nel processo di apprendimento. Attraverso metodologie didattiche quali cooperative learning, attività di coppia volte alla negoziazione di signi- ficati, elaborazione di ipotesi individuali, discussioni in plenum, lo studente “agisce” in maniera indipendente, esplorando il testo, ricollegandolo alle proprie esperienze e confrontandosi con i compagni e con la docente.
Un tale metodo di studio favorisce la crescita umana e formativa dello studente.
Il focus group come dispositivo glottodidattico: reazioni al feedback correttivo in italiano (LS)
Authors: Tagliaferro Silvia
Published: January 2025

Il presente contributo analizza l’uso del focus group come strumento innova- tivo per l’insegnamento dell’italiano come lingua straniera, evidenziandone le differenze rispetto ai metodi didattici tradizionali, spesso caratterizzati da una gerarchia asimmetri- ca tra insegnante e studenti e da giudizi valutativi. Il modello del focus group, invece, è cen- trato sugli studenti e promuove conversazioni cooperative in un ambiente non giudican- te. Lo studio include risultati di una ricerca qualitativa condotta su interazioni tra appren- denti estoni e russi iscritti a un corso di italiano di livello A2 presso l'Università di Tallinn. Analizzando i focus group per 12 mesi, si osserva che la maggior parte degli studenti risponde positivamente al feedback correttivo dei parlanti nativi, imitandone il linguag- gio e i marcatori del discorso (effetto specchio). Inoltre, il processo conversazionale di gruppo permette agli studenti di sostenersi reciprocamente, co-costruendo e interioriz- zando la conoscenza linguistica durante l’apprendimento.
Exploring “lucid sleep” and altered states of consciousness using meditation and visual stimulation: A case series study
Authors: Campillo-Ferrer Teresa , Alcaraz-Sánchez Adriana , Torres-Platas Susana Gabriela
Published: January 2025

The scientific study of lucid sleep, defined as the ability to retain critical self-awareness during ongoing sleep, has traditionally focused on lucid dreaming and induction techniques that specifically target REM sleep. Recently, interest has grown to include other forms of lucid sleep, such as out-of-body experiences, sleep paralysis, and “witnessing-sleep” episodes described in Indian philosophical traditions. Empirical data on these states remain limited, primarily due to the lack of specific induction techniques designed for their study. In this case series study, we examine four individuals who reported lucid sleep episodes in a controlled laboratory setting, using a novel induction method combining pre-sleep meditation and visual stimulation. While this method requires future validation, we captured five lucid sleep episodes, including one instance of lucid dreamless sleep, one out-of-body-like experience, and three different types of lucid dreams. Sleep was monitored using wearable EEGs and submental EMGs. A detailed phenomenological analysis provided further context for these experiences, which were reported during both REM and non-REM sleep. Together, the induction protocol and findings described here may inform future research on lucid sleep and altered states of consciousness during sleep.
Hybridized triboelectric nanogenerators for simultaneously scavenging droplet and wind energies
Authors: Hu Chaosheng , Bao Chengmin , Liu Yang , Yan Yingzhan , Bai Yanan , Xu Qian
Published: January 2025

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted great attention due to the simple manufacturing process, low cost, and diverse forms of energy harvesting. However, the energy collected by individual TENG is relatively limited, making it necessary to develop new method to enhance the energy harvesting capability of TENG. Here, we design a hybridized TENG that integrates a droplet-driven TENG and a wind-driven TENG, which exhibits excellent electrical performance. Under the simulated environment of medium rain with medium breeze, the hybridized TENG generates an output voltage of 95.10 V, a maximum average power of 18.15 μW, an energy of 181.54 μJ in 10 s, and charges a 1 μF capacitor to 43.29 V in 120 s. This work enables the harvesting of dispersed wind and droplet energy from the environment, providing new ideas and possibilities for online monitoring in remote areas and the construction of Internet of Things systems.
Investigating the biological significance of the TCM principle “promoting urination to regulate bowel movements” through the influence of the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites on the renal-intestinal axis
Authors: Yu Donglin , Shen Junxi , Li Liwen , Long Qi , Xie Shiqin , Zhou Mengsi , Tian Qianghong , Cai Ying
Published: January 2025

Treatment methods in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are foundational to their theoretical, methodological, formulaic, and pharmacological systems, significantly contributing to syndrome differentiation and therapy. The principle of “promoting urination to regulate bowel movements” is a common therapeutic approach in TCM. The core concept is “promoting the dispersion and drainage of water dampness, regulating urination to relieve diarrhea,” yet its scientific underpinning remains unclear. Modern medical treatment for watery diarrhea primarily focuses on electrolyte replenishment, as diuretics may lead to dehydration and other side effects. Some reports suggest that this TCM approach lacks scientific validity. Microecology, an area associated with the origins of TCM, is closely related to the development, diagnosis, and treatment of diarrhea. The renal-intestinal axis offers a molecular biological basis for examining associated pathological mechanisms, advancing therapeutic targets such as “treating the intestine to address kidney issues” and highlighting the interactions within the “renal-intestinal microbiota-liquid metabolism” framework, thus providing an endogenous mechanism to support “treating the intestine through the kidney.” An increasing number of studies have shown that the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, as unique mediators, are involved in the physiological and pathological changes of the body. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between fluid metabolism and diarrhea from the perspective of the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, aiming to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying the “promoting urination to regulate bowel movements” therapeutic approach and to clarify the scientific basis for treating diarrhea via the renal-intestinal axis. This research provides new insights for the study of TCM microbiology.
A comprehensive review on early detection of Alzheimer's disease using various deep learning techniques
Authors: Nagarajan I. , Lakshmi Priya G. G.
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a type of brain disease that makes it hard for someone to perform daily tasks. Early diagnosis and classification of the condition are thought to be essential study areas due to the speedy progression of the disease in people living with dementia and the absence of precise diagnostic procedures. One of the main aims of the researchers is to correctly identify the early stages of AD so that the disease can be prevented or significantly reduced. The main objective of the current review is to thoroughly examine the most recent work on early AD detection and classification using the deep learning (DL) approach. This paper examined the purpose of an early diagnosis of AD, the various neuroimaging modalities, the pre-processing methods that were employed, the maintenance of data, the deep learning used in classifying AD from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, the publicly available datasets, and the data that were fed into the deep models. A comparative analysis of different classification methods using DL techniques is performed. Further, the paper discussed the challenges involved in AD detection.
The potential of integrating conscious living into education for generation Z in the light of primary data
Authors: Garai-Fodor Mónika , Huszák Nikolett
Published: January 2025

Introduction

In this study, we investigate the cognitive aspects of conscious consumer behaviour among Generation Z members. We argue that conscious consumption can greatly help to foster social responsibility, environmental and health-conscious behaviour and ethical consumerism. We believe that it is an important educational task to promote and reinforce consumer behaviour among young people that increases and creates community value.

Methods

In this study, we analysed the dimensions of young people’s conscious consumer behaviour and its manifestation in concrete forms of behaviour, purchasing and consumer decisions. The primary research used a pre-tested standardised questionnaire online survey using a snowball sampling technique. Data were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate analyses in addition to descriptive statistics.

Results

The results allowed us to identify exactly what conscious living means to young people, what behavioural elements they associate with it and what activities they themselves carry out in this context. The results show that conscious living among young people is most closely linked to healthy lifestyle activities and is closely related to good self-awareness.

Discussion

The results show that the vast majority of the Generation Z respondents surveyed do not have a realistic picture of themselves in terms of a conscious lifestyle, although self-awareness and self-identity can be seen as the basis of a conscious lifestyle. Therefore, we believe that there is a great need to adequately integrate conscious living into education. Authentic, targeted education campaigns for Generation Z can best help to equip young people with the right self-awareness and the right information about conscious living.
Association between the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio and incidence of gout: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chang Yoonkyung , Park Ju-young , Song Tae-Jin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The global burden of gout, a severe and painful arthralgia, is of note and is expected to increase in the future. We aimed to investigate the association between the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio, a simple and validated biomarker for insulin resistance, and the incidence of gout in a longitudinal setting in the general population.

Methods

Our study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort database of Republic of Korea (2002–2019). We included 300,107 participants who had no previous history of gout and had data for more than three repeated measurements of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index. The incidence of gout was determined using at least two or more claims of the ICD-10 code M10.

Results

During a median 9.62 years (interquartile range 8.72–10.53), 14,116 individuals (4.72%) had a reported incidence of gout. In a fully adjusted multivariable time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model with repeated measures of the TyG index, a unit increase in the index significantly increased the risk of gout in the entire cohort (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.150, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.116–1.184). In a multivariable Cox proportional model of average TyG index quartiles, comparison of the lowest (Q1) and highest quartiles (Q4) indicated a significant positive association with the incidence of gout (HR: 1.326, 95% CI: 1.260–1.397). This association was non-linear (J-shape) when assessing the entire cohort and the diabetes and non-diabetes cohorts.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that increased TyG index was associated with an incidence risk of gout in the general population. Additionally, this association was non-linear (J-shape) not only in the entire cohort, but also in diabetes mellitus and non-diabetes mellitus cohorts. The TyG index may be an important predictor of gout.
A critical review of the thermophysical properties and applications of carbon-based hybrid nanofluids in solar thermal systems
Authors: Borode Adeola , Tshephe Thato , Olubambi Peter
Published: January 2025

This review focuses on the potential of carbon-based hybrid nanofluids to enhance the performance of solar thermal energy systems. Solar thermal technology is pivotal in transitioning towards renewable energy sources, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. However, traditional heat transfer fluids (HTFs) often exhibit limitations in thermal conductivity (TC), which hinders the overall efficiency of solar collectors. The introduction of nanofluids, particularly hybrid nanofluids that combine two or more types of nanoparticles, has emerged as a promising solution to address these challenges. Among various nanomaterials, carbon-based materials such as graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional thermal properties. This review critically analyses the thermal and rheological characteristics of carbon-based hybrid nanofluids and their effects on solar thermal applications, including flat-plate collectors and parabolic trough collectors. The unique synergy achieved by integrating carbon-based nanoparticles with metallic nanoparticles results in improved TC, enhanced heat transfer rates, and greater stability compared to single-component nanofluids. Despite the notable advantages, challenges such as increased viscosity and the need for long-term stability under operational conditions remain pertinent. Future research directions should prioritize optimizing nanoparticle concentrations, exploring cost-effective alternatives, and investigating the long-term performance of hybrid nanofluids in dynamic environments. The findings of this review underscore the transformative potential of carbon-based hybrid nanofluids in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of solar thermal systems, thus supporting the broader adoption of renewable energy technologies. This exploration is essential for advancing solar thermal applications and addressing the ongoing challenges of energy sustainability and efficiency in the face of growing global energy demands.
A bibliometric review of global research on the human-wildlife conflicts
Authors: Abas Azlan , Rahman Abdul Hafiz A. , Md Fauzi Tengku Abdul Hadi T. , Yusof Ahmad Hafizuddin M.
Published: January 2025

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) affects both wildlife sustainability and human wellbeing. Current strategies for human-wildlife conflict are often fragmented and predominantly conservation-focused, lacking the necessary coordination and support from other impacted sectors. This study aims to explore the global research landscape on HWC through bibliometric analysis, using the Scopus database as the primary source and VOSviewer software for data analysis. A total of 4,822 articles were found in the study of human-wildlife conflict. This study has been researched by a total of 4,065 authors widely distributed all over the world, with most of the studies from the United States of America. This study also analyzed four type of clusters which are: a) Human-wildlife management, b) Human-animal physiology, c) Human-carnivore conflict, and d) Conservation and policy. The interest in HWC research has notably increased, with publications covering 24 subject categories in the Scopus Database. Most of these publications are found in Environmental Science, followed by Agricultural and Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences. This study highlights several gaps such as the lack of study in the social dimensions on HWC, lacking in the strategies towards human-wildlife co-existence, and policy gap between regional. This research contributes to community awareness and conservation initiatives, providing essential data and insights for policy-making towards the human-wildlife co-existence. This study emphasizes the involvement of various stakeholders—from local communities to governments and NGOs—assists in crafting comprehensive and inclusive policies.
Ecological restoration in high-altitude mining areas: evaluation soil reconstruction and vegetation recovery in the Jiangcang coal mining area on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Feng Shaohua , Li Zhiwei , Zhang Ce , Qi Ran , Yang Liya
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study evaluates the effectiveness of soil reconstruction and restoration in the Jiangcang coal mining area on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where harsh environmental conditions pose significant challenges to ecological restoration.

Methods

Two phases of ecological restoration were implemented, with outcomes assessed based on vegetation coverage, species diversity, biomass, soil properties, and community similarity.

Results

The results demonstrate that soil reconstruction significantly improved soil fertility, vegetation coverage, and community stability without noticeable degradation over time. The use of sheep manure increased species diversity by introducing native seeds, addressing the shortage of suitable grass species in alpine areas. Comparatively, the second phase of restoration, which included soil reconstruction, has elevated the vegetation coverage to 80%, matching natural background levels, and has also demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of soil stability, nutrient content, and other aspects compared to traditional methods. While aboveground biomass showed rapid recovery, belowground biomass lagged, indicating a need for longer-term restoration. Restored slopes exhibited higher similarity to natural alpine meadows compared to platforms, suggesting the dominance of the artificially seeded species on the platform areas hinders the reproduction of other species, which is unfavorable for the evolution of vegetation diversity.

Discussion

This study emphasizes the effectiveness of soil reconstruction, organic amendment, and other restoration measures, providing important experience and reference for mine ecological restoration in similar high-altitude mining areas.
NLRP3 deficiency aggravated DNFB-induced chronic itch by enhancing type 2 immunity IL-4/TSLP-TRPA1 axis in mice
Authors: Huang Si-Ting , Chen Zuo-Ming , Peng Zhe , Wang Yu , Yang Fan , Tang Yang , Li Zi , Wan Li
Published: January 2025

Background

The nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) has been implicated in various skin diseases. However, its role in mediating 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced chronic itch remains unclear.

Methods

Widetype (WT) and Nlrp3 deletion (Nlrp3-/-)mice, the expression of transient receptor potential (TRP) ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) inhibitor or recombinant mice interleukin-18 (IL-18) were used to establish and evaluate the severity of DNFB-mediated chronic itch. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry staining, immunofluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, type 2 immunity and receptors in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons related with chronic itch. Flow cytometry was performed to quantify the frequency of type 2 immune cells.

Results

This study revealed that the NLRP3 inflammasome was activated in the skin of DNFB-induced chronic itch mice. Surprisingly, the absence of Nlrp3 exacerbated itch behavior. In Nlrp3-/- mice, IL-18 expression was downregulated, whereas markers of type 2 immunity, such as IL-4 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), were significantly upregulated in the skin. Furthermore, TRPA1 and its colocalization with the IL-4 receptor were increased in the DRG. Inhibition of TRPA1 or administration of recombinant IL-18 significantly reduced DNFB-induced itch behavior in Nlrp3-/- mice. Recombinant IL-18 also decreased the expression of TRPA1, IL-4, and TSLP.

Discussion

These findings suggested that the absence of Nlrp3 aggravated DNFB-induced chronic itch by exacerbating type 2 immunity in the skin and enhancing the IL-4/TSLP-TRPA1 axis, potentially driven by reduced IL-18 levels.
Nationwide multi-centric prospective study for the identification of biomarkers to predict the treatment responses of nivolumab through comprehensive analyses of pretreatment plasma exosome mRNAs from head and neck cancer patients (BIONEXT study)
Authors: Sato Kuniaki , Toh Satoshi , Murakami Taku , Nakano Takafumi , Hongo Takahiro , Matsuo Mioko , Hashimoto Kazuki , Sugasawa Masashi , Yamazaki Keisuke , Ueki Yushi , Nakashima Torahiko , Uryu Hideoki , Ono Takeharu , Umeno Hirohito , Ueda Tsutomu , Kano Satoshi , Tsukahara Kiyoaki , Watanabe Akihito , Ota Ichiro , Monden Nobuya , Iwae Shigemichi , Maruo Takashi , Asada Yukinori , Hanai Nobuhiro , Sano Daisuke , Ozawa Hiroyuki , Asakage Takahiro , Fukusumi Takahito , Masuda Muneyuki
Published: January 2025

Background

Nivolumab paved a new way in the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic (RM) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RM-HNSCC). However, the limited rates of long-term survivors (< 20%) demand a robust prognostic biomarker. This nationwide multi-centric prospective study aimed to identify a plasma exosome (PEX) mRNA signature, which serves as a companion diagnostic of nivolumab and provides a biological clue to develop effective therapies for a majority of non-survivors.

Methods

Pre-treatment plasmas (N = 104) of RM-HNSCC patients were subjected to comprehensive PEX mRNA analyses for prognostic marker discovery and validation. In parallel, paired treatment-naïve tumor and plasma samples (N = 20) were assayed to elucidate biological implications of the PEX mRNA signature.

Results

Assays for pre-treatment blood samples (N = 104) demonstrated that a combination of 6 candidate PEX mRNAs plus neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio precisely distinguished non-survivors from >2-year survivors (2-year OS; 0% vs 57.7%; P = 0.000124) with a high hazard ratio of 2.878 (95% CI 1.639-5.055; P = 0.0002348). Parallel biological assays demonstrated that in the paired treatment-naïve HNSCC tumor and plasma samples (N = 20), PEX HLA-E mRNA (a non-survivor-predicting marker) was positively corelated with overexpression of HLA-E protein (P = 0.0191) and the dense population of tumor-infiltrating NK cells (P = 0.024) in the corresponding tumor, suggesting that the HLA-E-NKG2A immune checkpoint may inhibit the antitumor effect of PD-1blockade.

Conclusion

The PEX mRNA signature could be useful as a companion diagnostic of nivolumab. The combination of an anti-NKG2A antibody (i.e., monalizumab) and nivolumab may serve as a treatment option for non-survivors predicted by a RT-qPCR-based pre-treatment measurement of PEX mRNAs.
Preparation and application of a Brucella multiepitope fusion protein based on bioinformatics and Tandem Mass Tag-based proteomics technology
Authors: Wu Qi , Yuan Yuan , Guo Liping , Xie Yujia , Yao Meixue , Yin Dehui
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease that poses a considerable challenge to global public health. Existing diagnostic methods for this condition, such as serological assays and bacterial culture, encounter difficulties due to their limited specificity and high operational complexity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of enhanced diagnostic approaches for brucellosis.

Methods

Tandem mass tag (TMT) proteomic analysis was conducted on the wild-type strain Brucella abortus (B. abortus) DT21 and the vaccine strain B. abortus A19 to identify proteins with high expression levels. The proteins that exhibited high expression in the wild-type strain were selected based on the proteomic results. Subsequently, B-cell linear epitopes were predicted using multiple computational tools, including ABCpred, SVMTriP, BCPred, and Bepipred Linear Epitope Prediction 2.0. These epitopes were concatenated to construct a multiepitope fusion protein. Following prokaryotic expression and purification, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) was developed. A total of 100 positive serum samples, 96 negative serum samples, and 40 serum samples from patients infected with other pathogens were collected and analyzed using the established iELISA. Furthermore, the protein was assessed for its capability to differentiate human brucellosis from lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Results

Proteomic analysis revealed the presence of 152 proteins with high expression levels in the wild-type strains. A multiepitope fusion protein, comprising a total of 32 predicted B-cell linear epitopes, was successfully prepared. The results from the iELISA indicated that the multiepitope fusion protein exhibited exceptional diagnostic performance, evidenced by an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.9576, a sensitivity of 0.9300, and a specificity of 0.8542. In comparison to the commonly utilized LPS antigen, the fusion protein demonstrated a reduced level of cross-reactivity.

Conclusions

A novel multiepitope fusion protein has been successfully developed utilizing bioinformatics and TMT proteomics technology. This fusion protein demonstrates significant potential as a diagnostic antigen for brucellosis, exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity.
The lexical boost effect is stronger in main clauses than in subordinate clauses
Authors: van Lieburg Rianne , Bernolet Sarah
Published: January 2025

Structural priming effects are stronger if there is lexical overlap between prime and target, the so-called lexical boost effect to structural priming. While abstract structural priming is long-lasting and seems to reflect implicit learning, the lexical boost effect decays quickly and might be induced by residual activation or explicit memory. A recent study only found a lexical boost effect in ditransitive structures in subordinate clauses when the head verb in the subordinate clause rather than the matrix head verb was repeated between prime and target. We report an experiment in which the lexical boost effect is weaker in subordinate clauses than in main clauses when repeating the head verb. Our findings suggest that the lexical boost effect caused by repeating head verbs can be disrupted due to an increased amount of interfering material.