bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paneth cells in farm animals: current status and future direction
Authors: Cui Chenbin , Li Lindeng , Wu Lin , Wang Xinru , Zheng Yao , Wang Fangke , Wei Hongkui , Peng Jian
Published: August 2023

A healthy intestine plays an important role in the growth and development of farm animals. In small intestine, Paneth cells are well known for their regulation of intestinal microbiota and intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Although there has been a lot of studies and reviews on human and murine Paneth cells under intestinal homeostasis or disorders, little is known about Paneth cells in farm animals. Most farm animals possess Paneth cells in their small intestine, as identified by various staining methods, and Paneth cells of various livestock species exhibit noticeable differences in cell shape, granule number, and intestinal distribution. Paneth cells in farm animals and their antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are susceptible to multiple factors such as dietary nutrients and intestinal infection. Thus, the comprehensive understanding of Paneth cells in different livestock species will contribute to the improvement of intestinal health. This review first summarizes the current status of Paneth cells in pig, cattle, sheep, horse, chicken and rabbit, and points out future directions for the investigation of Paneth cells in the reviewed animals.
A novel strategy for screening mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene of Aedes albopictus based on multiplex PCR-mass spectrometry minisequencing technology
Authors: Mu Qunzheng , Zhao Xin , Li Fengfeng , Li Wenyu , Zhou Xinxin , Lun Xinchang , Wang Yiguan , Hua Dongdong , Liu Qiyong , Xiao Di , Meng Fengxia
Published: August 2023

Background

The current prevention and control strategy for Aedes albopictus heavily relies on comprehensive management, such as environmental management and chemical control. However, the wide application of pyrethroids has facilitated the development of insecticide resistance, primarily via mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene. This study aims to develop a novel strategy for detecting mutations in the VGSC gene in Ae. albopictus using multiplex PCR-mass spectrometry (MPCR-MS) minisequencing technology.

Methods

We established a new strategy for detecting mutations in the VGSC gene in Ae. albopictus using MPCR-MS minisequencing technology. MPCR amplification and mass probe extension (MPE) were first used, followed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing mass spectrometry, which allows the simultaneous detection of multiple mutation sites of the VGSC gene in 96 samples of Ae. albopictus. A total of 70 wild-collected Ae. albopictus were used to evaluate the performance of the method by comparing it with other methods.

Results

Three target sites (1016, 1532, 1534) in the VGSC gene can be detected simultaneously by double PCR amplification combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry, achieving a detection limit of 20 fg/μl. We applied this method to 70 wild-collected Ae. albopictus, and the obtained genotypes were consistent with the routine sequencing results, suggesting the accuracy of our method.

Conclusions

MPCR-MS minisequencing technology provides a sensitive and high-throughput approach to Ae. albopictus VGSC gene mutation screening. Compared with conventional sequencing, this method is economical and time-saving. It is of great value for insecticide resistance surveillance in areas with a high risk of vector-borne disease.

Graphical Abstract
Urban sprawl analysis of Akhmim city (Egypt) and its risk to buried heritage sites: insights from geochemistry and geospatial analysis
Authors: Hagage Mohammed , Madani Ahmed A. , Aboelyamin Ahmed , Elbeih Salwa F.
Published: August 2023

The present study employs a multidisciplinary approach to highlight the risks of urban expansion on buried cultural heritage sites. The buried temple of Ramses II in Akhmim city was chosen as a case study to assess the impact of urban expansion on its preservation. Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification was utilized to analyze satellite images from multiple sensors and evaluate the extent of urban growth surrounding the temple. The study also incorporated petrographic and mineralogical analyses of statues discovered in the temple, along with calculations of saturation indices, to assess the potential interactions between groundwater and archaeological materials. The findings indicate that urban development is encroaching upon the temple, posing potential risks to its preservation. Saturation indices for minerals in groundwater indicate a high tendency to dissolve dolomite (a common mineral in limestone) and to precipitate halite (sodium chloride). This is a concern because the artifacts unearthed from the temple are primarily composed of limestone. Consequently, there is a risk to the artifacts due to erosion and disintegration caused by mineral crystallization and expansion, as evidenced by the analysis of the rock and mineral characteristics of the statues discovered in the temple. The study proposes protective measures for the temple, including defining its dimensions beneath the urban area and establishing a dedicated protection zone around it.
Co-creation of a complex, multicomponent rehabilitation intervention and feasibility trial protocol for the PostUraL tachycardia Syndrome Exercise (PULSE) study
Authors: Pearce Gemma , Holliday Nikki , Sandhu Harbinder , Eftekhari Helen , Bruce Julie , Timms Emma , Ablett Laura , Kavi Lesley , Simmonds Jane , Evans Rebecca , Magee Paul , Powell Richard , Keogh Shane , McGregor Gordon
Published: August 2023

Background

There is a dearth of research to support the treatment of people with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). Despite expert consensus suggesting exercise is recommended for this patient group, there are no randomised control trials examining this rigorously. The aim was to co-create a feasibility trial protocol and a rehabilitation intervention for people living with PoTS.

Methods

The intervention and feasibility trial design were co-created as part of the PostUraL tachycardia Syndrome Exercise (PULSE) study. We used the ‘three co’s framework’ of co-define, co-design and co-refine. Recruitment included key national charities and National Health Service Trusts treating people living with PoTS in the UK. Eighteen patient and public involvement members attended the co-define session, and 16 co-creators with a mix of expertise attended the subsequent co-design and co-refine sessions. Seven intervention practitioners were trained in the rehabilitation intervention, providing feedback for further co-refinement.

Results

The final co-created intervention comprises online physical activity, and lifestyle and behaviour change support sessions. It is based on functional movement activities using a patient-centred approach tailored to individual needs. Physical activity intensity is guided by individuals’ perception of effort rather than by objective measures. Recumbent bikes are provided for home use. Patients deemed randomisation to be acceptable because research in this area was considered important.

Conclusions

An innovative approach was used to co-create the PULSE intervention and feasibility trial protocol to meet the evidence-based and logistical needs of people living with PoTS, clinicians, service deliverers, third-sector organisations, academics and funders. This can be used as a successful example and template for future research internationally. People living with PoTS were recognised as experts and involved in every aspect of conceptualisation, design and refinement. This complex rehabilitation intervention is currently being tested in a randomised feasibility trial comparing the PULSE intervention with best-practice usual care for people living with PoTS.

Trial registration

ISRCTN45323485 was registered on April 7, 2020.
Challenges and opportunities for spoken English learning and instruction brought by automated speech scoring in large-scale speaking tests: a mixed-method investigation into the washback of SpeechRater in TOEFL iBT
Authors: Gong Kaixuan
Published: August 2023

The extensive use of automated speech scoring in large-scale speaking assessment can be revolutionary not only to test design and rating, but also to the learning and instruction of speaking based on how students and teachers perceive and react to this technology. However, its washback remained underexplored. This mixed-method study aimed to investigate the washback of TOEFL iBT Speaking’s SpeechRater on Chinese EFL learners through questionnaire and interviews, and explore its associations with test performance and its multi-levelled influential factors. The participants received a mixture of positive and negative washback, such as their motivated individual learning through personal devices, decreasing real-life communicative practices, and increasing exam-driven behaviours. Test takers’ personal understandings of automated speech scoring were found directly influential to the washback of SpeechRater that they experienced. Furthermore, their test scores of TOEFL iBT Speaking were positively correlated with the implicit washback of SpeechRater on their learning but uncorrelated with its explicit washback on their test preparation. The findings have been drawn on to propose a washback model of automated speech scoring and make suggestions to test designers, teachers and learners on how to boost its positive washback and mitigate its negative washback. This research has concluded the importance of test takers’ awareness of the integrated dimensions to evaluate spoken English in real-life use. Accordingly, instructional implications are discussed on how teachers can guide the students to utilize automated speech scoring in learning and set up comprehensive learning goals for spoken English.
Short-term blood pressure variability as a potential therapeutic target for kidney disease
Authors: Ko Ye Eun , Jhee Jong Hyun
Published: August 2023

Short-term blood pressure variability (BPV) measured with ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring has been demonstrated to be significant in predicting various clinical outcomes. Short-term BPV is distinguished from long-term BPV based on the time interval in which BP fluctuations are measured. Increased short-term BPV has been linked to detrimental effects on the microvascular structure and contributes to subclinical organ damage in the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys, regardless of the average 24-h BP levels. Short-term BPV can be defined by various measures, including calculated metrics (standard deviation, coefficient of variation, average real variability, weighted standard deviation, variability independent of the mean) or dipping patterns. Nevertheless, the additional role of short-term BPV beyond the predictive value of average 24-h BPs or established risk factors for cardiovascular disease and kidney disease remains unclear. In particular, longitudinal studies that evaluate the association between short-term BPV and kidney function impairment are limited and no conclusive data exist regarding which short-term BPV indicators most accurately reflect the prognosis of kidney disease. The issue of how to treat BPV in clinical practice is another concern that is frequently raised. This paper presents a review of the evidence for the prognostic role of short-term BPV in kidney outcomes. Additionally, this review discusses the remaining concerns about short-term BPV that need to be further investigated as an independent risk modifier.
Community members’ experiences training as medical journal reviewers
Authors: Collins Cyleste C. , Hood Erika , Jewett-Tennant Jeri , Stange Kurt , Sehgal Ashwini R.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Although medical research dissemination is intended to benefit members of society, few members of society actually participate in the process of publishing findings. This study shares findings from community members’ (including patients and the public) experiences being trained as medical journal reviewers.

Methods

We analyzed findings from two focus group interviews of community reviewers (N = 29) to identify themes in their experiences with the training program.

Results

Community members trained as journal reviewers appreciated learning the context under which manuscript development and review occur from authors and funders, the value of the community member perspectives to science, and strengthened their critical thinking skills. A range of training tools and strategies included glossaries of research terms, creating review guides, practicing reviews, being trained by a supportive team, and working with and learning collaboratively.

Conclusions

Training as a journal reviewer has a positive impact on participating community members. Programs training community members as journal reviewers should incorporate guest speakers well-versed in community engaged research, group activities, a variety of training tools and materials, and highly supportive training teams.
Post-pneumonectomy surgery in prone position: a case report
Authors: Swamy Vijay N. , Nair Pooja Surendran , Krishna Bhavya , Agrawal Nidhi
Published: August 2023

Background

Anesthesia in post-pneumonectomy patients is challenging as pneumonectomy is considered “a disease itself” with impaired oxygenation and ventilation. Literary data for prone ventilation in post-pneumonectomy patients is scarce.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old female patient with a history of right-sided pneumonectomy 10 years ago with restrictive pulmonary disease underwent uneventful lumbar spine surgery under general anesthesia in the prone position. The lung-protective ventilation using the pressure control mode of ventilation was done.

Conclusions

A good understanding of the physiology of the single lung and the concerns of prone ventilation, along with proper preoperative evaluation and optimization, are key to the successful management of such cases.
The use of fuzzy linear regression for the selection of the most appropriate fuzzy implication in a fly ash-based concrete model
Authors: Gkountakou Fani , Papadopoulos Basil
Published: August 2023

In this research, fuzzy linear regression (FLR) method combined with three well-known fuzzy implications was implemented for evaluating the relation among the amount of fly ash in concrete mixture and the compressive strength of concrete. More specifically, 267 experimental data 40 of which were used for testing the validation of the process were subjected to FLR method for calculating the truth values, which indicated the degree of how the experimental outputs belong to the predicted ones. Also, the degree of fuzziness was calculated for performing the sensitivity analysis of the model. The truth values that emerged were used for applying three basic fuzzy implications such as Lukasiewicz, Reinchenbach, and Kleene-Dienes implication. By evaluating and comparing the results of every fuzzy implication, it was concluded that Lukasiewicz was the most appropriate implication method as it yielded the smallest deviation of truth values (σ = 4.00) in contrast to the theoretical ones (σ = 4.83 in Reinchenbach and σ = 12.31 in Kleene-Dienes fuzzy implication). The accuracy of the FLR method was also validated for calculating the coefficient of the mean absolute percentage error level (MAPE = 5.56%) of the blind prediction process, and the results revealed that the application of fuzzy linear regression method is suitable for evaluating the truth values of experimental data in order to be used in fuzzy implications. Thus, it is a satisfactory procedure for making inferences between concrete parameters.
Medical Assistance in Dying in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Thabet Chloe , Wheatley-Price Paul , Moore Sara
Published: August 2023

Medical assistance in dying in patients with cancer: highlighting the need for collaboration between MAiD providers and cancer specialists to ensure patient-centered and goal-directed end-of-life care.
Roadmap for Successful Research Training in Neurosurgery
Authors: Hayden Gephart Melanie , Holly Langston T. , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Zipfel Gregory J. , Mack William J. , Tennekoon Michael , Korn Stephen
Published: August 2023

A benchmark of success for the neurosurgeon-scientist includes obtaining individual research funding from the National Institutes of Health. Successful roadmaps to this goal highlight individual commitment and resiliency, innovative research goals, intentional mentoring, protected research time, and financial support. Neurosurgery residents must carefully plan their training career to surmount obstacles such as long clinical training period, gaps in research productivity during clinical training, and limited protected time for research to ensure successful transition to independent research careers. To maximize potential for success as a neurosurgeon-scientist, individuals should have strong research experience on entering residency, choose residency programs that enthusiastically commit to research success among its residents, choose research mentors who will guide them expertly toward a research career, and become well-prepared to apply for research funding during residency. Moreover, individuals who wish to become leaders as neurosurgeon-researchers should seek environments that provide exposure to the widest range of experiences, perspectives, and thinking about medical and research problems.
Intratumoral Hemorrhage in Vestibular Schwannomas After Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Multi-Institutional Study
Authors: Bin-Alamer Othman , Abou-Al-Shaar Hussam , Mallela Arka N. , Kallos Justiss A. , Deng Hansen , Nabeel Ahmed M. , Reda Wael A. , Tawadros Sameh R. , Abdelkarim Khaled , El-Shehaby Amr M. N. , Emad Reem M. , Peker Selcuk , Samanci Yavuz , Lee Cheng-chia , Yang Huai-che , Mathieu David , Tripathi Manjul , Mantziaris Georgios , Mullapudi Abhishek , Urgosik Dusan , Liscak Roman , Bowden Greg N. , Zaki Peter , Wegner Rodney E. , Shepard Matthew J. , Sheehan Jason P. , Niranjan Ajay , Hadjipanayis Constantinos G. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Intratumoral hemorrhage (ITH) in vestibular schwannoma (VS) after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is exceedingly rare. The aim of this study was to define its incidence and describe its management and outcomes in this subset of patients.

METHODS:

A retrospective multi-institutional study was conducted, screening 9565 patients with VS managed with SRS at 10 centers affiliated with the International Radiosurgery Research Foundation.

RESULTS:

A total of 25 patients developed ITH (cumulative incidence of 0.26%) after SRS management, with a median ITH size of 1.2 cm3. Most of the patients had Koos grade II-IV VS, and the median age was 62 years. After ITH development, 21 patients were observed, 2 had urgent surgical intervention, and 2 were initially observed and had late resection because of delayed hemorrhagic expansion and/or clinical deterioration. The histopathology of the resected tumors showed typical, benign VS histology without sclerosis, along with chronic inflammatory cells and multiple fragments of hemorrhage. At the last follow-up, 17 patients improved and 8 remained clinically stable.

CONCLUSION:

ITH after SRS for VS is extremely rare but has various clinical manifestations and severity. The management paradigm should be individualized based on patient-specific factors, rapidity of clinical and/or radiographic progression, ITH expansion, and overall patient condition.
Performance of ChatGPT and GPT-4 on Neurosurgery Written Board Examinations
Authors: Ali Rohaid , Tang Oliver Y. , Connolly Ian D. , Zadnik Sullivan Patricia L. , Shin John H. , Fridley Jared S. , Asaad Wael F. , Cielo Deus , Oyelese Adetokunbo A. , Doberstein Curtis E. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Telfeian Albert E.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Interest surrounding generative large language models (LLMs) has rapidly grown. Although ChatGPT (GPT-3.5), a general LLM, has shown near-passing performance on medical student board examinations, the performance of ChatGPT or its successor GPT-4 on specialized examinations and the factors affecting accuracy remain unclear. This study aims to assess the performance of ChatGPT and GPT-4 on a 500-question mock neurosurgical written board examination.

METHODS:

The Self-Assessment Neurosurgery Examinations (SANS) American Board of Neurological Surgery Self-Assessment Examination 1 was used to evaluate ChatGPT and GPT-4. Questions were in single best answer, multiple-choice format. χ2, Fisher exact, and univariable logistic regression tests were used to assess performance differences in relation to question characteristics.

RESULTS:

ChatGPT (GPT-3.5) and GPT-4 achieved scores of 73.4% (95% CI: 69.3%-77.2%) and 83.4% (95% CI: 79.8%-86.5%), respectively, relative to the user average of 72.8% (95% CI: 68.6%-76.6%). Both LLMs exceeded last year's passing threshold of 69%. Although scores between ChatGPT and question bank users were equivalent (P = .963), GPT-4 outperformed both (both P < .001). GPT-4 answered every question answered correctly by ChatGPT and 37.6% (50/133) of remaining incorrect questions correctly. Among 12 question categories, GPT-4 significantly outperformed users in each but performed comparably with ChatGPT in 3 (functional, other general, and spine) and outperformed both users and ChatGPT for tumor questions. Increased word count (odds ratio = 0.89 of answering a question correctly per +10 words) and higher-order problem-solving (odds ratio = 0.40, P = .009) were associated with lower accuracy for ChatGPT, but not for GPT-4 (both P > .005). Multimodal input was not available at the time of this study; hence, on questions with image content, ChatGPT and GPT-4 answered 49.5% and 56.8% of questions correctly based on contextual context clues alone.

CONCLUSION:

LLMs achieved passing scores on a mock 500-question neurosurgical written board examination, with GPT-4 significantly outperforming ChatGPT.
Double-Interposition Bypass: Technical Case Report of a Novel Intraoperative Bypass Salvage Technique
Authors: Graffeo Christopher S. , Srinivasan Visish M. , Winkler Ethan A. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Complex cerebrovascular bypass operations may confer an increased risk of intraoperative complications, such as graft thrombosis. Novel techniques are needed to optimize the management of these challenging cases.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A woman in her late 20s was incidentally diagnosed with a 1.5-cm basilar apex aneurysm, which grew to 3.5 cm over 2 years of active surveillance. Definitive treatment was then recommended with flow reversal and Hunterian ligation of the basilar trunk planned as a radial artery graft (RAG) bypass: M2 (S-Ec) RAG (E-Sc*) P2. Intraoperative graft thrombosis prompted multiple attempted salvage maneuvers; however, complete excision and repeat anastomosis were ultimately required. The procedure was completed using a novel double-interposition technique, with ligation of the index RAG approximately 1 cm proximal to the distal anastomosis (final bypass: M2 [S-Ec*] RAG [E-Ec*] RAG' [E-Sc] P2). These technical modifications yielded a less deep recipient site for the repeat bypass and an end-to-end anastomosis rather than an end-to-side anastomosis, collectively facilitating a more efficient and facile salvage. The patient recovered well from surgery, and flow reversal was successfully achieved within the aneurysm.

CONCLUSION:

Despite the increased risk of intraoperative thrombosis with complex cerebrovascular bypass operations, facility with salvage techniques can lead to technically and clinically excellent outcomes. We report the successful use of a novel fourth-generation double-interposition bypass that shortens the working distance and uses a more favorable anastomosis technique. This bypass may facilitate safe and efficient microsurgery in patients who require complete revision of an intracranial-intracranial construct.
The role of metabolism in cellular quiescence
Authors: Du Yipeng , Gupta Parul , Qin Shenlu , Sieber Matthew
Published: August 2023

Cellular quiescence is a dormant, non-dividing cell state characterized by significant shifts in physiology and metabolism. Quiescence plays essential roles in a wide variety of biological processes, ranging from microbial sporulation to human reproduction and wound repair. Moreover, when the regulation of quiescence is disrupted, it can drive cancer growth and compromise tissue regeneration after injury. In this Review, we examine the dynamic changes in metabolism that drive and support dormant and transiently quiescent cells, including spores, oocytes and adult stem cells. We begin by defining quiescent cells and discussing their roles in key biological processes. We then examine metabolic factors that influence cellular quiescence in both healthy and disease contexts, and how these could be leveraged in the treatment of cancer.
Gender equality and leadership in radiation oncology research: a plea to women to come forward
Authors: Faivre-Finn Corinne
Published: August 2023

This commentary paper describes a glass ceiling in the field of academia and specifically in radiation oncology research. Evidence from the literature and personal views are presented describing some of the issues leading to underrepresentation of women in academic leadership roles. The values and drivers for women in academia are discussed. Finally, a plea is made to women to come forward and consider leadership position and to academic institutions and funders of research to reconsider the traditional metrics of academic success.
Optimized infrared photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (IR-PAR-CLIP) protocol identifies novel IGF2BP3-interacting RNAs in colon cancer cells
Authors: Anisimova Aleksandra S. , Karagöz G. Elif
Published: August 2023

The conserved family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), IGF2BPs, plays an essential role in posttranscriptional regulation controlling mRNA stability, localization, and translation. Mammalian cells express three isoforms of IGF2BPs: IGF2BP1-3. IGF2BP3 is highly overexpressed in cancer cells, and its expression correlates with a poor prognosis in various tumors. Therefore, revealing its target RNAs with high specificity in healthy tissues and in cancer cells is of crucial importance. Photoactivatable-ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP) identifies the binding sites of RBPs on their target RNAs at nucleotide resolution in a transcriptome-wide manner. Here, we optimized the PAR-CLIP protocol to study RNA targets of endogenous IGF2BP3 in a human colorectal carcinoma cell line. To this end, we first established an immunoprecipitation protocol to obtain highly pure endogenous IGF2BP3–RNA complexes. Second, we modified the protocol to use highly sensitive infrared (IR) fluorescent dyes instead of radioactive probes to visualize IGF2BP3-crosslinked RNAs. We named the modified method “IR-PAR-CLIP.” Third, we compared RNase cleavage conditions and found that sequence preferences of the RNases impact the number of the identified IGF2BP3 targets and introduce a systematic bias in the identified RNA motifs. Fourth, we adapted the single adapter circular ligation approach to increase the efficiency in library preparation. The optimized IR-PAR-CLIP protocol revealed novel RNA targets of IGF2BP3 in a human colorectal carcinoma cell line. We anticipate that our IR-PAR-CLIP approach provides a framework for studies of other RBPs.
Efficacy of an external cold and vibrating device in reducing discomfort during the administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block in children: A split-mouth randomised crossover study
Authors: H Ananthu , Rao Ashwin , Natarajan Srikant , Yarmunja Mahabala Karuna , Nayak Anupama
Published: August 2023

Background: Local anaesthesia is the backbone of pain management. However, the administration of a local anaesthetic injection itself is considered a painful procedure and triggers fear and anxiety in the patient.

Methods: A split-mouth randomised controlled crossover trial was designed to study the efficacy of an “external cold and vibrating” device in reducing discomfort during the administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in children. A total of 40 children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were evaluated for pain response following administration of IANB with and without the “external cold and vibrating” device. Randomisation was performed to determine whether the subject received the control intervention first or the test intervention first. The intensity of the pain response and discomfort were recorded using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and the Faces Legs Activity Cry and Consolability scale.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the pain response between the test group and the control group (p<0.001). Females reported a higher pain response than males, with a statistically significant difference, when the FLACC scores were compared.

Conclusions: The “external cold and vibrating” device reduced discomfort during the administration of an IANB in children selected for the study.
use of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - review
Authors: Womperski Karol , Bogacz Rafał , Gaik Magdalena , Magda Inga , Woźniak Justyna , Uram Ewa , Osuch Magdalena
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common health issue of complex etiology significantly deteriorating functioning in everyday life. It may develop as a result of exposure to traumatic events like traffic accidents, war experience, sexual abuse and domestic violence. Current methods of treatment consist of trauma-oriented psychotherapy supported by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Their efficacy is far from satisfactory thus a search for alternative methods is necessary. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) commonly known as “ecstasy” seems to have promising results in the treatment of PTSD.
Aim of study: Review of current knowledge about MDMA-assisted therapy in PTSD, its possible mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety.
Methods and materials: A review of chosen literature from in PubMed database, GoogleScholar database in the years 2000-2023 was conducted using the following keywords:“PTSD epidemiology”, “PTSD pathophysiology”, “PTSD neural activity”, “PTSD brain activity”, “MDMA PTSD”, “MDMA brain activity”, “MDMA neural activity”, “MDMA neurotoxicity”, “MDMA PTSD therapy”, “MDMA safety”, “MDMA caffeine”
Results: MDMA-assisted therapy has promising effects in PTSD treatment and its safety profile is satisfactory. The improvement in symptoms occurs most likely due to its modulating activity on brain structures responsible for threat detection and emotion processing.Conclusions: Further research is necessary to assess MDMA-assisted therapy in PTSD, especially direct comparison of its efficacy versus first-line treatment SSRIs and assessment of its long-term-safety.
Intoxication-related teenagers' suicide attempts - an analysis of the issue
Authors: Sosnowska Weronika , Brzozowska Aleksandra , Tchórz Michał , Tomczyk Jakub , Więcław Kacper , Stańko Katarzyna
Published: August 2023

Introduction and Aim:  Adolescent suicide attempts are a significant clinical and social issue. Often, young people resort to medications, alcohol, or psychoactive substances in their suicide attempts. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors contributing to suicidal behaviors and the characteristics of substances used by adolescents for suicidal purposes.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, medical documentation analysis was used. The study included the medical records of 45 individuals up to 18 years of age who were admitted to the Clinical Toxicology-Cardiology Department due to poisoning for the purpose of suicide in the year 2022.Results: The study group consisted of 45 individuals aged 15 to 18 years. Suicide attempts accounted for 37.5% of toxicology hospitalizations in the under 18 age group. The dominant group consisted of females (82.2%) and urban residents (62.2%). Those hospitalized following a suicide attempt primarily used medications, often over-the-counter analgesics. The majority (71.1%) suffered from mental disorders, predominantly depressive disorders (81.2%).Conclusions: Among suicide attempts involving intoxication, those utilizing medications are dominant. A concerning phenomenon is the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, commonly considered safe. Girls are particularly vulnerable to emotional difficulties that can lead to suicide. Mental disorders pose a suicidal risk, and patients with such disorders have access to psychiatric medications that can become tools for self-harm.
Intraoperative imagining in breast cancer surgery
Authors: Bigdoń Anna , Ćwiek Maciej , Gorczyca Przemysław , Góra Mateusz , Hunek Adrian , Kozłowska Martyna , Kreft Rafał , Sydor Patryk , Wartacz Marcel , Woźniak Aleksander
Published: August 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the female population. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in this population. The current technique of nuclear medicine combined with oncological surgery requires the improvement of known imaging methods.

In addition to generally available methods, such as MRI, CT, PET or mammography, scientists try to modify the diagnostic process and treatment of the patient in such a way that it is as effective and the least harmful as possible.

Breast cancer surgery is experiencing an infamous boom due to the increase in diagnoses, but looking at the positive side, it is also experiencing an amazing development: clinical and technological.

Increasingly, surgeons are accompanied by nuclear medicine, which precisely defines the methods of excision of breast tumors with a margin, while giving  a satisfactory cosmetic effect, which is especially important for women.

Thanks to the development of these two fields, it is becoming easier to identify specific sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) that require resection during surgical treatment and to suggest postoperative treatment.

The progress of science and medicine has undoubtedly contributed to the development of methods of intraoperative imaging in breast cancer. Today, practically simultaneously in the conditions of the operating room, a multidisciplinary team can determine the area of resection faster and more accurately.

Based on the research, it was decided to compare several methods used in today's advanced breast cancer surgery, supported by nuclear medicine.
Kekuatan Budaya Lokal: Menjelajahi 3S (Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi, dan Sipakainge’) sebagai Simbol Kearifan Lokal
Authors: Nur Rezky Juniarsih , Wildan Dadan , Komariah Siti
Published: August 2023

Local wisdom is an important cultural heritage for a society in maintaining its cultural identity. One of these is the Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi, and Sipakainge culture, which consists of three indigenous wisdom ideas that are crucial to the way of life of the Makassar tribal people. This study employs a literature review research method for examining, analyzing, and synthesizing the body of previous literature on a given research issue. The literature review approach will be employed in this study to analyze the connections between sociology learning initiatives, including character development, and the Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi, and Sipakainge's local knowledge. Researchers have reviewed a total of 33 journals related to livelihood keywords such as "local wisdom 3S culture (Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi, and Sipakainge'), "character learning projects," "sociological learning," and other relevant combinations of keywords. Internalization of values Bugis-Makassar cultural values ​​in sociology learning can be linked to the learning project profile, which focuses on developing student character through learning more contextually and integrated with everyday life.
Wacana Stigmatisasi Perempuan Berpendidikan Tinggi yang Terefleksikan Melalui Media Sosial YouTube
Authors: Zulaikha Siti , Firmonasari Aprillia
Published: August 2023

Verbal stigmatization is part of the linguistic phenomenon. The effects of stigmatization can be felt in the near term and the future. However, stigmatization can negatively impact victims, so this phenomenon must be ended immediately. This study attempts to dissect the stigmatizing speech of highly educated women using Fairclough's AWK framework. The results of this study at the textual level found three types of speech: regulating, degrading, and cornering. The lingual form of stigmatization is found in the speech form ah, free, what, if, just, only, and only. In addition, it was also found that lingual expressions reflect stigmatization, namely in free speech “percuma dong” and “sayang banget”. The function of using the lingual form, based on the context of stigmatizing speech above, is to bring down mentally, influence negative thoughts, limit progress, and prohibit certain things. Furthermore, at the level of discursive practice from the five data above, there is an intertextuality between the discourse from the views of patriarchal and non-patriarchal societies. It shows that the stigmatization of highly educated women reflects patriarchal cultural thinking.
Smart Melon Farm System: Fertilizer IoT Solution
Authors: Kamyod Chayapol
Published: August 2023

Embedded systems are increasingly being employed for a wide range of applications. Small and large enterprises can benefit from sensor networks and Internet of Things technologies. Farmers, particularly the next generation of farmers, are tremendously interested in the smart farm system. This is due to Thailand’s favorable geography, and young farmers are becoming more technologically literate. However, smart farm systems on the market are still too expensive and don’t meet small farms’ needs. Consequently, the study proposed a low-cost irrigation and fertilizer system for high-quality melon farms in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The system can properly carry out irrigation and fertilization operations on the melon farm, which require specific attention at various stages of production. As a result, the technique reduces human work while simultaneously supplying adequate water and nutrients to the entire plant. Moreover, farmers with Internet access can manually monitor or supervise the operation at any time, from any location, and on any device. The developed system may gather information from sensors and operational procedures for further analysis in order to increase output and reduce waste. The system is affordable since it was constructed primarily using open-source software and low-cost embedded components with an ergonomic architecture. The results of the comparison show that the automatic method outperforms the human approach in terms of quality and production yield.
A Systematic Review of the Future of Education in Perspective of Block Chain
Authors: Siddiqui Shams Tabrez , Khan Haneef , Alam Md Imran , Upreti Kamal , Panwar Sarika , Hundekari Sheela
Published: August 2023

Blockchain is one of the most revolutionary technologies in the past decade due to its decentralisation, data integrity, reliability, and security. Blockchain technology is the next popular topic, and it has the potential to significantly alter the educational environment in many ways. Blockchain technology must be used in the education sector despite its challenges. Education is one of the sectors where blockchain-based solutions are still in use. Many academics possess extensive knowledge of the societal benefits blockchain technology might bring. The vast potential of blockchain can only be realised if education expands its knowledge of the technology.
The primary goal of this research is to identify current problems related to educational institutions and identify blockchain features that could assist in addressing them. This research article will provide an overview of existing activities and address several perspectives on how blockchain can revolutionize the education sector. In prolongation, this article investigates the categories of blockchain technology applications, especially in the field of education. An in-depth discussion on the benefits and impact that blockchain brings to education is explored. Further, deliberate the abundant challenges of adopting blockchain in education. This study will direct the organizations/institutions to decide which blockchain application will benefit the most based on their requisites. The analysis will also provide information about other educational fields that may benefit from blockchain technology.
Analysis of Data’s Privacy and Anonymity Aspects of Contact Tracing Apps via Smartphones – A Use Case of COVID-19
Authors: Akkineni Haritha , Myneni Madhu Bala , Padmaja Budi , Ravuri Ananda , Moorthy CH. V. K. N. S. N. , CMS Raviteja
Published: August 2023

Privacy and anonymity aspects are playing a vital role in accessing smartphone apps. This is more evident in unexpected epidemic situations like COVID-19 while working with contact tracing apps. A human connectivity model is essential to analyse the widespread cases of viruses and vaccination patterns during the timeframe of March 2020 to May 2021. Smartphone apps that are supported by technologies like IoT and blockchain have already proven effective in tracing the Ebola epidemic. Thus, this technology, coupled with privacy-preserving features, would help to discover clusters with infectious contacts and alert the respective authorities. Besides, this can also allow us to understand the human connectivity model and the effectiveness of vaccines, which can aid in developing a plan of action for future epidemics. Hence, this article focuses on the analysis of data collected from contact tracing apps and a number of affected cases. It includes a study on early solutions with existing technologies, an overview and analysis of existing COVID-19 apps with vulnerabilities, proposed solutions, and data analysis on privacy and anonymity aspects of smartphone apps using the ARIMA model. It is evaluated by correlating it with the usage of contact tracing apps. The results assured a positive correlation between the number of downloads and the number of cases. This infers that even though the Indian government released these contact tracing apps, it all depends on the citizens to utilise them to their fullest. As a policy suggestion, it is stated that regardless of the prevalence of contact tracing apps, people must follow the rules and regulations suggested by the local health authorities and maintain social distancing in public places.
Kitchen Table Politics: Bannock and Métis Common Sense in an Era of Nascent Recognition Politics
Authors: Allard Dane
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Bannock, a simple bread made of water, flour, and lard—fried or baked—is a staple of Indigenous diets across what is now called Canada. A pan-Indigenous symbol, bannock is a historically dynamic food grounded in both European and Indigenous origins. On both counts, it presents a paradox to the settler imagination, which clings to fixed definitions of Indigenous Peoplehood essentialized in precontact traditions. For Métis, however, bannock is no paradox. Neither its European origins nor its diverse forms and composition across time and place cause confusion. Rather, in oral history interviews Métis positioned bannock as a critical component that sustained a Métis identity through the twentieth century. Bannock offers important lessons for understanding the place of Métis within Canadian history and reveals how Métis mediated state interventions into Indigeneity in the 1980s. Tracing this historical trajectory, I suggest a useful inversion of Mark Rifkin's concept of settler common sense to focus on what I call a Métis common sense; that is, those aspects of a Métis livedness that were obvious for Métis. I follow other Métis writers who have proposed the kitchen table as a site of Métis identity survivance that functions as an alternative to public, androcentric expressions of Métis-ness legible to Canadian recognition politics. Métis interviewees negotiated with, and simultaneously rejected, essentialist assumptions of their Indigeneity. Interviewees understood bannock as a key marker of kinship sustained through female labor and activism within a matrilocal Métis Peoplehood.
Generation of GHz line-spacing tunable optical frequency combs using Talbot effects
Authors: Yan Juanjuan , Wang Yu , Zeng Hanlei
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the generation of GHz line-spacing tunable optical frequency combs (OFCs) was demonstrated using an electro-optical (EO) Talbot laser and a phase modulator. In the EO Talbot laser, the frequency shifting was realized with a dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator (DPMZM) working for carrier-suppressed single-sideband modulation. The PM was employed to achieve the spectral Talbot effect and compensate the phase introduced by the temporal Talbot effect in the laser loop. Arbitrary control of OFC line-spacing was realized using temporal and spectral Talbot effects. The principle of this OFC generator was theoretically modeled. In the experiments, the 2 GHz line spacing of an OFC was multiplied to be 4 GHz, 6 GHz, 8 GHz, and 10 GHz. The frequency spacing of the OFC can also be multiplied with a fractional factor of 3/4, 7/2, 8/5, and 10/7, which was confirmed by simulations.
AutoUnmix: an autoencoder-based spectral unmixing method for multi-color fluorescence microscopy imaging
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Sha Hao , Liu Shuai , Qin Peiwu , Zhang Yongbing
Published: August 2023

Multiplexed fluorescence microscopy imaging is widely used in biomedical applications. However, simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorophores can result in spectral leaks and overlapping, which greatly degrades image quality and subsequent analysis. Existing popular spectral unmixing methods are mainly based on computational intensive linear models, and the performance is heavily dependent on the reference spectra, which may greatly preclude its further applications. In this paper, we propose a deep learning-based blindly spectral unmixing method, termed AutoUnmix, to imitate the physical spectral mixing process. A transfer learning framework is further devised to allow our AutoUnmix to adapt to a variety of imaging systems without retraining the network. Our proposed method has demonstrated real-time unmixing capabilities, surpassing existing methods by up to 100-fold in terms of unmixing speed. We further validate the reconstruction performance on both synthetic datasets and biological samples. The unmixing results of AutoUnmix achieve the highest SSIM of 0.99 in both three- and four-color imaging, with nearly up to 20% higher than other popular unmixing methods. For experiments where spectral profiles and morphology are akin to simulated data, our method realizes the quantitative performance demonstrated above. Due to the desirable property of data independency and superior blind unmixing performance, we believe AutoUnmix is a powerful tool for studying the interaction process of different organelles labeled by multiple fluorophores.
Free-space generation of three-dimensional tunable vector optical cages
Authors: Chen Keyu , Li Ziyan , Sun Xiaojie , Kang Xiangyu , Wang Guanxue , Gao Xiumin
Published: August 2023

The generation of three-dimensional tunable vector optical cages through full polarization modulation requires complex polarization states. This paper takes the vector Airy optical cage as an example to generate a three-dimensional tunable high-quality optical cage based on the Pancharatnam–Berry phase principle. The proposed method in this paper possesses the capability of arbitrary modulation in various aspects, including the quantity of optical cages and their respective sizes as well as three-dimensional spatial positions. Moreover, the intensity of each optical cage can be modulated independently. This research will improve the capture efficiency of optical tweezers and promote further development in fields of efficient optical trapping, particle manipulation, high-resolution microscopic manipulation, and optical communication.