bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding disinformation as narratives in the hybrid media ecosystem: Evidence from the US
Authors: Suau Martínez Jaume , Juarez Miro Clara
Published: November 2024

Utilizing data from a representative survey conducted in four U.S. states in mid-2023, the study explores the prevalence and impact of disinformation narratives. It reveals that narratives frequently appear across different media, enhancing their potential to influence public belief significantly when repeatedly exposed. The findings highlight that increased exposure to disinformation narratives intensifies belief in them, with the content of the narratives playing a critical role in their persuasive power. This study contributes to the literature by: i) highlighting the impact of previous exposure to disinformation narratives, ii) emphasizing the importance of narrative frameworks in disinformation research and suggests that understanding the narrative construction of disinformation can lead to more effective and practical fact-checking interventions. It calls for an adjustment in current strategies to accommodate the complexities of media consumption in a hybrid ecosystem, proposing that a focus on narratives could improve the strategic reach and efficacy of interventions like fact-checking.
When to Blame Victims for Negligence: Noncooperators Are Deemed Responsible for Their Own Hardship
Authors: Boyer Pascal , Chantland Eric , Safra Lou
Published: November 2024

In four preregistered studies, we tested implications from a cooperation model that explains victim-blaming as a strategic move, as a way for people to avoid the costs of helping victims (who seem to be unpromising cooperation partners) without paying the reputational cost of being seen as ungenerous, reluctant cooperators. An implication of this perspective is that, if an individual is identified as a poor cooperation prospect to start with, people would be likely to blame that individual for his/her own misfortune, notably by suggesting that the victim was negligent. The four studies presented here support this interpretation, as participants attributed more negligence to an accident victim if that victim had been initially described as less prosocial, either because they denied benefits to others or because they created costs for others. These results are consistent with a familiar result, that people blame victims more if they feel (or want to be seen as) more socially distant from that victim. The present studies may offer a simple, cooperation-based account of this and other aspects of victim-blaming.
A Qualitative Evaluation of Treatment App Features for Children With Speech Sound Disorders
Authors: Barnett Rachel G. , Cascella Paul W.
Published: November 2024

This research examined the cost and features of 20 speech sound disorder (SSD) treatment apps as part of the feature mapping paradigm. Methods included the development of a 48-item SSD checklist culled from the extant literature and sorted into 10 categories, including linguistic level, feedback types, customization, image types, image iconicity, speech models, technical support, engagement, motor access, and activities. Two independent reviewers rated the apps on both iPhones and iPads. App cost was capped at US$25. Seven trends emerged for characterizing commercial contemporary SSD apps, including (a) word-level stimuli and few exaggerated speech models, (b) general, but nearly absent speech production, feedback, (c) few customization opportunities, (d) varied, and some diverse, images, (e) varied technical elements and supports, (f) engaging and easily manipulated flash cards, and (g) number of features not necessarily related to cost. Child- and clinician-specific clinical implications are discussed.
Cold Intolerance Following Digital Nerve Injury: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Comparison of Decellularized Nerve Allograft Versus Nerve Conduits
Authors: Ilyas Asif M. , Kirby David J. , Kasper Alexis , Levin L. Scott , Isaacs Jonathan
Published: November 2024

Background:

Cold intolerance following digital nerve injury burdens patients significantly. To better understand how cold intolerance evolves in the setting of digital nerve injuries, a sub-analysis of a trial comparing conduit-based (CONDUIT) and processed nerve allograft (PNA) repairs was conducted. It was hypothesized that PNA repairs would alleviate cold intolerance more effectively, especially for longer nerve gaps.

Methods:

A multicenter trial across 20 US-based medical centers was undertaken of patients 18- to 69-year-old presenting with 5 to 25 mm digital nerve gaps within 24 weeks of injury. Patients were randomized (1:1) to PNA or collagen CONDUIT repairs. Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) scores and sensory function testers were assessed at first patient visit (FPV), 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months post-surgery, with patients and assessors blinded to treatment.

Results:

In total, 220 patients were enrolled, with 183 patients included in final analysis with ≥6 months follow-up. At the last evaluable visit (LEV), mean CISS score decreased from FPV for both PNA (from 31.2 ± 27 to 20.8 ± 19) and CONDUIT (from 31.2 ± 30 to 25.9 ± 24). On sub-analysis, more patients converted from severe/extremely severe cold intolerance to mild cold intolerance for PNA compared with CONDUIT at 1 month and LEV ( P < 0.05). The CISS scores correlated significantly with sensory function testing.

Conclusions:

Although no correlation was demonstrated with nerve gap size, digital nerve gap repaired with PNA had significantly improved cold tolerance outcomes for patients with more severe cold intolerance at FPV relative to nerves repaired with CONDUIT.
Qualitative Digital Diary Methods: Participant-Led Values for Ethical and Insightful Mental Health Research
Authors: McCombie Catherine , Miguel Esponda Georgina , Ouazzane Hannah , Knowles Gemma , Gayer-Anderson Charlotte , Schmidt Ulrike , Lawrence Vanessa
Published: November 2024

Qualitative digital diary methods are a promising tool for capturing participants’ experiences in their own words and over time. The use of smartphone apps to collect this kind of data provides an accessible and flexible way to participate in research, but to truly benefit from this method, participants needs and preferences must be taken into account. This paper explores participants’ experiences of taking part in qualitative digital diary research, and highlights participants’ values and priorities for qualitative digital diary mental health research. Participants from two qualitative digital diary studies provided feedback on their experiences, in the form of interviews and focus groups, and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The two participant groups, people with lived experience of eating disorders, and young people from diverse backgrounds across London schools, allowed exploration of experiences across different contexts and populations. The six resulting themes each reflect a core value that participants identified as an essential component for them in qualitative digital diary research: Self-expression, flexibility, non-judgement, open communication, helpful reflection, and meaningful impact. Themes each highlight aspects of participants’ experiences that must be taken into account for future research to ensure that participants can take part in this type of research in ways that are meaningful to them, as well as most beneficial to the research. This paper provides an overview of participant experiences of qualitative digital diary research, and provides a framework for centring participant values and preferences in future qualitative diary research.
Sexual terrorism in the post-pandemic nightlife? A feminist critical discourse analysis of the needle spiking media coverage
Authors: Vale Pires Cristiana
Published: November 2024

In October 2021, a growing number of women denounced needle spiking occurrences in the United Kingdom. The scientific evidence demonstrates the reduced prevalence of spiking and the difficulties in proving its incidence. However, when communicating spiking stories, the media tends to reproduce harmful rape myths. By using English-written online media as sources, this study aimed to analyze and describe needle spiking stories as gendered discourses that act as sexual terrorism in post-pandemic nightlife. The author performed a web-based search through Google News to collect the data and used the feminist critical discourse framework to analyze the 213 sources and to identify the main themes. The timeline of the sources unveils the impact of the Anglocentric character of global communication in amplifying this new wave of spiking. The data revealed needle spiking as a discourse of sexual terrorism, triggering gendered anxieties by framing all women as potential victims of the ubiquitous male violence in nightlife environments. The stories of spiking analyzed uncovered the concrete social and psychological impacts of needle spiking, demonstrating that the embodiment of the fear generates and is generated by cautionary tales. These emerge as gendered discourses disciplining women to adopt anti-spiking etiquettes and reclaim contextual surveillance procedures in nightlife environments. This paper provides a comprehensive conceptualization of the phenomenological experiences and psychological impacts of needle spiking among women who participate in nightlife environments.
Synthesis research on the herbicide safe agent Furilazole
Authors: Wang Yinuo , Liang Yan , Li Yutong , Zhang Yue , Song Haiwen , Ke Aibing
Published: November 2024

Furfural and nitromethane were utilized as raw materials for the synthesis of the herbicide-safe agent Furilazole through the Henry reaction, nitro reduction and addition-cyclization-acylation. A comprehensive investigation into the involved reaction processes was conducted, leading to the identification of barium hydroxide octahydrate as the catalyst for the Henry reaction. The continuous use methodology of the excess catalyst was determined through TGA/DSC curve analysis, and a rational purification method for Henry reaction products was proposed. The nitro reduction reaction employed Pd/C catalysis, while the subsequent addition-cyclization-acylation reaction was achieved in a single step. Five impurities affecting the reaction process were identified, and their potential mechanisms of formation were postulated. Optimization of synthetic process conditions was carried out for all involved reactions. The structures of intermediates, impurities, and products were characterized using NMR, HRMS, TGA/DSC and FTIR.
Association of imaging biomarkers with molecular subtypes of medulloblastoma
Authors: Aljaafary Maryam , Alali Akeel A
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose: The World Health Organization (WHO) subdivided medulloblastoma into genetic and histopathological groups, each with a specific therapeutic intervention and different clinical outcomes. These subtypes may present with distinct imaging features. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers to predict the precise pathological characteristics of medulloblastoma. Methods: This study included 28 patients with a first diagnosis of medulloblastoma who underwent preoperative brain MRI with subsequent surgical resection and histopathological confirmation at our hospital between 2010 and 2022. Conventional MRI parameters, including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mean values, were correlated with molecular subtypes to identify distinct MRI biomarkers. Results: Out of 28 tumors, two (7.1%) tumors exhibited wingless (WNT) activation, thirteen (46.4%) exhibited sonic hedgehog (SHH) activation, and thirteen (46.4%) exhibited non-WNT/non-SHH activation (Group 3 or 4). Statistical analysis revealed a significant association of SHH-activated tumors with paramidline/cerebellar location and the presence of peritumoral edema ( p value = <0.0001). No significant correlations were found between the genetic subtypes and the other MRI parameters. A distinctive distribution of the ADC-mean values among the various genetic subtypes with recognizable tendencies was identified. However, it was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Conventional MRI features of the paramidline/hemispheric location and the presence of peritumoral edema were significantly correlated with the SHH activated pathway and hence can be used to facilitate the preoperative implementation of SHH-targeted therapeutic intervention. Although the ADC-mean measurements were not statistically significant, a recognizable distribution of values among the various genetic subtypes was identified.
The perivascular spaces in young and middle-aged stroke: A single-center analysis integrating clinical and Doppler ultrasound findings
Authors: Bernetti Caterina , Di Gennaro Gianfranco , Brunelli Nicoletta , Marcosano Marilena , Altamura Claudia , Liaci Giorgio , Anzalone Desirè , Vernieri Fabrizio , Beomonte Zobel Bruno , Mallio Carlo A
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This research seeks to investigate correlations between enlarged Perivascular Spaces (PVSs) and clinical/imaging data, such as information obtained through Doppler analysis, in a population with young and middle-age stroke. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed demographics, clinical and MRI data, of 163 patients, with MRI confirmed stroke. All patients underwent ECD TSA (Eco-Color-Doppler of the Supra-aortic Trunks) and TCCD (Transcranial Eco-color-Doppler), to study extra or intracranial stenosis, presence and composition of plaques. Severity of PVS was evaluated on T2-weighted images according to the Potter scale. To identify potential predictors of PVSs, an exploratory backward stepwise ordinal regression model was developed, including clinical and Doppler US variables. Results: In the stepwise ordered logistic regression analysis with PVSs at BG (Basal Ganglia) as the outcome, hemodynamically significant stenosis in any vessel ipsilateral to the ischemic lesion displayed a significant positive association with a higher outcome value. Similar results were observed for ESUS (Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source). Fibrolipid plaques in any vase exhibited a significant negative association. At MB (Midbrain), male patients and subjects with hypertension exhibited a higher value of PVSs. Dyslipidemia demonstrated a significant negative effect. When PVSs were investigated in the CS (Centrum Semiovale), no statistically significant association with the extent of PVSs emerged. Conclusion: These insights not only enhance our understanding of the role of PVSs in cerebrovascular health in a young and middle-age population but also highlight the potential of PVSs as a biomarker in neuroimaging studies, warranting further research to elucidate their clinical implications and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Student Critical Self-Reflection and Perceptions of Video-Based Pro-Section Computer-Assisted Instruction
Authors: Ho Emily S. , Dove Erica , Aitkens Lorna , Duncan Andrea , Agur Anne M. R.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The cost, high resource demands, and psychological significance of in-person cadaveric labs are barriers to their use. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) of gross anatomy is widely available as an alternative option. However, student engagement, reflections, and expectations of learning anatomy with CAI instead of in-person labs may influence their learning experience and outcomes.

Purpose

To evaluate students’ critical self-reflection and perceptions of learning using online self-guided anatomy modules with video-based pro-section CAI.

Methods

A prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted with first-year occupational therapy students who received anatomy education using CAI involving online self-guided anatomy modules with video-based pro-section instruction. Critical self-reflection was measured using Kember's Critical Self-Reflection Questionnaire scores and open-ended comments. Paired analysis of self-reported Kember nonreflective and reflective actions was conducted followed by quantitative (correlation, Student t-tests) and qualitative (directed content analysis) exploration of factors associated with critical self-reflection.

Results

Of the 126 students enrolled in the study, 97 consented and completed the study. The students’ Kember Understanding (U) subscale mean score was significantly higher than the Habitual Action (HA), Reflection, and Critical Self-Reflection subscales. The largest effect size was found between the U and HA subscales ( ds = 1.3, 95% CI [1.0, 1.5]). Academic outcomes (anatomy quiz sum score, term grade) did not correlate with the Kember scores. Overall, students felt that video-based anatomy pro-section CAI was best used in a supplementary manner and opportunities for hands-on learning of anatomy were needed.

Conclusion

Video-based anatomy pro-section CAI helped students understand anatomy but did not readily engage students in critical self-reflection. Strategic course and curriculum design with integrated and hands-on learning opportunities are needed to optimize student anatomy learning experience and academic outcomes while using this type of CAI.
Does FIT have a role in the detection of small bowel pathology: a prospective study
Authors: Oka Priya , Johnson Calvin M. , McAlindon Mark , Sidhu Reena
Published: November 2024

Background:

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is an immunoassay used to detect human blood in the stool. The role of FIT as a screening tool for small bowel pathology remains unclear.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the role of FIT in predicting small bowel pathology in patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).

Design:

This was a single tertiary centre prospective study. The inclusion criterion was adults (⩾18 years and <80 years) with IDA who were referred to secondary care for endoscopic investigations.

Methods:

All patients had a FIT test done in primary care. Eligible patients were invited to have a small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) prior to endoscopy. Patients with subsequent upper or lower gastrointestinal tract malignancy were excluded from the study. IDA was defined as a Hb < 131 g/L for men and <110 g/L for women with ferritin <30 µg/L and/or iron levels <11 µmol/L. A further 100 patients with recurrent/refractory IDA who did not have a FIT test done and had an SBCE were used as the control group.

Results:

In total 179 patients were included in the final analysis with a median age of 64.5 years (interquartile range (IQR 51–75)); haemoglobin 101 (IQR 90–111) and ferritin 11(7–20). In the prospective FIT group of 79 patients, there were 35 (44%) patients with significant findings on SBCE which was classed as contributing to IDA. These findings included angioectasia in n = 21 (26.6%) patients which was the most common finding. The other findings included erosions and ulcers = 5 (7.6%); inflammatory strictures = 3 (3.8%); active Crohn’s n = 1 (1.3%); visible blood with no clear source n = 3 (3.8%) and bleeding angioectasia n = 1 (1.3%). A positive FIT (>10) had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 34.29%, 54.55%, 37.5% and 51.08%, respectively. In the control group ( n = 100), 37% of the patients had significant pathology on SBCE. On logistic regression, age (OR 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03–1.11) was the only factor related to the probability of having a positive finding on SBCE.

Conclusion:

Over a third of the patients with IDA have significant findings on SBCE. However, in this study, we did not find that FIT conferred any additional benefit in the detection of small bowel pathology.
Mpox Outbreak in Previously Non-Endemic Countries: A Review on Impact on Asia
Authors: Wickramasinghe Madushani , Weerasekera Manjula , Perera Nilanka
Published: November 2024

Mpox (human mpox) is an opportunistic viral zoonosis that bears a strong resemblance to smallpox. The virus is divided into 2 distinct clades, clade I and clade II, which were originally confined to the moist forest regions of Africa. However, due to air travel and the exotic pet trade, these clades have spread globally. As immunity from smallpox vaccination declined, Mpox emerged as the most significant viral infection affecting humans within the Orthopoxvirus genus. While sporadic cases occurred worldwide, the largest Mpox outbreak outside Africa took place in 2022, prompting the WHO to declare a global public health emergency. Asia plays a pivotal role in both hosting and contributing to the spread of Mpox, driven by socio-economic factors such as high population density, widespread illegal wildlife trade, and a continuous rise in air travel. The increasing number of Mpox cases in Asia poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems, especially during times of global economic crisis. Strengthening diagnostic capabilities and infrastructure, while sustainably utilizing available resources to target high-risk populations, will be essential in addressing the Mpox threat in the region.
Marine carbon dioxide removal may be a future climate solution
Authors: Ho David T , Bopp Laurent
Published: November 2024

The ocean has absorbed 25% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions and over 90% of excess heat, mitigating climate change but causing ocean acidification and marine ecosystem disruption. In addition to this natural role, various marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) techniques have been proposed, including biotic approaches such as blue carbon conservation and abiotic techniques such as ocean alkalinity enhancement. While biotic techniques are often preferred for their perceived ecological benefits, abiotic approaches offer higher sequestration potential and longer-term carbon storage. However, significant knowledge gaps and challenges remain, particularly in monitoring, reporting, and verification. As decarbonization progresses, mCDR could be essential for removing residual and legacy CO2 emissions. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness, impacts, and social acceptance of various mCDR techniques, ensuring the ocean's continued role in climate mitigation.
Prognostic value of mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with heart failure: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Ziqi , Qu Qiang , Cheang Iokfai , Lu Xinyi , Liao Shengen , Gao Rongrong , Zhou Yanli , Li Xinli
Published: November 2024

Background

Heart failure (HF) significantly impacts quality of life and healthcare systems worldwide. Assessing left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD) is crucial for understanding cardiac function and optimizing treatments like cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Phase analysis using gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) has shown promise in predicting outcomes, yet recent comprehensive reviews are lacking.

Objective

To systematically assess the prognostic value of phase analysis by gated SPECT MPI in the HF population through a systematic review.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review by collecting studies from databases including PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Systematic reviews were conducted using Review Manager Software 5.4 and STATA 16.0.

Results

A total of 2004 patients from seven studies were included in our review and analysis. The systematic review indicated that patients with predetermined clinical events had higher PSD [MD = 6.45, 95% CI (5.83, 7.07), p < 0.00001] and PBW [MD = 7.91, 95% CI (5.64, 10.19), p < 0.00001]. The diagnosis of LVMD determined by PSD [HR = 1.05, 95% CI (1.01, 1.08), p = 0.007] was a strong predictor of endpoint events compared to PBW [HR = 1.95, 95% CI (0.48, 7.89), p = 0.35].

Conclusions

The analysis demonstrated that phase information obtained from gated SPECT MPI is of significant prognostic value in patients with heart dysfunction. It effectively enhances clinical risk models, providing reliable guidance for patient treatment.
Non-ionic surfactant vesicles exert anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of NFκB
Authors: McGahon Jonathan , Woods Stuart , D’Elia Riccardo , Roberts Craig W.
Published: November 2024

Inflammation can be an unwanted consequence or cause of debilitating diseases of infectious and non-infectious aetiologies. Current anti-inflammatory medications have several deficiencies including lack of specificity and undesirable side effects. Herein, the potential of non-ionic surfactant vesicles (NISV) comprised of monopalmityol glycerol, dicetyl phosphate and cholesterol) as an anti-inflammatory drug and their mode of action is investigated. NISV were able to inhibit LPS-induced IL-6 from BMD macrophages. The individual components of NISV, monopalmityol glycerol, dicetyl phosphate and cholesterol did not affect LPS induced IL-6 levels, proving that formulation of NISV is essential for their anti-inflammatory effects. Transcriptomic analyses showed NISV mediated down-regulation of transcripts for inflammatory mediators in LPS stimulated macrophages. Notably, NISV downregulate NF-κB transcripts in LPS stimulated macrophages. Measurement of inflammatory mediators by cytometric bead array validated a number of transcriptomic findings as NISV were found to inhibit LPS induced IL-6, IL-12, and multiple chemokines. Further investigation demonstrated that NISV inhibited Poly(I:C) or Pam3csk4 induced inflammatory mediators. This indicates that the effects of NISV are distal to both MyD88 and TRIF signalling. Overall, the data generated highlights the potential of NISV as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic.
Genome-aware annotation of CRISPR guides validates targets in variant cell lines and enhances discovery in screens
Authors: Lam Simon , Thomas John C. , Jackson Stephen P.
Published: November 2024

Background

CRISPR-Cas9 technology has revolutionised genetic screens and can inform on gene essentiality and chemo-genetic interactions. It is easily deployed and widely supported with many pooled CRISPR libraries available commercially. However, discrepancies between the reference genomes used in the design of those CRISPR libraries and the cell line under investigation can lead to loss of signal or introduction of bias. The problem is particularly acute when dealing with variant cell lines such as cancer cell lines.

Results

Here, we present an algorithm, EXOme-guided Re-annotation of nuCleotIde SEquences (Exorcise), which uses sequence search to detect and correct mis-annotations in CRISPR libraries. Exorcise verifies the presence of CRISPR targets in the target genome and applies corrections to CRISPR libraries using existing exome annotations. We applied Exorcise to re-annotate guides in pooled CRISPR libraries available on Addgene and found that libraries designed on a more permissive reference sequence had more mis-annotations. In simulated CRISPR screens, we modelled common mis-annotations and found that they adversely affect discovery of hits in the intermediate range. We then confirmed this by applying Exorcise on datasets from Dependency Map (DepMap) and the DNA Damage Response CRISPR Screen Viewer (DDRcs), where we found improved discovery power upon Exorcise while retaining the strongest hits.

Conclusions

Pooled CRISPR libraries map guide sequences to genes and these mappings might not be ready to use due to permissive library design or investigating a variant cell line. By re-annotating CRISPR guides, Exorcise focuses CRISPR experiments towards the genome of the cell line under investigation. Exorcise can be applied at the library design stage or the analysis stage and allows post hoc re-analysis of completed screens. It is available under a Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal licence at https://github.com/SimonLammmm/exorcise.
VExUS: common misconceptions, clinical use and future directions
Authors: Rola Philippe , Haycock Korbin , Spiegel Rory , Beaubien-Souligny William , Denault Andre
Published: November 2024

There has been a significant interest in venous congestion in recent years, among which the VExUS score has been prominent, both in clinical practice and research efforts. We have noted some recurrent misconceptions among clinicians which are also reflected in certain research efforts. Notably, the misguided attempt to correlate VExUS to volume status, which is only one of the factors influencing it, as well as attempts to re-interpret VExUS in the context of certain pathologies, which reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of its circulatory perspective. In this article we review the physiological basis of the VExUS assessment as a measure and marker of venous congestion from the organs’ standpoint and its role as part of the emerging concept of fluid tolerance, in hopes to address these misconceptions for clinicians and for important further studies.
Associations between maternal personality dysfunction and emotion suppression and adolescent emotion suppression
Authors: Phillips Jennifer J. , Smith Cynthia L. , Bell Martha Ann
Published: November 2024

Background

Adaptive strategies of emotion regulation are important for adolescents, as maladaptive strategies of such can manifest as psychopathology that is sometimes severe. Individual biological characteristics and influences from peers have been shown to have an effect on the development of emotion regulation strategies in adolescents. Maternal factors, however, have received less attention in this age group regarding how they might predict emotion regulation in adolescents. Given that prior work has demonstrated that certain maternal factors, like emotion regulation and personality, play a crucial role in the development of emotion regulation strategies in early childhood, we sought to examine these associations in adolescents in our current study.

Methods

Adolescents and their mothers (n = 123) both self-reported data on their own emotion regulation, and mothers also self-reported data on their own personality dysfunction. We operationalized maternal and adolescent emotion regulation as emotion suppression, a maladaptive emotion regulation strategy that is commonly used by adolescents.

Results

Our data demonstrated that both maternal emotion suppression and interpersonal personality dysfunction were positively associated with adolescent emotion suppression. No associations among maternal intrapersonal personality functioning and adolescent emotion suppression were detected.

Conclusions

Maternal personality dysfunction and emotion suppression both independently predicted adolescent emotion suppression use. These results support the idea that maternal characteristics play a role in shaping emotion regulation in adolescence.
Influence of wood modification on parameter settings and treatment results in CO2 laser structuring of beech veneers
Authors: Doğan Güneş Akın , Wascher Richard , Avramidis Georg , Viöl Wolfgang , Gerhard Christoph
Published: November 2024

In this study, the possible influences of thermal modification of wood on the quality of laser texturing of beech veneers are investigated by comparing native and thermally modified samples. By varying the process parameters of a CO2 laser, the surfaces of both types of veneer were textured and the resulting surface roughness and aspect ratios were analyzed in order to evaluate the efficiency of the laser texturing and the quality of the textures produced. The main results show that the thermal modification of the wood influences the cutting widths, the removal depths, and the surface roughness, with thermally modified veneers generally having larger cutting widths and different removal depths compared to native veneers, indicating the influence of the wood modifications on the material physical and chemical properties and their interaction with the laser processing. Furthermore, the study shows how the laser processing parameters—feed rate and laser power—influence the surface quality and structural dimensions of the engraved lines, and establishes that the moisture content of the wood has a significant influence on its thermal conductivity and thus on the laser cutting process. The research work highlights the complexity of laser texturing of wood and emphasizes the need to take into account the change in the intrinsic properties of the material as a result of thermal modification.
Preclinical evaluation and automated synthesis of [89Zr]ZrDFOSquaramide-girentuximab for diagnostic imaging of carbonic anhydrase IX positive tumours
Authors: Noor Asif , McGowan Emily R. , Van Zuylekom Jessica K. , Cullinane Carleen , Roselt Peter D. , Hicks Rodney J. , Wheatcroft Michael P. , Donnelly Paul S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a zinc metalloenzyme that is over-expressed in many cancers making it a valid target for targeted diagnostic imaging with Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The monoclonal antibody girentuximab binds to CAIX and when radiolabelled with positron-emitting zirconium-89 can be used for diagnostic PET imaging of CAIX positive tumours.

Results

Reaction of desferrioxamine squaramide ethyl ester with girentuximab allowed isolation of a conjugate with desferrioxamine squaramide (DFOSq) covalently attached to girentuximab through stable vinylogous amide linkages to give DFOSq-girentuximab. This conjugate was radiolabelled with zirconium-89 to give [89Zr]ZrDFOSq-girentuximab and the tumour uptake of the tracer was evaluated in CAIX positive HT29 tumour-bearing mice. Analysis of the PET images and biodistribution studies showed that the tracer displays high tumour uptake. An automated process for production of [89Zr]ZrDFOSq-girentuximab was developed, using [89Zr]ZrCl4 as a starting material that was also synthesized in an automated process. This automated process allows isolation of [89Zr]ZrDFOSq-girentuximab in radiochemical yields of 80–90% and in > 95% radiochemical purity.

Conclusions

[89Zr]ZrDFOSq-girentuximab has high uptake in CAIX positive tumours. An automated procedure for the synthesis of [89Zr]ZrDFOSq-girentuximab using [89Zr]ZrCl4 as a starting material has been developed. This automated process could be readily adapted to other antibodies.
Endovascular treatment of lower limb acute DVT: current trends and future directions
Authors: Siciliano Francesco , Ronconi Edoardo , Rossi Tommaso , Fanelli Federica , Krokidis Miltiadis , Sirignano Pasqualino , Rossi Michele , Tipaldi Marcello Andrea
Published: November 2024

Aim of the study

This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and comparative outcomes of endovascular treatments for acute lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT), including catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT), mechanical thrombectomy, and venous stenting, drawing insights from a diverse range of studies.

Materials and methods

A comprehensive literature search identified 33 relevant studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, systematic reviews, and case reports. Data extraction focused on study design, intervention type, outcome measures, and follow-up duration.

Results

Catheter-directed thrombolysis demonstrates promising results in enhancing venous patency and reducing post-thrombotic syndrome, with careful patient selection being crucial. Pharmacomechanical and mechanical thrombectomy devices offer immediate and long-term benefits, emphasizing individualized patient care. Venous stenting serves as a crucial adjunctive therapy, particularly in cases of residual venous obstruction, though further research is needed for optimal patient selection and long-term outcomes. Timing and selection of endovascular interventions remain critical considerations, necessitating multidisciplinary approaches and ongoing research.

Conclusion

This review provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers, guiding evidence-based decision-making and shaping future research directions in the dynamic field of endovascular interventions for acute lower limb DVT.
Cheatgrass alters flammability of native perennial grasses in laboratory combustion experiments
Authors: Harrison Georgia R. , Jones Lisa C. , Ellsworth Lisa M. , Strand Eva K. , Prather Timothy S.
Published: November 2024

Background

The invasive annual grass cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) increases fuel continuity, alters patterns of fire spread, and changes plant communities in sagebrush shrublands of the Great Basin (USA) and adjacent sagebrush steppe, but no studies have contrasted its flammability to native perennial grasses. Understanding cheatgrass flammability is crucial for predicting fire behavior, informing management decisions, and assessing fire risk in invaded areas. This study aimed to determine the flammability of cheatgrass compared to two native perennial grasses (Columbia needlegrass [Achnatherum nelsonii] and bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata]) across a range of fuel moistures.

Results

All three grass species had decreased flammability with increasing fuel moisture. Columbia needlegrass averaged 11% lower mass consumption than cheatgrass, and bluebunch wheatgrass had longer flaming duration and higher maximum temperatures than cheatgrass and Columbia needlegrass. The addition of cheatgrass to each perennial grass increased combined mass consumption, flaming duration, and flame heights. For these three attributes, the impact differed by the amount of cheatgrass in the mixture. Maximum and mean temperatures during perennial grass combustion were similar with and without cheatgrass addition. Some attributes of Columbia needlegrass flammability when burned with cheatgrass were higher than expected based on the flammability of each species, suggesting that Columbia needlegrass may be susceptible to pre-heating from combustion of cheatgrass. Conversely, the flammability of bluebunch wheatgrass and cheatgrass together had both positive and negative interactive effects, suggesting the impact on joint flammability from cheatgrass differs by perennial grass species.

Conclusions

This study provides experimental evidence supporting previous qualitative observations of cheatgrass flammability. Cheatgrass increased perennial grass sustainability and consumption, suggesting that cheatgrass poses a significant fire threat to native grasses regardless of moisture content. The study provides species-specific insights into flammability, which could be used to inform efforts to prevent or mitigate cheatgrass-induced wildfires.
The functional evolution of Korea ginseng: black ginseng
Authors: Lee Myoungsook
Published: November 2024

Korea ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) has been used in traditional medicinal foods for more than 2000 years. Because of the growing interest in personalized healthcare to prevent diseases, white ginseng (WG) is technically evolving into highly qualified products with reinforced specific functionalities of ginsenosides, such as red ginseng (RG) or black ginseng (BG). Using the PubMed research engine, we found 225 BG-related published papers from 1995 to 2024. The most common papers (n = 46) were related to processing technologies, such as ginsenoside transformation, manufacturing processes and product evaluation. Reviewing papers on the functionality of BG with in vitro and in vivo models, they usually cover the basic mechanism of functionality, such as antioxidant (n = 38), antitumor (n = 28), menopausal (n = 26), anti-inflammatory (n = 24) and immune (n = 20) mechanisms. There are insufficient studies that are directly related to diseases such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and liver disease; moreover, a significant randomized controlled trials study of BG was not found. In this study, we reviewed the research trends on the technologies and functionalities of BG in Korea and forecasted the potential of BG as a new material for healthcare in the industry.
Role of sgk1 in cancer: a bibliometric analysis from 2013 to 2023—review article
Authors: Abo- Elenien Wesam Ibrahim , Badawy Samira G. , Abouelenin Osama , Hussein Farhan Khaleel , Kumari Sakshi
Published: November 2024

Serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) plays a multifaceted role in cancer progression and treatment resistance. Its importance stems from its role in several cellular functions essential to cancer development, including metabolism, apoptosis, cell survival, and proliferation. In cancer, SGK1 expression is often dysregulated, leading to its overactivation or overexpression in many malignancies. This dysregulation can promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis through several mechanisms. We perform a bibliometric analysis to explore the role of SGK1 in cancer in the last ten years. All publications related to this topic were retrieved from the Scopus database. Microsoft Office Excel 2021 and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) were used for the bibliometric analysis. The filtered search identified 5322 articles published between 2013 and 2023. Regarding research and scientific collaboration in this field, China is in the lead, followed by the USA, Germany, the UK, Japan, and Italy. In summary, SGK1 plays a critical role in cancer by regulating cell survival, proliferation, metabolism, and stemness. Its dysregulation promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Targeting SGK1 is promising for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy, but further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and develop effective therapeutic strategies. Our study offers significant contributions to the field of cancer research by providing a comprehensive understanding of SGK1's role in cancer biology and highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. These insights can inform future studies and guide the development of novel cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.
Investigations on stability improvement by implementing SSSC optimally with X/R ratio
Authors: Nema Shruti , George Sincy
Published: November 2024

Series compensation is widely used to enhance the transmittable power through an existing transmission line. This is achieved by controlling series reactance of the transmission line by injecting a voltage in series with transmission line and is perpendicular to the line current. However, X/R ratio of the transmission line gets deteriorated with series compensation. X/R ratio plays an important role in maintaining stability and damping oscillation in power system. In the proposed scheme, X/R ratio of the line has been included as one of the constraints along with midpoint voltage and power balance equation, with the objective of minimizing power system losses while enhancing the power. It is found that by maintaining X/R ratio of the transmission line same as the original designed value, stability of the system can be improved while making an attempt to enhance the transmittable power capacity. Steady state and transient stability, voltage stability and damping oscillations are analyzed with proposed optimal control of statis synchronous series compensator (SSSC), and results are produced. Validation of proposed optimal control of SSSC is done by using MATLAB platform for enhancing transmittable power of a 400 kV, 400 km transmission line and results are presented here. The paper investigates the effectiveness of the proposed optimization technique on improvement of power system stability and oscillations damping as well.
Improving lambs’ temperament, performance, and fecundity under three different housing conditions via oxidative stress reduction, metabolic and growth genes regulation by turmeric supplementation
Authors: Khalil Fatma , shehata Nashwa , Ibrahim Marwa A. , Nady Safaa , Emeash H. H. , Abdelghany Asmaa K.
Published: November 2024

Background

Improvement of performance, temperament, and fecundity of lambs using medicinal plants is considered a recent approach in the sheep industry. Climate change, especially in non-controlled houses, affects animals' production. Thus, the current study aimed to determine how turmeric (TU) affected the temperament, performance, and lamb fecundity under three different housing conditions. Thirty-six Ossimi male lambs (about 6 months of age) were randomly divided into three groups under three different housing conditions (n = 12; semi-shaded building, fully shaded building, and semi-shaded building with trees); in each house lambs were subdivided into non-treated (n = 6) and treated (n = 6; 1 g TU \lamb\day) groups for 3 months. Performance and temperament scoring have been recorded. Various biochemical parameters (total protein, glucose and oxidative damage), gene expression of metabolic function and growth indicators (insulin growth factor: IGF-1, leptin: LEP, and myostatin: MSTN), and testosterone level were measured.

Results

The obtained data showed that TU improved the lambs' temperament in SSB-T and FSB-T lambs; lambs' weight gain enhanced in treated lambs in all houses in the 3rd month. The results of biochemical parameters showed fluctuations throughout the experiment; total protein was elevated in FSB-NT lambs in the 3rd month, while glucose was elevated in SSB + T-NT in the 1st and 2nd month and then decreased in the 3rd month. The MDA elevated in FSB-T and SSB + T-T in the 2nd and 3rd month. TU supplementation elevated the reduced testosterone level in the SSB-T lambs and resulted in significant upregulation of IGF1, and LEP; however, MSTN downregulated in the treated lambs among all housing systems.

Conclusion

Data suggested TU improved lambs' growth and tempered in all houses and ameliorated the recorded reduction in testosterone levels in the SSB house which is commonly used in sheep and upregulated the IGF1 and LEP gene levels. Hence, the use of TU as a feed additive improved lambs' growth.
Neuromuscular diseases: genomics-driven advances
Authors: Cho Anna
Published: November 2024

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are a group of rare disorders characterized by significant genetic and clinical complexity. Advances in genomics have revolutionized both the diagnosis and treatment of NMDs. While fewer than 30 NMDs had known genetic causes before the 1990s, more than 600 have now been identified, largely due to the adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies such as whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). These technologies have enabled more precise and earlier diagnoses, although the genetic complexity of many NMDs continues to pose challenges. Gene therapy has been a transformative breakthrough in the treatment of NMDs. In spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), therapies like nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam have dramatically improved patient outcomes. Similarly, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has seen significant progress, most notably with the FDA approval of delandistrogene moxeparvovec, the first micro-dystrophin gene therapy. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including the rarity of many NMDs, genetic heterogeneity, and the high costs associated with genomic technologies and therapies. Continued progress in gene therapy, RNA-based therapeutics, and personalized medicine holds promise for further breakthroughs in the management of these debilitating diseases.