bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifecycle Completion and Reproductive Improvement of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Following a Prey Shift Routine During Larval Development
Authors: Shakoor Muhammad Waleed , Mirza Jawwad Hassan , Kamran Muhammad , Alatawi Fahad Jaber
Published: December 2024

The present study aimed to assess the lifecycle completion and reproductive improvement of green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), larval instars in a prey shift routine while alternatively feeding on motiles of two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (natural prey), and the eggs of almond moth, Ephestia cautella (Walker) (factitious prey). The results showed that C. carnea larvae successfully completed their lifecycle and life span in the treatments where either the 2nd (T2) or 3rd (T3) instar larvae were fed with the eggs of E. cautella while other instars were provided with motiles of T. urticae, i.e., 1st–3rd and 1st–2nd, respectively. The predator larvae failed to transform from pupae to adults when only the 1st instar larvae were fed on the E. cautella eggs (T1). Similar results were found when all predator instars were reared on the motiles of T. urticae (T4). The shortest mean total larval duration and preoviposition period, the highest fecundity and fertility, and balanced sex ratio were recorded when 3rd instar larvae were fed only on E. cautella eggs (T3). The longest adult longevity and oviposition period were recorded when only the 2nd instar larvae were fed on E. cautella eggs (T2). The findings of the present study would be helpful in developing a self-sustained mite biological control strategy using C. carnea and provide a roadmap for future studies to elucidate the larval release efficiency of C. carnea with the supplementary diet for the management of greenhouse mite pests.
Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Do Not Correlate with Survival Times in Patients with Prion Disease
Authors: Shimamura Mika , Weijie Kong , Nonaka Toshiaki , Kosami Koki , Ae Ryusuke , Fujita Koji , Matsubayashi Taiki , Tsukamoto Tadashi , Sanjo Nobuo , Satoh Katsuya
Published: December 2024

Prion diseases, including Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD), are deadly neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the buildup of abnormal prion proteins in the brain. This accumulation disrupts neuronal functions, leading to the rapid onset of psychiatric symptoms, ataxia, and cognitive decline. The urgency of timely diagnosis for effective treatment necessitates the identification of strongly correlated biomarkers in bodily fluids, which makes our research crucial. In this study, we employed a fully automated multiplex ELISA (Ella®) to measure the concentrations of 14-3-3 protein, total tau protein, and neurofilament light chain (NF-L) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from patients with prion disease and analyzed their link to disease prognosis. However, in North American and European cases, we did not confirm a correlation between NF-L levels and survival time. This discrepancy is believed to stem from differences in treatment policies and measurement methods between Japan and the United States. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that NF-L concentrations could be an early diagnostic marker for CJD patients with further enhancements. The potential impact of our findings on the early diagnosis of CJD patients is significant. Future research should focus on increasing the number of sCJD cases studied in Japan and gathering additional evidence using next-generation measurement techniques.
G Protein-Coupled Receptor 17 Inhibits Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Secretion via a Gi/o-Dependent Mechanism in Enteroendocrine Cells
Authors: Conley Jason M. , Jochim Alexander , Evans-Molina Carmella , Watts Val J. , Ren Hongxia
Published: December 2024

Gut peptides, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), regulate metabolic homeostasis and have emerged as the basis for multiple state-of-the-art diabetes and obesity therapies. We previously showed that G protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17) is expressed in intestinal enteroendocrine cells (EECs) and modulates nutrient-induced GLP-1 secretion. However, the GPR17-mediated molecular signaling pathways in EECs have yet to be fully deciphered. Here, we expressed the human GPR17 long isoform (hGPR17L) in GLUTag cells, a murine EEC line, and we used the GPR17 synthetic agonist MDL29,951 together with pharmacological probes and genetic approaches to quantitatively assess the contribution of GPR17 signaling to GLP-1 secretion. Constitutive hGPR17L activity inhibited GLP-1 secretion, and MDL29,951 treatment further inhibited this secretion, which was attenuated by treatment with the GPR17 antagonist HAMI3379. MDL29,951 promoted both Gi/o and Gq protein coupling to mediate cyclic AMP (cAMP) and calcium signaling. hGPR17L regulation of GLP-1 secretion appeared to be Gq-independent and dependent upon Gi/o signaling, but was not correlated with MDL29,951-induced whole-cell cAMP signaling. Our studies revealed key signaling mechanisms underlying the role of GPR17 in regulating GLP-1 secretion and suggest future opportunities for pharmacologically targeting GPR17 with inverse agonists to maximize GLP-1 secretion.
Ribosomal Proteins in Ribosome Assembly
Authors: Pertschy Brigitte , Zierler Ingrid
Published: December 2024

Ribosomes are the cellular machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins, a process fundamental to all domains of life from bacteria to eukaryotes [...]
Epigenetic Properties of Compounds Contained in Functional Foods Against Cancer
Authors: Casari Giulia , Romaldi Brenda , Scirè Andrea , Minnelli Cristina , Marzioni Daniela , Ferretti Gianna , Armeni Tatiana
Published: December 2024

Epigenetics encompasses reversible and heritable genomic changes in histones, DNA expression, and non-coding RNAs that occur without modifying the nucleotide DNA sequence. These changes play a critical role in modulating cell function in both healthy and pathological conditions. Dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in various diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, and mainly cancer. Therefore, to develop innovative therapeutic strategies, research for compounds able to modulate the complex epigenetic landscape of cancer is rapidly surging. Dietary phytochemicals, mostly flavonoids but also tetraterpenoids, organosulfur compounds, and isothiocyanates, represent biologically active molecules found in vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants, and beverages. These natural organic compounds exhibit epigenetic modulatory properties by influencing the activity of epigenetics key enzymes, such as DNA methyltransferases, histone acetyltransferases and deacetylases, and histone methyltransferases and demethylases. Due to the reversibility of the modifications that they induce, their minimal adverse effects, and their potent epigenetic regulatory activity, dietary phytochemicals hold significant promise as antitumor agents and warrant further investigation. This review aims to consolidate current data on the diverse epigenetic effects of the six major flavonoid subclasses, as well as other natural compounds, in the context of cancer. The goal is to identify new therapeutic epigenetic targets for drug development, whether as stand-alone treatments or in combination with conventional antitumor approaches.
Layer-Specific Strain Analysis in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Toader Despina-Manuela , Paraschiv Alina , Târtea Georgică , Tiucu Gabriela , Chițu Mihai , Stănișor Raluca , Mirea Oana
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate layer-specific strain according to etiology and assess whether subtle changes in longitudinal and circumferential layer strain are involved in predicting cardiac mortality during a two-year follow-up in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy admitted with heart failure decompensation. Methods: 97 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and a left ventricle ejection fraction ≤ 40% were recruited, 51 with ischemic and 46 with nonischemic etiologies. Conventional and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) were conducted in dilated cardiomyopathy patients with a compensated phase of heart failure before discharge. Layer-specific longitudinal and circumferential strain was assessed from the endocardium, mid-myocardium, and epicardium by two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography. The gradient between the endocardium and epicardium was calculated. Results: Patients with nonischemic etiology of dilated cardiomyopathy presented smaller values of global and layer strain than patients in the ischemic group. GLS, GLSend, GLSend-GLSepi, CSPMend, CSPMend-CSPMepi, CSAP, CSAPend, and CSAPend-CSAPepi were the parameters with statistically significant decreased values in non-survivors compared with survivors. In multivariate analysis, only CSPMend showed an independent value in predicting mortality at two-year follow-up. Receiver operator curve analysis provided CSPMend of −10.8% as a cut-off value with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 61.05% in identifying the dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure patients with a risk of death at two-year follow-up. Conclusions: GLS, GCS, and layer-specific strain analysis showed decreased values in nonischemic compared with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and also in non-survivors compared with survivors. CSPMend was the most sensitive strain parameter to identify patients with increased mortality risk at two-year follow-up.
Lipid Profiles, Telomere Length, and the Risk of Malignant Tumors: A Mendelian Randomization and Mediation Analysis
Authors: Liu Shupeng , Fu Zhengzheng , Liu Hui , Wang Yinghui , Zhou Meijuan , Ding Zhenhua , Feng Zhijun
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The relationship between lipid profiles, telomere length (TL), and cancer risk remains unclear. Methods: This study employed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) with mediation analysis to investigate their causal relationships, examining lipid profiles as exposure, TL as mediator, and nine cancer types as outcomes. We conducted our analysis using two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression integrated with inverse variance weighted (IVW) methods to address potential endogeneity and strengthen our causal inference. Results: we found that unfavorable lipid profiles were causally linked to increased TL (p < 0.05). TL showed positive causal associations with lung and hematologic cancers (OR > 1, p < 0.05). Direct associations were observed between total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and gastric cancer (OR < 1, p < 0.05), and between remnant cholesterol and colorectal cancer (OR > 1, p < 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed TL as a significant mediator in the pathway from lipid profiles to cancer development (p < 0.05). No horizontal pleiotropy was detected. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that lipid metabolism disorders may influence cancer development through telomere regulation, particularly in lung and hematologic cancers. This emphasizes the importance of lipid management in cancer prevention and treatment, especially for these cancer types.
Biological Aging and Venous Thromboembolism: A Review of Telomeres and Beyond
Authors: Vostatek Rafaela , Ay Cihan
Published: December 2024

Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cardiovascular disease, and the risk of VTE increases sharply with advancing age, approximately 40% of VTE cases are currently classified as unprovoked, highlighting the importance of risk factor research. While chronological aging is associated with the risk of VTE, the association with biological aging remains unclear. Biological aging is highly complex, influenced by several dysregulated cellular and biochemical mechanisms. In the last decade, advancements in omics methodologies provided insights into the molecular complexity of biological aging. Techniques such as high-throughput genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics analyses identified and quantified numerous epigenetic markers, transcripts, proteins, and metabolites. These methods have also revealed the molecular alterations organisms undergo as they age. Despite the progress, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the methods for assessing and validating these biomarkers, and their application lacks standardization. This review gives an overview of biomarkers of biological aging, including telomere length, and their potential role for VTE. Furthermore, we critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed methods and discuss possible future directions for investigating biological aging in VTE.
Oxidative Stress, Glutathione Insufficiency, and Inflammatory Pathways in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Implications for Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Dawi John , Misakyan Yura , Affa Stephen , Kades Samuel , Narasimhan Ananya , Hajjar Fouad , Besser Max , Tumanyan Kevin , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: December 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is significantly associated with oxidative stress, resulting from the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses. This imbalance contributes to insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, and complications in organs like the vasculature and nervous system. Glutathione (GSH), a major antioxidant, is crucial for neutralizing ROS, but GSH levels are notably low in T2DM, exacerbating oxidative stress and inflammation. Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels further intensify inflammation and oxidative stress, disrupting insulin signaling and worsening complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. While lifestyle modifications and antioxidant supplementation are current approaches for managing oxidative stress, their effectiveness in preventing complications remains under study. Recent investigations suggest that GSH and Vitamin D3 supplementation may offer dual-action benefits, as Vitamin D3 not only has anti-inflammatory properties but also promotes GSH synthesis. This dual action helps mitigate both oxidative stress and inflammation, addressing key pathological features of T2DM. This review highlights the complex interactions between oxidative stress, GSH insufficiency, and IL-6, and emphasizes the potential of targeted therapies to improve the management and outcomes of T2DM.
D1S-Neuro Program: Frequency and Risk Factors for the Development of Diabetic Neuropathy in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, a Single Center Study
Authors: Piccoli Marco , Gutierrez de Rubalcava Doblas Joaquin , Furlan Patrizia , Cocchio Silvia , Zamberlan Alessandro , Panzeri Gloria , Baldo Vincenzo , Moretti Carlo
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Diabetic neuropathy is the most common long-term complication of diabetes mellitus, widely studied in the adult population, but its prevalence in children and adolescents has not yet been clearly defined. Materials and Methods: Diabetic patients over 11 years old and with at least 5 years of diabetes were subjected to specific tests for the screening of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and for the diagnosis of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN). Additionally, all data related to the patients’ average hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels over the last year and the past 5 years and the monitoring and insulin delivery technology used were collected. Results: Tests were performed on a total of 81 patients. DN diagnostic tests identified 17 patients with signs of neuropathy (21.0%), specifically 11 with DPN (13.6%) and 7 with CAN (8.6%). Data showed that the 5-year HbA1c of those diagnosed with DPN was significantly higher compared to those without a diagnosis. The analysis also highlighted that an average HbA1c level over 5 years greater than 8.5% increases the risk of DPN by 10 times. Conclusions: This article confirms that diabetic neuropathy begins to develop even in pediatric patients, that various nerve conduction systems may be affected, and that poorer glycometabolic control is associated with an increased risk of developing DN. These results highlight the importance of early screening and prevention through tight glycometabolic control.
Knockout of dhx38 Causes Inner Ear Developmental Defects in Zebrafish
Authors: Ren Mengmeng , Chen Xiang , Dai Liyan , Tu Jiayi , Hu Hualei , Sun Xiaohan , Luo Jiong , Li Pei , Fu Yiyang , Zhu Yuejie , Sun Weiqiang , Tang Zhaohui , Liu Mugen , Ren Xiang , Lu Qunwei
Published: December 2024

Background: Alternative splicing is essential for the physiological and pathological development of the inner ear. Disruptions in this process can result in both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of hearing loss. DHX38, a DEAH box RNA helicase, is integral to pre-mRNA splicing regulation and plays critical roles in development, cell differentiation, and stem cell maintenance. However, its specific role in inner ear development remains undefined. Here, we utilized a dhx38 knockout zebrafish model to monitor the ear morphology and elucidate a crucial role for DHX38 in the development of the zebrafish inner ear. Methods: Bright-field morphological analysis and in situ hybridization were performed to observe ear morphology changes. Immunofluorescence and semi-quantitative RT-PCR were employed to test apoptotic cells and abnormal splicing. Results: The dhx38-/- mutant zebrafish showed significant inner ear impairments, including decrescent otocysts, absent semicircular canal protrusion, and smaller otoliths. These structural abnormalities were accompanied by substantial DNA damage and p53-dependent apoptosis within the inner ear cells. Alternative splicing analysis showed that genes related to DNA damage repair and inner ear morphogenesis are abnormal in dhx38 knockout mutants. In summary, we suggest that dhx38 promotes cell survival during the inner ear development of zebrafish by ensuring the correct splicing of genes related to DNA damage repair.
Relationship Between Frequency Domain Indicators of Heart Rate Variability and Both Age and Duration of Illness in Patients with Headache: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kim Jong-Ho , Sohn Jong-Hee , Hwang Sung-Mi , Lee Jae-Jun , Kwon Young-Suk
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: One of the most prevalent neurological conditions in the world, headaches impact a large number of people. Patients who experience headaches often have autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which can influence the onset and duration of headaches. Heart rate variability (HRV) serves as an indicator of the autonomic nervous system’s activity and balance. In this study, we looked at the frequency domain of HRV in relation to age and headache duration in patients who had headaches. Methods: This cross-sectional research is a secondary analysis that makes use of data gathered from previously registered study projects. They were adult males and females aged 19 to 80. HRV was recorded in three channels over the course of 20 min using a 256 Hz sampling interval. HRV frequency domain was utilized to analyze the relationship between HRV and headache duration as well as between HRV and age. Results: In a smooth curve through the scatterplot using the locally estimated scatterplot smoothing line, low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) declined beyond around 60 years of age, while the total power (TP) decreased until about 50 years of age, after which there was no discernible change. The duration of the headache did not significantly correlate with LF/HF or TP. However, TP decreased with age in the multivariate linear regression model (coefficient [95% confidence interval]: −0.003 [−0.003–−0.002]). Conclusions: There may be associations between HRV indices and age, but these associations may not be linear.
Short-Term Restriction of Physical and Social Activities Effects on Brain Structure and Connectivity
Authors: Zhang Yajuan , Guo Lianghu , Gu Zhuoyang , Yang Qing , Han Siyan , Zhang Han
Published: December 2024

Background: Prolonged confinement in enclosed environments has raised concerns about its effects on both physical and mental health. Although increased rates of depression or anxiety during COVID-19 lockdowns have been reported, the effects of short-term restrictions on social activities and physical on brain function and structure remain poorly known. Methods: This study explored longitudinal changes in brain gray matter volume (GMV) and functional connectivity (FC) immediately after and four months following a short-term lockdown in comparison to pre-lockdown conditions. MRI data were collected from 20 participants before the lockdown, from 29 participants (14 original, 15 new) two months post-lockdown, and from 27 out of the 29 participants four months post-lifting of the lockdown. Results: Results showed significant GMV reductions in the right gyrus rectus and cuneus post-lockdown, with further reductions observed four months after lifting the restrictions, affecting additional brain regions. Longitudinal FC trajectories revealed decreased connectivity between the default mode network (DMN) and sensorimotor/attention networks post-lockdown, and recovery after four months post-lifting of the lockdown. Conclusions: The observed plasticity in brain FC indicates substantial recovery potential with the potential long-term effect of structural changes. Our findings offer insights into the effects of isolation on the human brain, potentially informing rehabilitation mechanisms and interventions for individuals in similar conditions.
E46K α-Synuclein Mutation Fails to Promote Neurite Outgrowth by Not Inducing Cdc42EP2 Expression, Unlike Wild-Type or A53T α-Synuclein in SK-N-SH Cells
Authors: Jung Hyunja , Kim Seonghan
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: α-Synuclein (α-syn) protein is a major pathological agent of familial Parkinson’s disease (PD), and its levels and aggregations determine neurotoxicity in PD pathogenesis. Although the pathophysiological functions of α-syn have been extensively studied, its biological functions remain elusive, and there are reports of wild-type (WT) α-syn and two missense mutations of α-syn (A30P and A53T) inducing protective neuritogenesis through neurite outgrowth. However, the function of another α-syn mutation, E46K, has not been fully elucidated. Thus, we compared the effect of E46K α-syn with other types to identify the mechanisms underlying neurite outgrowth. Methods: We transfected SK-N-SH cells with WT and mutant (A53T and E46K) α-syn to investigate the effects of their overexpression on neurite outgrowth. Then, we compared the differential effects of α-syn on neurite outgrowth using microscopic analysis, including confocal microscopy. We also analyzed the differential regulation of cell division control 42 effector protein 2 (Cdc42EP2) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Finally, to confirm the implication of neurite outgrowth, we knocked down Cdc42EP2 using small interfering RNA. Results: Unlike WT and A53T α-syn, E46K α-syn failed to promote neurite outgrowth by not inducing Cdc42EP2 and subsequent βIII-tubulin expression. Cdc42EP2 knockdown impaired neurite outgrowth in WT and A53T α-syn transfectants. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that WT and mutant α-syn are linked to Cdc42EP2 production in neuritogenesis, implying α-syn involvement in the physiological function of axon growth and synapse formation. Thus, α-syn may be a potential therapeutic target for PD.
Behavioral Emotion Regulation Strategies and Symptoms of Psychological Distress Among Turkish University Students
Authors: Keskiner Edib Şevki , Şahin Ertuğrul , Topkaya Nursel , Yiğit Zehra
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between behavioral emotion regulation strategies and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among Turkish university students. Participants consisted of 633 students continuing their university education in two different universities in Türkiye. Participants completed a data collection tool comprising a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Behavioral Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, and multivariate multiple regression analysis. The results of this study revealed that seeking distraction was negatively associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas withdrawal, seeking social support, and ignoring were positively associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students. Additionally, actively approaching was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Overall, the findings demonstrate that university students who use maladaptive behavioral emotion regulation strategies (e.g., withdrawal, ignoring) tend to have higher levels of psychological distress, whereas university students who use adaptive emotion regulation strategies (e.g., distraction) tend to have lower levels of psychological distress. However, contrary to expectations, seeking social support was positively associated with symptoms of psychological distress. Given the paucity of research on the relationship between behavioral emotion regulation strategies and psychological distress in the Turkish cultural context, this study may contribute to identifying both universal and culturally specific strategies associated with depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Turkish university students.
Can Jurors Disregard Inadmissible Evidence? Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy to Test Interventions Derived from Cognitive and Social Psychological Theories
Authors: Sandberg Pamela N. , Neal Tess M. S. , O’Hara Karey L.
Published: December 2024

Inadmissible evidence generally biases jurors toward guilty verdicts; jurors who hear inadmissible evidence are more likely to convict than jurors not exposed to inadmissible evidence—even when admissible evidence is constant. When inadmissible evidence is introduced, the common legal remedy is judicial instructions to jurors to disregard it. Appeals courts repeatedly affirm instructions to disregard as a sufficient safeguard of defendants’ constitutional rights, despite research finding that jurors do not disregard when instructed. The goals of this research were to (1) test the main and interactive effects of four theory-driven candidate strategies to help jurors disregard inadmissible evidence (i.e., inducing suspicion, giving a substantive reason for disregarding, committing to disregarding, advising future jurors) and identify an optimized intervention package, and (2) evaluate whether adding the optimized intervention package showed more favorable effects than judicial instructions only. Study 1 used a 24 full factorial randomized controlled trial to evaluate the four candidate intervention strategies. A synergistic interaction among the candidate components suggested an optimized intervention package comprising all four interventions. Study 2 used a parallel four-arm randomized controlled trial to compare conviction rates in the same hypothetical murder trial under four conditions: (1) no exposure to inadmissible evidence, (2) exposure to inadmissible evidence without objection, (3) exposure to inadmissible evidence + judicial instructions (“standard practice”), and (4) exposure + judicial instructions + optimized intervention package. Across both studies, mock jurors who received the optimized intervention package returned significantly lower conviction rates than comparison conditions. These findings show early promise that novel intervention strategies may assist jurors in disregarding inadmissible evidence. Interpretation, limitations, and calls to action are discussed.
Relationship Between Work–Family Conflict and Support on Construction Professionals’ Family Satisfaction: An Integrated Model in Chile
Authors: Neculman Briguitte , Sierra-Varela Leonardo , Schnettler Berta , Villegas-Flores Noé
Published: December 2024

In the construction industry in Chile, workers face high levels of work–family conflict due to demanding working conditions. This study examines the interactions between work–family conflict, perceived family and organizational support, and the legal regulatory framework on the family satisfaction of professionals in this sector. A sample of 500 workers is evaluated using the partial least squares structural equation method (PLS-SEM). The results highlight that both the legal regulatory framework and perceived family support significantly positively affect family satisfaction. Moreover, organizational support is limited in this situation, whereas work–family and family–work conflicts adversely affect family satisfaction. This study provides evidence for the design of labor policies in construction in Chile, emphasizing the importance of strengthening family support and the regulatory framework to improve work–family balance and workers’ well-being.
Achieving On-Site Trustworthy AI Implementation in the Construction Industry: A Framework Across the AI Lifecycle
Authors: Yang Lichao , Allen Gavin , Zhang Zichao , Zhao Yifan
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the construction industry has rapidly emerged, particularly in areas such as site monitoring and project management. This technology has demonstrated its great potential in enhancing safety and productivity in construction. However, concerns regarding the technical maturity and reliability, safety, and privacy implications have led to a lack of trust in AI among stakeholders and end users in the construction industry, which slows the intelligent transformation of the industry, particularly for on-site AI implementation. This paper reviews frameworks for AI system design across various sectors and government regulations and requirements for achieving trustworthy and responsible AI. The principles for the AI system design are then determined. Furthermore, a lifecycle design framework specifically tailored for AI systems deployed in the construction industry is proposed. This framework addresses six key phases, including planning, data collection, algorithm development, deployment, maintenance, and archiving, and clarifies the design principles and development priorities needed for each phase to enhance AI system trustworthiness and acceptance. This framework provides design guidance for the implementation of AI in the construction industry, particularly for on-site applications, aiming to facilitate the intelligent transformation of the construction industry.
Impact of Built Environment on the Process of Psychological Treatment of Children and Youth
Authors: Gawlak Agata , Banaś Ewa
Published: December 2024

According to official surveys, the number of adolescents with mental health problems in Poland is increasing, which is also typical of other European countries. At the same time, programmes are being introduced to secure infrastructure and adequate therapeutic space by expanding or creating new, architecturally friendly centres. The comfort of the stay created by appropriate spatial conditions must be developed with the participation of the users (patients, staff and visitors). A qualitative study was carried out among staff, based on the structured interview method. The aim of the study was to diagnose the elements of architectural space that support health. It was hypothesised that the architecture of health care facilities could promote mental health. Using advances in environmental psychology, evidence-based design, and elements such as architectural form, spatial-functional layout and the surrounding environment were considered. The results of the study identified features of a user-friendly environment, creating a set of recommendations based on the research-by-design method. Consequently, the recommendations were implemented into the conceptual design. Their validity was proven using the example of the design of a health centre for young people in Klawa, Poland.
Study on the Behavior of Cement Slurry Prepared by Vibration Agitation and Numerical Simulation of Flow Field
Authors: Kou Ziming , Tan Tianyi , Cui Haotian
Published: December 2024

Vibration agitation, a mechanically enhanced material mixing technique, is appropriate for preparing concrete- and other cement-based materials as it helps to eliminate the agglomeration effect between particles, improving mixing efficiency and material properties and saving resources. Applying vibration agitation to the large-scale industry is challenging primarily due to the difficulty in elucidating the microscopic mixing mechanism. To this end, the Euler multiphase flow model and ALE dynamic grid technology were combined to create the flow field simulation model of the cement slurry vibration mixing process in this paper. The physical parameters and mixing characteristics of various structure agitators under various vibration mixing frequencies were investigated as well. The findings demonstrated that vibration agitation significantly improved the mixing effect and the mixing efficiency and homogeneity were positively correlated with the excitation frequency. The slurry had a larger average velocity and turbulent kinetic energy, along with a reduced frictional viscous moment on the agitator. The vibration altered the system’s pressure field and fluid movement direction. Furthermore, the improvement of the flow field parameters for the horizontal shaft mixer was highly sensitive in the low-frequency range, whereas for vertical shaft agitators, it was at higher excitation frequencies that more significant gains were achieved.
The Impact of Multi-Dimensional Incentives on the Performance of Rail Transit PPP Projects
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Yuan Yining , Zhang Lei , Zhao Jianfeng , Yuan Jingfeng
Published: December 2024

This study investigates how different types of incentives impact the performance of rail transit PPPs, focusing on their construction and operational phases. By surveying 121 practitioners working in the Chinese rail transit industry, we propose a new classification of incentives (i.e., control-oriented, neutrality-oriented, and recognition-oriented incentives) based on psychological theories to broaden the categorization of “positive” (rewards) and “negative” (punishment) incentives. We further explore how these multi-dimensional incentives influence project performance by surveying another 256 industry professionals. Our findings reveal that (1) in addition to punishments, performance-based payment/bonus, credit ratings, and reputation mechanisms are newly recognized as control-oriented incentives, which can restrain the autonomy of the private sector; (2) control-oriented incentives positively influence project performance in the construction phase where clear, measurable goals are available, but their impact diminishes in the operational phase; (3) recognition-oriented incentives enhance project performance in both construction and operational phases (especially the latter), fostering long-term sustainability; and (4) neutrality-oriented incentives focus on risk allocation and collaboration between public and private sectors, showing a modestly positive effect in the operational phase. As such, the study provides decision-makers in the rail transit industry with valuable insights to enhance project performance effectively when implementing incentive policies.
Numerical Analysis on Sliding-Type Transverse Splicing Connection Applied in Widening Continuous Concrete Box-Girder Bridge
Authors: Wu Wenqing , Cao Chong , Wu Yuqin , Liu Jiyang , Liu Dan , Chen Liang , Liu Zheng
Published: December 2024

When traditional joint structures are used to widen multi-span continuous concrete box girder bridges, excessive lateral deformation often occurs at the girder ends, typically leading to the squeezing and cracking of seismic blocks by the girder webs. To address these technical challenges, this paper investigates a new type of slide-rail lateral joint structure that can create a longitudinal sliding effect between two bridge decks of the old and new bridge box girders, thereby effectively reducing the lateral deformation at the girder ends. First, this paper employs the finite element method to conduct a numerical analysis of a real-world bridge widening project, exploring the working mechanism and application feasibility of this novel connection method. The results show that, in the case study, if the traditional joint method is used, the lateral displacement at the girder ends can reach up to 40 mm after three years of widening. However, when the slide-rail joint structure is employed, the lateral displacement at the girder ends is limited to no more than 6 mm. This demonstrates that the new joint method can indeed effectively address the issue of excessive lateral deformation at the ends of the widened structure. Second, given that the slide-rail lateral joint structure is a relatively precise engineering structure, this paper examines the lateral load transfer mechanism under loads such as wheel loads and foundation settlement differences. It discusses the load-bearing characteristics of various components, including square steel pipes, lateral connection rebars, concrete flange plates, and embedded rebars. Finally, through a parameter sensitivity analysis, it is found that the torsional stiffness of the square steel pipes is a critical parameter for ensuring the load-bearing capacity of the structure. Therefore, it is recommended to set the wall thickness of the square steel pipes to 5 mm. Based on these research findings, this paper theoretically demonstrates that the new slide-rail lateral joint structure can effectively solve the technical challenges encountered during the lateral joint widening of multi-span long-span concrete continuous box girder bridges, providing a new solution for this field.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Self-Centering Brace with Arc Steel Plate
Authors: Malek Mohammad Pour Mahdi , Monajemi Nejad Soheil , Sarvgad Moghadam AbdolReza
Published: December 2024

Self-centering braces are structural systems that help reduce structural drift when the structure is under the influence of seismic forces. This paper introduces a novel self-centering brace designed to enhance the seismic performance of structures, while also minimizing permanent deflection after an earthquake. The advantages of this brace include easy construction, compatibility with construction practices in Iran, affordability, high capacity for axial force, efficient energy dissipation, adaptability for development, and applicability in various structures. The proposed brace components are presented, and the brace’s behavior under cyclic loading is analyzed. The results highlight the significant impact of arched steel plates on the damping properties of the proposed brace systems. Various parameters, such as thickness, curvature radius, and arched spring width, are considered. Moreover, experimental studies are conducted to explore the behavior of the proposed brace. A comparison between the experimental and numerical modeling results demonstrates the accuracy of the numerical models in relation to the tests.
Impact of the Number of Positive Pelvic Lymph Nodes on Risk of Para-Aortic Recurrence in Patients with Clinically Early Cervical Cancer Treated by a Radical Hysterectomy and Pelvic Lymphadenectomy
Authors: Schoonhoven Felix J. M. , Aarts Johanna W. M. , Fons Guus , Stalpers Lukas J. A. , van Lonkhuijzen Luc R. C. W. , van der Velden Jacobus , Mom Constantijne H.
Published: December 2024

Background: Guidelines recommend the extension of the pelvic radiotherapy volume to the para-aortic region in locally advanced cervical cancer and ≥3 suspicious pelvic lymph nodes (PLN) on imaging. Whether this recommendation is also valid for clinically early stages is uncertain. The objective of this study was to investigate the para-aortic (PAO) lymph node recurrence rate in patients with early-stage cervical cancer, ≥3 metastatic PLN, and negative common iliac nodes after a radical hysterectomy followed by pelvic (chemo)radiotherapy without extension to the PAO region. Methods: Consecutive patients, surgically treated between 2000 and 2020, with FIGO 2009 stage IB2-IIA1 and positive PLN, were included in this retrospective cohort study. The frequency of PAO recurrences, disease-free survival, and overall survival were analyzed in patients with <3 versus ≥3 positive PLN. Results: In 127 patients, the isolated PAO recurrence rate was 2/88 (2.3%) versus 1/39 (2.6%) for patients with <3 versus ≥3 positive PLNs, respectively (p = 0.671). The 5-year disease-free survival (87.3% versus 73.7%; p = 0.088) and the overall survival (90.7% versus 76.5%; p = 0.355) between patients with <3 versus ≥3 positive PLN was not significantly different. Conclusions: Isolated PAO nodal recurrence rate in women with early-stage cervical cancer after radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy, with positive PLN but negative common iliac nodes, followed by pelvic (chemo)radiotherapy, is low and did not differ between the groups with <3 versus ≥3 positive PLN. This makes it unlikely that the inclusion of the PAO region in the adjuvant radiotherapy volume would result in a better oncological outcome.
Predictive Mortality and Gastric Cancer Risk Using Clinical and Socio-Economic Data: A Nationwide Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Kang Seong Uk , Nam Seung-Joo , Kwon Oh Beom , Yim Inhyeok , Kim Tae-Hoon , Yeo Na Young , Lim Myoung Nam , Kim Woo Jin , Park Sang Won
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly in East Asia, with a notable burden in Republic of Korea. This study aimed to construct and develop machine learning models for the prediction of gastric cancer mortality and the identification of risk factors. Methods: All data were acquired from the Korean Clinical Data Utilization for Research Excellence by multiple medical centers in South Korea. A total of 23,717 gastric cancer patients were divided into two groups by cause of mortality (all-cause of 2664 and disease-specific of 1620) and investigated. We used comprehensive data integrating clinical, pathological, lifestyle, and socio-economic factors. Cox proportional hazards analysis was conducted to estimate hazard ratios for mortality. Five machine learning models (random forest, gradient boosting machine, XGBoost, light GBM, and cat boosting) were developed to predict mortality. The models were interpreted by SHAP, one of the explainable AI techniques. Results: For all-cause mortality, the gradient-boosting machine learning model demonstrated the highest performance with an AUC-ROC of 0.795. For disease-specific mortality, the light GBM model outperformed others, achieving an AUC-ROC of 0.867. Significant predictors included the AJCC7 stage, tumor size, lymph node count, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking, and diabetes. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of integrating both clinical and lifestyle data to enhance mortality prediction accuracy in gastric cancer patients. The findings highlight the need for personalized treatment approaches in the Korean population and emphasize the role of demographic-specific data in predictive modeling.
The Role of Simpson Grading System in Spinal Meningioma Surgery: Institutional Case Series, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Corazzelli Giuseppe , Corvino Sergio , Cioffi Valentina , Mastantuoni Ciro , Scala Maria Rosaria , Di Colandrea Salvatore , Sigona Luigi , Bocchetti Antonio , de Falco Raffaele
Published: December 2024

Background: Although its validity has recently been questioned since its introduction, the Simpson grade has remained one of the most relevant factors in estimating the recurrence risk of intracranial meningiomas. This study aims to assess its role in spinal meningiomas through a retrospective analysis of a mono-institutional surgical series and literature meta-analysis. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature from 1980 to 2023, complemented by a mono-institutional series of 74 patients treated at “Santa Maria delle Grazie” hospital. Demographic, clinical, neuroradiological, pathological, surgical, and outcome data of case series were analyzed. For the meta-analysis, studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, and a fixed-effects model was used to synthesize data due to assumed homogeneity among included studies. Statistical analyses included odds ratios (OR) for recurrence risk and assessment of publication bias using Peter’s test. Results: Mono-institutional sample included 74 patients, most of whom were women (85%) with a median age of 61.9 years. The thoracic spine was the most common tumor location (81%). Recurrences occurred in patients with Simpson grade II and III resections. The meta-analysis involved 2142 patients from 25 studies and revealed a significantly higher recurrence rate for Simpson grades III–V compared to grades I–II (OR 0.10; CI95 0.06–0.16). Additionally, Simpson grade II had a higher recurrence risk than grade I (OR 0.42; CI95 0.20–0.90). Conclusions: The Simpson grading remains a valid predictor of recurrence also for spinal meningiomas. Our findings revealed a significant increase in recurrence rate with higher Simpson grades. These results support the need to strive for Simpson grade I resection when feasible.
Electrolessly Deposited Cobalt–Phosphorus Coatings for Efficient Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Amber Huma , Balčiūnaitė Aldona , Sukackienė Zita , Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė Loreta , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: December 2024

Hydrogen production via water splitting is one of the latest low-cost green hydrogen production technologies. The challenge is to develop inexpensive and highly active catalysts. Herein, we present the preparation of electrocatalysts based on cobalt–phosphorus (Co-P) coatings with different P contents for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER). The Co-P coatings were deposited on the copper (Cu) surface using the economical and simple method of electroless metal deposition. The morphology, structure, and composition of the Co-P coatings deposited on the Cu surface were studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), while their activity for HER and OER in 1 M KOH was investigated using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and chrono-techniques. It was found that the catalyst activity for both HER and OER depends on the P content of the catalyst and varies based on the highest efficiency for each reaction. The Co-P coating with 11 wt% P exhibited the lowest overpotential value of 98.9 mV for the HER to obtain a current density of 10 mA cm−2 compared to the Co-P coatings with 8, 5, 1.6, and 0.4 wt% P (107.6, 165.9, 218.2, and 253.9 mV, respectively). In contrast, the lowest OER overpotential (378 mV) was observed for the Co-P coating with 8 wt% P to obtain a current density of 10 mA cm−2 as compared to the Co-P coatings with 5, 11, 1.6, and 0.4 wt% P (400, 413, 434, and 434 mV, respectively). These results suggest that the obtained catalysts are suitable for HER and OER in alkaline media.
Calcium Signalling in Neurological Disorders, with Insights from Miniature Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Sun Dechuan , Amiri Mona , Meng Qi , Unnithan Ranjith R. , French Chris
Published: December 2024

Neurological disorders (NDs), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and schizophrenia, represent a complex and multifaceted health challenge that affects millions of people around the world. Growing evidence suggests that disrupted neuronal calcium signalling contributes to the pathophysiology of NDs. Additionally, calcium functions as a ubiquitous second messenger involved in diverse cellular processes, from synaptic activity to intercellular communication, making it a potential therapeutic target. Recently, the development of the miniature fluorescence microscope (miniscope) enabled simultaneous recording of the spatiotemporal calcium activity from large neuronal ensembles in unrestrained animals, providing a novel method for studying NDs. In this review, we discuss the abnormalities observed in calcium signalling and its potential as a therapeutic target for NDs. Additionally, we highlight recent studies that utilise miniscope technology to investigate the alterations in calcium dynamics associated with NDs.