bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The copepod Acartia sp. is more sensitive to a rapid pressure drop associated with seismic airguns than Calanus sp.
Authors: Vereide EH , Khodabandeloo B , de Jong K
Published: January 2024

Airguns used in seismic surveys release high-pressure air, generating sound waves that may have adverse effects on marine life. However, knowledge of how seismic exposure impacts zooplankton is limited. One key characteristic of seismic signals that could potentially cause damage is a rapid pressure drop. In this study, the rapid pressure drop (~2 bar) was re-created in the laboratory using a pressure tube. To determine the range at which this drop occurs, the sound field around a seismic airgun array was modeled. The effects of this pressure drop on mortality and swimming behavior were tested in 2 common copepods, Acartia sp. and Calanus sp., both immediately and 5 h after treatment. Pressure-exposed Acartia sp. showed higher mortality rates (0 h: 5.6%; 5 h: 10%) compared to the controls, while mortality in Calanus sp. only increased after 5 h (3.3%). The swimming speed of pressure-exposed Acartia sp. (0 h: 0.49 mm s-1; 5 h: 0.52 mm s-1) was lower than in the control treatment, whereas the swimming speed in pressure-exposed Calanus sp. (2.64 mm s-1) only differed immediately after treatment. This study demonstrates that a rapid pressure drop can negatively affect zooplankton mortality and behavior at close range. The results also show that Acartia sp. is more sensitive to this pressure drop than Calanus sp., suggesting potential species-specific impacts from seismic exposure. Identifying the sound characteristics that can be harmful to zooplankton allows for a more accurate assessment of the most affected species and the range at which impacts can occur.
Metacognition and the puzzle of alethic memory
Authors: Sant'Anna André
Published: January 2024

Alethism is the view that successful remembering only requires an accurate representation of a past event. It opposes the truth-and-authenticity view, according to which successful remembering requires both an accurate representation of a past event and an accurate representation of a past experience of that event. Alethism is able to handle problematic cases faced by the truth-and-authenticity view, but it faces an important challenge of its own: If successful remembering only requires accurately representing past events, then how is it possible that our memories are also experienced as originating in past experiences of those events? I call this the puzzle of alethic memory. I argue that alethism can be reconciled with the claim that memories are experienced as originating in past experiences of those events—what I call the experience of first-handedness—if we conceive of the phenomenology of remembering in metacognitive terms. According to the metacognitive approach that I favor, the phenomenology of remembering is partly explained by what memory represents and partly explained by the existence of a metacognitive feeling that accompanies memory representations. I argue that accounting for the feeling of first-handedness in terms of the metacognitive feeling that accompanies memory representations allows us to solve the puzzle of alethic memory.
KNOWLEDGE OF DENTISTS IN MEDAN CONCERNING GREEN DENTISTRY ON RADIOLOGICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Manja Cek Dara , Kartika Dewi , Saragih Sonia Ayunita
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The radiographic procedure is hazardous waste because it uses toxic materials. According to the concept of green dentistry, appropriate and efficient waste management needs to be carried out to avoid risks to human health or the environment. This study aims to determine the knowledge level of dentists in Medan concerning green dentistry in the management of radiological waste. Methods: A descriptive study was used as a study method, and purposive sampling was used to choose samples. The total sample consisted of 31 dentists in Medan who owned radiographic equipment. Data were obtained from direct questionnaires. The data were analyzed univariately and calculated in a frequency and percentage table. Result: The results showed that 100% of dentists knew about the definition of green dentistry, 83.9% about the 4R principle of green dentistry, 96.8% about the green dentistry recommendation for radiological waste management, 100% about the benefit of digital radiographic images, 93.5% about paper waste management of digital radiography, 35.5% about the silver-containing hazardous waste solution, 90.3% about how to dispose of fixer solution, 71.0% about disposing of developer solution, 93.5% about disposing of x-ray films, 71.0% about disposing of lead foil, and 45.2% about good x-ray cleaners. Conclusion: This study concludes that 87.1% of dentists in Medan had a knowledge level of green dentistry on radiological waste management in the good category, 9.7% in the fair category, and 3.2% in the less category.
PERIODONTAL STATUS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH MEDITERRANEAN DIET (LITERATURE REVIEW)
Authors: Astuti Luki , Aurelia Sania , Komala Olivia Nauli
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The condition of the periodontal tissues can usually be checked by conducting a periodontal screening or examination of the periodontal tissues. From this examination, the health status of the periodontal tissue will be obtained, which can facilitate findings related to periodontal disease. Diet has been reported to be significantly associated with periodontal health. A diet that is known to have a beneficial effect on treating inflammation in the oral cavity is the Mediterranean diet. Aim: This literature review discusses the conclusive results of periodontal status in patients or individuals with a Mediterranean diet obtained from several studies. Review: The clinical parameters measured on examination of the periodontal tissue to obtain periodontal health status were plaque and calculus scores, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level or clinical attachment loss (CAL). Nutritional factors are known to act as sources of interference and modulation. A diet that lacks micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) can exacerbate the inflammatory response of the periodontal tissues. The Mediterranean diet is known to be low in saturated fat and rich in polyphenols, oleocanthal, lycopene, minerals, fiber, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. This diet can provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can affect the periodontal tissue. Although not very numerous, there are studies examining periodontal tissue and periodontal disease in individuals with a Mediterranean diet. These studies require the health status of the periodontal tissues. Conclusion: Periodontal health status in individuals with a Mediterranean diet based on several studies shows quite good results, where there is a decrease in scores on bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and low plaque index.
Toxicological risk assessment of mechanical-chemical vs. chemical weed control techniques in sugar beet in Germany using SYNOPS-GIS
Authors: Fishkis Olga , Strassemeyer Joern , Pöllinger Franz , Roß Christel Anne , Koch Heinz-Josef
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The EU Farm to Fork strategy aims to reduce the use of pesticides and associated toxicological risks. However, the risks coming along with currently available alternatives to chemical weed control in sugar beet have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the toxicological risks to arthropods, aquatic and soil organisms caused by mechanical-chemical in comparison to conventional chemical weed control in sugar beet.

Materials and methods

The risk assessment was performed using SYNOPS-GIS, a process-based model calculating the environmental fate of pesticides and the exposure risk to arthropods, aquatic and soil organisms.

Results and discussion

Overall, broadcast spraying of conventional herbicides caused low to very low toxicological risks in most regions and years in Germany. Nevertheless, there were considerably higher risks to aquatic and soil organisms from conventional broadcast spraying in northern Germany than in other regions of Germany. With conventional herbicides, mechanical-chemical weed control reduced toxicological risks proportionally to the reduction in application amount. In contrast, band spraying of the new herbicide with the active ingredients foramsulfuron and thiencarbazone-methyl caused an aquatic risk as broadcast spraying with conventional herbicides, although the application rate was 120 times lower. This was due to high toxicity of both active ingredients of the new herbicide to water plants.

Conclusions

Not only the application amount of herbicides but also environmental toxicity should be included in assessment approaches such as the EU “Harmonized Risk Indicator”.
Allergen immunotherapy in China
Authors: Yang Yaqi , Li Wenjing , Zhu Rongfei
Published: January 2024

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is an etiological treatment strategy that involves administering escalating doses of clinically relevant allergens to desensitize the immune system. It has shown encouraging results in reducing allergy symptoms and enhancing patients' quality of life. In this review, we offer a thorough overview of AIT in China, examining its efficacy, safety, current practices, and prospects. We further underscore the progress made in AIT research and clinical applications, as well as the distinct challenges and opportunities that China faces in this area.
Prediction of knee biomechanics with different tibial component malrotations after total knee arthroplasty: conventional machine learning vs. deep learning
Authors: Zhang Qida , Li Zhuhuan , Chen Zhenxian , Peng Yinghu , Jin Zhongmin , Qin Ling
Published: January 2024

The precise alignment of tibiofemoral components in total knee arthroplasty is a crucial factor in enhancing the longevity and functionality of the knee. However, it is a substantial challenge to quickly predict the biomechanical response to malrotation of tibiofemoral components after total knee arthroplasty using musculoskeletal multibody dynamics models. The objective of the present study was to conduct a comparative analysis between a deep learning method and four conventional machine learning methods for predicting knee biomechanics with different tibial component malrotation during a walking gait after total knee arthroplasty. First, the knee contact forces and kinematics with different tibial component malrotation in the range of ±5° in the three directions of anterior/posterior slope, internal/external rotation, and varus/valgus rotation during a walking gait after total knee arthroplasty were calculated based on the developed musculoskeletal multibody dynamics model. Subsequently, deep learning and four conventional machine learning methods were developed using the above 343 sets of biomechanical data as the dataset. Finally, the results predicted by the deep learning method were compared to the results predicted by four conventional machine learning methods. The findings indicated that the deep learning method was more accurate than four conventional machine learning methods in predicting knee contact forces and kinematics with different tibial component malrotation during a walking gait after total knee arthroplasty. The deep learning method developed in this study enabled quickly determine the biomechanical response with different tibial component malrotation during a walking gait after total knee arthroplasty. The proposed method offered surgeons and surgical robots the ability to establish a calibration safety zone, which was essential for achieving precise alignment in both preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative robotic-assisted surgical navigation.
The influence of the combined impairments and apical mesh surgery on the biomechanical behavior of the pelvic floor system
Authors: Xue Xianglu , Zheng Qiuyu , Gao Zhenhua , Shen Jihong , Yao Tingqiang
Published: January 2024

Objective: The prolapse mechanism of multifactorial impairment of the female pelvic floor system and the mechanics of the pelvic floor after apical suspension surgery are not yet understood, so we developed biomechanical models of the pelvic floor for the normal physiological state (0°) and 90° pathological state.

Methods: Under different types and levels of the impairments and uterosacral suspensions, the possible changes in the morphometric characteristics and the mechanical characteristics of suspension and support functions were simulated based on the biomechanical models of the pelvic floor.

Results: After the combined impairments, the descending displacement of the pelvic floor cervix and the stress and displacement of the perineal body reached maximum values. After surgical mesh implantation, the stresses of the normal pelvic floor were concentrated on the uterine fundus, cervix, and top of the bladder and the stresses of the 90° pathological state pelvic floor were concentrated on the uterine fundus, uterine body, cervix, middle of the posterior vaginal wall, and bottom of the perineal body.

Conclusion: After the combined impairments, the biomechanical support of the bladder and sacrococcyx in the anterior (0°) and 90° pathological state pelvic floor system is diminished, the anterior vaginal wall dislodges from the external vaginal opening, and the posterior vaginal wall forms “kneeling” profiles. The pelvic floor system may evolve with a tendency toward the cervical prolapse with anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse and eventually prolapse. After surgical mesh implantation, the cervical position can be better restored; however, the load of combined impairment of the pelvic floor is mainly borne by the surgical mesh suspension, the biomechanical support function of pelvic floor organs and sacrococcyx was not repaired by the physiological structure, and the results of uterosacral suspension alone may be poor.
Synthesis and characterization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles from Bacillus subtilis MTCC 8322 and its application for the removal of methylene blue and orange G dyes under UV light and visible light
Authors: Rathore Chandani , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Amari Abdelfattah , Meena Abhishek , Chinedu Egbosiuba Titus , Verma Rakesh Kumar , Mahdhi Noureddine , Choudhary Nisha , Sahoo Dipak Kumar , Chundawat Rajendra Singh , Patel Ashish
Published: January 2024

Over the last decade there has been a huge increase in the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Moreover, there is a continuous increase in harnessing the potential of microorganisms for the development of efficient and biocompatible nanoparticles around the globe. In the present research work, investigators have synthesized TiO2 NPs by harnessing the potential of Bacillus subtilis MTCC 8322 (Gram-positive) bacteria. The formation and confirmation of the TiO2 NPs synthesized by bacteria were carried out by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX/EDS). The size of the synthesized TiO2 NPs was 80–120 nm which was spherical to irregular in shape as revealed by SEM. FTIR showed the characteristic bands of Ti-O in the range of 400–550 cm−1 and 924 cm−1 while the band at 2930 cm−1 confirmed the association of bacterial biomolecules with the synthesized TiO2 NPs. XRD showed two major peaks; 27.5° (rutile phase) and 45.6° (anatase phase) for the synthesized TiO2 NPs. Finally, the potential of the synthesized TiO2 NPs was assessed as an antibacterial agent and photocatalyst. The remediation of Methylene blue (MB) and Orange G (OG) dyes was carried out under UV- light and visible light for a contact time of 150–240 min respectively. The removal efficiency for 100 ppm MB dye was 25.75% and for OG dye was 72.24% under UV light, while in visible light, the maximum removal percentage for MB and OG dye was 98.85% and 80.43% respectively at 90 min. Moreover, a kinetic study and adsorption isotherm study were carried out for the removal of both dyes, where the pseudo-first-order for MB dye is 263.269 and 475554.176 mg/g for OG dye. The pseudo-second-order kinetics for MB and OG dye were 188.679 and 1666.667 mg/g respectively. In addition to this, the antibacterial activity of TiO2 NPs was assessed against Bacillus subtilis MTCC 8322 (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli MTCC 8933 (Gram-negative) where the maximum zone of inhibition in Bacillus subtilis MTCC 8322 was about 12 mm, and for E. coli 16 mm.
Rapid and reliable diagnosis of Moraxella catarrhalis infection using loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based testing
Authors: Xiao Fei , Zhou Juan , Huang Xiaolan , Fu Jin , Jia Nan , Sun Chunrong , Xu Zheng , Wang Yi , Yu Lei , Meng Lihui
Published: January 2024

Moraxella catarrhalis (M. catarrhalis) was an important pathogen closely associated with respiratory tract infections. We employed the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) coupled with nanoparticle-based lateral flow biosensor (LFB) and fluorescence testing technique for formulating two diagnostic methods for M. catarrhalis detection, termed M. catarrhalis-LAMP-LFB assay and M. catarrhalis-LAMP-FRT, respectively. The M. catarrhalis-LAMP-LFB system incorporated the use of biotin-14-dCTP and a forward loop primer (LF) with a hapten at the 5′ end. This design in LAMP reaction enabled the production of double-labeled products that could be effectively analyzed using the lateral flow biosensor (LFB). For the M. catarrhalis-LAMP-FRT assay, the LF was modified with a sequence at 5′ end, and a fluorophore, as well as a black hole quencher, were strategically labeled at the 5′ end and within the middle of the new LF. The restriction endonuclease Nb.BsrDI could accurately recognize and cleave the newly synthesized double-strand terminal sequences, resulting in the separation of the fluorophore from the black hole quencher and releasing fluorescence signals. Both assays have been proven to be highly sensitive and specific, capable of detecting genomic DNA of M. catarrhalis at concentrations as low as 70 fg, with no cross-reactivity observed with non-M. catarrhalis pathogens. Furthermore, both methods successfully identified M. catarrhalis in all clinical samples within 1 h that were confirmed positive by real-time PCR, exhibiting superior sensitivity than conventional culture methods. Herein, the newly developed two LAMP-based assays were rapid and reliable for M. catarrhalis detection and hold significant promise for deployment in point-of-care (POC) settings.
Force/position-based velocity control strategy for the lower limb rehabilitation robot during active training: design and validation
Authors: Tian Junjie , Wang Hongbo , Lu Hao , Yang Yang , Li Lianqing , Niu Jianye , Cheng Bo
Published: January 2024

Aiming at the shortcomings of most existing control strategies for lower limb rehabilitation robots that are difficult to guarantee trajectory tracking effect and active participation of the patient, this paper proposes a force/position-based velocity control (FPVC) strategy for the hybrid end-effector lower limb rehabilitation robot (HE-LRR) during active training. The configuration of HE-LRR is described and the inverse Jacobian analysis is carried out. Then, the FPVC strategy design is introduced in detail, including normal velocity planning and tangential velocity planning. The experimental platform for the HE-LRR system is presented. A series of experiments are conducted to validate the FPVC strategy’s performance, including trajectory measurement experiments, force and velocity measurement experiments, and active participation experiments. Experimental studies show that the end effector possesses good following performance with the reference trajectory and the desired velocity, and the active participation of subjects can be adjusted by the control strategy parameters. The experiments have verified the rationality of the FPVC strategy, which can meet the requirements of trajectory tracking effect and active participation, indicating its good application prospects in the patient’s robot-assisted active training.
Breaking barriers: a statistical and machine learning-based hybrid system for predicting dementia
Authors: Javeed Ashir , Anderberg Peter , Ghazi Ahmad Nauman , Noor Adeeb , Elmståhl Sölve , Berglund Johan Sanmartin
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Dementia is a condition (a collection of related signs and symptoms) that causes a continuing deterioration in cognitive function, and millions of people are impacted by dementia every year as the world population continues to rise. Conventional approaches for determining dementia rely primarily on clinical examinations, analyzing medical records, and administering cognitive and neuropsychological testing. However, these methods are time-consuming and costly in terms of treatment. Therefore, this study aims to present a noninvasive method for the early prediction of dementia so that preventive steps should be taken to avoid dementia.

Methods: We developed a hybrid diagnostic system based on statistical and machine learning (ML) methods that used patient electronic health records to predict dementia. The dataset used for this study was obtained from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC), with a sample size of 43040 and 75 features. The newly constructed diagnostic extracts a subset of useful features from the dataset through a statistical method (F-score). For the classification, we developed an ensemble voting classifier based on five different ML models: decision tree (DT), naive Bayes (NB), logistic regression (LR), support vector machines (SVM), and random forest (RF). To address the problem of ML model overfitting, we used a cross-validation approach to evaluate the performance of the proposed diagnostic system. Various assessment measures, such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and Matthew’s correlation coefficient (MCC), were used to thoroughly validate the devised diagnostic system’s efficiency.

Results: According to the experimental results, the proposed diagnostic method achieved the best accuracy of 98.25%, as well as sensitivity of 97.44%, specificity of 95.744%, and MCC of 0.7535.

Discussion: The effectiveness of the proposed diagnostic approach is compared to various cutting-edge feature selection techniques and baseline ML models. From experimental results, it is evident that the proposed diagnostic system outperformed the prior feature selection strategies and baseline ML models regarding accuracy.
Mathematical simulation of damage detection for fighting athletes and equipment based on conjugated polymer development
Authors: Lu Yang , Zhao Yang , Wu Jingyun , Chen Xiaoyan , Zhang Qijia
Published: January 2024

Traditional combat sports equipment usually uses synthetic materials, such as polyurethane and synthetic leather. Although these materials have a certain degree of strength and durability, they have poor flexibility and antibacterial properties, making it difficult to provide stable support and protection for athletes. In order to enhance the antibacterial properties and flexibility of sports equipment and reduce the risk of injuries to athletes, this article conducts in-depth research on the development of combat sports equipment using conjugated polymers. This article first selects polypropylene (PP) as the base material for sports equipment for combat athletes, and uses the gas phase polymerization method to prepare the material; then uses chitosan as an antimicrobial agent and uses the oxidative degradation method to prepare it; after that, this article coats the chitosan antibacterial agent on the prepared PP material, and uses a combination of dipping and calendering for antibacterial treatment; finally, this article uses the spunbond melt-blown composite method to fill and combine the top equipment of combat athletes to achieve the structural design of sports equipment. In order to verify the effectiveness of the equipment, this article conducted equipment performance testing and sports injury simulation. The results showed that the average diameter of the antibacterial zone of this sports equipment reached more than 1 mm, and in the injury risk test, the risk of athletes' joint and muscle injuries was reduced by 16.9% and 20.5% respectively. Research shows that developing combat sports equipment based on conjugated polymers can help reduce the risk of injury to athletes and improve the safety of combat sports.
Ultrahigh resolution lipid mass spectrometry imaging of high-grade serous ovarian cancer mouse models
Authors: Ma Xin , Botros Andro , Yun Sylvia R. , Park Eun Young , Kim Olga , Park Soojin , Pham Thu-Huyen , Chen Ruihong , Palaniappan Murugesan , Matzuk Martin M. , Kim Jaeyeon , Fernández Facundo M.
Published: January 2024

No effective screening tools for ovarian cancer (OC) exist, making it one of the deadliest cancers among women. Considering that little is known about the detailed progression and metastasis mechanism of OC at a molecular level, it is crucial to gain more insights into how metabolic and signaling alterations accompany its development. Herein, we present a comprehensive study using ultra-high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to investigate the spatial distribution and alterations of lipids in ovarian tissues collected from double knockout (n = 4) and triple mutant mouse models (n = 4) of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Lipids belonging to a total of 15 different classes were annotated and their abundance changes were compared to those in healthy mouse reproductive tissue (n = 4), mapping onto major lipid pathways involved in OC progression. From intermediate-stage OC to advanced HGSC, we provide direct visualization of lipid distributions and their biological links to inflammatory response, cellular stress, cell proliferation, and other processes. We also show the ability to distinguish tumors at different stages from healthy tissues via a number of highly specific lipid biomarkers, providing targets for future panels that could be useful in diagnosis.
Anti-herpes simplex virus activities and mechanisms of marine derived compounds
Authors: Hao Cui , Xu Zhongqiu , Xu Can , Yao Ruyong
Published: January 2024

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most widely prevalent herpes virus worldwide, and the herpetic encephalitis and genital herpes caused by HSV infection have caused serious harm to human health all over the world. Although many anti-HSV drugs such as nucleoside analogues have been ap-proved for clinical use during the past few decades, important issues, such as drug resistance, toxicity, and high cost of drugs, remain unresolved. Recently, the studies on the anti-HSV activities of marine natural products, such as marine polysaccharides, marine peptides and microbial secondary metabolites are attracting more and more attention all over the world. This review discusses the recent progress in research on the anti-HSV activities of these natural compounds obtained from marine organisms, relating to their structural features and the structure-activity relationships. In addition, the recent findings on the different anti-HSV mechanisms and molecular targets of marine compounds and their potential for therapeutic application will also be summarized in detail.
Modeling the measurement of carbon dioxide removal: perspectives from the philosophy of measurement
Authors: Wilson Joseph
Published: January 2024

This paper explores how recent developments in the philosophy of measurement can frame and guide the way we measure successful carbon sequestration in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects. Recent efforts to mitigate carbon emissions, e.g., the forest offset program implemented in California, have been revealed to systematically over-credit projects relative to the benefits they produce for the climate. In this paper I utilize concepts from the philosophy of measurement, primarily those surrounding models of the measurement process, to diagnose this problem of over-crediting in the broader context of concerns about uncertainty and impermanence in CDR. In light of these measurement models, I argue for absolute measurement targets in favor of the standard comparative targets, the latter of which are significantly dependent on tenuous baseline projections. I go on to consider which contemporary approaches to CDR are successful in light of lingering uncertainty about the future, which puts particular emphasis on the permanence of carbon sequestration. Independent of the specific argument developed here, the paper also serves to introduce concepts from the philosophy of science and measurement to a broader audience, in the hopes they will benefit other areas of research.
Cognitive frames of depression and their association with accessibility to mental health communication: a cluster analysis for developing stigma-sensitive targeting strategies
Authors: Freytag Anna , Baumann Eva , Schindler Stephanie , Angermeyer Matthias C. , Schomerus Georg
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Depression is a globally prevalent mental disorder; however, the stigmatization of individuals experiencing depression remains a significant challenge. The effectiveness of mental health promotion efforts and anti-stigma messages is contingent upon individuals' existing beliefs and the stigmatizing potential of their attitudes. Thus, understanding how individuals perceive mental disorders such as depression, as well as their communicative accessibility, is vital from a strategic health communication standpoint. This study explored the prevailing cognitive frames regarding depression in Germany, and the corresponding affective reactions toward individuals experiencing depression. Differences in communicative accessibility, individuals' social proximity to the topic, as well as socioeconomic characteristics were used to inform stigma-sensitive targeting strategies.

Method

A representative survey of the German adult population (N = 1,530) was conducted, using a vignette describing a person with symptoms of major depression. Factor and cluster analyses identified four distinct cognitive frames of depression, characterized by varying stigmatizing attitudes and attributions of responsibility.

Results

The study has revealed that stigmatizing cognitive frames demonstrate lower receptivity to mental health information. Individuals with stigmatizing perspectives represent a significant portion of the population, have reduced receptivity to mental health information, and are likely to exhibit defensive or even negative affective responses to anti-stigma efforts.

Discussion

The findings underscore the significance of considering cognitive frames as complex but suitable approaches for target group segmentation in mental health communication strategies. The development of tailored and creative low-threshold strategies fitting well within the cognitive frames of individuals with stigmatizing perspectives seems essential.
Causality and tractable probabilistic models
Authors: Cruz David , Batista Jorge
Published: January 2024

Causal assertions stem from an asymmetric relation between some variable's causes and effects, i.e., they imply the existence of a function decomposition of a model where the effects are a function of the causes without implying that the causes are functions of the effects. In structural causal models, information is encoded in the compositions of functions that define variables because that information is used to constraint how an intervention that changes the definition of a variable influences the rest of the variables. Current probabilistic models with tractable marginalization also imply a function decomposition but with the purpose of allowing easy marginalization of variables. In this article, structural causal models are extended so that the information implicitly stored in their structure is made explicit in an input–output mapping in higher dimensional representation where we get to define the cause–effect relationships as constraints over a function space. Using the cause–effect relationships as constraints over a space of functions, the existing methodologies for handling causality with tractable probabilistic models are unified under a single framework and generalized.
The ion channel Trpc6a regulates the cardiomyocyte regenerative response to mechanical stretch
Authors: Rolland Laura , Abaroa Jourdano Mancilla , Faucherre Adèle , Drouard Aurélien , Jopling Chris
Published: January 2024

Myocardial damage caused, for example, by cardiac ischemia leads to ventricular volume overload resulting in increased stretch of the remaining myocardium. In adult mammals, these changes trigger an adaptive cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response which, if the damage is extensive, will ultimately lead to pathological hypertrophy and heart failure. Conversely, in response to extensive myocardial damage, cardiomyocytes in the adult zebrafish heart and neonatal mice proliferate and completely regenerate the damaged myocardium. We therefore hypothesized that in adult zebrafish, changes in mechanical loading due to myocardial damage may act as a trigger to induce cardiac regeneration. Based on this notion we sought to identify mechanosensors which could be involved in detecting changes in mechanical loading and triggering regeneration. Here we show using a combination of knockout animals, RNAseq and in vitro assays that the mechanosensitive ion channel Trpc6a is required by cardiomyocytes for successful cardiac regeneration in adult zebrafish. Furthermore, using a cyclic cell stretch assay, we have determined that Trpc6a induces the expression of components of the AP1 transcription complex in response to mechanical stretch. Our data highlights how changes in mechanical forces due to myocardial damage can be detected by mechanosensors which in turn can trigger cardiac regeneration.
Chinese herbal medicine Shenqi compound for early intervention in patients at high cardiovascular risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the protocol of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Leng Yulin , Zhang Zehua , Yao Nairong , Fu Xiaoxu , Xie Hongyan , Gao Hong , Xie Chunguang
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Reducing multiple cardiovascular risk factors is a key link and a challenging clinical problem to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications and death in patients with diabetes. Currently, there is a lack of clinical studies on patients with diabetes combined with multiple risk factors. Traditional Chinese medicine is believed to have therapeutic effects that contribute to the comprehensive control of multiple cardiovascular factors. This study aims to provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of Shenqi compound (SQC) for early intervention in diabetic patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods and analysis

This study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 120 diabetic patients with high cardiovascular risk were enrolled in five research centers. After a 2-week run-in period, the intervention group received basic treatment and SQC granules, and the control group received basic treatment and placebo granules for a total of 24 weeks, with a 24-week follow-up. The endpoint outcomes are major adverse cardiovascular events and renal-related and peripheral vascular disease events. The primary efficacy outcome is carotid intima-media thickness, and the secondary efficacy outcomes are carotid shear stress, indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism, pancreatic islets function, hemorheology, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, and quality of life scale. Safety indicators and adverse events were used to assess the safety of SQC.

Discussion

This study comprehensively evaluated the efficacy and safety of SQC for early intervention in diabetic patients at high cardiovascular risk from the aspects of overall metabolic level, structure, and function of blood vessels, quality of life, and long-term follow-up of endpoint events, providing evidence-based evidence for the short-term efficacy and long-term benefits of early treatment to reduce the risk of diabetic cardiovascular complications.

Trial Registration: This trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on March 9, 2023, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=192803 (No. ChiCTR2300069219).
A novel clinical prediction scoring system of high-altitude pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Zeng Yanxi , Zhakeer Gulinigeer , Li Bingyu , Yu Qing , Niu Mingyuan , Maimaitiaili Nuerbiyemu , Mi Ma , Deji Zhuoga , Zhuang Jianhui , Peng Wenhui
Published: January 2024

Background

High-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) is a common disease in regions of high altitude where performing right heart catheterization (RHC) is challenging. The development of a diagnostic scoring system is crucial for effective disease screening.

Methods

A total of 148 individuals were included in a retrospective analysis, and an additional 42 residents were prospectively enrolled. We conducted a multivariable analysis to identify independent predictors of HAPH. Subsequently, we devised a prediction score based on the retrospective training set to anticipate the occurrence and severity of HAPH. This scoring system was further subjected to validation in the prospective cohort, in which all participants underwent RHC.

Results

This scoring system, referred to as the GENTH score model (Glycated hemoglobin [OR = 4.5], Echocardiography sign [OR = 9.1], New York Heart Association-functional class [OR = 12.5], Total bilirubin [OR = 3.3], and Hematocrit [OR = 3.6]), incorporated five independent risk factors and demonstrated strong predictive accuracy. In the training set, the area under the curve (AUC) values for predicting the occurrence and severity of HAPH were 0.851 and 0.832, respectively, while in the validation set, they were 0.841 and 0.893. In the validation set, GENTH score model cutoff values of ≤18 or >18 points were established for excluding or confirming HAPH, and a threshold of >30 points indicated severe HAPH.

Conclusions

The GENTH score model, combining laboratory and echocardiography indicators, represents an effective tool for distinguishing potential HAPH patients and identifying those with severe HAPH. This scoring system improves the clinical screening of HAPH diseases and offers valuable insights into disease diagnosis and management.
Secretoneurin levels are higher in dilated cardiomyopathy than in ischaemic cardiomyopathy: preliminary results
Authors: Plášek Jiří , Dodulík Jozef , Lazárová Marie , Stejskal David , Švagera Zdeněk , Chobolová Nela , Šulc Patrik , Evin Lukáš , Purová Dana , Václavík Jan
Published: January 2024

Background

Secretoneurin (SN) is a neuropeptide with potential utility as a biomarker of cardiovascular episodes. The main effect of SN is mediated through its inhibition of calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), which influences calcium handling. We aimed to associate the levels of SN in plasma with different causes of heart failure.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with ischaemic (ICM) and dilated (DCM) cardiomyopathy from the outpatient heart failure clinic and healthy individuals. SN was analysed from venous blood by use of the ELISA method. SN plasma levels were compared in DCM, ICM and healthy individuals with non-parametric tests.

Results

A total of 53 patients (81.1% male, 18.9% female; mean age 67.9 ± 12.6 years) and 34 healthy individuals (38% male, 62% female) were included in the analysis. Plasma SN levels were significantly higher in the dilated cardiomyopathy (38.8 ± 27 pmol/L) as compared with the ischaemic cardiomyopathy (19.7 ± 22.6 pmol/L) group (P = 0.006). There was no significant difference between females vs. males (27.1 ± 23 vs. 25.5 ± 26.2 pmol/L, P = NS). Plasma SN levels allowed DCM and ICM to be differentiated with 88% sensitivity and 61% specificity (P = 0.007), the cut of value is 13.3 pmol/L. Plasma SN levels differed significantly between healthy volunteers and both ICM (P < 0.0001) and DCM (P = 0.049). Plasma SN levels did not differ according to age and were not associated with comorbidities, left ventricular ejection fraction, heart failure medication, troponin, creatinine, or natriuretic peptide plasma levels.

Conclusion

Plasma secretoneurin levels differed significantly in DCM vs. ICM, being higher in the former. Based on plasma SN levels, discrimination between DCM and ICM might be possible. Healthy individuals produce higher SN plasma levels than stable HFrEF patients.
Case Report: Combined transcatheter arterial embolization and aortic stent-graft have better efficacy for bronchial artery aneurysms
Authors: Li Xiangui , Zhang Haoran , Ma Wenqi , Lv Fanzhen , Zhou Weimin
Published: January 2024

Bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) is a rare and fatal condition that requires immediate treatment. However, conventional surgical and transcatheter arterial embolization treatments are less effective. In the present case, a 76-year-old hypertensive woman was admitted with dizziness and diagnosed with an unruptured bronchial artery aneurysm, which was treated by transcatheter arterial embolization and aortic stent-graft. The patient's clinical status was stable during the 4-year follow-up. Simultaneously, we reviewed 79 research papers, analyzing past BAA cases for their etiology, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. We found that catheter arterial embolization and aortic stent-graft implantation, especially for BAA of short-necked and arterial tortuosity, demonstrate superior efficacy compared to other methods. Therefore, we consider this approach to be the preferred choice in clinical BAA treatment.
Development of online teaching expertise in fragile and conflict-affected contexts
Authors: Aldahdouh Tahani Z. , Al-Masri Nazmi , Abou-Dagga Sanaa , AlDahdouh Alaa
Published: January 2024

What we know about the development of online teaching expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic is scarce. Current research has concentrated primarily on the obstacles encountered by university teachers, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of the strategies they employ not only to survive but to flourish in online teaching. Furthermore, there is a significant bias toward Western perspectives in existing research and it remains unclear whether Western theories of expertise development are relevant in deprived, fragile, and conflict-affected contexts. The current study set out to explore how university teachers developed their online teaching expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Palestinian context. Narrative episode interviews were conducted with 16 university teachers working at a Palestinian higher education institution in Gaza city. Thematic analysis revealed five themes of online teaching expertise development: domain, mechanisms, motives, consequences, and emotions. Implications for practitioners and administrators are discussed together with future research directions.
Assessing class participation in physical and virtual spaces: current approaches and issues
Authors: Simon Patricia D. , Fryer Luke K. , Nakao Kaori
Published: January 2024

Learning occurs best when students are given opportunities to be active participants in the learning process. As assessment strategies are being forced to change in the era of Generative AI, and as digital technologies continue to integrate with education, it becomes imperative to gather information on current approaches to evaluating student participation. This mini-review aimed to identify existing methods used by higher education teachers to assess participation in both physical and virtual classrooms. It also aimed to identify common issues that are anticipated to impact future developments in this area. To achieve these objectives, articles were downloaded from the ERIC database. The search phrase “assessment of class participation” was utilized. Search was limited to peer-reviewed articles written in English. The educational level was limited to “higher education” and “postsecondary education” in the search. From the 2,320 articles that came up, titles and abstracts were screened and 65 articles were retained. After reading the full text, a total of 45 articles remained for analysis, all published between 2005 and 2023. Using thematic analysis, the following categories were formed: innovations in assessing class participation, criteria-related issues, and issue of fairness in assessing class participation. As education becomes more reliant on technology, we need to be cognizant of issues that came up in this review regarding inequity of educational access and opportunity, and to develop solutions that would promote equitable learning. We therefore call for more equity-focused innovation, policymaking, and pedagogy for more inclusive classroom environments. More implications and potential directions for research are discussed.
Across-species benefits of adrenalectomy on congenital generalized lipoatrophic diabetes: a review
Authors: Contreras Patricio H. , Vigil Pilar
Published: January 2024

Two adrenalectomies performed fourteen years apart notoriously alleviated insulin resistance in a female teenager with Congenital Generalized Lipoatrophy (CGL, 1988) and in a murine model of CGL (2002). Following a successful therapeutic trial with anti-glucocorticoids, we performed the first surgical procedure on an 18-year-old girl. Before surgery, the anti-glucocorticoid therapy produced a rapid and striking drop in fasting serum insulin levels (from over 400 to 7.0 mU/L) and a slower –but impressive– fall in fasting serum triglycerides from 7,400 to 220-230 mg/dL. In contrast, fasting serum glucose levels dropped more slowly, from 225-290 to 121-138 mg/dL. Two weeks following total adrenalectomy, the fasting serum glucose level was 98 mg/dL, with a corresponding serum insulin level of 10 mU/L. During an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, the 2-hour serum glucose was 210 mg/dL, and serum insulin values during the test did not exceed 53 mU/L. In 2002, the A-ZIP/F1 hypoleptinemic mouse had its adrenal glands removed. Even though this CGL model does not respond well to leptin replacement, an infusion of recombinant leptin reduced the characteristic hypercorticosteronemia of this murine model of CGL. Adrenalectomy in this transgenic mouse improved insulin sensitivity in the liver and muscle. In summary, adrenalectomy –in both a human and a mouse case of CGL– limited adipose tissue exposure to corticosteroid action and led to a notorious metabolic improvement. On a broader scenario, given that leptin restrains the adrenal axis, the reduced leptin activity of the leptin resistance displayed by obese subjects should lead to adrenal axis overactivity. This overactivity should result in elevated serum levels of free cortisol, free fatty acids, and glycerol. In this manner, leptin resistance should lead to peripheral (adipose tissue, liver, and muscle) insulin resistance and islet beta-cell apoptosis, paving the way to Type 2 diabetes.