bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Fall-Associated Risk Factors in the Muslim Community-Dwelling Elders of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Bibi Rashida , Yan Zhang , Anwar Nasir , Zeb Akhter , Mian Nasar
Published: May 2023

Falls are the third-leading cause of disabilities among the elderly population worldwide. In Pakistan, the prevalence is 44%; out of them, 8% develop injuries, placing them at high risk for hospitalization or even premature death. Interestingly, fall is multifactorial, and fall risk depends on individual characteristics (intrinsic factors) and environmental features (extrinsic factors), which can be different from context to context. Therefore, regular assessment of fall risk factors is required to develop a strategy for fall prevention. This study aimed to identify intrinsic risk factors for falls in Pakistani elders living in the communities, and provide evidence for preventive strategies of falls in elderlies. Data were collected from 140 Muslim elders from two residential areas of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from July 2022 to August 25, 2022, after taking permission from Zhengzhou University Ethical Review Board (ZUIRB #202254), and District Health Department Office (DHO #14207).Participants were informed and concern was taken before collect data. Data were collected using the Time Up and Go Test (TUGT), the Mini-Mental Status Examination, and interviews regarding the prayer practice. Factors associated with falls were; age, gender, education, cognitive status, TUGT level, incorrect prayer postures, poor vision, and history of falls with a significance of (P.<0.05). Poor cognition, low vision, poor walking speed, and prayers without body movements have good membership with falls risk prediction as (P<0.005) in Omnibus, Lemeshow score (0.77). Hence, our study provides a road map for future risk assessment for falls by adding the four mentioned risk factors as offered in the proposed model to facilitate taking timely action to prevent fall-related ailments in Pakistani elders.
Failure of Perforated Polymethyl Methacrylate Specimens Loaded by Inserted Pins
Authors: Gonzalez Adrian , Kwon Young W.
Published: May 2023

A study was conducted to predict failure stresses, failure locations, and their paths of initiation of perforated polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) specimens as they were loaded using pins inserted into the holes. First, a series of experiments were conducted for perforated PMMA coupons. There were six different types of coupons. The test specimens had three different widths with a circular hole of a diameter of 8 mm, which was placed at two different locations along the specimen length. All the specimens were loaded using a pin inserted into the hole with three different pins of nominal diameters of 8 mm, 6 mm, and 5 mm, respectively. To predict the failure and compare the results against the experimental data, the recently proposed universal failure criterion was used in the study using finite element analyses. The failure criteria gave acceptable results as compared to the experimental data.
Multi-Scale Batch-Learning Growing Neural Gas Efficiently for Dynamic Data Distributions
Authors: Ardilla Fernando , Saputra Azhar Aulia , Kubota Naoyuki
Published: May 2023

Growing neural gas (GNG) has many applications, including topology preservation, feature extraction, dynamic adaptation, clustering, and dimensionality reduction. These methods have broad applicability in extracting the topological structure of 3D point clouds, enabling unsupervised motion estimation, and depicting objects within a scene. Furthermore, multi-scale batch-learning GNG (MS-BL-GNG) has improved learning convergence. However, it is only implemented on static or stationary datasets, and adapting to dynamic data remains difficult. Similarly, the learning rate cannot be increased if new nodes are added to the existing network after accumulating errors in the sampling data. Next, we propose a new growth approach that, when applied to MS-BL-GNG, significantly increases the learning speed and adaptability of dynamic data distribution input patterns. This method immediately adds data samples as new nodes to existing networks. The probability of adding a new node is determined by the distance between the first, second, and third closest nodes. We applied our method for monitoring a moving object at its pace to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed model. In addition, optimization methods are used such that processing can be performed in real-time.
Motion Analysis of the Torso and the Elbow During Picking and Placing Heavy Object on Shelf
Authors: Hara Kaito , Tsuichihara Satoki , Takahashi Yasutake
Published: May 2023

In recent years, labor shortages and workforce aging have become problematic. One solution to this problem is introducing humanoid robots to perform human tasks. This research is aimed at analyzing the posture and preparation posture of the torso and elbow in human motions for improving the motion planning of humanoid robots utilizing the redundant part. We analyze the frontal tilt angle of the torso, time of backward bending the torso, and lateral tilt angle of the elbow when humans apply force. In the experiments, we focused on picking and placing heavy objects on the shelf, which requires maintaining balance and exerting force, and confirmed the differences in movements by changing the weight of the objects. An optical motion capture system and a six-axis load cell were used for measuring the motion. The subjects were asked to approach the shelf from a distance of 1 m and move a heavy object from the upper to the middle height of the shelf. As a result, the heavier the object, the earlier the preparation posture of a backward bending of the torso before grasping. The heavier the object, the larger the tilt angle of the torso forward. Significant differences were observed between the time of backward bending and picking the object, distances from the shoulder to wrist joint, and tilt angle of the torso. We identified the posture and time required to bend the torso for holding a heavier object in front of the shelf, considering the dynamic stability of the Zero-Moment Point.
Proposal of Simulation-Based Surgical Navigation and Development of Laparoscopic Surgical Simulator that Reflects Motion of Surgical Instruments in Real-World
Authors: Shibuya Sayaka , Shido Noriyuki , Shirai Ryosuke , Sase Kazuya , Ebina Koki , Chen Xiaoshuai , Tsujita Teppei , Komizunai Shunsuke , Senoo Taku , Konno Atsushi
Published: May 2023

This study proposes simulation-based surgical navigation concept and describes the development of a laparoscopic surgical simulator that reflects the motion of surgical instruments in the real world. In the proposed simulation-based surgical navigation, movements of the surgical instruments are captured by a motion capture system, and the movements of the real surgical instruments are reflected in the movements of the virtual instruments in the simulation in real time. Contact of the virtual surgical instruments with organ model is detected based on the signed distance field (SDF) made around the organ model. The deformations of organs caused by contacts are calculated using dynamic finite element method (FEM). Using a cubic elastic object made of urethane resin, the accuracy of the calculation of the deformation was verified. The average error in the deformation verification experiments was within 1 mm. Simulations using hepato-biliary-pancreatic finite element (FE) models were performed, and computational costs of the simulation were validated. The time for one loop simulation with a hepato-biliary-pancreatic FE model of 3,225 elements and 1,663 nodes was 50 ms. The developed simulator can be applied to a simulation-based navigation system to update the states of organs in real time.
Inflatable Humanoid Cybernetic Avatar for Physical Human–Robot Interaction
Authors: Niiyama Ryuma , Ikeda Masahiro , Seong Young Ah
Published: May 2023

In a digital twin, a humanoid robot can be the counterpart of a simulated agent in the real world. In addition, a human, virtual avatar, and avatar robot might constitute digital triplets. We propose an inflatable cybernetic avatar (CA) with a humanoid upper body using an inflatable structure that can represent gestures. This inflatable CA is much lighter, safer, and cheaper than conventional humanoid robots and can be folded when deflated. These properties are ideal for physical human–robot interaction (pHRI) and allow real-time collection of human behavior through interaction. In the experiment, basic movements such as nodding and raising arms were measured using motion capture systems. This paper demonstrates the proposed inflatable CA in a hybrid event. We also conducted an experiment to measure the touch interactions using tactile sensors attached to the fabric of the inflatable part. A psychologically secure inflatable humanoid CA is a promising platform for physical interaction experiments.
DhaibaWorks: A Software Platform for Human-Centered Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Endo Yui , Maruyama Tsubasa , Tada Mitsunori
Published: May 2023

In this paper, as a practical approach to building a human-centered cyber-physical system (CPS), we propose a software platform that integrates hardware and software materials to realize a human digital twin (HDT) including model construction, data acquisition, analysis, and intervention in terms of the physical load and physical capabilities of humans. Furthermore, as a case study of this platform in industrial applications, we introduce an example of a human-centered CPS in which humans and robots work together to realize better human workability and production line productivity within the system.
Machine Learning Based Position Prediction of a Target Tracked by Multi-Aperture Positioning System
Authors: Garcia Luis , Bielke Uwe , Neumann Cornelius , Börret Rainer
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a machine learning-based position prediction approach to determine the position of a light-emitting diode (LED) target using a new measuring system called the multi-aperture positioning system (MAPS). The measurement system is based on a photogrammetric approach using an aperture mask and a single camera sensor. To achieve high accuracy in position calculation, several complex algorithms with high computational complexity are used. The accuracy of the system is equal to or better than that of existing photogrammetric devices. We investigate whether a neural network (NN) can replace the algorithms currently used in the system software to increase the measurement frequency with similar accuracy. Simulated images are used to train the NN, while real images are used to measure performance. Previously, various algorithms were used to calculate the position of the target from the captured images. Our approach is to train an NN, using thousands of labeled images, to predict the position of the target from these images. We investigate whether systematic measurement errors can be avoided; not all factors affecting the measurement precision are yet known, can always be accurately determined, or change over time. When NNs are used, all information contained in the images is learned by the model, considering all influences present at the time of training. Results show that the trained NN can achieve similar performance to the previously used Gaussian algorithm in less time since no filters or other pre-processing of images are required. This factor directly affects the measurement frequency of the MAPS. The light spot center was detected with sub-pixel accuracy without systematic errors in contrast to some of the previously used algorithms. The simulation of the sensor images needs to be improved to investigate the full potential of the NN.
Economic Violence Against Women: A Case of Mental Health Perspective
Authors: Setiawati Ririn , Marhumah Marhumah , Lessy Zulkipli
Published: May 2023

As a group who are considered weak, it is not surprising that the cases of violence against women tend to happen repeatedly in Indonesia. Although there are a plethora of violence such as physical violence, psychological violence, sexual violence, and economic violence, these days physical violence remains the number one case in society. Generally economic violence is completely an invisible form of violence in society. This is essentially deemed a small matter, in which one of the causes is the concept of authoritarianism embedded in society. This study aims to investigate the forms of economic violence frequently experienced by women and its impact on women’s mental health. A qualitative method was employed with a case study approach. A purposive sampling was presented in this study with the sample consisting of two people. The findings showed that there are several varieties of economic violence against women such as inhibiting the development of women’s career, taking women’s financial well-being without permission, controlling family assets strictly, and obligating women to create a financial report. In addition, this violence has a significant deteriorating effect on women's mental health including frustration, conflict, fright, stress, and threats. As the last point, it was found that there is a relevance between economic violence and other types of violence
Determinant factors of customers’ purchase intention on the usage of travel shopping application
Authors: Meriana Leonytha , Kurniawati Kurniawati
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, online reservations to fulfill traveling needs have been widely expanded. Existing travel applications have multiple offerings to maintain customers or grab potential buyers. Therefore, it is essential to identify determinant factors of customers’ purchase intention on online travel shopping application usage. This study applied the Technology Acceptance Model, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and Theory of Planned Behavior as theoretical perspective guidance. There were 253 responses collected via an online survey. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The result of this study showed that purchase intentions (PIN) were determined by communicability (CMB), attitude (ATD), and perceived behavioral control (PBC). Unlike PBC, which directly relates to PIN, brand awareness (BAW) did not contribute directly but was fully mediated by CMB. In addition to that, BAW did have a positive association with CMB. Meanwhile, ATD on the usage of travel apps was prevalently formed by perceived relative advantages (PRA) and perceived technological congruence (PTC). ATD also played a mediating role between PRA and PIN. However, it did not apply between PTC and PIN. These results may help the travel providers focus on strategies to generate the PIN.
Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in dairy animals and their owners in selected sites, Central Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Getahun Temesgen Kassa , Urge Beksisa , Mamo Gezahegn
Published: May 2023

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December, 2019 to May, 2020 with the aim of determining seroprevalence and identifying the potential risk factors of brucellosis in dairy cows with recent cases of abortion and their owners and farm workers in selected sites in the central highland of Oromia, Ethiopia. The overall seroprevalence of bovine and human brucellosis was 0.61% (95%CI: 0.016–2.09) and 1.21% (95%CI: 0.032–4.27) using combined RBPT and CFT tests, respectively. The late stage of abortion (OR = 14.74, p =0.0002), retained fetal membrane (OR = 32.74, p=0.006), market-based stock replacement (OR = 16.55, p=0.002), and presence of parturition pen (OR = 11.511, p=0.027) were found to be significantly associated with seropositivity for Brucella infection in dairy cattle. Human housing (OR = 1.8, p = 0.002), contact with aborted fetus (OR = 21.19, p = 0.017), and drinking raw milk from aborted (OR = 5.72, 0.019) and retained fetal membrane (OR = 4.22, p= 0.029) cows all had a significant influence on human brucellosis seropositivity. A structured interview question was administered to 284 respondents. Accordingly, most respondents had no knowledge of bovine brucellosis and their zoonotic effects (93.3%) in contrast most of them drink raw milk. Implementation of a test and slaughter strategy with compensation is recommended with this low prevalence. In the case of human brucellosis, implementing one health approach framework should be practiced.
Detection of Reductase and Catalasse Enzymes in Goats Milk (Capra aegaggrus hircus) Sold in Banda Aceh
Authors: Novita Andi , Putri Aulia Nuddi Yanti , Herialfian Herialfian , Isa M , TR T Armansyah , Hasan M
Published: May 2023

This study aims to determine of reductase and catalase enzymes in pasteurized goat's milk sold in Banda Aceh. The sample used was pasteurized goat's milk which was sold in Banda Aceh as many as 30 samples were taken by census. The research method used is a survey study method with a cross-sectional approach. Sample testing using reductase test and catalase test. The results showed that the reductase time of 30 samples of pasteurized goat's milk averaged 3-5 hours and the catalase number of 30 samples of pasteurized goat's milk was below 3 ml. Based on the results, it shows that there are reductase enzymes and catalase enzymes in goat's milk and have good quality in Banda Aceh.
The Role of Gut Microbiota-derived Tryptophan Metabolites in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection: A Mini-Review
Authors: Maulina Novi , Hayati Zinatul , Hasballah Kartini , Zulkarnain Zulkarnain , Zulkifli Baidillah
Published: May 2023

The gut microbiota has a major contribution in human physiology and influences disease pathogenesis, including in tuberculosis (TB) lung infection. Gut-lung axis has demonstrated the interplay of these two organs, mediated by metabolites produced by the gut microbes or derived from host molecules transformation. Tryptophan (Trp) is one of the essential aromatic amino acids catabolized as kynurenine, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), and indole derivatives, including indole propionic acid (IPA), via 3 pathways. The latter was microbiota-derived Trp catabolism, which has known to have an immunomodulatory role, as ligands for Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR). Intriguingly, Mycobacterium tuberculosis required Trp as a nitrogen source, especially in CD4+ T cells-generated stress, to survive in the phagosome of macrophage and to cause disease. Recently, IPA is identified as a new anti-mycobacterial compound, which is specific and has broad spectrum of anti-mycobacterial activity. The structural similarity of this gut microbiota-derived metabolite and Trp allows IPA to inhibit the TrpE anthranilate synthase in Trp biosynthesis pathway in Mtb. In this review, we summarize findings from recent work by focusing on the role of Trp metabolites in host cells in TB infection.  A better understanding of this chemical signal could potentially serve as a novel strategy for managing this chronic inflammatory disease.
Use of Vinegar as A Candidate Substitute Of Acetic Acid (CH3COOH) in The Rivalta Test Method in Diagnosis Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Domestic Cat
Authors: Zuraidawati Zuraidawati , Dewi Maryulia , Syah Nanda Yulian , Zamzami Rumi Sahara
Published: May 2023

This study aims to test the samples of abdominal fluid from cats suspected of having FIP by using vinegar as a substitute for acetic acid in the rival method. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease that is not zoonotic, but is very fatal with an infectious prognosis in various types of cats and it’s transmitted orally. This study aims to determine the positive or negative results of FIP infection in cats. The diagnosis of FIP can be seen through clinical symptoms such as lack of appetite, diarrhea, weakness, dehydration (reaching 8%), Body Condition Score (BCS) 2, enlarged abdomen, and ultrasound results showing ascites and swollen kidneys. This study uses vinegar as a substitute for acetic acid in the rival method. The test was carried out experimentally in a laboratory. The research data were analyzed descriptively, the results of a positive FIP reaction were indicated by the presence of a cloudy jellyfish-shaped precipitate in the test tube.
Isolation and Identification of Gram-Negative Bacteria on Cattle Farms Indicated by Mastitis
Authors: Ayuti Siti Rani , Pratiwi Zahwa Amelia , Admi Masda , Darniati Darniati , Isa M , Herrialfian Herrialfian
Published: May 2023

Mastitis is one  of the causes  of diseases that can reduce livestock production.  Mastitis can be caused by various types of bacteria that cause a decrease in livestock production that is difficult to cure with antibiotics has been reported resistance. This study aims to determine gram-negative bacteria that can be the cause of mastitis in cows. The study used samples taken from folk farms by means of livestock udder swabs. Bacterial isolation is carried out by  planting in Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) media  and identifying by Gram staining  and  biochemical tests (maltose and lactose). The data analysis used is descriptive analysis, namely the types of bacteria as the causative agents of mastitis.  The results of the study obtained bacteria that cause mastitis of  gram-negative species Klebsiella  sp and Enterobacter sp yang classified as Gram-negative  bacteria. It can be concluded that in cows indicated mastitis there are Gram-negative bacteria, these are morphologically identified, namely Klebsiella  sp and Enterobacter sp.
Intelligent Four-Way Crossroad Safety Management for Autonomous, Non-Autonomous And VIP Vehicles
Authors: naeem awad bin , Zaidi Abdelhamid
Published: May 2023

In the current era, autonomous vehicle and non-autonomous vehicle are transforming and adopting intelligent road management techniques to communicating with vehicles so that the traffic system may become more efficient. Intersection management unit technique used to handle and control all types of vehicles. VIP vehicle enter our road so it should disturb all routes, but IM unit handles all vehicles with efficient way by using preemptive scheduling and non- preemptive scheduling technique. According to our scenario, we are using Nishtar road, m4 motorway, M5 Motorway and Washington road. Simulation result show that Washington road route handle all types of vehicles better way as compared to all other routes. Washington road time delay for 50 all types of vehicles is 3.62 sec for autonomous vehicle for and non-autonomous vehicles delay time is 4.33 sec.
The first extensor wrist compartment variants. Clinical considerations of the De Quervain’s disease
Authors: Kotzias Dimitrios , Koutserimpas Christos , Chrysikos Dimosthenis , Bekos Filippos , Georgakopoulos Panagiotis , Tsakotos George , Salmas Marios , Piagkou Maria , Troupis Theodore
Published: May 2023

Purpose The first extensor wrist compartment (FEWC) displays significant variants. The current review highlights all possible variants that may be associated with the occurrence and pathophysiology of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.Methods A meticulous online search in PubMed and MEDLINE databases was conducted to evaluate all FEWC variants, including: 1. the presence of an intertendinous septum (ITS), 2. the number of tendinous slips of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) muscles, 3. their distal insertions and 4. the presence of a bony ridge within the FEWC.Results A total of 3878 (1277 cadaveric and 1296 de Quervain patients’) wrists were included. An ITS was identified in 42.9% wrists (47% of the patients’ compared to 39.3% of the cadavers’, p < 0.0001). Cadaveric wrists presented 2 or more APL tendinous slips in a significant higher percentage (92.5%) compared to de Quervain patients’ wrists (74.5%, p < 0.0001). Regarding EPB, de Quervain patients’ wrists had a single slip in 93% and 2 or more slips in 3.6%, compared to cadaveric wrists that the 87% had a single slip (p = 0.0007) and 2 or more slips in 11% (p < 0.0001). A bony ridge over the radial styloid process was recorded in 58.9% of the cadaveric wrists compared to 17.8% of the patients’ wrists (p < 0.0001).Conclusions Remarkable diversity concerning the structures within the FEWC is reported. The presence of an ITS dividing the FEWC and a single EPB slip are more likely to be found in patients with de Quervain’s disease.
Plasma meta-proteome and metabolome identify novel bacterial peptides and metabolites predictive of poor outcomes in Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Maras Jaswinder , pandey Sushimita , Sharma Neha , Sharma Nupur , Tripathi Gaurav , Mathew babu , yadav Manisha , Bindal vasundhra , Bhat Sadam , maiwall Rakhi
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims: Acute liver failure (ALF) has high mortality, probably due to accumulation of microbial and metabolic factors in the circulation. Classification of such factors in plasma (non-invasive) could help in stratification of ALF patients predisposed to early mortality
Method: Baseline plasma metabolomics and meta-proteomics were performed in 40 ALF patients and 5 healthy controls (training-cohort). The results were validated on test cohort; plasma and paired one drop blood; in 160 ALF patients using HRMS and machine learning (ML). Circulating indicator panel for non-survival prediction were identified and correlated with clinical parameters of ALF patients.
Results: Metabolomic profile of ALF-Non-Survivors was distinct and showed significantly increase in bile-acid, tryptophan, tyrosine metabolism and others already known for inflammation, cell death and response to stress (p<0.01, FDR<0.01, FC>1.5). Plasma of ALF-Non-Survivors showed higher Alpha/Beta diversity (p<0.05) with increase in Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and others (p<0.05), functionally associated to energy, amino acids, xenobiotic metabolism when compared to ALF survivors (p<0.05). Interestingly, increase in bacterial-Taxa and functionality correlated with Chenodeoxycholic acid, 4-(2-Amino phenyl)-2,4-dioxobutanoate and L-Tyrosine and others metabolites in ALF-NS (R2>0.7, p<0.05). Specific increase of metabolite in ALF-NS such as L-Tyrosine, 4-(2-Amino phenyl)-2,4-dioxobutanoate, Chenodeoxycholic acid (linked to cell death and inflammation), Carnosine and alanyl-tyrosine (linked to negate oxidative stress) was directly correlated with clinical parameters (R2>0.85). POD of top 5 metabolites showed a diagnostic efficiency of 98% (AUC=0.98(0.92-1.0)) for mortality and validated in the validation cohort using five machine learning algorithms showed >98% accuracy/sensitivity/specificity for prediction of early mortality.
Conclusion: Plasma microbiome and metabolome of ALF-Non-Survivors are distinct. Baseline increase in plasma metabolite signature panel could be used to segregate ALF patients predisposed to early mortality.
Night-shift work and sleep quality: a cross-sectional survey study among Afghan healthcare workers
Authors: Haidarzada Ahmad Shoaib , Neyazi Ahmad , Padhi Bijaya Kumar , Ahmadi Mahsa , Neyazi Mehrab , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: May 2023

Background Sleep is a complex physiological process during which the body and mind enter a period of rest. For a healthy lifestyle, different cohort groups can be affected in different ways. One such cohort is healthcare workers (HCWs) – an unexplored group in Afghanistan. Therefore, the present study examined the association between a range of socio-demographic factors including having night shift work and sleep quality among Afghan HCWs.Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered in January 2023 among HCWs (N = 342) in the Herat province of Afghanistan. The survey examined sleep quality and its association with a range of socio-demographic factors among HCWs. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of sleep quality with socio-demographic characteristics among HCWs.Results Of the 342 participants, 58.5% reported poor sleep quality. Married marital status, having higher number of children, not being a doctor, low economic status, working night shifts, and traumatic event occurring during past month were among the main variables associated with sleep quality among Afghan HCWs. Multiple regression analysis indicated having high income [negatively] (AOR = 4.132, p = 0.002), working night shifts [positively] (AOR = 0.288, p < 0.001), and traumatic event occurring during past month [positively] (AOR = 0.504, p = 0.007) were significantly associated with sleep quality.Conclusion The study suggests the need for Afghan health employers to create a healthy work environment that prioritizes the well-being of their employees by limiting overtime hours, providing rest breaks during long shifts, and ensuring that HCWs have access to necessary resources for coping with work-related stressors. These policies would promote the overall health and well-being of the workforce and would likely lead to better patient care outcomes.
Morphological and Functional Characteristics of the Meibomian Gland in Pediatric Patients with Epiblepharon
Authors: Li Junping , Qin Xiaolin , Jiang Hong , Guo Yunan , Liu Xin , Zhang Rui , Jiang Lu , Du Anshi
Published: May 2023

Background To observe morphologic and functional changes in meibomian glands in pediatric patients with and without lower eyelid epiblepharon.Methods In this prospective observation study, 55 eyes of 55 patients and 60 eyes of 60 controls were included. The following tests were performed: eyelid margin abnormality by slit-lamp examination, measurement of noninvasive keratographic break-up time (NIKBUT), grading of absence of meibomian gland (meibography score) assessed with noncontact meibography, morphologic changes of meibomian glands (thinning, dilatation and distortion), tear production by the Schirmer I test, and grading of meibum quality and meibomian gland expressibility.Results The morphologic changes in meibomian glands were more common in the epiblepharon group (56.36%) than in the control group (28.33%) (p = 0.002). The meibum quality was worse in the epiblepharon group than in the control group (p = 0.009), and the NIKBUT was significantly shorter in the epiblepharon group than in the control group (p = 0.012). There was no significant difference in the Schirmer test, meibomian gland expressibility, eyelid margin abnormality score or total meibography score between the two groups. Morphologic changes in the meibomian glands in the upper eyelids (38.18%) were more common than those in the lower eyelids (20%) (p = 0.036) in the epiblepharon group, and the meibography score was higher in the upper eyelids than in the lower eyelids (p = 0.001).Conclusion There are morphological and functional changes in meibomian glands in pediatric patients with lower eyelid epiblepharon. Although the inverted eyelashes were located in the lower eyelid, morphological changes in the meibomian glands were more common in the upper eyelid.
Transdiagnostic Skills Training Group of Dialectical Behavior Therapy: a Long-Term Naturalistic Study
Authors: DURPOIX Amaury , Lachaux Enzo , WEINER Luisa , WEIBEL Sébastien
Published: May 2023

Introduction.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has assembled a large body of evidence for the treatment of emotional dysregulation in borderline personality disorder (BPD), but also in other disorders characterized by emotional dysregulation (e.g., bipolar disorder (BD) and ADHD). Standalone skills learning groups address the problem of limited resources in several clinical settings. Furthermore, transdiagnostic skills groups facilitate recruitment and decrease scattering of resources in psychiatric settings. However, few studies have focused on the pertinence of transdiagnostic standalone skills groups in naturalistic settings as well as their long-term outcomes. The goal of this study is to assess the patients’ evolution one year after their participation in DBT transdiagnostic skills group.
Method.
Transdiagnostic DBT skills training groups were provided for BPD, BD and ADHD patients in a University Psychiatric Department (Strasbourg, France), between 2019 and 2020. It consisted of 16 group sessions of 2,5 hours and 3 individual sessions. At 1-year follow-up, ad-hoc questionnaires were proposed to all participants to assess their evolution.
Result.
22 of the 31 participants were interviewed at the one-year post-group session (64% BPD, 41% ADHD and 27% BD). 73% participants estimated that group impact was important or very important, 64% stated using the skills learned often or very often, mainly emotional regulation skills. An improvement in emotional instability, substance use, impulsivity and suicidal thoughts was reported by respectively 100%, 91%, 86% and 85% of participants. Quality of life improved according to 90% participants. All patients reported an improvement in suicidality during the post-group year, especially in suicide attempts. Psychotropic medication decreased in 59% of participants.
Discussion.
Our one-year naturalistic study suggests that transdiagnostic DBT skills training groups are promising in BPD, BD and ADHD patients with emotional dysregulation. The observational design and the lack of control group are the main limitation. Randomized controlled studies are warranted to confirm the long-term efficacy of transdiagnostic skills learning groups in naturalistic settings.
Breast cancer intrinsic YTHDF1 forms “cold” tumor and inhibits CD8+ T cells infiltration and function
Authors: Jing Lanyu , Zhou Kaiwen , Wang Zilin , Lin Ying
Published: May 2023

Backgrounds
While YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) was recognized as a crucial contributor in the development and immune-related regulation of various types of tumors, its function in the immune response of breast cancer has largely remained uninvestigated.
Methods
Through analysis of public databases, we found YTHDF1 as a highly expressed gene in breast cancers and confirmed this finding in breast cancer cells and clinical specimens from our center. Subsequently, we examined the link between YTHDF1 expression and immune cells and molecules by utilizing immune-related public databases. We further validated our findings through cellular and animal experiments, as well as RNA sequencing.
Results
We observed YTHDF1 highly expressed in tumor tissues of breast cancer, which negatively correlated with patient survival. The downregulation of YTHDF1 promoted the expression of pro-inflammatory markers and improved the anti-cancer ability of immune cells in breast cancer. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that YTHDF1 knockdown resulted in enrichment of differential genes in signal transduction pathways. Additionally, in vitro experiments showed that immune cells had higher cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells with decreased YTHDF1 expression. Moreover, in vivo studies indicated that YTHDF1 promoted breast cancer growth while inhibiting CD8+ T cell infiltration and function.
Conclusion
We demonstrated that YTHDF1 plays a crucial role in establishing a "cold" tumor microenvironment in breast cancer by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from cancer cells. As a result, the infiltration and functional differentiation of anti-tumor CD8+ T cells are hindered, ultimately resulting in the immune evasion of breast cancer.
bFGF could modulate the anti-cancer effect of Cyclopamine and induce apoptosis in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Jodat Hosein , Asadi Zari Tahan Nejad , Dayer Dian , Amirrajab Nasrin
Published: May 2023

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer. The activity of the Sonic hedgehog pathway is increased in patients with colorectal cancer. bFGF and Cyclopamine could act as Shh pathway inhibitors. But, by considering the dual role of bFGF on the growth of cancer cells, this study aimed to evaluate the simultaneous effect of bFGF and Cyclopamine, on apoptosis in the HT-29 cell line. Cell viability was performed using MTT assay. The apoptosis rate was measured using Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry. Clonogenic assay was performed. The gene expression was investigated using Real-Time PCR method. The bFGF decreased the expression of apoptotic genes. But, the Cyclopamine increased the expression of apoptotic genes and decreased the colony formation ability. Simultaneous treatment with bFGF and Cyclopamine was associated with decreased expression of anti-apoptotic genes and decreased colony formation ability. Despite the anti-apoptotic effect of bFGF on cancer cells, it increased the anti-cancer effect of Cyclopamine, which can be due to the existence of a less-known signaling pathway between bFGF and Shh to inhibit growth, so it is important to investigate its exact mechanisms.
The Surgical Decision-Making of Medical Staff with Thyroid Nodules: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Xu Qian , Sun Kaili , Guo Xiaoli , Chen Ting , Hu Jianli , Shi Yan
Published: May 2023

Objective
Few studies have explored the surgical decision-making of medical staff diagnosed with thyroid nodules. The objective of the current study was to gain insight into the decision-making of this special group of patients.
Methods
Interviews with 12 medical staff with thyroid nodules were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and further analyzed.
Results
Most participants preferred to make the decisions by themselves or follow their doctors’ advice, while their family members did not participate in the decision-making. Participants’ surgical decision-making was hindered by diagnosis uncertainty, wardmate examples, and fears of surgeries and complications, but facilitated by the prognosis of Thyroid cancer, support from others, and sufficient evidence-based treatment knowledge. Some respondents regretted their surgeries for insufficient preoperative consideration and serious postoperative complications. In addition, they perceived that their family members regretted more than themselves due to their guilt of noninvolvement in the surgical decision-making.
Conclusions
Medical staff with thyroid nodules may make surgical decisions with trust in their doctors. However, some decisions were made without sufficient knowledge and preparation for possible complications or the involvement of family members. When complications occur unexpectedly, both the patients and their family members deeply regret their decisions. Healthcare providers should give sufficient treatment knowledge and psychological support, consider patient preferences, use shared-decision-maing(SDM), and involve family members in the surgical decision-making. In the future, artificial intelligence could be considered to enhance surgical decision making and overcome the weaknesses of traditional decision making.
Patient or Public Contribution
Public contributors were involved in the development of interview guidelines, study design, and study materials. Interview transcripts were reviewed by participants, who assisted in data analysis.
Structural and Frequency dependent Electrical Behaviour of Nanocomposite of La doped BiFeO 3 :SrAlO 3
Authors: Sharma Bhumika , Mukherjee Rupam , Rana Pawan S.
Published: May 2023

La doped BiFeO3:SrAlO3 samples were synthesized by sol-gel method. Composite was made to synthesise nano powder in order to improve electrical, optical and thermal properties. Goldschmidt tolerance factor for SrAlO3 is 0.9 which confirms this assembly to be a promising Perovskite. Investigations were carried out on samples where formation of false perovskite is verified by X-ray diffraction technique. The dielectric loss (tan δ) and conductivity (σ) were measured at room temperature as a function of the frequency (100 Hz – 25kHz). Structural and Electrical properties of this nanocomposite make them potential candidate in the field of thermoelectric energy devices.
Efficiency of essential oils emulsions against Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (GENN.) infesting potato plants under field conditions In Egypt
Authors: Wahba Trandil fayez , Wahba Mona N. , Abd-Elatef Enase Adel
Published: May 2023

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, nymphs, and adults sucking sap Excessive use of pesticides caused pollution of the environment and the death of beneficial insects, it is one of the most damaging pests of Potato, Solanum tuberosum, so it was necessary to search for more safe alternatives. An experiment was carried out during seasons 2021 and 2022 under field conditions in Egypt. The objective of this study aimed to use peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils and prepare coarse emulsions and nanoemulsions (CE and NE) of both peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils. The results reported that the numbers of nymphs per plant before treatment during season 2022 were greater than those in season 2021, which may be due to increasing temperature and decreasing precipitation, specific humidity, and wind speed. On the other hand, essential oil's nanoemulsion (NE) was more effective in controlling B. tabaci. Generally, the toxicity decreased with time after spraying. The second spray was more effective than the first spray. P (CE, NE) revealed the most effectiveness, followed by E (CE, NE) during both seasons. During season 2021, the NEs were slightly more effective than the CEs. During season 2022, recorded no significant difference between CEs and NEs. Also, the toxicity of the tested emulsions was highly effective during season 2021 compared with 2022 due to decreasing temperatures in December 2021 compared to December 2022. The study of the growth component deduced that the parameters of potato plants after being treated with tested emulsions showed that both peppermint coarse emulsion PCE and eucalyptus coarse emulsion ECE achieved slightly decreased portion levels. ECE increased total plant carbohydrates. However, our treatments did not affect the phenolic compounds of potato leaf plants, although ENE caused an increase in phenolic compounds. All treatments decreased the nitrogen plants' contents. Furthermore, PCE, PNE, and ENE increase the potassium content. All treatments increase the activity of peroxidase (POX) compared with untreated plants. The formulation obtained here might be an interesting alternative for integrated pest management of B. tabaci nymphs.
Training nurses to facilitate and implement CURA in palliative care institutions: development and evaluation of a blended learning program
Authors: Schaik Malene van , Kröger Charlotte , Zuidema Catharina Elisabeth , Stolper Margreet , Widdershoven Guy , Pasman H. Roeline , Metselaar Suzanne
Published: May 2023

Background Healthcare professionals in palliative care are found to be confronted with moral challenges on a frequent basis. CURA is a low-threshold instrument for dialogical ethical reflection that was developed to deal with these challenges. A previous study identified the need of healthcare professionals to be trained to introduce CURA in their organization, initiate and facilitate reflections with CURA, and contribute to the implementation of CURA. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a training for professionals to become ‘CURA-ambassadors’.Methods The training was developed in a participatory way in two cycles. We trained 72 healthcare professionals. The training was evaluated by means of a questionnaire and six semi-structured interviews.Results The study resulted in a blended learning training combining training sessions with an e-module and with practicing with organizing and facilitating CURA in daily healthcare practice. The main objectives of the training are to enable CURA-ambassadors to introduce CURA within their organization, initiate and facilitate ethical reflections using CURA, and contribute to the implementation of CURA. Participants were generally positive about the training program and the trainers. Technical difficulties related to the e-module were mentioned as main point of improvement.Discussion The training program can generate ownership, responsibility, and competency among CURA-ambassadors, which are essential foundations for implementing complex interventions in healthcare practice. The training program received positive evaluations shortly after completing the program. This study adds to our understanding of what is needed for healthcare professionals to use CURA, in order to support them in dealing with moral challenges and to foster their moral resilience. Further research is needed to assess whether participants experience the training as sufficient and effective when using and implementing CURA structurally in their organizations over a longer period of time.
Agrochemical inputs and management have a greater impact on common bean rhizobia diversity than drought
Authors: Canto Arantza del , Grillo Michael A. , Heath Katy D. , de Jauregui Álvaro Sanz Saez , Heras Jonathan , Lacuesta Maite
Published: May 2023

Drought is one of the biggest problems for crop production and also affects the survival and persistence of soil rhizobia. The reduced presence of rhizobia limits the establishment of symbiosis and endangers the productivity of legumes, the main source of plant protein worldwide. Thus, the preservation of soil microbial diversity is essential because it can ameliorate crop response to stress by increasing the likelihood of the presence of stress-tolerant rhizobia and the chances of establishing effective symbiotic relationships. Aim Since the biodiversity can be affected by several factors including abiotic stress or cultural practices, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of water availability, plant genotypes and agricultural management on the presence, nodulation capacity and genotypic diversity of rhizobia. Method For that, a field experiment was conducted, with twelve common bean genotypes under irrigation and rain-fed conditions, both in conventional and organic management. Estimation of the number of viable rhizobia present in soils was performed before the crop establishment, whereas the nodule number and the strain diversity of nodule bacteria were determined at postharvest. Results Drought reduced the number of nodules and of isolated bacteria and their genetic diversity, although in a lesser extent than the agrochemical inputs related to conventional management. Conclusions Thus, the maintenance of diversity will be a key factor in the future, as problems caused by drought will be exacerbated by climate change.
Traumatic brain injury in mice generates early-stage Alzheimer’s disease related protein pathology that correlates with neurobehavioral deficits
Authors: Panayi Nicholas , Schulz Philip , He Ping , Hanna Brandon , Lifshitz Jonathan , Rowe Rachel , Sierks Michael R
Published: May 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the long-term risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we demonstrate that protein variant pathology generated in brain tissue of an experimental TBI mouse model is similar to protein variant pathology observed in human ADbrains, and that subacute accumulation of two AD associated variants of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau in the TBI mouse model correlated with behavioral deficits. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to midline fluid percussion injury or to sham injury, after which sensorimotor function (rotarod, neurological severity score), cognitive deficit (novel object recognition), and affective deficits (elevated plus maze, forced swim task) were assessed at different days post-injury (DPI). Protein pathology at 7, 14, and 28 DPI was measured in multiple brain regions using an immunostain panel of reagents selectively targeting different neurodegenerative disease-related variants of Aβ, tau, TDP-43, and alpha-synuclein. Overall, TBI resulted in sensorimotor deficits and accumulation of AD-related protein variant pathology near the impact site, both of which returned to sham levels by 14 DPI. Individual mice, however, showed persistent behavioral deficits and/or accumulation of selected toxic protein variants at 28 DPI. Behavioral outcomes of each mouse were correlated with levels of seven different protein variants in ten brain regions at specific DPI. Out of 21 significant correlations between protein variant levels and behavioral deficits, 18 were with variants of Aβ or tau. Correlations at 28 DPI were all between a single Aβ or tau variant, both of which are strongly associated with human AD cases. These data provide a direct mechanistic link between protein pathology resulting from TBI and the hallmarks of AD.