bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Viewpoint on the Rising Trend of Couple Suicide in India
Authors: Patel Avanish Bhai , Sahoo Barsa Priyadarsinee
Published: December 2024

It is extremely disturbing that in contemporary times, the cases of couple suicide is the matter of grave concern in India. It is observed that couples are committing suicide together in Indian society due to various social circumstances. The present study examines the nature of couple suicide and its causes using egoistic approach of suicide. The data have been collected from leading newspapers of India from 1st January 2023 to 15th May 2024 using systematic content analysis. The present research has identified that love affair is the cause of suicide in most cases of couple suicide. The study also revealed that about 50.59% of couples who are in the age group of 16–25 years committed suicide together due to love affairs. Additionally, the researchers have observed from egoistic point of view that socio-economic changes have unexpectedly affected the social conditions which has promoted the tendency of suicide in couples.
Re-Imagining Childhood Grief: Children as Active Agents in a Transactional Process
Authors: Russell Ceilidh Eaton , Chin Meg , Bollig Georg , Cait Cheryl-Anne , Carnevale Franco A. , Chrastek Jody , Lavorgna Bianca , Macpherson Catriona , Remke Stacy S. , Scaut Lies , Skeen Jane , Szylit Regina , van Breemen Camara , Shalev Ronit
Published: December 2024

Bereavement during childhood impacts children’s wellbeing and biopsychosocial development. Research examining impacts and outcomes of childhood bereavement and supportive interventions has highlighted a myriad of factors that influence children’s unique, complex experiences of grief, necessitating a personalized, child-centred approach. Children’s grief support is underpinned by well-established grief theories studied primarily in adult populations, and stage-based developmental theories that characterise child development as “normative” and universal. We propose a rethinking that recognises: development in childhood as transactional, dynamic, and bidirectional; children as active agents; and social contexts influencing grief and development. This conceptualisation invites expanded understandings of: children’s grief in response to death and non-death losses; contextual, relational influences on children’s experiences of grief; ways that grieving children’s rights and agency are supported and thwarted in their daily lives; and opportunities for professionals, family and community members to support grieving children with compassionate curiosity and cultural humility to nurture grief-literate communities.
Measuring Suicide Risk Without Asking About Suicide? Psychache Scale Score Validation and Cut Score Development in a Military Sample
Authors: Holden Ronald R. , D’Agata Madeleine T. , Peter Erika L.
Published: December 2024

This study evaluated the ability of scores on the self-report Psychache Scale (PAS) to subtly screen pre-existing suicide risk factors in a military population. For 525 Canadian military personnel, PAS normative data were established, and scores demonstrated high internal consistency reliability. Based on associations with a rationally constructed measure of suicidality, PAS scores possessed large effect sizes, convergent validity. The PAS also had significant diagnostic accuracy for identifying previous multiple suicide intent communications and previous multiple suicide attempts, behavioral risk factors for subsequent suicide. Preliminary cut scores for identifying at risk military personnel are provided.
Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma originating from a mandibular odontogenic cyst: A case report
Authors: He Zongxuan , Tao Yueqin , Li Jieying , Shang Wei , Song Kai
Published: December 2024

Malignant transformation arising in the background of jaw cysts is a rare and often misdiagnosed condition, particularly when developing from residual root-derived cysts. We present a case of epithelial malignancy originating from a residual root-derived cyst in the mandible of a man around 50 years old. Histological evaluation of the sections revealed that the epithelial lining of the cystic lesion contained well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma components. Finally, a segmental mandibulectomy was performed, and the defect was reconstructed with free iliac bone grafting. This case underscores the critical role of chronic inflammation in the malignant transformation of mandibular cysts and enriches the current database on odontogenic cyst malignancy.
Sleep Health and Falls Risk for Older Adults Living in Residential Aged Care and in Community Dwelling Settings: A Longitudinal Observation Study
Authors: Fien Samantha , Bennett Natasha L. , Owen Patrick J. , Alley Stephanie J. , Vandelanotte Corneel , Sprajcer Madeline , Waters Kim , Moore Steven T. , Keogh Justin W.L. , Vincent Grace E.
Published: December 2024

This study explored measures of subjective and objective sleep health and the association with fall occurrence and falls risk for older adults. A longitudinal observational study was conducted with participants in residential aged care (n = 36) and community dwelling (n = 35) settings. At baseline, objective sleep data involved wearing wrist worn accelerometers and measuring falls risk by walking using the Quantitative timed up and go (QTUG) of a simple, cognitive, and motor task. Subjective sleep data was collected by completing sleep diaries using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale and sleep quality scale, respectively. Longitudinal falls data were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months. Falls risk was calculated via QTUG. Responses to a fall questionnaire were used to quantify fall occurrence. Independent samples t-test examined differences in objective and subjective sleep variables between settings. Logistic regression explored whether objective or subjective sleep variables could predict an overall fall occurrence. Linear regression determined if a particular sleep variable could predict an overall falls risk. Multiple regression determined if sleep variables could predict falls risk. No significant differences were found between residential and community-dwelling adults in subjective or objective sleep measures. Logistic regression showed no significant associations between most sleep variables and falls risk, except for average awakening length, where each additional minute was associated with a 1.8% increase in fall likelihood (OR = 1.02, 95% CI [1.00-1.03], P = .037). Conversely, higher awakening frequency was associated with reduced falls risk in the simple timed up-and-go task ( R² = .21, β = −.69, P = .009, 95% CI [−1.20 to −0.18]). Findings suggest no significant differences in sleep health or falls risk between residential and community-dwelling older adults, though specific sleep disruptions showed minor associations with falls risk.
Language lost, language regained: Adorno’s Proustian reflections on childhood, exile and experience
Authors: Tränkle Sebastian
Published: December 2024

This essay traces how experiences of childhood and exile attain systematic meaning in Adorno’s critical theory of language. Adorno is shown to model the child’s understanding of language after Proust’s novel Á la recherche du temps perdus. Both focus on the names of places the child takes to be saturated with particular experiences and attributes a promise of renewed happiness. For Adorno, such an idea of language poses a challenge to the current rule of abstract conceptuality, unable to grasp such experiences. While just like Proust, he considers it retrospectively, Adorno writes in exile, that is, in a situation of the loss of his own language. Such loss must be interpreted not just in life-historical but in systematic terms as well: Firstly, in terms of a theory of language, insofar as the child’s understanding does not comply with the demands of conceptual thinking. Secondly, in terms of social theory, insofar as an emphatic reference to names has become problematic in the face of processes of economic standardisation and political abuse. And yet, Adorno’s Proustian reflections amount to a linguistic effort to recover with conceptual resources the experiences the names promise the child.
Microstructure and tensile codeformation characteristics of aluminum/steel heterogeneous composite plates prepared via rheological composite cast-rolling
Authors: Qiu Jin , Zhou Hongwei , Sun Lu , Cao Chi , Wang Sheng , Li Yuandong
Published: December 2024

In this work, 6061/Q235 composite plates were prepared by rheological composite casting-rolling technology, and the effect of isothermal diffusion time on their microstructure and tensile properties was studied. Results showed that the diffusion layer was mainly composed of FeAl3 and Fe2Al5 phases, and denser FeAl3 and fine Fe2Al5 phases are beneficial for improving strength and elongation. The variation trend of the tensile properties of the composite plates was the same as that of the aluminum matrices, the properties first improved and then degraded with increasing isothermal diffusion time. The coordinated deformation ability and tensile properties of the composite plates were maximized after isothermal diffusion for 60 s, and the experimental values of tensile properties were higher than the theoretical ones.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: review of data from the Arab world
Authors: Chabbouh Alfred , Khalil Hassan , Abboud Chafic , Sader Antoine , Khoury Rita
Published: December 2024

Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are common, underrecognized, and impact patients’ quality of life. Research around this topic is scarce in the Arab world. The aim of this comprehensive narrative review was to examine available evidence and discusses its strengths and limitations. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched using relevant keywords for studies published between 2000 and 2023. A total of 10 epidemiological and three assessment tool validation studies of neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD, conducted in the 22 Arab countries, were included. Only four Arab countries contributed to the 10 epidemiological studies found. Egypt provided the largest number of patients. Prevalence rates of neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD were heterogenous. Three studies relied on the Non-Motor Symptom Scale to estimate prevalence. Three studies used validated screening tools for dementia. Five studies used specific screening tools for depression, while two used the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria for depression. No appropriate and validated tool is available to assess for apathy. The generalizability of the findings is limited and recommendations for future studies are provided.
Phillygenin rescues impaired autophagy flux by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mToR signaling pathway in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Li Jiaxing , Duan Jiming , Sun Yiwen , Yang Ruifeng , Yang Hong , Li Wenxing
Published: December 2024

To investigate the mechanism of pancreatic alveolar cell autophagy in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) by phillygenin (PHI) based on the PI3K/Akt/mToR pathway. Rats were randomly divided into control group (CON group), SAP model group (SAP group) and PHI treatment group (SAP+PHI group), with 10 rats in each group. 5% sodium taurocholate was injected retrogradely into the biliopancreatic duct to establish a SAP rat model, and PHI was injected intraperitoneally into the pancreas after successful establishment of the model. The colorimetric assay was used to determine serum amylase and lipase activity levels. Pancreatic morphology and histological changes were assessed by H&E staining. Autophagy-related indices were determined by immunohistochemistry: LC3-II, P62, LAMP. Autophagy pathway-related indices were determined by western blotting assay: p-PI3K, PI3K, p-Akt, Akt, p-mToR, mToR. Autophagy vesicle alteration. Compared with the SAP group, the SAP+PHI group showed a decrease in amylase, lipase and pathological score, an increase in the expression of LAMP-2, and a decrease in the expression of p62, p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mToR, with a statistically significant difference ( p < 0.05). Electron microscopy showed that autophagic flux was restored and accumulated autophagic vehicles were relatively reduced by PHI intervention. PHI can rescue the impaired autophagic flux by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mToR pathway, allowing abnormal autophagic vesicles to complete autophagy to protect the rat.
Comprehensive Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Kabuki Syndrome: A Case Series Study
Authors: Carnazzo Salvatore Michele , Balconara Desirèe , Caruso Francesco , Caltabiano Giusi Maria
Published: December 2024

Kabuki syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by a distinctive combination of craniofacial features, developmental anomalies, and intellectual disabilities. This study aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of Kabuki syndrome through a meticulous case series analysis focusing on its clinical features and genetic underpinnings. A cohort of 9 Kabuki syndrome patients was identified through a retrospective examination of medical records spanning from 1996 to 2022. These patients underwent various clinical assessments, radiologic investigations, neuropsychological evaluations, and targeted genetic analyses, specifically focusing on the KMT2D and KDM6A genes. The median age of diagnosis was approximately 4.7 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 6:3. Prominent clinical characteristics included distinctive facial features such as arched eyebrows, elongated eyelashes, ear abnormalities, fingertip pads, nasolabial anomalies, and oral alterations. Ophthalmologic and otologic manifestations were notable, alongside a spectrum of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and endocrine aberrations. The prevalence of neuropsychological disorders highlighted the cognitive and behavioral challenges experienced by Kabuki syndrome patients. Genetic investigations confirmed the involvement of variants in the KMT2D and KDM6A genes in the pathogenesis of Kabuki syndrome. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of precise diagnosis, the adoption of a multidisciplinary care approach, and the tailored interventions for individuals affected by Kabuki syndrome. Furthermore, it underscores the need for continued research efforts to unravel the genetic intricacies and molecular mechanisms underlying this enigmatic syndrome.
Fault diagnosis method of rolling bearing under variable operating conditions based on MFCCNN
Authors: Lei Chunli , Wan Huiyuan , Yu Yongqin , Miao Chengxiang , Feng Ruicheng
Published: December 2024

A rolling bearing fault diagnosis method based on multi-scale feature fusion and cross-level connection convolutional neural network (MFCCNN) is proposed to address the issues of low accuracy and low generalization performance caused by the complex and variable actual working conditions of rolling bearings. Firstly, a Markov transition field (MTF) is used to convert a one-dimensional signal into a two-dimensional image with temporal correlation. Next, an improved channel attention mechanism is integrated into the multi-scale network to assign different weights to each channel information and extract initial features. Then, a position attention mechanism is created and incorporated into the cross-level connection to enhance the feature expression ability for deep feature extraction. The MFCCNN faults diagnosis model is developed based on the above module. Finally, the MTF images is input into the proposed model for training, and the Softmax classifier is utilized to achieve fault classification. To verify the effectiveness and superiority of the MFCCNN method, the CWRU and MFS rolling bearing dataset are selected for experimental verification. The results demonstrates that the MFCCNN model has higher diagnostic accuracy, stronger noise immunity, and generalization performance in varying operating conditions compared to other fault diagnosis methods.
Integrating neural network in advanced flow sensors for enhanced fluid flow characterization in conduit using carbon black
Authors: David Amos Gamaleal , Samsingh Ramalingam Vimal , Florence Sundarsingh Esther
Published: December 2024

The proposed work involves the use of a carbon black coated sensor to measure the flow rate in a circular pipe and to monitor the pressure developed therein using a novel system with the change in electrical resistance. The carbon black coated sensor was made using the dip coating method in various proportions such as 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, and 20 wt%. The pressure measurements were taken using the working model and the data acquisition module. When a liquid flows through the pipe, it causes a change in the electrical resistance of the carbon black coating, which is then detected by the electrodes connected to the sensor. The actual water flow rate is determined using the general equation and the electrical resistance is also noted simultaneously. A mathematical model was developed to monitor the flow in real time between the actual flow rate and the electrical resistance. It was found that 5 wt% carbon black has the highest sensitivity of 3.06 compared to the other proportions 10 wt%, 15 wt%, and 20 wt% which are 2.24, 1.71, and 1.15 respectively. The sensor with 5 wt% carbon black was further used to calculate the predicted water flow rate using the regression model. The obtained R2 value is 0.98, which confirms the strong correlation between the actual water flow rate and the calculated water flow rate. Then the prediction modeling is performed using the neural network, and the obtained data points were trained and tested. With a prediction error of less than 6%, the proposed approach provides exponentially cost-effective monitoring of the liquid flow rate.
Numerical computations on thermal performance of large-scale Ti-Mn-based metal hydride storage reactor via open source CFD software
Authors: Babou Allal , Kerboua Ziari Yasmina , Kerkoub Youcef
Published: December 2024

Certain metals and metal alloys can absorb hydrogen through an exothermic chemical reaction, resulting in the formation of metal hydrides. To maintain a rapid charging rate, the produced heat must be extracted as rapidly as it is generated. This study was attempted to evaluate the heat transfer enhancement in a cylindrical hydrogen storage reactor equipped with a central tube for large-scale applications using a 3D transient model. Finite-volume simulations are carried out using the open-source software package OpenFOAM to systematically investigate the impacts of material thermophysical properties, cooling media, and heat exchanger design on the heat transfer behaviors and hydrogen storage rate. The reactor’s performance was evaluated in terms of temperature and total hydrogen mass history profiles, in addition to pressure drop. The findings indicated that the charging time was improved by roughly 86%, compared to the case without thermal enhancement to attain 90% hydrogen storage capacity. A diminished pressure drop was observed between the water-based Al2O3 nanofluid with 5 vol% concentration and pure water at lowered coolant flow velocities, hence enhancing pumping power efficiency. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the storage rate is markedly improved by enhancing the effective thermal conductivity of the hydride bed, increasing the heat exchange area, accelerating the coolant flow rate, and lowering its temperature. The outcomes highlighted the possibility of advancing the current metal hydride reactor for practical application.
Hand Osteoarthritis in Elderly Women with Primary Knee Osteoarthritis: Prevalence and Pattern in the Indian Population
Authors: Dhaon Pooja , Singh Astha , Singh Kushal , Tiwari Siddharth , Khan Haseeb
Published: December 2024

Aim:

The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of hand osteoarthritis (HOA) and identify patterns in female patients with symptomatic primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA) presenting in a rheumatology outpatient department (OPD).

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was done among 145 female patients with primary KOA, as per American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, utilising the right knee as the index knee. The presence of Kellgren–Lawrence (K-L) grade ≥2 radiological changes in two of three groups of hand joints in dominant hand was used to identify hand arthritis (HOA). Symptomatic HOA (SHOA) was defined as existence of hand discomfort within preceding month. Hand disability was measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ); a mean score of >0.5 was deemed to be a significant disability. Global Hand Kellgren–Lawrence Score (KLTOT) was used to assess radiographic severity of HOA.

Results:

The prevalence of HOA was found in 96 (66%) patients, with a higher prevalence in patients above 60 years of age. At the individual joint level, 102 (71.7%) patients had DIP involvement, 96 (66.2%) had PIP involvement, 40 (27.5%) had metacarpophalangeal (MCP) involvement, and 57 (34.4%) had involvement in the base of the thumb. SHOA was found in 48 (33%) patients, and significant disability was noted in 38 (26.2%) patients. There was a significant positive correlation between global KLTOT and body mass index (BMI) ( P = .004) and between global KLTOT and HAQ ( P = .002). A significant difference was found between HOA and the radiographic severity of the KOA ( P = .003) in comparison to patients without HOA.

Conclusion:

HOA is common in elderly women, especially those with primary KOA.
Isolated Osseous Rosai Dorfman Disease of Foot Bones. Report of a Patient Misdiagnosed and Treated as Chronic Osteomyelitis
Authors: Hui Monalisa , Uppin Shantveer G. , Ramakrishna Narayanan , Reddy B Rajeev
Published: December 2024

Isolated osseous involvement without lymphadenopathy is a rare manifestation of Rosai-Dorfman disease. It clinically and radiologically mimics infections and primary bone tumors. The present report describes a 9-year-old girl with multifocal monomelic osseous involvement as an isolated manifestation. She presented with lytic lesions in the left proximal phalanx of the great toe and head of the second metatarsal unaccompanied by disease elsewhere. She was treated outside as chronic osteomyelitis. After 9 months, the swelling recurred, and a repeat biopsy was suggestive of Rosai-Dorfman disease. This report highlights the diagnostic challenges in patients with extra nodal isolated bone involvement, especially on small biopsies.
NR1D1exon6::MAML2exon2 Fusion-Positive Sarcomas: Two Additional Cases of an Emerging Soft Tissue Tumor Entity
Authors: Kantak Anura , Rekhi Bharat , Barwad Adarsh , Rastogi Sameer
Published: December 2024

NR1D1::MAML1/L2 fusion-positive sarcomas constitute an emerging subtype of undifferentiated sarcomas, histopathologically composed of epithelioid and spindle cells. We describe two NR1D1exon6::MAML2exon2 fusion-positive sarcomas occurring in the occipital region of a 53-year-old female patient and the left shoulder of a 25-year-old male patient. Histopathologically, the former tumor comprised spindle and polygonal-shaped/epithelioid cells, while the latter comprised epithelioid cells. Immunohistochemically, the cells of the first tumor were positive for keratin cocktail (AE1/AE3), EMA, and p40. The other tumor lacked any epithelial marker immunoexpression and showed SATB2 positivity. Both the tumors were SMARCB1 proficient. While the former tumor was initially diagnosed as a sarcomatoid carcinoma, the latter was diagnosed as an undifferentiated sarcoma.

Both patients underwent surgical resection as the primary treatment. One patient received adjuvant radiotherapy, whereas the other received ifosfamide and doxorubicin-based therapy. However, both the patients developed progressive disease, with one developing lung metastasis during relapse. There was a suboptimal response to chemotherapy in both patients.

This study highlights the clinicopathological features of two rare and emerging sarcomas. It further emphasizes the value of high-throughput molecular testing, such as next-generation sequencing in the undifferentiated epithelioid, and spindle-cell sarcomas to identify the prognostic subtypes and differentiate these neoplasms from their histopathological mimics.
Evaluation of Motor Skills With Functional Dexterity Test in Children With ADHD and Comparison With Healthy Controls
Authors: Akkaya Nuray , Kabukçu Başay Bürge , Urak Özkan , Başay Ömer , Şahin Füsun
Published: December 2024

Objective:

The study aimed to investigate whether the fine motor skills measured by the Functional Dexterity Test (FDT) in ADHD children differ from healthy controls. The second aim was to assess the applicability of the FDT assessment method among ADHD children.

Method:

The FDT results as an objective assessment of hand skills were compared between 7 and 17 years old ADHD cases ( n = 146) and age and gender-matched healthy controls ( n = 213).

Results:

We found lower dominant and non-dominant processing time (respectively for dominant hand and non-dominant hand p = .001, effect size Cliff’s Delta = .22; p = .001, ES Cliff’s Delta = .29), higher peg processing speed ( p = .001, ES Cliff’s Delta = .23; p = .001, ES Cliff’s Delta = .29), higher total error ( p = .001, ES Cliff’s Delta = .40; p = .001, ES Cliff’s Delta = .51), and total FDT time ( p = .0017, ES Cliff’s Delta = .14; p = .011, ES Cliff’s Delta = .16) in ADHD patients compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion:

Manual dexterity evaluation would be helpful to detect the fine motor skill deficits of ADHD children. Although ADHD children were advantageous regarding speed, they were disadvantageous regarding processing errors and total process time. Therefore, the error time data should be considered in evaluating ADHD children, unlike healthy children.
Phylodynamic Investigation of Yellow Fever Virus Sheds New Insight on Geographic Dispersal Across Africa
Authors: Motayo Babatunde Olanrewaju , Opayele Adewale , Akinduti Paul Akiniyi , Faneye Adedayo Omotayo , Omoregie Isibor Patrick
Published: December 2024

Background:

Molecular epidemiology has shown the presence of four genotypes circulating across Africa, a paucity of data exists regarding phylogeography of the African Yellow fever (YF) genotypes. The need to fill this gap with spatiotemporal data from continuous YF outbreaks in Africa conceptualized this study; which aims to investigate the most recent transmission events and directional spread of yellow fever virus (YFV) using updated genomic sequence data.

Methods:

Yellow fever sequence data was utilized along with epidemiologic data from outbreaks in Africa, to analyze the case/fatality distribution and genetic diversity. Phylodynamic and phylogeographic were utilized to investigate ancestral history, virus population dynamics, and geographic dispersal of yellow fever across Africa.

Results:

There was a sharp increase in laboratory confirmed cases after year 2015, with Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo having the highest numbers of cases. Phylogeny of the YF genotypes followed a previously reported pattern with distinct geographic clustering. Historical dispersal of YFV was discovered to have occurred from West into Central/East Africa, with recent introductions occurring in West Africa.

Conclusions:

We have shown the continuous circulation of YF in Africa, with distinct genotype distributions within the west and central African sub-regions. We have also shown the potential contribution of African genotypes, in the historical dispersal of yellow fever. We advocate for expanded and integrated molecular surveillance of YFV and other Arboviruses in Africa.
Multi-epitope Based Peptide Vaccine Candidate Against Babesia Infection From Rhoptry-Associated Protein 1 (RAP-1) Antigen Using Immuno-Informatics: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Malgwi Samson Anjikwi , Adeleke Victoria T , Adeleke Matthew Adekunle , Okpeku Moses
Published: December 2024

Objective:

Babesiosis is a significant haemoparasitic infection caused by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Babesia. This infection has continuously threatened cattle farmers owing to its devastating effects on productivity and severe economic implications. Failure to curb the increase of the infection has been attributed to largely ineffective vaccines. This study was designed to develop a potential vaccine candidate.

Method:

Rhoptry-associated protein-1 (RAP-1) was used to identify and design a potential multi-epitope vaccine candidate due to its immunogenic properties through an immunoinformatics approach.

Results and conclusions:

A multi-epitope vaccine comprising 11 CD8+, 17 CD4+, and 3 B-cell epitopes was constructed using the AAY, GPGPG, and KK linkers. Beta-defensin-3 was added as an adjuvant to potentiate the immune response using the EAAK linker. The designed vaccine was computationally predicted to be antigenic (antigenicity scores: 0.6), soluble (solubility index: 0.730), and non-allergenic. The vaccine construct comprises 595 amino acids with a molecular weight of 64 152 kDa, an instability and aliphatic index of 13.89 and 65.82, which confers stability with a Grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) value of 0.122, indicating the hydrophobicity of the construct. Europe has the highest combined class population coverage, with a percentage of 96.07%, while Central America has the lowest population coverage, with a value of 22.94%. The DNA sequence of the vaccine construct was optimized and successfully cloned into a pET-28a (+) plasmid vector. Analysis of binding interactions indicated the stability of the complex when docked with Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2). The subunit vaccine construct was predicted to induce and boost sufficient host cellular and humoral responses in silico. However, further experimental research and analysis is required to validate the findings.

Limitation:

This study is purely computational, and further experimental validation of these findings through in vivo and in vitro conditions is required.
Making Progress: ‘Sex Trafficking’, Sex Work, Temporality, and Im/mobility
Authors: Davies Julio D’ Angelo , O’Connell Davidson Julia , Silva Ana Paula da
Published: December 2024

Anti-trafficking discourse is built upon and reproduces a series of either/or conceptual binaries (voluntary/forced, consensual/coerced, agent/victim) which obscure the unseen, structural factors that shape the fates of men, women, and children under the economic, social, and political relations of global capitalism, as well as their experience as workers in given countries, sectors, and workplaces. Some sex worker rights activists and scholars have contested its application to prostitution by emphasising that ‘not all sex workers are trafficked’. However, this position also privileges the question of whether an individual voluntarily chose or was coerced by a third party into a given form of work. Drawing on biographical interview data with women in sex work in Brazil that shows how past, present, and hopes for the future are woven together in their sex-work trajectories, this article adds to the literature that critiques anti-trafficking discourse through a focus on temporality. It argues that by following the trajectories of sex working women’s lives over time, it is possible to better grasp both the protean nature of sex work, and the impossibility of fixing people’s participation in it as either forced or free.
Association between plant-based dietary patterns and cognitive function in middle-aged and older residents of China
Authors: Peng Jianying , Li Xiaolong , Wang Jie , Li Fengping , Gao Jianfeng , Deng Yan , Li Benchao , Li Tingting , Li Yuanyuan , Tang Sui , Lu Likang , Zhou Peiyang , Rong Shuang
Published: December 2024

Background

Plant-based diets may protect against cognitive impairment; however, observational data have not been consistent.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the association between plant-based dietary patterns and cognitive function.

Methods

The study recruited 937 participants who were asked to complete food frequency questionnaires to assess the quality of their plant-based diets using the overall plant-based diet index (PDI), the healthful PDI (hPDI), and the unhealthful PDI (uPDI). Cognitive function evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between plant-based dietary patterns and the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), while multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association between plant-based dietary patterns and cognitive scores.

Results

The prevalence of MCI was 26% among the 937 participants. There was a significant association between higher uPDI scores and higher odds of MCI, with Quintile 4 compared with Quintile 1 showing an odds ratio of 2.21 (95% confidence interval 1.35, 3.60). Higher uPDI scores were associated with a lower total MoCA score and poorer performance in various cognitive domains. There were no significant associations between the PDI, the hPDI, and cognitive function. Consuming whole grains, nuts, and eggs once a week or more were associated with a lower risk of MCI, whereas frequently consumption of pickled vegetables was associated with an increased risk of MCI.

Conclusions

Unhealthy plant-based diets were associated with cognitive impairment, while whole grains, nuts, and eggs may protect cognitive function; pickled vegetables are associated with cognitive impairment.
Factors influencing rates of unsupervised assessment of short-term learning in cognitively unimpaired adults
Authors: Lim Yen Ying , Mills Andrea , Norfolk Maya , Rosenich Emily , Maruff Paul
Published: December 2024

Background

In older adults with preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD), learning curves derived from validated psychological learning paradigms are reduced to an extent greater than impairment, or decline, on neuropsychological memory tests.

Objective

This study aimed to examine how age, sex, education, mood, and general dementia risk, which also increases risk for preclinical AD, could influence learning curves.

Methods

1050 adults enrolled in the BetterBrains trial completed 10 blocks of ORCA-LLT learning trials over 5 days. Learning curves were derived from improvement in accuracy over trials. Participants also completed questionnaires of demography and mood, and the CAIDE risk score was computed for each participant.

Results

Most participants (67%) completed ≥6 blocks of ORCA-LLT. Older age (d = 0.75), lower education (d = 0.50), and higher dementia risk (d = 0.36) were associated significantly with slower learning rates.

Conclusions

In older adults, learning curves are influenced subtly by age, education, and dementia risk but not by sex or mood.
Associations between antidiabetic medications and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: García-Lluch Gemma , Marseglia Anna , Royo Lucrecia Moreno , Albiach Juan Pardo , Garcia-Zamora Mar , Baquero Miquel , Peña-Bautista Carmen , Álvarez Lourdes , Westman Eric , Cháfer-Pericás Consuelo
Published: December 2024

Background

It has been hypothesized that insulin resistance is pivotal in mediating amyloid and tau dysregulations in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objective

To investigate the impact of different antidiabetic agents, their daily dosage intake, and treatment duration on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study selected patients between 50 and 80 years with diabetes and CSF AD biomarkers screened between 2017 and 2023 in the VALCODIS Cohort. CSF biomarkers were total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau), and amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42). Analytical variables were obtained. Antidiabetic prescriptions were recorded in defined daily doses (DDD), according to the ATC/DDD 2021 system, and years of drug exposure duration before lumbar puncture. Logistic regressions were performed to establish the correlations between drug usage and AD biomarker alteration.

Results

Among patients with diabetes, Insulin consumption was associated with lower odds of abnormal Aβ42 levels (OR 0.36 [95% CI 0.15, 0.76]) and tau pathology (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.24–0.98]). Metformin was related to lower odds of pathological p-tau when diabetes was uncontrolled, acting on t-tau and t-tau/Aβ42 ratio when it was concomitant with insulin, and patients had controlled diabetes. Lower odds of pathological levels of tau were observed when additional oral antidiabetic drugs were added among metformin users. iSGLT2 was associated with tau pathology.

Conclusions

The impact of antidiabetics on AD-related pathological biomarkers may depend on diabetes management.
Conformation pattern changes in R1-pS262 tau peptide induced endogenous tau aggregation, synaptic damage, and cognitive impairments
Authors: Wu Gang , Luo Yong , Guo Qian , Yang Mingming , Mahaman Yacoubou Abdoul Razak , Liu Yi , Wang Jian-Zhi , Liu Rong , Gao Xiang , Wang Xiaochuan
Published: December 2024

Background

To date, the effect of tau phosphorylation at different amino acid sites on the conformation and function of tau is still unclear in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Protein fingerprinting, also known as the protein folding shape code (PFSC) method, is a protein structure prediction technique based on protein sequence, which can reveal proteins’ most likely spatial conformation.

Objective

To investigate the effect of phosphorylation on tau protein conformation using PFSC technology and further analyze the differences in the effect of phosphorylation on tau aggregation at specific sites.

Methods

We performed a conformational analysis of wild-type and simulated mutant hTau441 using the PFSC method and synthesized the phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated tau fragments by the chemical solid phase method.

Results

We found that the number of Ser262 protein fingerprints increased from six in tau S262A to nine in tau S262E, together with increased conformational changes and enhanced flexibility. The in vitro Thioflavin S assay showed that phosphorylated tau fragments R1-pS262 possessed a stronger activity of inducing tau aggregation. In contrast to the non-phosphorylated tau fragment R1-nS262, R1-pS262 promoted endogenous tau aggregation and decreased synaptic proteins. In rats, R1-pS262 caused cognitive impairments and neuronal loss in addition to endogenous tau aggregation and synaptic damage.

Conclusions

Our study firstly reports that tau phosphorylation at Ser262 induces tau aggregation, and phosphorylated tau fragments R1-pS262 directly result in neuropathological changes. These provide new clues to the pathogenesis of tauopathy, such as AD, and a new molecular target for possible intervention.
Effects of plasma pre-treatment and polyurethane/IF-WS2 nanocoating on mechanical and viscoelastic properties of UHMWPE yarns
Authors: Wu Shuangyan , Kumar Dhar Avik , Hagiya Yuta D , Bhat Gajanan
Published: December 2024

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber is highly favored for fiber-based ballistic composites due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility. However, its poor adhesion to matrices largely limits its application in polymer composites. Also, the weight of ballistic armor produced from these fibers is still very high and there is a need to improve their performance to enable the use of lighter-weight armor. In this work, it was observed that applying plasma pre-treatment and waterborne polyurethane (PU)/inorganic fullerene-like tungsten disulfide (IF-WS2) nanoparticle coating could significantly increase the toughness, energy to break, and maximum load of UHMWPE yarns. The corresponding properties of the plasma pre-treated and coated fibers increased up to 31.6%, 50.9%, and 33.3%, respectively. In addition, high wash durability of the coating was obtained with up to 92% weight retention after washing. Optimum properties were observed with the coating components of 15% PU (PUA type), 6% IF-WS2, and water medium (SA3 nanocomposite). Moreover, plasma pre-treatment induced oxygen-containing functional groups on the fibers, which significantly improved the mechanical, viscoelastic, and wash durability properties of the final UHMWPE/PUA/IF-WS2 composites.
Risk of long-term post-stroke dementia using a linked dataset of patients with ischemic stroke without a history of dementia
Authors: Kim Tae Jung , Lee Ji Sung , Oh Mi Sun , Park Soo-Hyun , Lee Kyungbok , Yu Kyung-Ho , Lee Byung-Chul , Yoon Byung-Woo , Ko Sang-Bae
Published: December 2024

Background:

Post-stroke dementia (PSD) is a common and disabling sequela of stroke. However, the long-term incidence of PSD after an ischemic stroke and factors which predict its occurrence are incompletely understood. Linkage of large health datasets is being increasing used to study long-term outcomes after disease. We used large-scale linked data from Korea to determine the long-term incidence of PSD after ischemic stroke, and identify which factors predicted its occurrence.

Methods:

From January 2008 to December 2014, patients with ischemic stroke ( n = 37,553) without a history of dementia were included in a linked dataset comprising the claims database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service and the Clinical Research Center for Stroke registry data. The outcome measure was PSD after ischemic stroke. Clinical factors evaluated included vascular risk factors, acute stroke management including reperfusion therapy, antithrombotics, and statins, stroke severity, and educational levels, were evaluated.

Results:

Among 37,553 patients with ischemic stroke without a history of dementia (mean age: 64.9 years; 61.9% males), 6052 (16.1%) experienced PSD during a median follow-up period of 5 (interquartile range, 3.4–7.0) years. The 10-year estimated cumulative incidence of dementia was 23.5%. Age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.82 per 10 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75–1.88) and a lower educational level (illiteracy or no education HR 1.65 (CI = 1.44–1.88), 0–3 years 1.53 (CI = 1.31–1.79), 4–6 years 1.60 (CI = 1.43–1.80), 7–9 years 1.32 (CI = 1.16–1.49), 10–12 years 1.17 (CI = 1.04–1.32)) were independently associated with an elevated risk of PSD. Male sex was associated with a significantly lower risk of PSD (HR 0.86, CI = 0.79–0.92). Diabetes mellitus (HR 1.21, CI = 1.14–1.29), a history of stroke before index stroke (HR 1.31, CI = 1.21–1.41), and initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (HR 1.03, CI = 1.03–1.04) were independent risk factors for PSD. Regarding medications, the use of anticoagulation and antipsychotic medications after stroke appeared to be associated with increased PSD risk, whereas statin therapy was associated with a reduced risk.

Conclusions:

PSD is common with a 5- and 10-year incidence in patients with ischemic stroke without a history of dementia of 16.1% and 23.5%, respectively. Factors associated with PSD include age, female sex, lower educational level, diabetes mellitus, initial stroke severity, antipsychotics, and anticoagulants. Further studies are required to determine whether reducing those risk factors which are treatable reduces the incidence of PSD.
Inflammatory bowel disease and cardiac function: a systematic review of literature with meta-analysis
Authors: Soares Caroline Almeida , Fiuza João Gouveia , Rodrigues Cláudio André Melo , Craveiro Nuno , Gil Pereira Júlio , Sousa Paula Cristina Ribeiro Fernandes , Martins Diana Catarina Pinto , Cancela Eugénia Maria , Ministro dos Santos Maria Paula
Published: December 2024

Background:

Morphological and functional cardiac involvement is rarely described in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but there is evidence that they have an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events despite the lower prevalence of traditional CV risk factors.

Objectives:

Our systematic review and meta-analysis examined the relationship between IBD and cardiac function, namely the incidence of heart failure (HF) and subclinical echocardiographic changes.

Data sources and methods:

Two medical databases, PubMed and Scopus, were systematically searched up to September 2022 to identify all studies reporting HF and/or echocardiographic changes in IBD patients.

Results:

The qualitative analysis comprised a total of 18 studies (14 retrospective and 4 prospective studies) involving 59,838 patients. IBD was associated with subtle systolic and diastolic alterations, vascular dysfunction, increased risk for HF hospitalizations, and globally worse CV outcomes. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the IBD population, we found statistically significant reduced early to late diastolic transmitral flow (E/A), higher E to early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity (E/e′), and decreased global longitudinal strain. Increased left atrial diameter and area were also present in IBD patients but no statistical significance was reached. Inter-atrial and right intra-atrial conduction delays were observed.

Conclusion:

The IBD population has an increased risk for left ventricular and atrial dysfunction, vascular changes, arrhythmias, and HF hospitalization. Screening with sensitive imaging like speckle tracking echocardiography could identify early subclinical changes. IBD is in fact a CV risk factor and tight inflammation control may reduce CV risk.
Return to Sport in Professional Athletes After Cartilage Restoration Surgery of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Demonstrates Gender Inequality and the Need for Improved Reporting
Authors: Kunze Kyle N. , Uzzo Robert N. , Thomas Zach D. , Hicks Justin , Rodeo Scott A. , Williams Riley J.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To synthesize the literature concerning return to sport (RTS) and related outcomes after cartilage restoration surgery of the knee in professional athletes.

Design

Cochrane, PubMed, and OVID/Medline databases were queried for data pertaining to RTS after knee cartilage surgery in professional athletes. Demographic information, cartilage lesion characteristics, and RTS-specific information were extracted. Freeman-Tukey Double-Arscine Transformations with Dersimonian-Laerd random-effects estimators were constructed to quantitatively describe the cumulative incidence of RTS, while heterogeneous data described narratively.

Results

Eleven studies (476 athletes; mean age 27.5 ± 2.1 years; 96.6% male) were included. Nine (81.8%) studies investigated a form of microfracture as treatment, with 6 (54.5%) performing isolated microfracture. The remaining studies investigated osteochondral allograft transplantation and mosaicplasty. More than half ( n = 6; 54.5%) did not report cartilage lesion location or size. The pooled RTS rate was 84.3% (95% CI: 75.4%-91.8%) at a mean 39.9 (range, 12-104) weeks postoperatively. In 6 studies reporting competition level, a trend toward returning to a lower than pre-injury level was observed. The definition of RTS was only provided in 6 (54.5%) studies, while the criteria for RTS was only reported in 2 (18.2%) studies, suggesting limited transparency. One study reported an objective imaging assessment of reparative tissue, while none reported formal RTS testing protocols or minimum RTS timeline.

Conclusion

Although the majority of professional athletes are reported to achieve a successful RTS after cartilage restoration surgery of the knee, the literature predominantly reflects microfracture treatment. Current limitations in this literature include a substantial lack of female representation and infrequent reporting of cartilage lesion characteristics, rehabilitation and RTS criteria, and objective imaging assessments of reparative tissue.
Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis secondary to Cabozantinib: A case report and literature review
Authors: Rehan Zahra , Haner Andrea , Taleb Amina , Ikeri Nzechukwu , Hardin Jori
Published: December 2024

Acquired perforating dermatoses (APD) encompass a group of skin conditions distinguished by transepidermal elimination of dermal components. Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis (ARPC), a subtype of APD, has been reported most commonly in association with diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and medications. In this report, we identify a novel case of ARPC secondary to Cabozantinib treatment.