bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and students’ perception of a health equity education program in physical therapy: a mixed methods pilot study
Authors: Wright Alexis A. , Reynolds Dominique , Donaldson Megan
Published: May 2024

Background

Health equity is a common theme discussed in health professions education, yet only some researchers have addressed it in entry-level education.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to serve as an educational intervention pilot to 1) evaluate students’ perception of the effectiveness of the DPT program in providing a foundation for health equity education, with or without the benefit of a supplemental resource and 2) establishing priorities for the program related to educating students on health inequities in physical therapy clinical practice.

A mixed method design with a focus-group interview was utilized to explore students’ perceptions of the DPT program's commitment to advancing health equity.

Methods

A three-staged sequential mixed methods study was conducted. Stage 1 began with quantitative data collection after completing the DEI Bundle utilizing the Tripod DEI survey. Stage 2 involved identifying themes from the Tripod Survey data and creating semi-structured interview questions. Stage 3 consisted of a focus group interview process.

Results

A total of 78 students completed the Tripod DEI survey upon completing 70% of the curriculum. Thirty-five students, eight core faculty, 13 associated faculty, and four clinical instructors completed the APTA DEI Bundle Course Series. According to the Tripod DEI Survey results, program stakeholders found the program’s commitment to DEI and overall climate to be inclusive, fair, caring, safe, welcoming, and understanding of individuals from different backgrounds, including a sense of student belonging where students feel valued and respected. Three themes emerged from the qualitative focus group interviews, including the value of inclusivity, health equity curricular foundations, and DEI in entry-level DPT education.

Conclusions

This study highlights the value of incorporating health equity and DEI topics into curricula while fostering an incluse program culture.
Improving linkage to HIV care following a reactive HIV self-testing result among men in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Hlongwa Mbuzeleni , Nicol Edward
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite the many interventions that have been implemented in sub-Saharan Africa to improve the uptake of HIV testing and antiretroviral (ART) initiation services, the rates at which men are tested for HIV and initiated on ART have remained consistently lower compared to those for women. We aim to investigate barriers and facilitators for linkage to care following HIVST positive results among men aged between 18 and 49 years, and use these findings to design an intervention to improve linkage to care among men in a high-HIV prevalent district in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.

Methods

This multi-method study will be conducted over 24 months in eight purposively selected HIV testing and treatment facilities from December 2023 to November 2025. For the quantitative component, a sample of 197 HIV positive men aged 18–49 years old who link to care after HIV self-test (HIVST) will be recruited into the study. HIVST kits will be distributed to a minimum of 3000 men attending community services through mobile clinics that are supported by the Health Systems Trust, at different service delivery points, including schools, taxi ranks and other hotspots. The qualitative component will consist of in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 15 HIVST users and IDIs with 15 key informants. To design and develop acceptable, feasible, effective, and sustainable models for improving linkage to care, three groups of HIVST users (2*positive (N = 12) and 1*negative (N = 12)) will be purposively select to participate in a design workshop. Chi square tests will be used to identify social and demographic factors associated with linkage, while logistic regression will be used to identify independent factors. Kaplan Meier curves and cox proportional hazard models will be used to identify factors associated with time to event. Content and thematic approaches will be used to analyze the qualitative data.

Discussion

There remains an urgent need for designing and implementing innovative intervention strategies that are convenient and tailored for addressing the needs of men for improving HIV testing and linkage to care at early stages in resource-limited settings, to improve individual health outcomes, reduce transmission from HIV and minimize HIV-related mortality rates. Our proposed study offers several important innovations aimed at improving linkage to care among men. Our study targets men, as they lag the HIV continuum but are also under-researched in public health studies.
A clinical guideline for the Iranian women and newborns in the postpartum period
Authors: Najmi Leila Abdoli , Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi Sakineh , Abbasalizadeh Fatemeh , Poormehr Haniyeh Salehi , Pashazade Fariba , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: May 2024

Background

The postpartum is a vital period for women, newborns, spouses, parents, caregivers, and families. Regarding the importance of postpartum care and the lack of comprehensive and up-to-date clinical guidelines in the country of Iran, the postpartum clinical guidelines have been adapted.

Methods

Cultural adaptation was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, the adaptation team was formed and the process was approved. During the second stage, a systematic literature review was conducted using international databases to identify English-language clinical guidelines published within the last 10 years. Out of 17 guidelines and documents initially selected, 5 guidelines meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria and published within the last 5 years were chosen following a thorough review by the search team. In the secondary selection, the guidelines were investigated by two subject-matter experts based on AGREE II Checklist, and regarding the high evaluation score obtained by the WHO Recommendations on Postnatal Care of the Mother and Newborn (2022), and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE,2021) guideline for postnatal care were selected for cultural adaptation. In the third stage, the opinions of experts from all over the country were collected and scored using the Delphi method, and a final guideline was formulated.

Results

The adapted postpartum clinical guideline has offered 56 recommendations. The recommendations are categorized into four major themes including mother care, newborn care, health system and health promotion interventions and post caesarean care.

Conclusion

Applying evidence-based recommendations for the care of mothers and babies in the postpartum period will enhance the health system, promote the provision of care after vaginal and caesarean births, and ensure a positive postnatal experience for mothers, fathers, babies, and families.
Inhibition of caspase pathways limits CD4+ T cell loss and restores host anti-retroviral function in HIV-1 infected humanized mice with augmented lymphoid tissue
Authors: Holloway Alex J. , Saito Tais B. , Naqvi Kubra F. , Huante Matthew B. , Fan Xiuzhen , Lisinicchia Joshua G. , Gelman Benjamin B. , Endsley Janice J. , Endsley Mark A.
Published: May 2024

The study of HIV infection and pathogenicity in physical reservoirs requires a biologically relevant model. The human immune system (HIS) mouse is an established model of HIV infection, but defects in immune tissue reconstitution remain a challenge for examining pathology in tissues. We utilized exogenous injection of the human recombinant FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (rFLT-3 L) into the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) cord blood HIS mouse model to significantly expand the total area of lymph node (LN) and the number of circulating human T cells. The results enabled visualization and quantification of HIV infectivity, CD4 T cell depletion and other measures of pathogenesis in the secondary lymphoid tissues of the spleen and LN. Treatment with the Caspase-1/4 inhibitor VX-765 limited CD4+ T cell loss in the spleen and reduced viral load in both the spleen and axillary LN. In situ hybridization further demonstrated a decrease in viral RNA in both the spleen and LN. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that in vivo inhibition of caspase-1/4 led to an upregulation in host HIV restriction factors including SAMHD1 and APOBEC3A. These findings highlight the use of rFLT-3 L to augment human immune system characteristics in HIS mice to support investigations of HIV pathogenesis and test host directed therapies, though further refinements are needed to further augment LN architecture and cellular populations. The results further provide in vivo evidence of the potential to target inflammasome pathways as an avenue of host-directed therapy to limit immune dysfunction and virus replication in tissue compartments of HIV+ persons.
Expression of 10 circulating cytokines/chemokines in HBV-related liver disease
Authors: Jia Yanfang , Jiao Xiaolei , Shi Wenxia , Luo Ying , Xiang Huiling , Liang Jing , Gao Yingtang
Published: May 2024

Background

Cytokines/chemokines play essential roles in the occurrence and progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to observe the expression patterns of 10 related cytokines/chemokines in the serum of healthy individuals, self-limited patients and HBV-infected patients at different stages of disease (chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), hepatocellular dysplastic nodules (DNs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)) and to analyze the relationships of these cytokines/chemokines with disease progression.

Methods

The levels of six cytokines (FGF-2, IFN-α2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and VEGF-A) and four chemokines (GRO-α, IL-8, IP-10 and MCP-1) were quantified using Luminex multiplex technology.

Results

There were no significant differences in the expression of the 10 cytokines/chemokines between healthy individuals and self-limited patients. The levels of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 increased significantly in the CHB and LC groups. IL-10 was highly expressed in the HCC group. The level of IP-10 was significantly greater in all liver disease groups (CHB, LC, DN and HCC) than in the HI and SL-HBV groups, while the level of GRO was significantly lower in all liver disease groups than in the HI and SL-HBV groups. The levels of the 10 cytokines/chemokines were not significantly different between the preoperative group and the two-day postoperative group. Significant increases in the levels of IL-4, VEGF-A and IL-8 and significant decreases in those of IL-10 and GRO-α were observed 3 months after surgery. Correlation analysis revealed that most of the cytokines/chemokines with significant correlation differences were positively correlated before and after HCC surgery.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the fluctuating status of specific cytokines in HBV infection-related disease progression. It is speculated that these cytokines may be used as serum markers to monitor dynamic changes during the progression of HBV-related liver disease and to predict patient prognosis.
Vanillin production by Corynebacterium glutamicum using heterologous aromatic carboxylic acid reductases
Authors: Matsuzawa Miku , Ito Junko , Danjo Keiko , Fukui Keita
Published: May 2024

Background

Vanillin is a flavoring substance derived from vanilla. We are currently developing a biotransformation method for vanillin production using glucose. This report describes the last step in vanillin production: the conversion of vanillic acid to vanillin. First, we selected Corynebacterium glutamicum as the host owing to its high vanillin resistance. The aromatic aldehyde reductase gene (NCgl0324) and vanillic acid demethylase protein subunits A and B gene (vanAB, NCgl2300-NCgl2301) were deleted in C. glutamicum genome to avoid vanillin degradation. Next, we searched for an aromatic carboxylic acid reductase (ACAR), which converts vanillic acid to vanillin. Seventeen ACAR homologs from various organisms were introduced into C. glutamicum.

Results

In vivo conversion experiments showed that eight ACARs were successfully expressed and produced vanillin. In terms of conversion activity and substrate specificity, the ACARs from Gordonia effusa, Coccomyxa subellipsoidea, and Novosphingobium malaysiense are promising candidates for commercial production.

Conclusions

Corynebacterium glutamicum harboring Gordonia effusa ACAR produced 22 g/L vanillin, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest accumulation reported in the literature. At the same time, we discovered ACAR from Novosphingobium malaysiense and Coccomyxa subellipsoidea C-169 with high substrate specificity. These findings are useful for reducing the byproducts.
18S rDNA sequence-structure phylogeny of the eukaryotes simultaneously inferred from sequences and their individual secondary structures
Authors: Rapp Eva , Wolf Matthias
Published: May 2024

Objective

The eukaryotic tree of life has been subject of numerous studies ever since the nineteenth century, with more supergroups and their sister relations being decoded in the last years. In this study, we reconstructed the phylogeny of eukaryotes using complete 18S rDNA sequences and their individual secondary structures simultaneously. After the sequence-structure data was encoded, it was automatically aligned and analyzed using sequence-only as well as sequence-structure approaches. We present overall neighbor-joining trees of 211 eukaryotes as well as the respective profile neighbor-joining trees, which helped to resolve the basal branching pattern. A manually chosen subset was further inspected using neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony, and maximum likelihood analyses. Additionally, the 75 and 100 percent consensus structures of the subset were predicted.

Results

All sequence-structure approaches show improvements compared to the respective sequence-only approaches: the average bootstrap support per node of the sequence-structure profile neighbor-joining analyses with 90.3, was higher than the average bootstrap support of the sequence-only profile neighbor-joining analysis with 73.9. Also, the subset analyses using sequence-structure data were better supported. Furthermore, more subgroups of the supergroups were recovered as monophyletic and sister group relations were much more comparable to results as obtained by multi-marker analyses.
Leveraging logical definitions and lexical features to detect missing IS-A relations in biomedical terminologies
Authors: Abeysinghe Rashmie , Zheng Fengbo , Shi Jay , Lhatoo Samden D. , Cui Licong
Published: May 2024

Biomedical terminologies play a vital role in managing biomedical data. Missing IS-A relations in a biomedical terminology could be detrimental to its downstream usages. In this paper, we investigate an approach combining logical definitions and lexical features to discover missing IS-A relations in two biomedical terminologies: SNOMED CT and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) thesaurus. The method is applied to unrelated concept-pairs within non-lattice subgraphs: graph fragments within a terminology likely to contain various inconsistencies. Our approach first compares whether the logical definition of a concept is more general than  that of the other concept. Then, we check whether the lexical features of the concept are contained in those of the other concept. If both constraints are satisfied, we suggest a potentially missing IS-A relation between the two concepts. The method identified 982 potential missing IS-A relations for SNOMED CT and 100 for NCI thesaurus. In order to assess the efficacy of our approach, a random sample of results belonging to the “Clinical Findings” and “Procedure” subhierarchies of SNOMED CT and results belonging to the “Drug, Food, Chemical or Biomedical Material” subhierarchy of the NCI thesaurus were evaluated by domain experts. The evaluation results revealed that 118 out of 150 suggestions are valid for SNOMED CT and 17 out of 20 are valid for NCI thesaurus.
Online dynamic multi-user computation offloading and resource allocation for HAP-assisted MEC: an energy efficient approach
Authors: Chen Sihan , Jiang Wanchun
Published: May 2024

Nowadays, the paradigm of mobile computing is evolving from a centralized cloud model towards Mobile Edge Computing (MEC). In regions without ground communication infrastructure, incorporating aerial edge computing nodes into network emerges as an efficient approach to deliver Artificial Intelligence (AI) services to Ground Devices (GDs). The computation offloading and resource allocation problem within a HAP-assisted MEC system is investigated in this paper. Our goal is to minimize the energy consumption. Considering the randomness and dynamism of the task arrival of GDs and the quality of wireless communication, stochastic optimization techniques are utilized to transform the long-term dynamic optimization problem into a deterministic optimization problem. Subsequently, the problem is further decomposed into three sub-problems which can be solved in parallel. An online Energy Efficient Dynamic Offloading (EEDO) algorithm is proposed to address these problems. Then, we conduct the theoretical performance analysis for EEDO. Finally, we carry out parameter analysis and comparative experiments, demonstrating that the EEDO algorithm can effectively reduce system energy consumption while maintaining the stability of the system.
Patient-specific beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffold for customized alveolar ridge augmentation: a case report
Authors: Schönegg Daphne , Essig Harald , Al-Haj Husain Adib , Weber Franz E. , Valdec Silvio
Published: May 2024

Background

Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a biocompatible ceramic material widely used in the field of oral regeneration. Due to its excellent biological and mechanical properties, it is increasingly utilized for alveolar ridge augmentation or guided bone regeneration (GBR). With recent advances in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), β-TCP can now be used in the form of digitally designed patient-specific scaffolds for customized bone regeneration (CBR) of advanced defects in a two-stage implant therapy concept. In this case report following the CARE case report guidelines, we present a novel application of a patient-specific β-TCP scaffold in pre-implant mandibular alveolar ridge augmentation.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old female patient with significant horizontal bone loss in the posterior mandible was treated with a custom β-TCP scaffold in the context of a two-stage backward-planned implant therapy. Cone-beam computed tomography nine months after augmentation showed successful integration of the scaffold into the surrounding bone, allowing implant placement. Follow-up until two years after initial surgery showed excellent oral and peri-implant health.

Conclusions

This case highlights the potential of patient-specific β-TCP scaffolds for alveolar ridge augmentation and their advantage over traditional techniques, including avoidance of xeno-, allo-, and autografts. The results provide encouraging evidence for their use in clinical practice. Patient-specific β-TCP scaffolds may be a promising alternative for clinicians seeking to provide their patients with safe, predictable, and effective alveolar ridge augmentation results in customized bone regeneration procedures.
A case of dumbbell-shaped accessory scrotum with concomitant lipoma
Authors: Ibuka Souji , Saka Ryuta , Sonobe Hiroshi , Tsukada Ryo , Iwasaki Shun , Omote Rika
Published: May 2024

Background

Accessory scrotum is a congenital scrotal anomaly that is usually located anterior to the anus and frequently presents with a lipoma in a bead-like shape. Herein, we present an unusual case of an accessory scrotum with a lipoma connected by a narrow stalk and located posterior to the anus.

Case presentation

A 1-month-old boy was referred to our hospital for a perineal mass present at birth. He was born at 37 weeks and 2 days, with a birth weight of 2962 g. No abnormalities occurred during the perinatal period, and the birth was uneventful. The mass had an unusual shape, comprising two masses connected by a narrow stalk. The base of the mass was posterior to the anus and was connected to the rectal mucosa. The proximal mass was elastic and soft without skinfolds, whereas the distal mass was elastic and soft with a scrotum-like skinfolds. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no spina bifida. High-intensity adipose tissues in both masses and low-intensity vessels or fibrous stroma in cord-like structures between the two masses were found on T2-weighted images. At 3 months of age, the patient underwent resection in the prone jackknife position. No tumorous lesions were connected to the mass on the rectal and coccyx sides, and the mass was completely removed, preserving the anal sphincter. Histologically, the distal mass had characteristics of a scrotum, whereas the proximal mass was exclusively a lipoma. The connecting stalk had normal skin structures and a blood vessel with parallel-running nerve bundles. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 6.

Conclusions

This case of accessory scrotum was unusual in its location and the presence of a stalk connecting the accessory scrotum and lipoma. The mechanism underlying accessory scrotum development remains unclear, and our report may impact the discourse regarding the embryological development of the accessory scrotum.
A feasibility and pilot study of a “lifelong learning” intervention for people with dementia
Authors: Soerensen Ann Lykkegaard , Thoft Diana Schack , Ward Alison , Campbell Jackie
Published: May 2024

Background

Developing evidence for the use of psychosocial interventions for people with dementia is a research priority. This pilot study aimed to provide variability estimates for a set of outcome measures that would inform the development of a more extensive controlled study. The larger study will seek to explore the effect of attending a lifelong learning intervention for people with dementia compared to receiving treatment as usual. This pilot and feasibility stage also analysed how data collectors and researchers evaluated the use of the outcome measures in a sample of people with mild to moderate dementia.

Methods

Before initiating the pilot study, a participant consultation was conducted with people with dementia, who attend a lifelong learning service known as a dementia school, and their teachers. From this consultation, the research outcomes identified were the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Quality-of-Life Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and the Friendship scale. The following study was divided into two steps. In step 1, participants were people with dementia attending a dementia school (intervention group) or usual services (control group). The participants were tested at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up. Data were collected between November 2018 and July 2019. In step 2, feasibility and acceptability issues with the recruitment of participants, data collection process, and outcome measures, identified in step 1, were evaluated through a data collector focus group.

Results

Fifty-five people with dementia were included in the analysis. Step 1 provided estimates of changes from baseline to follow-up, and ancillary standard deviations were supplied for all outcome measures. Step 2 provided reflections on the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, data collection, and outcome measures. This included views on how people with dementia experience participating in a test situation.

Conclusions

This study provided estimates of change and variability in the outcome measures. Additionally, issues regarding data collection were identified and should be addressed in future studies. The project demonstrated how to support people with dementia to participate in research that is meaningful to them.

Trial registration

According to national legislation, registration with a database of clinical studies was optional, as the study evaluated existing activities rather than a clinical intervention.
Diffusion probabilistic versus generative adversarial models to reduce contrast agent dose in breast MRI
Authors: Müller-Franzes Gustav , Huck Luisa , Bode Maike , Nebelung Sven , Kuhl Christiane , Truhn Daniel , Lemainque Teresa
Published: May 2024

Background

To compare denoising diffusion probabilistic models (DDPM) and generative adversarial networks (GAN) for recovering contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) subtraction images from virtual low-dose subtraction images.

Methods

Retrospective, ethically approved study. DDPM- and GAN-reconstructed single-slice subtraction images of 50 breasts with enhancing lesions were compared to original ones at three dose levels (25%, 10%, 5%) using quantitative measures and radiologic evaluations. Two radiologists stated their preference based on the reconstruction quality and scored the lesion conspicuity as compared to the original, blinded to the model. Fifty lesion-free maximum intensity projections were evaluated for the presence of false-positives. Results were compared between models and dose levels, using generalized linear mixed models.

Results

At 5% dose, both radiologists preferred the GAN-generated images, whereas at 25% dose, both radiologists preferred the DDPM-generated images. Median lesion conspicuity scores did not differ between GAN and DDPM at 25% dose (5 versus 5, p = 1.000) and 10% dose (4 versus 4, p = 1.000). At 5% dose, both readers assigned higher conspicuity to the GAN than to the DDPM (3 versus 2, p = 0.007). In the lesion-free examinations, DDPM and GAN showed no differences in the false-positive rate at 5% (15% versus 22%), 10% (10% versus 6%), and 25% (6% versus 4%) (p = 1.000).

Conclusions

Both GAN and DDPM yielded promising results in low-dose image reconstruction. However, neither of them showed superior results over the other model for all dose levels and evaluation metrics. Further development is needed to counteract false-positives.

Relevance statement

For MRI-based breast cancer screening, reducing the contrast agent dose is desirable. Diffusion probabilistic models and generative adversarial networks were capable of retrospectively enhancing the signal of low-dose images. Hence, they may supplement imaging with reduced doses in the future.

Key points

• Deep learning may help recover signal in low-dose contrast-enhanced breast MRI.

• Two models (DDPM and GAN) were trained at different dose levels.

• Radiologists preferred DDPM at 25%, and GAN images at 5% dose.

• Lesion conspicuity between DDPM and GAN was similar, except at 5% dose.

• GAN and DDPM yield promising results in low-dose image reconstruction.

Graphical Abstract
Four-dimensional computed tomography as first-line imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism, a retrospective comparison to conventional imaging in a predominantly single adenoma population
Authors: Krol Jorian P. , Joosten Frank B.M. , de Boer Hans , Bernsen Marie Louise E. , Slump Cornelis H. , Oyen Wim J.G.
Published: May 2024

Background

To determine the use of four-dimensional CT as first-line imaging compared to the traditional combination of ultrasound and [99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT.

Materials and methods

Retrospective review of preoperative imaging in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, who underwent parathyroidectomy between 2012 and 2021. In one group, the combination ultrasound and [99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT was used as first-line imaging (n = 54), in the other group four-dimensional CT was the first-line imaging modality (n = 51). Sensitivity and positive predictive value were calculated on patient, lateralisation and localisation level. The need for additional imaging was also assessed for both groups.

Results

Four-dimensional CT had a significantly higher sensitivity compared to the combination of ultrasound/[99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT on patient and localisation level (70.6% vs. 51.9%, p = 0.049 and 60.8% vs. 35.2%, p = 0.009 respectively). Sensitivity for lateralisation also appeared higher, but did not reach significance (62.7% vs. 44.4%, p = 0.060). Positive predictive value was not significantly higher for four-dimensional CT compared to ultrasound and [99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT (88.9% vs. 85.7% for lateralisation and 86.1% vs. 67.9% for localisation respectively). Additional imaging was required in 14 patients with four-dimensional CT as first-line imaging (27.4%) consisting of 2 ultrasound/[99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT and 13 [18F]fluorocholine PET/CT, compared to 24 patients with ultrasound/[99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT as first-line imaging (44.4%), requiring 22 four-dimensional CT and 9 [18F]fluorocholine PET/CT.

Conclusions

Four-dimensional CT as the sole first-line parathyroid imaging modality had higher sensitivity than the combination of ultrasound and [99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT, therefore requiring fewer additional procedures. Although the most costly, [18F]fluorocholine PET/CT was the most effective technique to localise parathyroid adenoma in case all other imaging was negative.
Astronomical adaptive optics: a review
Authors: Rao Changhui , Zhong Libo , Guo Youming , Li Min , Zhang Lanqiang , Wei Kai
Published: May 2024

Since the concept of adaptive optics(AO) was proposed in 1953, AO has become an indispensable technology for large aperture ground-based optical telescopes aimed at high resolution observations. This paper provides a comprehensive review of AO progress for large aperture astronomical optical telescopes including both night-time and day-time solar optical telescopes. The recent AO technological advances, such as Laser Guide Star, Deformable Secondary Mirror, Extreme AO, and Multi-Conjugate AO are focused.
Chemical composition, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antiviral, and lung-protective activities of Salvia officinalis L. ethanol extract herb growing in Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Amer Asmaa A. , Kassem Samar H. , Hussein Mohammed Abdalla
Published: May 2024

Background

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a respiratory ailment that causes the substitution of healthy lung tissue with scar tissue due to collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation. The incidence of PF increased with the successive waves of Coronaviruses and other viruses affecting the lungs. Therefore, the priority is moving toward treatment with medicinal plants for their active constituents. Salvia officinalis L. herbal drug (sage, family; Lamiaceae) is characterized by its strong antioxidative activity. This study aims to declare the effect of using sage ethanol extract (SOEE) as a protective agent from PF through an in vivo study on mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced lung fibrosis and in vitro evaluation of its anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant activities concerning its phytoconstituents.

Results

Twelve compounds were isolated and identified as apigenin, luteolin, genkwanin, quercetin, hispidulin, luteolin-7-O-β- glucopyranoside, rutin, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid chlorogenic acid, and ellagic acid. The results of antioxidants indicated that SOEE exhibited the greatest efficacy as an antioxidant agent in the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay with inhibitory concentration (IC50) 23.21 ± 1.17 µg/ mL followed by 1864.71 and 1793.80 µM Trolox equivalent/mg extract for ferric ion reducing antioxidant power and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), respectively. SOEE showed notable cytotoxic activity against A549. Oral administration of SOEE at 69.4 and 173.5 mg/kg.bw afforded a noteworthy protective effect against HgCl2-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Also, lung superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were increased by SOEE. That was in parallel with working to reduce the malondialdehyde (MDA), necrosis factor kappa (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels. The lung P53, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, AKT, and vanin-1 gene expression was upregulated in SOEE-treated rats compared to HgCl2-treated rats.

Conclusion

SOEE reduces acute lung injury and can be used to inhibit the proliferation and migration of lung fibrotic cells. These activities may be related to its high antioxidant activity, which could result from the phenolic constituents. The authors recommended using sage in the treatment of lung diseases to protect from lung fibrosis. Additional animal and human experiments are needed for future research.

Graphical abstract
Damping effects of a stay cable attached with a viscous damper and a high damping rubber damper considering cable bending stiffness and damper support flexibility
Authors: Nguyen Duy Thao , Chau Si Quanh , Phan Hoang Nam
Published: May 2024

To mitigate cable oscillations in cable-stayed bridges, a common approach involves using a strategically positioned viscous damper near the cable’s anchorage and bridge deck. However, for longer cables, this method may be insufficient due to installation constraints. In such cases, supplementing the damping system with a high-damping rubber (HDR) damper near the cable’s anchorage point on the bridge tower becomes imperative to enhance the cable’s damping ratio. Conventional designs often overlook crucial factors like viscous damper support stiffness and stay cable bending stiffness when integrating dampers into cable-stayed structures. This study presents findings on achieving an effective damping ratio in stay cables by using both a viscous damper and an HDR damper, considering the influence of viscous damper support stiffness and stay cable bending stiffness. The results indicate that the combined deployment of these dampers achieves a damping efficiency approximately equivalent to the sum of their individual effects. Importantly, decreased viscous damper support stiffness significantly affects the damping effectiveness, leading to a rapid decline in the stay cable’s damping ratio. While stay cable bending stiffness also influences the damping ratio, its impact is relatively less pronounced than that of viscous damper support stiffness. The study outcomes enable a more accurate prediction of the achievable damping ratio for a stay cable with additional components, considering both damper support stiffness and stay cable bending stiffness. Furthermore, the study explores parameters of both the viscous damper and HDR damper, such as the viscous coefficient, loss coefficient, HDR damper stiffness, and damper placement, evaluating their influence on the first damping ratio of the stay cable. The survey results provide valuable insights for determining optimal parameters for both dampers, maximizing the damping efficiency of cable-stayed bridges.
Adverse effects of criminal legal system involvement: a qualitative study examining the role of incarceration and reentry on substance use trajectories among women with opioid use disorders
Authors: Strong-Jones Sienna , Brant Kristina , Kreager Derek , Harrison Eric , Jones Abenaa
Published: May 2024

Background

Women with substance use disorders (SUDs) often experience adversity related to incarceration and reentry that can impact their substance use outcomes. This study aims to examine the adverse effects of incarceration and reentry on substance use outcomes among women with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD).

Methods

We carried out 42 semi-structured interviews (May–July 2022) with women with a history of criminal legal involvement and OUD (n = 20), criminal legal professionals (n = 10), and SUD treatment professionals (n = 12). The interviews focused on women’s substance use trajectories, barriers to treatment, and the intersection of the criminal legal system and treatment. None of the women were presently incarcerated during their interviews.

Results

Participants expressed the severe adverse impact of criminal legal involvement on women with OUD. Many women felt traumatized by experiencing detox while incarcerated, especially as they received minimal aid for withdrawal symptoms. Women seeking recovery while incarcerated felt unsupported, being afforded few treatment options, and experiencing stigma. Reentering society after incarceration also posed significant challenges to women’s individual recovery goals. Reentry-related challenges such as returning to unsupportive environments, facing difficulties finding employment, lacking secure housing, and facing the stigma of incarceration triggered adverse outcomes, such as relapse among those who were seeking to avoid illicit substances.

Conclusions

Findings suggest a need to evaluate detox protocols, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) access, and stigma in the criminal legal system. Interventions facilitating women’s reentry, reducing the combined stigma of incarceration and OUD, and restoring agency for women with OUD are also needed.
Surgical Outcomes of Low-Flow Bypass Surgery in Intracranial Atherosclerotic Steno-Occlusive Diseases
Authors: Chung Yuwhan , Nam Sun Mo , Lee Sung Ho , Kim Kangmin , Kang Hyun-Seung , Kim Jeong Eun , Cho Won-Sang
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The role of bypass surgery in intracranial atherosclerotic steno-occlusive diseases (ICADs) remains controversial. We aimed to analyze the surgical outcomes of bypass surgery in patients with the ICADs in a single tertiary institution.

METHODS:

Among 1018 cases of low-flow bypass surgery between 2003 and 2022, 215 patients with the ICAD refractory to medical treatment were finally enrolled in this study. Clinical and radiological outcomes were retrospectively evaluated, with survival analyses.

RESULTS:

All strokes, cerebral infarctions, and intracranial hemorrhages occurred in 12.1% (n = 26), 9.8% (n = 21), and 2.3% (n = 5), respectively, during the clinical follow-up of 54.6 ± 47.6 months (range, 0.6-237.8 months). Among all stroke events, 84.6% (n = 22) occurred within 30 postoperative days. The 2-year and 5-year cumulative risks of all strokes were 12.1% each. The mean modified Rankin Scale scores were 1.6 ± 1.1 (range, 0-5) preoperatively and 0.8 ± 1.2 (range, 0-6) at last (P < .01). The patency of direct bypass was 99.1% (n = 213) just before discharge and 96.3% (n = 184 of 191 patients with available tests) at the last angiographic follow-up of 27.0 ± 27.3 months (range, 2.3-97.3 months). All the patients with available data (n = 190) showed hemodynamic improvement on acetazolamide-challenged single-photon emission computed tomography with 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime during the follow-up of 38.6 ± 36.7 months (range, 2.3-158.6 months).

CONCLUSION:

Low-flow bypass surgery showed acceptable treatment outcomes in the prevention of recurrent stroke.
The Returns to Public Library Investment
Authors: Gilpin Gregory , Karger Ezra , Nencka Peter
Published: May 2024

Local governments spend over $12 billion annually funding the operation of 15,427 public libraries in the United States, yet we know little about their effects. We use data describing the near universe of public libraries to show that public library capital investment increases library visits, children’s attendance at library events, and children’s circulation by an average of 5–15 percent in the years following investment. Increases in library use translate into improved test scores in nearby school districts: a $200 or greater per student capital investment in local public libraries increases reading test scores by 0. 01–0.04 standard deviations in subsequent years. (JEL G31, H75, I21, L86)
Συμπεριφορά καταναλωτή και συμπεριφορά ψηφοφόρου
Authors: Νάκας Αριστείδης
Published: May 2024

Ο σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι να πραγματευτεί τη συνδυαστική εφαρμογή των εργαλείων του Μάρκετινγκ και του Πολιτικού Μάρκετινγκ προκειμένου να κατανοήσει τη συμπεριφορά των ψηφοφόρων στο πλαίσιο των εκλογικών αναμετρήσεων στην Ελληνική τοπική αυτοδιοίκηση. Ειδικότερα, θα γίνει προσπάθεια να αναλυθεί η δυναμική της συμπεριφοράς και της διαδικασίας λήψης αποφάσεων των ψηφοφόρων, εστιάζοντας στις αρχές της καταναλωτικής συμπεριφοράς, οι οποίες μπορούν να εφαρμοστούν στην ανάλυση των σχέσεων πολιτικού/ής ηγέτη/ιδας -εν προκειμένω Δήμαρχου- και ψηφοφόρου. Παράλληλα, ειδική εστίαση θα υπάρξει και στον τρόπο με τον οποίο μπορεί να επηρεάσει την συμπεριφορά των ψηφοφόρων και την σχέση τους με το/τη Δήμαρχο, η «επωνυμία» (brand) του/της Δήμαρχου. Συγκεντρώθηκαν 424 πλήρως συμπληρωμένα ερωτηματολόγια επιτυγχάνοντας ένα πολύ υψηλό ποσοστό απάντησης άνω του 42%. Στη συνέχεια, τα πρωτογενή ερευνητικά δεδομένα υποβλήθηκαν σε σειρά σύνθετων προηγμένων στατιστικών αναλύσεων, όπως η σύγκριση μέσων όρων (Independent Samples t-Test), η ανάλυση διακύμανσης (One-Way Analysis of Variance - ANOVA) και η γραμμική ανάλυση πολλαπλής παλινδρόμησης (Multiple Linear Regression Analysis). Πράγματι, μεταξύ άλλων συμπερασμάτων που βρίσκονται σε πλήρη αρμονία με συμπεράσματα προηγούμενων ερευνών, όσο πιο θετική είναι η στάση του/της ψηφοφόρου τόσο αυξάνεται η πρόθεση ψήφου και όσο υψηλότερη αντιλαμβάνεται την αξία της επωνυμίας του/της Δήμαρχου ο/η ψηφοφόρος τόσο αυξάνεται η πρόθεσή του/της να τον/την ψηφίσει.
ASPECT-TAXIC RELATIONS THROUGH TYPOLOGY (BASED ON THE MATERIAL OF FRENCH AND RUSSIAN LANGUAGES)
Authors: Kalabekova Liudmila T.
Published: May 2024

The article attempts to show that in the French and Russian linguistic cultures multidimensional and rather intricate connections develop in the sphere of aspect-taxic relations. In French, such the relationships appear more fully and prominently within the framework of the sequence of tenses. The focus is on the correlation of the action with the moment of speech or with the "point of reference", explicitly or implicitly formed by a specific discursive situation. In the Russian language, aspectual-taxic relations are a complex bicentric or polycentric formation formed within the functional and semantic field of aspectual-temporal relations. Bipolar structures (the so-called taxi pair) are most often considered, one of which is positioned as supporting while the other as a dependent one.
The purpose of the study was to identify the inter-categorical relationships that are between the categories of aspect and taxis within the designated linguistic cultures.
Materials and methods. The theoretical basis for the proposed analysis is the research which, in our view, most fully covers the issues discussed in the article. The practical basis is the empirical material reflecting complicated and rather filigree relationships of studied in the article grammatical categories. In accordance with the objective, comparative and descriptive methods were used as a methodological basis for linguistic review of factual material.
The results of the analysis made during the research may be considered in studying separate sections of theoretical and practical grammar of the French language. The results of the proposed analysis may be used in special courses and special seminars on the contrastive study of languages of different typological nature, as well as serve as a basis for special courses and special seminars on aspectology.
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF RENDERING ENGLISH SUBSTANDARD VOCABULARY INTO RUSSIAN IN AUDIO-VISUAL TRANSLATION (BASED ON THE TRANSLATIONS OF THE FILM “LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS”)
Authors: Panin Vitaliy V.
Published: May 2024

Background. The research in the sphere of audio-visual translation has acquired considerable relevance due to the growth of audio and video materials in foreign languages caused by the development of IT-technologies. While working with these sources, a translator is required to have full command of both the source and the target languages, a thorough background knowledge and translation techniques. All this necessitates the description and scientific analysis of audio-visual translation with the purpose of its evaluation, improving its quality and eliminating errors in the process of such a translation.
The aim of the research. The article deals with the ways of rendering the substandard vocabulary from English into Russian in audio-visual translation.
Methods and materials. The author employed such methods as stylistic, comparative and definitional analysis. In the process of the research, we used special dictionaries of slang and jargon. The material of the article is the original soundtrack of the British criminal comedy Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and its translations into Russian.
Results. In the course of the research, it was established that the Russian translations were able to convey the stylistic features of the original with a varying degree of semantic proximity. The translation of substandard vocabulary was done with the help of stylistically equivalent vocabulary. However, in some cases the translators resorted to descriptive translation. The rejection of the stylistically equivalent vocabulary can be explained by the restriction to use certain substandard vocabulary in film distribution. The research allowed to single out several translation inaccuracies such is over-literal, incomplete or loose translation of the original soundtrack.
The results of the research can be used in the courses of translation theory, lexicology and linguostylistics, as well as in the papers covering the problems of audiovisual translation and film translation.
PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS-TRASFORMS IN THE PROSE OF I. ILF AND E. PETROV
Authors: Kabanova Svetlana A.
Published: May 2024

Рurpose. Studying the types of transformation of phraseological units in the satirical works of I. Ilf and E. Petrov, analysis of structural and semantic features of transformed phraseological units.
Scientific novelty. Determining the features of the individual style of these authors, describing the specifics of the stylistic use of stable combinations in satirical prose of the early 20th century, as well as indicating the main directions of changes in the composition of phraseological units of the language.
Materials and methods. Phraseologisms-transforms were extracted from the text using a continuous sampling method as well as the method of statistical calculations, structural-semantic analysis and the comparative method.
Results. The semantics of phraseological units-transforms is closely related to the context; certain phraseological units are used to describe subjective states and emphasize attribute meanings, as well as create a comic effect.
Practical implications. Тhe material considered can be used in teaching special courses in Russian phraseology for philology students and similar elective courses in a secondary school or school with in-depth study of individual subjects of the humanities, as well as in the process of preparing schoolchildren for participation in Russian language olympiads.
FEATURES OF ANIMATED FILMS SUBTITLING BASED ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE STRANGE PLANET ANIMATED SERIES
Authors: Sapukh Tatiana V. , Nikitina Anna A.
Published: May 2024

Background. Subtitling as a type of audiovisual translation has gained great popularity in recent decades. Compared to other types of audiovisual translation, the production of subtitles for films, TV series, and animated films takes less time and requires fewer financial costs.
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to identify the difficulties faced by a translator in the subtitled translation of animated films. To do this, it is necessary to identify the essence and features of subtitling; identify the difficulties that translators may face in the process of subtitled translation; determine strategies for subtitled translation of animated films.
Materials and Methods. To solve the tasks set, both theoretical and practical research methods were used: analysis of literature on translation theory and audiovisual translation as a special aspect of translation studies; analysis and interpretation of strategies for subtitled translation of the Strange Planet animated series.
Results. The results of the study showed that audiovisual translation is a special type of translation, which includes the adaptation of texts with a complex structure combining elements coming through different channels of perception. Animated films also belong to such texts. The paper lists the features of their subtitling using the example of translating the Strange Planet cartoon series from English to Russian.
Practical implications. The results of the research can be used in the practical activities of the translator, when compiling subtitles for animated films.