bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration of pre-school teacher's experiences of using play-based approaches to develop language and literacy skills within their classrooms of children aged two to five years
Authors: Roche Aoife , Carroll Clare , O'Malley Mary-Pat
Published: August 2024

In the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs recommends implementing play-based learning in early education curricula. This research study set out to explore the following research question: What are pre-school teachers’ beliefs, understandings and uses of play-based approaches to develop language and literacy skills in their classrooms? For this study, the term pre-school refers to the age category of children from 2 years and 8 months to 5 years of age. This age cohort is the age of eligibility for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme in Ireland which provides financial support for 2 years of early childhood care and education for children aged 2.5 to 5 years of age. This study aimed to explore the tools pre-school teachers used to implement play-based approaches in their classrooms; the challenges and facilitators they perceived when implementing play-based approaches, and to understand how play-based approaches were implemented specifically for language and literacy development. The study design was qualitative and nine semi-structured interviews were completed with pre-school teachers. Results from the thematic analysis highlighted the three themes: (1) Learning Through Play, (2) What Influences Play and (3) Making Sense of Play Through Reflective Practice. These three themes consist of several sub-themes which are evident throughout each theme. The results of this study showed that pre-school teachers have a positive view towards play-based approaches for children's language and literacy development. However, they were unsure about implementing play-based approaches with other curriculum models. Challenges such as settings’ philosophies and parents’ expectations emerged as key elements of pre-school teachers’ experiences of using play-based approaches.
Evaluating the factors influencing the adoption of digital culture among university students in developing areas of South Punjab
Authors: Jin Pengwei , Yu Linhui , Ahmad Khurshid , Shafique Hafiz Muhammad , Ahmad Asma
Published: August 2024

This research investigates the factors influencing the adoption of digital culture (DC) in the developing regions of South Punjab, with a focus on implementation challenges and student engagement. It is distinctive in its use of a mixed-methods approach to achieve its objectives. Qualitative method was employed to identify the factors affecting the adoption of digital culture, while a quantitative approach was utilized to explore the stimuli that foster students’ acceptance of digital culture, using the Modified Stimulus-Organism-Response (MSOR) as a theoretical framework. For the qualitative component, a sample of twelve participants was selected, including faculty members in administrative positions and students. Thematic analysis indicated that challenges such as lack of change management, inadequate resources, and peer rivalry hinder the implementation of digital culture. Conversely, factors such as digital resilience among youth, visionary leadership, and collaboration with universities in developed countries facilitate the adoption of digital culture. Additionally, there appears to be no distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants in underprivileged universities; both faculty members and students demonstrate similar levels of digital resilience despite facing various challenges. In the quantitative phase, convenience and random sampling methods were applied. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SPSS and Smart PLS-4 software. The findings indicate that System Quality (SEQ), Environmental Quality (ENQ), Information Quality (INQ), and Digital Literacy (DIL) significantly influence Perceived Usefulness (PRU), Satisfaction (SAT), and the User Adoption Urge (UAG) towards digital culture. This study highlights the importance of digital resilience among young individuals in educational environments and advocates for the integration of Digital Culture (DC) elements within the SOR framework to enhance applicability across diverse contexts.
Therapeutic effect of oxidized bletilla striata polysaccharide-natamycin eye drops on fungal keratitis
Authors: Tian Xue , Ji Xiaoyue , Zhang Ranran , Long Xiaojing , Lin Jing , Zhang Yingxue , Zhan Lu , Luan Junjie , Zhao Guiqiu , Peng Xudong
Published: August 2024

Objective: Fungal keratitis (FK) usually develops to a poor clinical prognosis due to the fungal invasion and excessive inflammatory reaction. In order to enhance the therapeutic effect of natamycin (NAT), we used the anti-inflammatory biological polysaccharide bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) combined with NAT to prepare a new eye drop —— oxidized bletilla striata polysaccharide-natamycin (OBN). Methods: UV-vis, FT-IR, and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to identify the synthesis of OBN. Biocompatibility of OBN was determined by CCK-8, scratch assay, and corneal toxicity test. RAW264.7 cells and C57BL/6 mice were stimulated with A. fumigatus and treated with PBS, OBN, or NAT. The anti-inflammatory activity of OBN was detected by RT-PCR and ELISA. In mice with FK, the clinical scores were used to evaluate the effect of OBN; HE staining was performed to assess the corneal pathological changes; MPO assay and immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate neutrophil infiltration. Results: OBN was synthesized by combining oxidized bletilla striata polysaccharide (OBSP) with NAT through Schiff base reaction. OBN did not affect cell viability at a concentration of 160 μg/mL in HCECs, RAW264.7 cells, and mouse corneas. OBN versus NAT significantly improved the prognosis of A. fumigatus keratitis by reducing disease severity, neutrophil infiltration, and expression of inflammatory factors in vivo. Additionally, OBN treatment down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in RAW264.7 and mouse models. Conclusion: OBN is a compound prepared by covalently linking OBSP to the imino group of NAT through Schiff base reaction. OBN treatment down-regulated inflammation and improved the prognosis of mice with A. fumigatus keratitis.
Aerodynamic performance of an OPTIMIST full-scale sail for various sail trims: An experimental study
Authors: Mougakou Despoina , Georgantopoulou Christina , Mathioulakis Dimitrios
Published: August 2024

Based on wind tunnel tests, the aerodynamic behaviour of a full-scale sail (2.7 m × 2 m) of the OPTIMIST boat is presented for various sail trims. The sail with its vertical mast was attached to a six component balance in a 3.5 m × 4.5 m cross-section of a closed circuit wind tunnel at the National Technical University of Athens. The aerodynamic force and moment vectors applied on the sail were measured for various angles of attack in the interval 10°–40°, for a free stream of 5 m/s and for four shapes of the sail, varying the tension applied on it. Its three dimensional shape was reconstructed using a commercial motion capture system, including three infra-red cameras and a number of spherical reflectors attached to the sail surface. Lift, drag, moment coefficients and the centre of pressure are presented as a function of the angle of attack and the sail trim, as well as the characteristic geometric features of the sail at various horizontal sections like the maximum camber and its location, its inlet-outlet and twist angles.
Performance of polyurethane and polyurethane nanocomposites modified by graphene, carbon nanotubes, and fumed silica in dry and wet environments
Authors: Zweiri Feras , Williams Neil A. , Hadavinia Homayoun
Published: August 2024

Polyurethane elastomers (PU) are used in various applications, such as wind turbine blades, to safeguard structural integrity, maintain shape, and enhance survivability under repeated impact loading from rain droplets and sand particles. This study investigates the impact of individual and combination of additive carbon nanotubes, graphene, and fumed nanosilica nanomaterials, totalling 0.3 wt% loading to PU, on water uptake capacity and any adverse effect on mechanical properties after exposure to saturation. Alongside the control pure PU, five types of PUs with varying additive nanomaterial types and contents are examined. Experimental measurements of the temperature-dependent moisture absorption, diffusion coefficients and permeabilities for the pure PU and its nanocomposites are conducted at 22°C, 32°C, and 45°C. In addition, uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on both dry and water-saturated coatings, and their mechanical properties were compared. Physicochemical characterisation of the coating materials is performed using the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) techniques. Water contact angle (WCA) and surface free energy measured. Morphological features of fracture surfaces are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy.
Usability of an Active Hand Grip Strength Industrial Exoskeleton: A Heuristic Evaluation
Authors: Martinez Alejandra , Tovar Laura , Amparan Carla Irigoyen , Gonzalez Karen , Edayath Prajina , Pennathur Priyadarshini , Pennathur Arunkumar
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we report results from a heuristic usability evaluation we conducted of an active industrial exoskeleton used for enhancing hand grip strength. We focused our usability evaluations on four tasks which are critical for successfully using the exoskeleton—assembly, donning, doffing, and disassembly of the exoskeleton. Seven evaluators used a combination of the Nielsen usability heuristics, and Schneiderman’s golden rules, to find usability problems and rate the severity of the usability violations for the four tasks. Results indicate that the visibility of system status, and error prevention heuristics were violated the most.
Impact of Immersion in Virtual Reality (VR) and Desktop Environments on Spatial Ability
Authors: Lum Heather C. , Lee Jessica R. , Evans Selena , Liu Yue , Kampf Taylor
Published: August 2024

In this study, a comparative analysis of virtual reality (VR) and desktop conditions was used to investigate how levels of immersion influence spatial ability. The study revealed significant differences in participants’ spatial environmental ability, with VR users displaying enhanced spatial ability as compared to desktop users. These findings support previous studies regarding the efficacy of immersive versus non-immersive technologies in spatial learning. This study contributes valuable insights for spatial ability training and educational methodologies, and points to the need for further research on this topic.
Inclusion of Histopathology in Dose Range-Finding Nonclinical Studies for Inhaled Drug Products
Authors: Resseguie Emily A. , Palmer Helen
Published: August 2024

Drug development is a lengthy process that promotes and protects the health and safety of future patients. Nonclinical safety studies follow essentially similar designs that fulfill regulatory requirements but are amended based on factors including the mechanism of action, class of molecule, and route of administration. Clinical observations, clinical pathology, and macroscopic pathology in dose range-finding (DRF) studies generally provide sufficient information to select doses for pivotal studies by most delivery routes. Inhaled drug candidates are recognized for producing adverse effects on the respiratory system at the microscopic level that may otherwise be unpredictable; therefore, unlike other routes of administration, inhalation DRF studies typically include histopathology of the respiratory tract. Histopathology evaluations can add several weeks to the Investigational New Drug (IND) application timeline along with additional costs but have been considered necessary to support accurate dose selection for adequate safety margins, thereby potentially avoiding additional studies and animal usage by ensuring achievement of a NOAEL in the pivotal studies. Therefore, DRF inhalation studies initiated from 2018 to 2021 at Labcorp were reviewed to determine whether inclusion of histopathology on preliminary inhalation studies was necessary for subsequent dose selection. Histopathology findings in the DRF impacted dose selection in pivotal inhalation studies for approximately 45% of rat and dog studies. This review identified histopathology findings in rat and dog that support continued inclusion of respiratory tract histopathology in DRF studies. Future investigations will evaluate potential surrogate endpoints for these findings, which could reduce nonclinical drug development timelines by several weeks.
Voice, exit . . . arbitrage: the politics of the modern multinational firm
Authors: Palan Ronen
Published: August 2024

Multinational corporations (MNCs) are often seen as singular organizations, with a parent company controlling branches in other countries. But this is an abridged version of decentred corporate groups structured as clusters of separate legal entities in several jurisdictions held together by equity ties. The article argues that while the abridged version of the MNC matches those aspects of those organizations that are of interest to economists, it fails to capture the principal mechanism of interaction between business and the institutional and political environment. I argue that the abridged version is a barrier preventing political scientists from asking salient questions about the power of MNCs and their shareholders. Specifically, while political scientists and international political economists discuss the way these companies use their considerable financial resources to voice their views on unwanted regulatory changes, to threaten exit or if all else fails, to carry through with the threat, they ignore a third approach favoured by corporate groups, setting up subsidiaries in third countries to arbitrage rules.
Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Talinum triangulare Methanol Leaf Extract on Cadmium-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Inwang Uduak Anthony , Ben Ezekiel Etim , Uchewa Obinna Onwe , Nwuzor Emmanuel Onyi , Nwaji Azubuike Raphael , Umoh Ekementeabasi Aniebo
Published: August 2024

Objective

Oxidative stress results in neuronal degeneration leading to cognitive decline. Microglia in brain tissue produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which modulate synaptic communication between neurons. ROS can lead to neuroinflammation, which can cause neurodegeneration and memory loss. Talinum triangulare was investigated for its cognitive, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials in male wistar rats.

Materials and methods

25 adult female rats weighing between 150 g–200 g were grouped (n = 5) into Group 1 (control group) received 1 mL/kg of distilled water, group 2–5 were administered with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg T. triangulare methanol extract and 2.5 mg/kg donepezil, 100 mg/kg cadmium respectively via oral gavage. The administration lasted for 21 days and neurobehavioural parameters, biochemical and histological analysis of the hippocampus were evaluated. The assessment of spatial learning and memory was evaluated using Classic labyrinth task.

Results

There was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced escape time latency and increased time latency in the probe trial in Morris water maze; and reduced time latency in the labyrinth by T. triangulare methanol extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) compared with the control and cadmium treated groups. T. triangulare methanol extract and donepezil significantly (p < 0.05) reduced acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tissue necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) activities and significantly (p < 0.05) increased gluthathione peroxidase activity (GPx) and catalase (CAT) respectively.

Conclusion

These findings revealed that T. triangulare methanol extract enhanced cognitive function and exhibited anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials.
More Than Meets the Reply: Examining Emotional Belonging in Far-Right Social Media Space
Authors: Collins Jonathan
Published: August 2024

This article challenges prevailing assumptions that fringe social media platforms predominantly serve as unmoderated hate-filled spaces for far-right communication by examining the userbase’s emotional connection to these environments. Focusing on Gab Social, a popular alternative technology website with affordances akin to Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit, and its subgroup, “Introduce Yourself,” the research investigates how participants discuss their attachment and sense of membership within a far-right online community. Employing a constructivist grounded theory approach and a thick data mixed-methods technique encompassing netnography and sentiment analysis, I uncover the complex and impassioned narratives underlying users’ sense of emotional belonging on the platform. The resulting findings demonstrate how counter-mainstream media act as a unifying force by catering to the social needs of participants seeking an in-group of like-minded individuals. Moreover, I argue that fringe social media platforms offer participants far more than mainstream platforms, providing a positive interactive environment and a new virtual home for those feeling rejected and antagonized by other communities, institutions, and organizations, both online and offline. Therefore, the work offers valuable empirical insights into the emotional emphasis participants place on fringe social media and its implications for fostering attachment, community formation, and identity construction within far-right online counterpublics.
Emerging multimodality imaging techniques for the pulmonary circulation
Authors: Rajagopal Sudarshan , Bogaard Harm J. , Elbaz Mohammed S.M. , Freed Benjamin H. , Remy-Jardin Martine , van Beek Edwin J.R. , Gopalan Deepa , Kiely David G.
Published: August 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains a challenging condition to diagnose, classify and treat. Current approaches to the assessment of PH include echocardiography, ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy, cross-sectional imaging using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and right heart catheterisation. However, these approaches only provide an indirect readout of the primary pathology of the disease: abnormal vascular remodelling in the pulmonary circulation. With the advent of newer imaging techniques, there is a shift toward increased utilisation of noninvasive high-resolution modalities that offer a more comprehensive cardiopulmonary assessment and improved visualisation of the different components of the pulmonary circulation. In this review, we explore advances in imaging of the pulmonary vasculature and their potential clinical translation. These include advances in diagnosis and assessing treatment response, as well as strategies that allow reduced radiation exposure and implementation of artificial intelligence technology. These emerging modalities hold the promise of developing a deeper understanding of pulmonary vascular disease and the impact of comorbidities. They also have the potential to improve patient outcomes by reducing time to diagnosis, refining classification, monitoring treatment response and improving our understanding of disease mechanisms.
Management of pulmonary hypertension in special conditions
Authors: Preston Ioana R. , Howard Luke S. , Langleben David , Lichtblau Mona , Pulido Tomas , Souza Rogerio , Olsson Karen M.
Published: August 2024

Care of pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients in special situations requires insightful knowledge of the pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary system and close interaction with different specialists, depending on the situation. The role of this task force was to gather knowledge about five conditions that PH patients may be faced with. These conditions are 1) perioperative care; 2) management of pregnancy; 3) medication adherence; 4) palliative care; and 5) the influence of climate on PH. Many of these aspects have not been covered by previous World Symposia on Pulmonary Hypertension. All of the above conditions are highly affected by psychological, geographical and socioeconomic factors, and share the need for adequate healthcare provision. The task force identified significant gaps in information and research in these areas. The current recommendations are based on detailed literature search and expert opinion. The task force calls for further studies and research to better understand and address the special circumstances that PH patients may encounter.
Clinical trial design, end-points, and emerging therapies in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Weatherald Jason , Fleming Thomas R. , Wilkins Martin R. , Cascino Thomas M. , Psotka Mitchell A. , Zamanian Roham , Seeger Werner , Galiè Nazzareno , Gomberg-Maitland Mardi
Published: August 2024

Clinical trials in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have led to the approval of several effective treatments that improve symptoms, exercise capacity and clinical outcomes. In phase 3 clinical trials, primary end-points must reflect how a patient “feels, functions or survives”. In a rare disease like PAH, with an ever-growing number of treatment options and numerous candidate therapies being studied, future clinical trials are now faced with challenges related to sample size requirements, efficiency and demonstration of incremental benefit on traditional end-points in patients receiving background therapy with multiple drugs. Novel clinical trial end-points, innovative trial designs and statistical approaches and new technologies may be potential solutions to tackle the challenges facing future PAH trials, but these must be acceptable to patients and regulatory bodies while preserving methodological rigour. In this World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension task force article, we address emerging trial end-points and designs, biomarkers and surrogate end-point validation, the concept of disease modification, challenges and opportunities to address diversity and representativeness, and the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence in PAH clinical trials.
Neuroethics and AI ethics: a proposal for collaboration
Authors: Salles Arleen , Farisco Michele
Published: August 2024

The scientific relationship between neuroscience and artificial intelligence is generally acknowledged, and the role that their long history of collaboration has played in advancing both fields is often emphasized. Beyond the important scientific insights provided by their collaborative development, both neuroscience and AI raise a number of ethical issues that are generally explored by neuroethics and AI ethics. Neuroethics and AI ethics have been gaining prominence in the last few decades, and they are typically carried out by different research communities. However, considering the evolving landscape of AI-assisted neurotechnologies and the various conceptual and practical intersections between AI and neuroscience—such as the increasing application of AI in neuroscientific research, the healthcare of neurological and mental diseases, and the use of neuroscientific knowledge as inspiration for AI—some scholars are now calling for a collaborative relationship between these two domains. This article seeks to explore how a collaborative relationship between neuroethics and AI ethics can stimulate theoretical and, ideally, governance efforts. First, we offer some reasons for calling for the collaboration of the ethical reflection on neuroscientific innovations and AI. Next, we explore some dimensions that we think could be enhanced by the cross-fertilization between these two subfields of ethics. We believe that considering the pace and increasing fusion of neuroscience and AI in the development of innovations, broad and underspecified calls for responsibility that do not consider insights from different ethics subfields will only be partially successful in promoting meaningful changes in both research and applications.
Genotypic variation in blueberry flower morphology and nectar reward content affects pollinator attraction in a diverse breeding population
Authors: Cromie Juliana , Ternest John J. , Komatz Andrew P. , Adunola Paul M. , Azevedo Camila , Mallinger Rachel E. , Muñoz Patricio R.
Published: August 2024

Background

Pollination is crucial to obtaining optimal blueberry yield and fruit quality. Despite substantial investments in seasonal beekeeping services, blueberry producers consistently report suboptimal pollinator visitation and fruit set in some cultivars. Flower morphology and floral rewards are among the key factors that have shown to contribute to pollinator attraction, however little is known about their relative importance for improving yield in the context of plant breeding. Clarifying the relationships between flower morphology, nectar reward content, pollinator recruitment, and pollination outcomes, as well as their genetic components, can inform breeding priorities for enhancing blueberry production. In the present study, we measured ten flower and nectar traits and indices of successful pollination, including fruit set, seed count, and fruit weight in 38 southern highbush blueberry genotypes. Additionally, we assessed pollinator visitation frequency and foraging behavior over two growing seasons. Several statistical models were tested to optimize the prediction of pollinator visitation and pollination success, including partial least squares, BayesB, ridge-regression, and random forest.

Results

Random forest models obtained high predictive abilities for pollinator visitation frequency, with values of 0.54, 0.52, and 0.66 for honey bee, bumble bee, and total pollinator visits, respectively. The BayesB model provided the most consistent prediction of fruit set, fruit weight, and seed set, with predictive abilities of 0.07, -0.08, and 0.42, respectively. Variable importance analysis revealed that genotypic differences in nectar volume had the greatest impact on honey bee and bumble bee visitation, although preferences for flower morphological traits varied depending on the foraging task. Flower density was a major driving factor attracting nectar-foraging honey bees and bumble bees, while pollen-foraging bumble bees were most influenced by flower accessibility, specifically corolla length and the length-to-width ratio.

Conclusions

Honey bees comprised the majority of pollinator visits, and were primarily influenced by nectar volume and flower density. Corolla length and the length-to-width ratio were also identified as the main predictors of fruit set, fruit weight, seed count, as well as pollen-foraging bumble bee visits, suggesting that these bees and their foraging preferences may play a pivotal role in fruit production. Moderate to high narrow-sense heritability values (ranging from 0.30 to 0.77) were obtained for all floral traits, indicating that selective breeding efforts may enhance cultivar attractiveness to pollinators.
Inappropriate prescribing and association with readmission or mortality in hospitalised older adults with frailty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Inglis Joshua M. , Caughey Gillian , Thynne Tilenka , Brotherton Kate , Liew Danny , Mangoni Arduino A. , Shakib Sepehr
Published: August 2024

Background

Inappropriate prescribing (IP) is common in hospitalised older adults with frailty. However, it is not known whether the presence of frailty confers an increased risk of mortality and readmissions from IP nor whether rectifying IP reduces this risk. This review was conducted to determine whether IP increases the risk of adverse outcomes in hospitalised middle-aged and older adults with frailty.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted on IP in hospitalised middle-aged (45–64 years) and older adults (≥ 65 years) with frailty. This review considered multiple types of IP including potentially inappropriate medicines, prescribing omissions and drug interactions. Both observational and interventional studies were included. The outcomes were mortality and hospital readmissions. The databases searched included MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, World of Science, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Library. The search was updated to 12 July 2024. Meta-analysis was performed to pool risk estimates using the random effects model.

Results

A total of 569 studies were identified and seven met the inclusion criteria, all focused on the older population. One of the five observational studies found an association between IP and emergency department visits and readmissions at specific time points. Three of the observational studies were amenable to meta-analysis which showed no significant association between IP and hospital readmissions (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.90–1.31). Meta-analysis of the subgroup assessing Beers criteria medicines demonstrated that there was a 27% increase in the risk of hospital readmissions (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03–1.57) with this type of IP. In meta-analysis of the two interventional studies, there was a 37% reduced risk of mortality (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-1.00) with interventions that reduced IP compared to usual care but no difference in hospital readmissions (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.19–3.67).

Conclusions

Interventions to reduce IP were associated with reduced risk of mortality, but not readmissions, compared to usual care in older adults with frailty. The use of Beers criteria medicines was associated with hospital readmissions in this group. However, there was limited evidence of an association between IP more broadly and mortality or hospital readmissions. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Unmet community care needs among older adults in China: an observational study on influencing factors
Authors: Kim Suyeon , Woo Selin , Cui Ying , Yon Dong Keon , Choi Mankyu
Published: August 2024

Background

With the rapidly aging population in China, there is an urgent need to understand and address the community care needs of older adults. This study sought to examine these unmet community care needs of older adults in China and the factors influencing them, with the goal of providing essential groundwork for the development of community care health policies.

Methods

This study used data from the 2018 China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey of 8,870 adults aged 65 years and older. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to unmet community care needs.

Results

The results showed that lower number of children, increased years of schooling, poorer self-perceived economic and health status, residing in an institution rather than living with household members, not having public old-age pensions, and not having activity due to daily living impairments were associated with a higher likelihood of unmet community care needs among older adults.

Conclusions

These findings indicate the necessity for crafting policies that consider the factors affecting unmet community care needs of older adults, including their health vulnerabilities and individual needs. Implementing national initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of services delivered to older adults is crucial, along with establishing programmes to proactively address their vulnerabilities and individual needs. This study can contribute to the formulation of policy measures aimed at enhancing community care services of older adults in China.
A model-based assessment of social isolation practices for COVID-19 outbreak response in residential care facilities
Authors: Zachreson Cameron , Tobin Ruarai , Walker Camelia , Conway Eamon , Shearer Freya M. , McVernon Jodie , Geard Nicholas
Published: August 2024

Background

Residential aged-care facilities (RACFs, also called long-term care facilities, aged care homes, or nursing homes) have elevated risks of respiratory infection outbreaks and associated disease burden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation policies were commonly used in these facilities to prevent and mitigate outbreaks. We refer specifically to general isolation policies that were intended to reduce contact between residents, without regard to confirmed infection status. Such policies are controversial because of their association with adverse mental and physical health indicators and there is a lack of modelling that assesses their effectiveness.

Methods

In consultation with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, we developed an agent-based model of COVID-19 transmission in a structured population, intended to represent the salient characteristics of a residential care environment. Using our model, we generated stochastic ensembles of simulated outbreaks and compared summary statistics of outbreaks simulated under different mitigation conditions. Our study focuses on the marginal impact of general isolation (reducing social contact between residents), regardless of confirmed infection. For a realistic assessment, our model included other generic interventions consistent with the Australian Government’s recommendations released during the COVID-19 pandemic: isolation of confirmed resident cases, furlough (mandatory paid leave) of staff members with confirmed infection, and deployment of personal protective equipment (PPE) after outbreak declaration.

Results

In the absence of any asymptomatic screening, general isolation of residents to their rooms reduced median cumulative cases by approximately 27%. However, when conducted concurrently with asymptomatic screening and isolation of confirmed cases, general isolation reduced the median number of cumulative infections by only 12% in our simulations.

Conclusions

Under realistic sets of assumptions, our simulations showed that general isolation of residents did not provide substantial benefits beyond those achieved through screening, isolation of confirmed cases, and deployment of PPE. Our results also highlight the importance of effective case isolation, and indicate that asymptomatic screening of residents and staff may be warranted, especially if importation risk from the outside community is high. Our conclusions are sensitive to assumptions about the proportion of total contacts in a facility accounted for by casual interactions between residents.
A case report of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the bronchial mucosa
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Sun AiMin , Bai Xuefei , Hu Zongtao , He Yin
Published: August 2024

Background

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide and poses an immediate health threat. Despite decades of basic and clinical research, the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer patients is less than 10%.The most important drawbacks in efficient treatment of lung cancer are delayed diagnosis and absence of effective screening. Detection and study of precancerous lesions of the bronchial mucosa might be one of the turning points in understanding of neoplastic transformation. Therefore, it would be the most effective prevention and early treatment modality. We report a case of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the bronchial mucosa in which a neoplastic growth in the lumen of intrinsic segment in the upper lobe of the left lung was detected on electronic bronchoscopy, and biopsy confirmed squamous papillary hyperplasia with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old male was admitted to the hospital due to a mass lesion in his left lung. After admission, computed tomography scan of the chest showed an intraluminal mass in the intrinsic segment of the upper lobe of the left lung and an enlarged left hilum.

Conclusions

High-grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the bronchial mucosa is rare in the respiratory system. We report a case that can provide useful information for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
The effect of Norethisterone acetate on the uterus of albino rats: histological, histochemical and ultrastructure study
Authors: Abd-Elkareem Mahmoud , Alnasser Sulaiman Mohammed , Meshal Alotaibi , Abdullah Raghda Ismail , Ali Ahmed U.
Published: August 2024

Background

Norethisterone acetate (NETA), also known as norethindrone acetate is a progestogens medication that is widely used in birth control pills, menopausal hormone therapy, and for the treatment of gynecological disorders as abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis. There is a lack of detailed histological information regarding the effects of NETA on the uterine structure. So, the present study focuses on the uterine histological, histochemical and ultrastructure changes following the exposure to NETA in the albino rats. To do this aim, fourteen adult female albino rats were used. They were randomly divided into two equally groups: Control group and NETA treated group. Albino rats of control group were administered daily food, water and orally distilled water only, while rats of NETA treated group were administered daily orally 20 µg of NETA dissolved in 2 ml distilled water, food, and water. The experiment was continued for three weeks.

Results

The findings of the present work indicated that the use of NETA has negative effects on the endometrial epithelium (proliferation, autophagy and apoptosis), glands (necrotic, apoptotic or pseudosecretory glands) and stromal and myometrial reactions (granulocytes, connective tissue remodeling, apoptosis, myocytes hypertrophy).

Conclusion

This work revealed that NETA has desynchronized progestogenic effect on the uterine tissues of the albino rat and thereby prevent implantation and pregnancy.
Prognostic significance of an innovative staging system based on the logarithmic odds of positive lymph nodes for resectable gastroesophageal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation: a population-based study with external validation of data
Authors: Liu Shuang , Wang Zhengmiao , Ge Yanyan , Zhao Yixuan
Published: August 2024

Background

After receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation, the number of examined lymph nodes in resectable gastroesophageal cancer (GEC) will decrease, this may not accurately determine the N staging. So our study evaluates the clinical significance of a new staging model based on the logarithmic odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) in patients with GEC after receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation.

Methods

A total of 1 130 patients with pathologically diagnosed GEC who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation from 2004 to 2019 included in the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Results (SEER) database were selected for analysis. Lymph nodes were staged according to the AJCC TNM staging system (eighth edition) and LODDS. Patient prognosis across the two systems were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method, differences in node staging were evaluated by the Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion. In addition, 914 patients from our center were externally validated.

Results

Compared to the traditional TNM staging system, the new TLODDSM staging system was comprised of stage I, stage II, stage IIIA, stage IIIB, and stage IVA, and decision curve analysis showed that the new staging system had higher benefits for different decision thresholds than the old staging system. The Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion of the new staging system was lower than those of the old staging system, indicating the sensitivity of the TLODDSM staging system for predicting the prognosis of patients was higher. In addition, stage-IIIB or -IVA patients in the new staging system benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy. The externally validated data from our center supported this conclusion.

Conclusions

Compared to the TNM staging system, the TLODDSM staging system has significant advantages in predicting prognosis of patients with GEC who have completed neoadjuvant chemoradiation, guiding the adjuvant chemotherapy for patients.
Targeted RT study: results on early toxicity of targeted therapies and radiotherapy
Authors: Konnerth Dinah , Gaasch Aurelie , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Heinrich Kathrin , Niyazi Maximilian , Eze Chukwuka , Rogowski Paul , Marschner Sebastian , Zinn Annemarie , Belka Claus , Corradini Stefanie , Schönecker Stephan
Published: August 2024

Purpose/objective

Currently, there are few prospective data on the tolerability of combining targeted therapies (TT) with radiation therapy (RT). The objective of this prospective study was to assess the feasibility and toxicity of pairing RT with concurrent TT in cancer patients. The aim was to enhance the existing evidence base for the simultaneous administration of targeted substances together with radiotherapy.

Methods

Prospective study enrollment was conducted at a single institution between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, for all patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed cancer who underwent external beam radiotherapy in combination with targeted therapy. The study, known as the “targeted RT study,” was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under DRKS00026193. Systematic documentation of the toxicity profiles of different targeted therapies was performed, and the assessment of acute toxicity followed the guidelines of the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version v5.0.

Results

A total of 334 patients underwent 683 radiation therapy series. During the course of RT, 51 different TT substances were concurrently administered. External beam radiotherapy was employed for various anatomical sites. The combination of RT and concurrent TT administration was generally well tolerated, with no instances of severe acute toxicity observed. The most commonly reported toxicity was fatigue, ranging from mild to moderate Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) °I-°III. Other frequently observed toxicities included dermatitis, dyspnea, dysphagia, and dry cough. No toxicity greater than moderate severity was recorded at any point. In only 32 patients (4.7% of evaluated RT series), the concurrent substance administration was discontinued due to side effects. However, these side effects did not exceed mild severity according to CTCAE, suggesting that discontinuation was a precautionary measure. Only one patient receiving Imatinib treatment experienced a severe CTCAE °III side effect, leading to discontinuation of the concurrent substance due to the sudden occurrence of melaena during RT.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current study did not demonstrate a significant increase or additional toxicity when combining radiotherapy and concurrent targeted therapy. However, additional research is required to explore the specific toxicity profiles of the various substances that can be utilized in this context.

Trial registration number

DRKS00026193. Date of registration 12/27/2022 (retrospectively registered).
Pasteurella multocida infection induces blood–brain barrier disruption by decreasing tight junctions and adherens junctions between neighbored brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Lin Lin , Bi Haixin , Yang Jie , Shang Yuyao , Lv Qingjie , Zhang Dajun , Huang Xi , Zhao Mengfei , Wang Fei , Hua Lin , Chen Huanchun , Wu Bin , Wang Xiangru , Peng Zhong
Published: August 2024

Meningitis induced by Pasteurella multocida has been substantially described in clinical practice in both human and veterinary medicine, but the underlying mechanisms have not been previously reported. In this study, we investigated the influence of P. multocida infection on the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) using different models. Our in vivo tests in a mouse model and in vitro tests using human brain microvascular endothelial cell (hBMEC) model showed that P. multocida infection increased murine BBB permeability in mice and hBMEC monolayer permeability. Furthermore, we observed that P. multocida infection resulted in decreased expression of tight junctions (ZO1, claudin-5, occludin) and adherens junctions (E-cadherin) between neighboring hBMECs. Subsequent experiments revealed that P. multocida infection promoted the activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) signaling and NF-κB signaling, and suppressed the HIF-1α/VEGFA significantly remitted the decrease in ZO1/E-cadherin induced by P. multocida infection (P < 0.001). NF-κB signaling was found to contribute to the production of chemokines such as TNF-1α, IL-β, and IL-6. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy revealed that paracellular migration might be the strategy employed by P. multocida to cross the BBB. This study provides the first evidence of the migration strategy used by P. multocida to traverse the mammalian BBB. The data presented herein will contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the zoonotic pathogen P. multocida.
DIGAN: distillation model for generating 3D-aware Terracotta Warrior faces
Authors: Yan Longquan , Geng Guohua , Zhou Pengbo , Liu Yangyang , Li Kang , Xu Yang , Zhou Mingquan
Published: August 2024

Utilizing Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to generate 3D representations of the Terracotta Warriors offers a novel approach for the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage. Through GAN technology, we can produce complete 3D models of the Terracotta Warriors’ faces, aiding in the repair of damaged or partially destroyed figures. This paper proposes a distillation model, DIGAN, for generating 3D Terracotta Warrior faces. By extracting knowledge from StyleGAN2, we train an innovative 3D generative network. G2D, the primary component of the generative network, produces detailed and realistic 2D images. The 3D generator modularly decomposes the generation process, covering texture, shape, lighting, and pose, ultimately rendering 2D images of the Terracotta Warriors’ faces. The model enhances the learning of 3D shapes through symmetry constraints and multi-view data, resulting in high-quality 2D images that closely resemble real faces. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms existing GAN-based generation methods.
A virtual reconstruction method for corridor gable buildings based on the knowledge of structural dynamics: taking Leiyin Cave as an example
Authors: Zhang Ruiling , Dong Youqiang , Hou MiaoLe , Jang Lili
Published: August 2024

Virtual reconstruction of ancient buildings often has incomplete records of the original design and construction details, and can only be reconstructed based on limited data, drawings and photography, which is different from the actual conditions. The unique overhanging structure of the corridor gable building makes it vulnerable to damage in extreme weather conditions. In order to ensure that the virtual reconstruction results can not only reproduce the original appearance of history, but also ensure that the reconstructed model maintains structural stability in the long term. This paper proposes a reconstruction method of the original appearance of the corridor gable building remains based on structural dynamics analysis. This method comprehensively uses three-dimensional reconstruction, structural engineering, dynamic analysis, and computer simulation technology to ensure the structural accuracy and historical authenticity of the virtually reconstructed corridor gable building. First, through data collection and analysis, combined with ancient architectural construction techniques, a preliminary three-dimensional model was created, which included all structural elements and details. Several groups of reconstruction schemes are determined based on material properties. Then, using finite element analysis software, perform dynamic analysis on the three-dimensional model. Evaluate the stability of the reconstructed structure and optimize the material selection plan to ensure the feasibility and accuracy of the virtual reconstruction. Taking the virtual reconstruction of the eaves in front of Leiyin Cave as an example, it shows that this method is effective and feasible to achieve the virtual reconstruction of corridor gable buildings. It provides new ideas for virtual reconstruction of ancient buildings and has important practical application value.