bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Parental Rejection and Self Handicapping in Terms of Students' Socioeconomic Conditions
Authors: Mutiara Tantri , Sunawan Sunawan
Published: November 2024

This study explored the relationship between parental rejection and self handicapping, considering the moderating role of socioeconomic status. The study population included students from 2016-2019 with a total of 1,238 students. The study sample consisted of 270 students selected by simple random sampling method, with an additional 25 respondents making a total of 295 respondents. The method in this study was carried out by collecting data using a Likert scale tested on the parental rejection scale and the self handicapping scale and analyzing the data using the Hayes model 1 regression technique. The results showed a positive relationship between maternal rejection and self handicapping (p=0.001, p<0.05), indicating that the higher the level of rejection from the mother, the higher the level of self handicapping in individuals. While there is no positive relationship between paternal rejection and self handicapping. Furthermore, socioeconomic status moderated the relationship between parental rejection and self handicapping, especially in the high (p=0.011, p>0.05) and very high (p=0.027, p>0.05) socioeconomic status groups. This indicates that the higher the socioeconomic status of the individual, the greater the influence of parental rejection on increasing self-handicapping behavior.
Effectiveness of Counseling with Token Economy Technique as an Intervention for Consumptive Behavior of Online Shopping in College Students
Authors: Lestari Yulian Sri
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to see changes in student consumptive behavior when given treatment in the form of counseling with token economy techniques. The method in this study was a quasi experiment with one experimental group, namely the experimental group with a total of 10 students who were given treatment without a control group. Data analysis using Wilcoxon analysis using SPSS assistance. The results showed a change in the consumptive behavior of students indicated by a value of p = 0.012 (<0.05) so that it can be concluded that there is an average difference between consumptive behavior on the pre-test and post-test so that it can be said that there is a significant influence between counseling with token economy techniques on consumptive behavior. Where the effect of the test results is called a negative effect because more subjects have decreased (N = 8) consumptive behavior than those who have increased (N = 2).
Improving Parenting Skills with Training Parenting Bermodaya (Berbasis Moderasi Beragama dan Budaya) Model
Authors: Harahap Lukman , Hartanto Agit Purwo , Nisa Athia Tamyzatun
Published: November 2024

Parenting is an important component in optimizing child development. In implementing parenting, a pattern is needed that is adapted to current developments. Through Bermodaya Parenting, parents can follow their child's development. The development of the Bermodaya parenting module facilitates parents to more easily learn parenting patterns that are adapted to local wisdom and rich in religious values. Through this module, parenting skills in parents increase significantly with a p value <0.005, so it can be concluded that the implementation of parenting has an effective way to improve parenting skills in parents.
Long-Term Surgical Outcome of Canal-Tympanoplasty in Patients With Schuknecht Type B Congenital Aural Stenosis
Authors: Lee Yoonjae , Park Moo Kyun , Lee Jun Ho , Lee Sang-Yeon , Suh Myung-Whan
Published: December 2024

Objectives. Congenital aural atresia (CAA) is a complex condition that manifests in various forms, including Schuknecht type B stenosis, which is characterized by a congenitally narrow bony external auditory canal (EAC). This study aims to evaluate the long-term surgical outcomes of canal-tympanoplasty in patients with Schuknecht type B CAA.Methods. The study included 21 ears diagnosed with Schuknecht type B CAA, all of which underwent canal-tympanoplasty. Reconstruction of the large EAC and tympanic membrane involved conchal flap meatoplasty, bony EAC drilling, ossicular reconstruction, and overlay tympanoplasty. Standard pure-tone audiometry was analyzed at multiple post-surgery time points: 3, 6, 12, and 24–60 months. Additionally, the incidence of postoperative complications was assessed.Results. The hearing outcomes of canal-tympanoplasty in this case series were satisfactory. Serviceable hearing was achieved in all patients after 3 months and was maintained in 85% of patients for 1 year. The air-bone gap improved from a preoperative average of 39.3±15.1 dB to 13.7±7.4 dB at 3 months, 16.4±10.5 dB at 6 months, 19.1±11.7 dB at 12 months, and 21.5±16.1 dB at 2–5 years postoperatively. Three patients required revision canal-tympanoplasty due to hearing deterioration, representing 14.3% of the cases. There were no instances of postoperative infection, facial nerve weakness, vertigo, deterioration of bone conduction thresholds, or complete restenosis of the EAC.Conclusion. Canal-tympanoplasty proved to be a satisfactory surgical intervention for patients with Schuknecht type B CAA. This procedure led to significant improvements in hearing outcomes, providing serviceable hearing that lasted for several years. Moreover, the risk of postoperative hearing deterioration and/or the need for revision surgery within 1 year was considered acceptable.
Trenzando tradiciones: la psicología humanista norteamericana y sus lazos con el psicoanálisis post-freudiano
Authors:   Universidad Diego Portales, S. Chile, Méndez Matías
Published: November 2024

Humanistic psychology and psychoanalysis are often portrayed as two opposing and irreconcilable
theoretical currents. Both approaches are presented in a dichotomous manner, perpetuating a
misleading narrative about the relationship between the second and third forces throughout their
history. This narrative tends to overlook the numerous genealogical ties that connect these two
traditions through the personal and academic exchanges between the founders of the North
American humanistic movement (Maslow, Rogers, May, Perls, etc.) and prominent representatives
of post-Freudian psychoanalysis (Adler, Rank, Horney, Sullivan, etc.). This article provides a brief
overview of the main links connecting the second and third forces in psychology, demonstrating that
the conceptual and clinical foundations of humanistic psychology were largely shaped by the
reception of a set of ideas from the field of post-classical psychoanalysis.
Impaired microbiota in breast cancer patients: In association with high lipopolysaccharide levels and a low-fibre diet
Authors: Yerlikaya Fatma Hümeyra , Topkafa Mustafa , Köksal Hande , Maçin Salih , Yormaz Serdar , Sivrikaya Abdullah , Abuşoğlu Sedat , Onmaz Duygu Eryavuz , Arslan Uğur , Çiftçi Nurullah
Published: November 2024

Background Recent studies have demonstrated that the intestinal microbiota, and in particular the metabolites produced by the microbiota, play a role in the pathogenesis of cancer. We hypothesized that gut microbiota and microbiota metabolites may change negatively in breast cancer patients. The trial included 65 women with breast cancer and 50 women as a control group. A Food Frequency Questionnaire characterised daily macronutrient intake over the past 1 month. A metagenomic analysis was conducted based on all hypervariable regions (V1-V9) of the 16S rRNA gene with the objective of investigating the composition and diversity of the microbiome.Results A microbiome analysis revealed that the composition of the gut microbiome differed between cases and controls. In particular, the diversity of microbes in the gut was reduced in breast cancer patients. The present study has demonstrated that serum lipopolysaccharide levels and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio are elevated in breast cancer patients in comparison to the control group. We found that breast cancer patients who participated in our study had non-ideal dietary patterns. The relationship between diet and gut microbiota exerts a profound influence on the complex interplay between these two factors. This relationship may have an impact on the development of breast cancer and the likelihood of cancer metastasis.Conclusions It can be postulated that interventions that enhance microbial diversity through dietary recommendations may have a beneficial impact on health, particularly in patients with breast cancer.
Tensor Subspace Learning andFolded-concave Function Regularizationfor Hyperspectral Anomaly Detection
Authors: Ma Fei , Hou Aihua , Yang Feixia , Xu Guangxian
Published: November 2024

Hyperspectral anomaly detection focuses on identifying and localizing the anomalous targets in remote sensing. The complex scenarios in hyperspectral imagesmake it more difficult to effectively distinguish anomalous objects from background data, especially in noisy environments. Furthermore, matrix factorizationoften unfolds hyperspectral cubic data into two-dimension form, but this causesthe structural knowledge to be lost. To surmount the above disadvantages, weproposes a tensor subspace-based learning strategy with folded-concave regularization for hyperspectral anomaly detection. First, hyperspectral data undergoesinitial preprocessing through band selection and robust tensor principal component analysis to generate a dictionary representing the background. Then,a tensor subspace learning approach aims to factorize hyperspectral data intothe background and anomaly tensors, in which the folded-concave function isleveraged to minimize minor components for denoising. Next, lF,1 norm on tensor is used to extract abnormal information from hyperspectral data. Finally,comprehensive experiments on several real datasets show that the proposed algorithm performs better than the comparative benchmark methods in detection performance.
Efficacy of Placental-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosome Therapy in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia: A Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Dehghani Leila , Rostamirad Shahla , Asilian Ali , Izadikhah Elahe , Abedini Fatemeh , Shoushtarizadeh Mohammad , Emami Mahdi , Soleimani Masoud
Published: December 2024

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the miniaturization of hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and loss. Existing treatments are limited, and stem cell-derived exosome therapy has emerged as a potential alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell (P-MSC) exosomes for treating AGA.
Methods: This phase I/II clinical trial included 12 alopecia patients aged 18-60. Exosomes were isolated from mesenchymal stem cells harvested from placentas of consenting donors and injected into the scalp every 14 days for 2 months. Outcome measures included hair density, hair diameter, and hair loss count, assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks post-intervention. Data were analyzed using the repeated measure ANOVA with STATA version 14.2.
Results: At baseline, the mean hair density was 96.5 hairs/cm², hair diameter was 0.049 mm, and hair loss count was 200 hairs. Post-intervention, hair density significantly increased to 111.7 hairs/cm² at 3 weeks and 163.5 hairs/cm² at 6 weeks. Hair diameter also increased significantly to 0.058 mm at 3 weeks and 0.059 mm at 6 weeks. Mean hair loss count decreased significantly to 80 hairs at 6 weeks. No significant adverse effects or changes in clinical laboratory findings were observed.
Conclusions: Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosome therapy demonstrated significant improvements in hair density, diameter, and reduced hair loss in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Further controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted to validate these findings and explore the molecular mechanisms involved.
Stress – mission possible! The STRESSmission game as a psychoeducational tool in coping with stress
Authors: Archanowicz-Kudelska Katarzyna , Sliwowska Joanna , Bonk Edyta
Published: November 2024

Stress is an inherent and inextricable aspect of the live. When stress is excessive, it become chronic and has a negative impact on health. There is a need to disseminate knowledge about stress management techniques in order to reduce stress levels. In response to this demand, STRESmission, a psycho-educational tool was designed. It comprises task cards (grouped according to Aristel's triad of soma, psyche and polis), stress event cards (scored based on the Holmes and Rahe stress event scale), power and place cards, and a game board. We have tested if STRESmission (1) reduces perceived stress levels immediately and on a one-off basis, and whether it is an educational tool that helps in the acquisition of coping strategies, (2) can reduce stress levels in the long term, (3) is useful and attractive enough to encourage its use and therefore practical use of its benefits. A series of studies was conducted on groups of University students. We have found that STRESSmission decreased both subjective stress levels (psychological tests) and objective stress levels (lowering cortisol - CORT levels in the saliva). We concluded that the board game could be a stress-releasing and a learning tool to help cope with stressors.
Distribution and prevalence of germline mutations in patients with early breast cancer and their correlation with disease-free survival: Real-world clinical practice data in North Greece
Authors: Vrana Eleni , Douganiotis George , Ainali Alexandra , Kontovinis Loukas , Natsiopoulos Ioannis , Papazisis Konstantinos
Published: December 2024

Background
Approximately 5–10% of breast cancer (BC) is caused by germline mutations in BC susceptibility genes. Genetic testing is mainly performed through multigene panels, which identify variants characterized as benign, pathogenic (PVs) or of uncertain significance (VUSs). In Greece, genetic testing is reimbursed in specific patient groups.
Methods
This observational, retrospective, cohort study included patients diagnosed with early BC and aimed to assess the distribution and prevalence of germline mutations in patients with early BC in North Greece, the differences in characteristics between tested and not-tested individuals and the impact of PVs on the disease-free survival (DFS).
Results
Out of 2245 participating patients, 797 (35.5%) underwent genetic testing, of which 565 (70.9%) were entitled to reimbursement. Mean age at diagnosis of the tested patients was 45.9 ± 10.2 years versus 57.4 ± 12.2 years of those not-tested (p < 0.001). A total of 166 patients (20.8% of tested individuals, 7.4% of the total cohort) harbored PVs and 302 (37.9%) harbored VUSs. The 44.6% of the identified mutations were located in BRCA1/2 genes, followed by mutations in CHEK2 (13.9%) and ATM (7.8%). PV-carriers had a statistically significant lower DFS (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.17 to 2.36; p = 0.005).
Conclusions
In this real-world study, 1/3 of patients with early BC in North Greece were genetically tested, of which roughly 70% had at least one indication for reimbursement. PVs were detected in 7.4% of the participants with more frequent findings in BRCA1/2 genes. PV-carriers presented a statistically significant worse DFS.
Exploring the phytochemical composition and therapeutic potential of Pogostemon cablin Benth: A comparative study in sole cropping and intercropping under tappable rubber plantation
Authors: M Sabarivasan , A Jaya Jasmine , D Rajakumar , K Sivakumar , R Rubika , P Vasantharaj , T Deepikakrishnaveni
Published: November 2024

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth), is a herbaceous plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family characterized by its distinctive fragrance. The primary objective of its cultivation is the extraction of essential oil, which is widely utilized in various sectors, including cosmetics, perfumery, food and beverage production and pharmaceuticals. It is also a shade loving crop and suitable for intercropping in plantation crops especially coffee, tea, rubber and oil palm. The present study was conducted to screening out of the bioactive compounds and their pharmaceutical value in the essential oil of P. cablin grown under both rubber plantations and sole crop via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The results revealed that, steroids, terpenes, aromatic compounds and esters were found. In addition, several novel bioactive compounds with high pharmaceutical value are also found. These compounds which provides a way for the preparation of novel health care medicines to treat various health related problems. Hence, patchouli is recommended as the most suitable intercrop under rubber plantation.
Impact of Phosphorus Fertilization Rates on Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Switchgrass: Nonlinear Response Reveals Emission Reduction at Low Phosphorus Rates
Authors: Osei Augustine Kwame , Gabbanelli Nadia , Oelbermann Maren
Published: November 2024

Aims
Phosphorus (P) fertilization can play a critical role in increasing switchgrass biomass yields for bioenergy production. However, applying mineral P to switchgrass can stimulate nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, offsetting its climate mitigation benefits. The effect of P fertilization on N2O emissions is not well understood, with previous studies producing conflicting results. Moreover, studies evaluating the effect of P fertilizer on nitrogen (N) dynamics and its contribution to N2O emissions under switchgrass are lacking.
Methods
A 43-day study was conducted in a controlled-environment to evaluate the effect of different P fertilizer rates on N2O emissions in N-fertilized switchgrass. Four different fertilizer rates [(i) 60 kg N ha–1 (60N0P); (ii) 60 kg N and 20 kg P ha–1 (60N20P); (iii) 60 kg N and 40 kg P ha–1 (60N40P); (iv) 60 kg N and 60kg P ha–1 (60N60P)] and a treatment with no fertilizer (0N0P) were evaluated.
Results
While switchgrass biomass yield was less responsive to N and P fertilization, P fertilization had a nonlinear effect on N2O emissions. Applying P at 20 kg ha–1 resulted in lower emissions compared to N-only treatment. In contrast, increasing the P rate to 40 kg ha–1 led to the highest N2O emissions, surpassing those of N-only treatment. At 60 kg P ha–1, emissions were comparable to the N-only treatment.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that while moderate P application can reduce N2O emissions, higher P rates may increase emissions, offsetting the climate benefits of switchgrass as a bioenergy crop.
Expanding the spectrum of canine Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (cDLBCL) genetic aberrations through whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis
Authors: Fanelli Antonella , Mazzone Eugenio , Giannuzzi Diana , Marconato Laura , Aresu Luca
Published: December 2024

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most prevalent hematological malignancies in both humans and dogs, characterized in both species by significant clinical heterogeneity and limited prognostic predictability. With the introduction of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in veterinary medicine over the past decade, researchers have begun to elucidate the molecular basis of canine DLBCL (cDLBCL); however, much of the clinical heterogeneity associated with this tumor remains unexplained. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing on 10 cDLBCL cases, all treated with chemo-immunotherapy, which exhibited similar clinico-pathological features but markedly different outcomes. Cases were classified as "poor" or "good" responders based on whether their lymphoma-specific survival fell below or above the cohort's median. Protein-coding variants and copy number aberrations unique to poor or good responders revealed novel candidate genes not previously identified in cDLBCL studies, while splicing, untranslated regions, and intronic variants were detected in genes already known to be recurrently mutated. In conclusion, our investigation has broadened the spectrum of potentially pathogenic variants implicated in cDLBCL, though further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to validate these findings.
Coronary flow reserve measured by myocardial perfusion imaging in patients after PCI
Authors: Liu Jinjin , Zhang Jian , Lin Wenhua , Li Yuming
Published: December 2024

Background
Despite achieving complete revascularization, patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) may still experience adverse outcomes, potentially attributed to the presence of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). This phenomenon can be evaluated through the assessment of coronary flow reserve (CFR), which reflects the arteries on the epicardium and the microcirculation of the coronary system. A reduced CFR following complete revascularization indicates the presence of CMD. Our objective is to measure CFR values in patients who have undergone complete revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and analyze the prevalence of CMD and its correlation factors.
Methods
Clinical data and essential information from patients admitted to TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital were collected between March 2020 and March 2022. MPI was utilized to assess CFR, while coronary angiography was performed during their hospitalization. CMD is diagnosed when there is less than 50% stenosis in the epicardial artery, accompanied by a regional CFR of under 2.0. A logistic regression model was established to analyze the correlation factors of CMD.
Results
According to the experiment's criteria for inclusion and exclusion, we ultimately included 323 patients. Among the enrolled patients, the incidence of CMD was 46.7% (151/323).Through binary logistic regression analysis, we found that the history of myocardial infarction (OR = 1.973 95% CI:1.106–3.521), hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.202 95% CI:1.323–3.666), and diabetes (OR = 1.765 95% CI:1.079–2.889) were significant correlates of CMD (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
CMD is a common occurrence in patients who have undergone PCI and achieved complete revascularization, especially in those with comorbidities such as myocardial infarction, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Post-PCI assessment of CFR is essential, and perioperative prevention strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of CMD are beneficial for improving patient outcomes.
From Isolation to Integration: The Mental Health Journey of International Students in Turkey
Authors: Nazir Thseen
Published: November 2024

Objective
This study aimed to examine the mental health status, coping strategies, perceived social support and barriers in mental health help seeking behaviour among first-year international students enrolled in Turkish language learning programs in Turkey.
Participants:
The study included undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. international students studying at Turkish language institutions.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach was utilized. Quantitative data were collected through surveys administered during the winter and spring terms of 2024, comprising the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Brief COPE Inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. Qualitative data were gathered through one-on-one and group interviews with 60 participants.
Results
Among the 381 participants from 48 countries, 45.93% reported optimal mental health, 45.14% exhibited moderate mental health, and 8.92% experienced low mental health. High levels of perceived social support from family and friends were significant predictors of mental well-being. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified three main themes: barriers to mental health help-seeking, perceived social support from sources beyond family and friends, and coping strategies used by students. Institutional and cultural barriers, including limited access to counseling and cultural stigma, were highlighted as critical challenges impacting mental health.
Conclusions
The findings reveal that while perceived social support significantly enhances mental well-being, institutional and cultural barriers severely hinder help-seeking behaviors among international students. These results underscore the urgent need for culturally competent counseling services and more accessible mental health resources in universities to support the unique needs of this student population.
The perceptions and experiences of shelter managers in working with the homelessness during the covid-19 era
Authors: Muleya Emmison , Lelaka Matshidiso Constance
Published: November 2024

Introduction:
Homelessness in South Africa remains a multifaceted issue influenced by a range of social, economic, and political factors. However, the COVID-10 pandemic disrupted and affected the lives of all persons across the globe more so vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and the homeless amongst others. The homeless persons are amongst the vulnerable persons who should be cared during the pandemic. Homeless services through temporary shelter had to be prioritised during the pandemic. The homeless shelters are beneficial to provide accommodation for people who have nowhere to sleep.
Method
This was a qualitative study and managers were purposively sampled, data was collected face-to-face using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed thematically.
Results
Findings revealed 3 superarch themes: causes of homelessness, current support structures, and benefits of shelters.
Conclusions
Understanding the causes of and responses to the pandemic is vital to informing the activities undertaken by homelessness services during the pandemic and will help prepare for future disasters and pandemics. Furthermore, addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that addresses its root causes while providing immediate support and services to those in need. Collaborative efforts involving government agencies, non-profit organizations, community stakeholders, and individuals with lived experience are essential to develop sustainable solutions and create inclusive communities where everyone has access to safe and stable shelter and housing.
Optimization of Matching Networks with Transfer Learning in Few-Shot Pneumonia Detection
Authors: Doreen Atukunda , Mwangi Waweru , Muriithi Petronilla
Published: November 2024

Pneumonia remains the leading cause of death among children under five years of age, with approximately 1.6 million deaths annually. Early detection is the key to reducing child mortality. However, most of the traditional diagnostic methods depend on the availability of trained personnel and medical resources, which are particularly limited in low-resource settings. While machine learning has provided a promising technology for early detection of pneumonia, its uses often suffer from the problem of a scarcity of labeled data needed to train robust models. In this study, we propose an optimized model for one-shot pneumonia detection that incorporates transfer learning with the matching networks. The proposed model utilizes a pre-trained MobileNetV3 model for feature extraction to produce high-quality embeddings that Matching Networks can use to classify pneumonia instances using a minimal number of labeled examples. The experimental results revealed that the proposed model outperformed state-of-the-art traditional machine learning algorithms such as random forest and support vector machines with a high accuracy of 93.21%, precision of 93.34%, recall of 93.20%, and F1 score of 93.19%. The proposed model showed relatively competitive performance compared to CNNs by attaining AUCs of 1 for COVID cases, 0.98 for normal cases, and 0.98 for pneumonia. These results indicate that the proposed model effectively balances classification performance with data efficiency and, as such, can be effectively deployed in resource-constrained environments.
Optimizing Pedestrian Comfort in Arid Cities: A Shade-Oriented Pathfinding Approach in Dubai
Authors: Wen Jianxiu , Abuhani Diaa Addeen , Mazzarello Martina , Duarte Fabio , Norford Leslie , Ratti Carlo
Published: December 2024

In recent decades, the population boom in Middle Eastern cities has led to increased motorization and consequent carbon emissions. Cities have been expanding their public transportation systems and promoting walking and biking. However, the scorching temperatures make the active-mobility choice challenging. This study investigates the alignment of the shortest and shadiest paths within 500 and 1000-meter walksheds of metro stations in Dubai, where commuters often walk to their destinations. We developed an optimal shading path method that assigns dynamic rewards to buildings, trees, and indoor shade, which better reflects real-world conditions than existing models that only give shade a constant reward. The results reveal that, on average, the shadiest path is 1.3% longer than the shortest path, with an 8.9% increase in building shade and an 8.8% decrease in sun exposure compared to the shortest path. The findings provide valuable information to planning agencies about where to prioritize shade provision, ultimately enhancing pedestrian comfort and promoting active mobility in warmer cities.
Gamma knife radiosurgery for benign tumor-related trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Nguyen Binh Thanh , Huynh Chuong Thanh , Nguyen Tu Minh , Nguyen Vu Tuong , Karras Constantine L. , Tran Huy Minh
Published: December 2024

Background: Gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKRS) is recognized as an effective and safe alternative treatment for skull base tumors and trigeminal neuralgia. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of targeting both tumor and trigeminal nerve in a single procedure for patients with benign tumor-related trigeminal neuralgia
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 44 patients with benign tumor-related trigeminal neuralgia who underwent GKRS targeting both tumor and trigeminal nerve in a single procedure between December 2016 and December 2022. The facial pain before and after GKRS was assessed using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity scale.
Results: Following GKRS, 38 patients (86.4%) experienced significant pain improvement, with a median latency period of 2 months (range: 0.3-12 months). Sixteen patients (36.4%) experienced a relapse at a median time of 6 months (range: 1-30 months) post-GKRS. After a median follow-up time of 31.9 months (12.1-77.3 months), 22 patients (50.0%) continued to experience durable pain relief. Fourteen patients (31.8%) developed GKRS-related complications, most of which fully resolved, except in 3 patients (6.8%) who experienced permanent facial hypoesthesia. Tumor control rate was 86.2%.
Conclusions
GKRS targeting both the tumor and trigeminal nerve in a single session demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of pain relief and tumor control in patients with benign tumor-related trigeminal neuralgia
Preliminary investigation into xenomonitoring as a tool for monitoring and evaluation of schistosomiasis community-wide mass drug administration campaign: prospects and limitations
Authors: Ashong Yvonne , Boateng Enoch Mensah , Aboagye Frank Twum , Boampong Freda Kwarteng , Armoo Samuel , Debrah Linda Batsa , Debrah Alex Yaw , Ayi Irene , Chanova Marta , Webster Bonnie Lee , Osei-Atweneboana Mike Yaw
Published: December 2024

Schistosomiasis continues to afflict over 200 million people, exerting health and economic losses to endemic countries, the majority of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite decades of preventive chemotherapy, the disease persists and is widespread in Ghana. The current strategy of monitoring and evaluating mass drug administration is laborious, expensive, and bureaucratic. In this study, we leverage a communitywide mass drug administration project in schistosomiasis endemic communities to investigate the potential of xenomonitoring for evaluating mass drug administration campaigns in Ghana. Freshwater snails were collected at six different timepoints from human-water contact points of three schistosomiasis endemic communities along the Weija Lake in Ghana. Snails were identified by shell morphology and subsequently stimulated to shed cercariae. Shed cercariae were identified morphologically and molecularly by PCR and gel electrophoresis verification of amplicons to confirm Schistosoma species infection. The prevalence of Schistosoma infection in snail hosts was determined for each snail collection timepoint. The chi-square test of independence and logistic regression analysis were used to determine statistical significance at p < 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95% using SPSS. A total of 2201 snails consisting of 74.7% Bulinus spp. and 25.3% Biomphalaria spp. were collected across all timepoints. The prevalence of human-specific Schistosoma spp (Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium) in snails declined significantly to 0.6% two months post-first MDA and 0.4% 6 months post-second mass drug administration compared to baseline prevalence of 2.8%. The logistic regression showed substantially lower odds of snails getting infected at 2 months post-first MDA and 6 months post-second MDA. This study presents preliminary insight into the potential of snail xenomonitoring as a tool for monitoring and evaluating communitywide praziquantel MDA in schistosomiasis endemic communities. However, several methodological lapses need fixing and validation with parallel evaluation from human clinical samples.
Exploring genetic variants of lncRNA associated with splicing regulation and their impact on ovarian cancer development
Authors: Zou Lingxiao , Zhang Meng , He Shan , Zhuang Minhui , Wang Yulan , Song Xiaofeng , Zhao Jian
Published: November 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a highly lethal gynecologic malignancy that lacks reliable early biomarkers. Numerous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play critical regulatory roles in OC, yet the underlying mechanisms of most of them remain unclear. Recently, lncRNAs have emerged as key regulators of gene splicing, while splicing dysregulation is widespread in cancer and plays critical roles. In addition, genetic variants of splicing regulators have been shown to contribute to disease etiology. Thus, we comprehensively analyzed 202 OC samples and characterized 21,129 lncRNA splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTLs) involving both event-level and transcript-level. LncRNA sQTLs differ significantly from lncRNA eQTLs, and genes regulated by lncRNA sQTLs are involved in cancer hallmark pathways and associated with immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity. In addition, these lncRNA sQTLs are significantly enriched in histone markers, transcription factor (TF) binding sites, and RNA-binding protein (RBP) binding sites, including several critical splicing factors (SF) in OC. Based on SF binding and partial correlation analysis, a potential lncRNA-SF-mRNA regulatory network was constructed. Finally, by integrating GWAS data, we elucidated that a specific lncRNA sQTL (rs1549334) generates different isoforms by regulating the splicing of the HOXD3 gene and thus impacting OC risk. Our study provides new insights into the mechanisms of splicing regulation in OC involving lncRNA sQTL and reveals potential biomarkers for early detection and clinical treatment of OC.
Open Flames and Hidden Embers: Exploring Pandemic Shocks' Impact on Non- Suicidal Self-Injury -Is Social Support the Extinguisher?
Authors: XUEYAN YANG , Qiang Ziwei , Luo Haoran , Yuan Mandi
Published: November 2024

In this study, we examine how external and internal post-pandemic shocks are associated with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) risks and the role of perceived social support (PSS) in moderating these effects. Using data from a nationwide online survey of 1,901 respondents in China collected between January and March 2023, we applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to explore these relationships. Our results show that external shocks directly increase NSSI risk, while internal shocks primarily influence NSSI through psychological distress. PSS effectively buffers the impact of external shocks on NSSI and moderates the influence of psychological distress on NSSI in the pathway from internal shocks. These findings suggest targeted mental health interventions may be needed to address different post-pandemic stressors.
Hypertension and cognitive dysfunction among older persons in rural northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oyugi Joel , Izudi Jonathan , Bajunirwe Francis
Published: November 2024

Background
Hypertension is common among older adults and may impact their cognitive function. Available data on this association is mostly from resource rich settings and has been understudied in resource limited settings especially rural areas where majority of older persons live. We examined the association between hypertension and cognitive dysfunction in older persons in Kole, a rural district in Uganda and examined whether sex is an effect modifier.
Methods
We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among older persons aged ≥ 60 years in rural northern Uganda sampled through a multi-stage process. The primary exposure was hypertension measured by systolic (≥ 140 mmHg) or diastolic blood pressure (≥ 90 mmHg), or being on anti-hypertensives. The outcome was cognitive dysfunction measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, with scores < 26. Analysis used the modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors at a 5% significance level.
Results
We studied 420 participants and found 288 (68.6%) had hypertension while 213 (50.7%) had some cognitive dysfunction. Hypertension was associated with cognitive dysfunction (adjusted prevalence risk [aPR] 1.26, 95% CI 1.01–1.57), with factors such as 4–5 people in the household (aPR 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–0.99), no smoking history (aPR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43–0.76), and dissatisfaction with one’s health (aPR 1.68, 95% CI 1.27–2.21) and satisfaction with ability to perform usual domestic duties (aPR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55–0.99) being associated. In a sex stratified analysis, men with hypertension were more likely to experience cognitive dysfunction (aPR 2.13, 95% CI 1.33–3.40), while women with hypertension were less likely (aPR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–1.24) when compared to their normotensive counterparts.
Conclusion
Hypertension is associated with cognitive dysfunction in older individuals. Sex modifies the effect of hypertension on cognitive function. Our results strengthen the importance of regular blood pressure measurement and control in older individuals.
Exploring Socio-Demographic Determinants of Obesity in Jordanian Women of Reproductive Age: Insights from a Nationwide Survey
Authors: Abdelgalil Mahmoud Shaaban , El-Farargy Sara Hosny , Dowidar Mohamed Adel , Abd-ElGawad Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Aim: We aimed to explore the predictors associated with obesity among adult ever-married Jordanian women aged 20–49 years based on the Jordanian Population and Family Health Survey (JPFHS).
Method: Our study analyzed data from the JPFHS conducted in 2017-18, which initially included 14,689 ever-married women. We performed both univariate and multivariable analyses to determine the socio-demographic predictors of obesity among these women.
Result: We included 4,226 Jordanian women in our study, of whom 2,170 were classified as obese and 2,056 had a normal body mass index (BMI). Multivariable analysis indicated that increasing age and living in Tafilh were significantly associated with higher odds of developing obesity (p < 0.05). Conversely, factors such as being in the wealthiest category, residing in Maan and Aqaba, and smoking every day were significantly linked to reduced odds of obesity (p < 0.05). Additionally, no significant associations were found between obesity development and variables such as the type of place of residence, educational level, frequency of reading newspapers or magazines, radio listening, television watching, or internet use in the past month (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Appropriate and targeted interventions should be developed for Jordanian women to address obesity and its related health issues. Policymakers should adopt a multilevel approach that focuses on high-risk subgroups, including older women, and those living in Tafilh. Efforts should be made to raise awareness and provide preventative measures tailored to these groups to effectively reduce obesity and its associated complications.
An Efficient Cobalt-Catalyzed Approach for Synthesis of Benzoxazoles from 2-Aminophenol and Aldehydes
Authors: Pethe Atul S. , Kadu Vikas D. , Birajdar Sakshi M. , Patil Prajakta B.
Published: November 2024

The cobalt-catalysed approach has been developed for synthesis of benzoxazoles under aerobic conditions. The easily available substrates such as 2-aminophenols and aldehydes studied for synthesis of benzoxazole products afforded with good tolerance of functional groups. The synthesised products obtained in good yields under additive-free and ligand-free reaction conditions.
Short-Term Load Forecasting using Hybrid Approach Combining African Vulture Optimization Algorithm and Self-Adaptive Neural Networks
Authors: Ekedegwa Anthony I. G. , Ahigwuike Evans , Essien Ewang
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present a hybrid approach that combines the African Vulture Optimization Algorithm (AVOA) with Self-Adaptive Neural Networks (SANNs) for short-term load forecasting. The AVOA, a metaheuristic inspired by the foraging behaviour of vultures, is utilised to optimise the parameters of a Self-Adaptive Neural Network, which adjusts its structure and learning parameters based on the problem at hand. Our experimental results, conducted on several benchmark datasets, demonstrate that the hybrid model significantly improves forecasting accuracy compared to conventional methods, offering a promising solution for more reliable and efficient load forecasting in power systems.
Model experiment and numerical simulation study on the instability of shield tunnel face in upper-clay and lower-sand composite strata
Authors: Liang Chen , Wang Yingchao , Yu Hongbo , Zhao Chuang , Zheng Shunhua , Guo Yin
Published: November 2024

Strata instability collapse caused by insufficient supporting pressure of shield tunnel excavation face is always a difficult engineering problem that cannot be ignored. Fixing the buried depth ratio as 1.5 and setting the upper-clay thickness ratio as 0, 0.2 and 0.5 respectively, the instability and failure law of shield tunnel excavation face in the upper-clay and lower-sand composite strata is studied by means of model experiments and numerical simulations. The quantitative analysis is carried out from the perspective of instability collapse pattern, ground subsidence mechanism, fluid-solid coupling mechanical response and spatial distribution change law. The study shows that the whole process of excavation face instability collapse can be divided into four stages: water loss, water and sand migration, loosening and instability, collapse and failure. Clay thickness ratio has little effect on pore pressure and effective stress in front of excavation face. The arch formed following excavation face instability and collapse extends to the vicinity of the interface of clay and sand, and with the increase of clay thickness, the arch moves away from the interface and the extension speed decreases. The thicker the clay is, the wider the subsidence range is and the smaller the subsidence value is. Distortion energy accumulates at top and bottom of the tunnel face and the top of the clay layer front-above the excavation face after its instability failure. In front of excavation face, the pore pressure isosurface shows a transitional change from bottom to top in the form of ‘basin-bowl-vase’. In the tunnel middle horizontal plane, the zone in the radius R semicircle in front of excavation face is defined as the pore pressure vacuum zone, the zone in the R ~ 4R semiring is defined as the hydraulic gradient zone, and the zone outside 4R is defined as the non-influence zone.
Interactive effects of dietary vitamins C and E on growth performance, haematological and biochemical parameters, skeletal abnormalities and disease resistance against V. harveyi of hybrid grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus
Authors: Ebi Isabella , Shapawi Rossita , LIM LEONG-SENG , Yong Annita Seok-Kian , Mazlan Nurzafirah , Shah Muhammad Dawood , Basri Najamuddin Abdul , Jaziri Abdul Aziz
Published: November 2024

Ensuring a well-balanced diet is paramount for the growth and productivity of farmed fish. Nutrient interactions, especially involving essential vitamins such as C and E, are pivotal for promoting growth and maintaining health. This study seeks to explore the impact of varying levels of dietary vitamins C and E on the growth performance, survival rates, haematological and biochemical parameters, skeletal abnormalities, and disease resistance of hybrid grouper juveniles against Vibrio harveyi. Six experimental diets were formulated, varying in vitamin C (0, 20, and 250 mg/kg) and vitamin E (0, 50, and 800 mg/kg) contents. After a 14-week feeding trial, results revealed that vitamin C-deficient diets significantly reduced growth performance compared to other treatments. Interestingly, a high level of vitamin C without vitamin E supplementation produced growth effects similar to the control diet. Vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation influenced both hepatic vitamin C and vitamin E concentrations. Surplus supplementation of vitamin C improve immune response and disease resistance of hybrid grouper. Skeletal abnormalities were influenced by dietary vitamin C levels. Overall, supplementation with both vitamins C and E improved growth, and disease resistance in hybrid grouper juveniles, with specific combinations of 18.3 mg/kg (vitamin C) and 814.8 mg/kg (vitamin E), or 271.8 mg/kg (vitamin C) and 13.4 mg/kg (vitamin E) supplementation showing optimal results.
Preparation and evaluation of a stable cathode material SmBa0.75Sr0.25Fe2O5+δ for solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Li Yunfei , Song Ru , Li Aoye , Qiu Dongchao , Wang Biao , Niu Bingbing
Published: November 2024

In this study, Sr doping SmBa0.75Sr0.25Fe2O5+δ (SBSF25) oxide for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) cathode are prepared and investigated its properties. First principles calculation indicates that the oxygen vacancy formation energy of SBSF25 (1.76 eV) is lower than that of SmBaFe2O5+δ (2.49 eV). Doping Sr significantly reduces the band center energy of Fe-3d and O-2p in SBSF25. At 800 ℃, the polarization resistance (Rp) of SBSF25 on SDC and LSGM electrolyte are 0.025 Ωcm2, and 0.018 Ωcm2 in air, respectively. While the Rp of SBF on on SDC and LSGM electrolyte are 0.064Ωcm2, and 0.046Ωcm2 in air, respectively. At 800 ℃, using H2 as fuel, the maximum power density (MPD) of fuel cell with SBSF25, SBF as cathode reaches 758.6 mW/cm2 and 670.2mW/cm2, respectively. Sr doping SBF significantly improves the Rp stability in air and containing CO2 atmosphere. This results indicated that SBSF has good electrochemical performance and stability as intermediate temperature SOFCs cathode.