bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health literacy and its association with antibiotic use and knowledge of antibiotic among Egyptian population: cross sectional study
Authors: Elkhadry Sally Waheed , Tahoon Marwa Ali Haseeb
Published: September 2024

Background

High prevalence of inappropriate antibiotic use in different sectors of the community indicates a possible strong influence of social and cultural context, which may be influenced by social determinants of health and thereby affecting individuals’ health-related behavior, including antibiotic use. And such health-related behavior is largely determined by individuals’ health literacy.

Objective

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between the Egyptian population's health literacy, antibiotic use, and antibiotic knowledge.

Method

In Egypt, researchers used a cross-sectional study design, between the period of January and March 2024 using validated questionnaires and recruited a convenient sample of adults from seven governorates representing different geographic areas, and socioeconomic and educational backgrounds with the help of the validated questionnaires the HLS-EU-Q16, a shortened version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (derived from the World Health Organization's Antibiotic Resistance: Multi-Country Public Awareness Survey) and, familiarity with drugs and understanding of antibiotic resistance via online methods and face-to-face interviews.

Results

The survey included a participation of 500 persons in total. The participants' age distribution indicated that 28.8% (n = 144) were aged 18–24, while 27.4% (n = 137) were within the 25–34 age group. Moreover, a total of 274 participants, accounting for 54.8% of the sample, described themselves as female. Significantly, 60.7% of the patients indicated acquiring antibiotics without a prescription. The evaluation of health literacy (HL) levels among the participants revealed that 36.2% had problematic HL, while 8.4% showed inadequate HL. A strong positive link was found between the scores of antibiotic knowledge and the scores of HL (R = 0.876; P-value = 0.001).

Conclusion

Overall, it is imperative to implement awareness-raising curricula and public health education initiatives without delay. Furthermore, it is highly advised to implement public health awareness initiatives about the appropriate use of antibiotics, alongside national policies aimed at regulating the availability and prescription of antibiotics.
Children’s and adolescents’ views of health and mental health concepts - A qualitative group interview study
Authors: Hassler Sven , Støre Siri Jakobsson , Persson Louise , Beckman Linda
Published: September 2024

Background

Definitions and perceptions of health and mental health have not remained static over time. This is also true for statistics over Swedish children’s and adolescents’ health and mental health status. The majority of Swedish school-aged children and adolescents report good physical health and good life satisfaction. However, there are some warning signs when it comes to children’s and adolescents’ health and mental health status, for instance, an increased overweight or obesity in children and adolescents, as well as a higher proportion reporting psychological problems and stress. There is also a need for knowing more about the younger population’s voices in this matter. The aim was therefore to explore children’s and adolescent’s conceptualizations and perceptions of health in general, and mental health in particular.

Methods

Open semistructured group interviews with 44 Swedish children and adolescents (10–14 years old) recruited from four schools were conducted. The interviews were conducted between April 2022 and January 2023. Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

Children’s and adolescents’ conceptualizations of health included aspects of both the body and the mind, with a focus on the latter. Mental health was expressed as a state of being, illustrated by various lived experiences of emotions, moods, and thoughts. The social world was ever present in their understanding of health, e.g., through the lenses of social and gender norms.

Conclusions

This study revealed children’s and adolescents’ recognition of health terms and their ability to observe nuances between mental health problems and everyday struggles. The participants discussed mental health problems to a greater extent than positive mental health. An implication of this study is the highlighted need to focus more on mental health promotion in future preventive programs. These findings might potentially influence how school staff and student health teams communicate with children and adolescents about these concepts.
Continuous periprosthetic bone loss around the TOP® cup and inferior survival rate at an 8-year follow-up: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kiritopoulos Demostenis , Nyström Andreas , Hailer Nils P. , Mallmin Hans , Lazarinis Stergios
Published: September 2024

Background

The trabeculae-oriented pattern (TOP®) cup was designed to minimize acetabular periprosthetic bone loss. In our previous prospective study comprising 30 patients with a two-year follow-up we found a substantial decrease in periprosthetic bone mineral density (pBMD) in the proximal and medial regions of the TOP cup. The present study aims to investigate pBMD changes in the mid-term and how this affects implant survival.

Methods

We followed the previous cohort and estimated implant survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis, evaluated pBMD with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and clinical outcome using the Harris Hip Score (HHS).

Results

Mean follow-up was 8.6 (range 7.8–9.1) years. The eight-year implant survival rate for cup revision for all reasons was 83% (95% confidence interval {CI}: 70–97) and 86% (CI: 74–99) when cup revision due to aseptic loosening was the endpoint. Mean HHS at eight years was 95 (range 77–100). A further 12% (CI: 5–17) loss in pBMD was detected in the proximal Digas zone 1 and 12% (CI: 7–17) loss in Digas zone 2 also between two and eight years after surgery. pBMD continued to decrease up to 30% (CI: 24–36) in Digas zones 1, 2 and 3 compared to pBMD immediately postoperatively.

Conclusions

The TOP cup shows inferior mid-term survival rates compared to other uncemented cups, as well as a continuous decrease in pBMD. Periprosthetic bone loss cannot be prevented by this uncemented cup.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.
Evaluation of microleakage of mineral trioxide aggregate and biodentine as apical barriers in simulated young permanent teeth
Authors: Roy Medha , Bailwad Sandeep A. , Bhatnagar Akash , Singh Sushma , Assiry Ali A. , Mohamed Roshan Noor , Basha Sakeenabi , Snigdha Niher Tabassum , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali
Published: September 2024

Background

Apexification is a procedure that promotes apical closure by forming mineralized tissue in the apex region of a nonvital young permanent tooth. Calcium silicate-based cement like Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine are commonly employed as apical barriers to facilitate this process. Microleakage, defined as the leakage along the junction between the canal wall and filling material, is a crucial aspect to assess in MTA and Biodentine applications as apical barriers, as it directly impacts the prevention of bacterial seepage and maintenance of structural integrity. The current study aims to assess the microleakage of MTA and Biodentine when used as apical barriers in simulated young permanent teeth.

Methods

From a total of 128 extracted teeth, 114 were selected for the study and randomly allocated into three groups: G1 (MTA), G2 (Biodentine), and G3 (Control), with 38 teeth per group. After excluding 5 teeth from each group due to issues such as canal calcification, breakage during sectioning, and procedural errors, 33 teeth were analyzed to ensure equal distribution. To simulate young permanent teeth, samples were instrumented using a person-reamer with a diameter of 1.7 mm. A 4 mm thick apical plug of MTA and Biodentine was placed in G1 and G2, respectively, while G3 was the control group. Apical microleakage in all experimental groups was assessed using a dye penetration method. Specimens were longitudinally sectioned and examined under a stereomicroscope with graded eyepiece.

Results

The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed variations in mean apical microleakage among the groups: G1 recorded 0.67, G2–0.16, and G3–1.62, with G2 showing the lowest value and G3 group exhibiting the highest.

Conclusions

Biodentine was found to excel in its ability to create a secure seal and function effectively as an apical barrier in simulated young permanent teeth. These results underscore its potential as a highly efficient material for dental applications, particularly in scenarios requiring reliable sealing and barrier formation in the root canal system of developing permanent teeth.
Correlation between learning styles and attitudes toward interprofessional education among medical students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Chengrui , Wang Xinxin , Xing Ying , Luan Wei , Jin Tao
Published: September 2024

Background

Interprofessional teamwork improves patient care quality, safety, and health outcomes. Interprofessional education (IPE) is crucial in today’s medical education to prepare students for the workforce as integral members of a collaborative team. The diversity of IPE learners indicates the importance of exploring the relationship between learning styles and attitudes toward IPE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between learning styles and attitudes toward IPE.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2023 and September 2023 in 49 colleges located in the south-eastern region of China. A convenience sampling approach was employed, selecting 500 students majoring in Clinical Medicine and Nursing. The students completed an online questionnaire, which included sociodemographic characteristics, educational characteristics, interprofessional educational characteristics, learning styles, and the readiness for interprofessional learning scale, and Kolb’s learning style inventory. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results

The most learners are diverger (93.2%), followed by assimilator (3.4%), accommodator (2.6%), and Converger (0.8%). The total score on the RIPLS was 69.70 (7.42), ranging from 48 to 88. A statistical relationship could be established between learning styles and attitudes toward IPE.

Conclusion

Abstract conceptualization and active experimentation learning modes and convergers were closely linked with positive attitudes toward IPE. Gender, age, and study stress can affect attitudes toward IPE. This study highlights the need for medical education curricula to integrate innovative teaching methods such as PBL, role-playing, scenario simulation and clinical early exposure to strengthen professional identity, and improve abilities related to interprofessional learning.
Adipocyte derived exosomes promote cell invasion and challenge paclitaxel efficacy in ovarian cancer
Authors: Williams Michael Ellis , Howard David , Donnelly Claire , Izadi Fereshteh , Parra Jezabel Garcia , Pugh Megan , Edwards Kadie , Lutchman-Sigh Kerryn , Jones Sadie , Margarit Lavinia , Francis Lewis , Conlan R. Steven , Taraballi Francesca , Gonzalez Deyarina
Published: September 2024

Background

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynaecological cancer with high mortality rates driven by the common development of resistance to chemotherapy. EOC frequently invades the omentum, an adipocyte-rich organ of the peritoneum and omental adipocytes have been implicated in promoting disease progression, metastasis and chemoresistance. The signalling mechanisms underpinning EOC omentum tropism have yet to be elucidated.

Methods

Three-dimensional co-culture models were used to explore adipocyte-EOC interactions. The impact of adipocytes on EOC proliferation, response to therapy and invasive capacity was assessed. Primary adipocytes and omental tissue were isolated from patients with ovarian malignancies and benign ovarian neoplasms. Exosomes were isolated from omentum tissue conditioned media and the effect of omentum-derived exosomes on EOC evaluated. Exosomal microRNA (miRNA) sequencing was used to identify miRNAs abundant in omental exosomes and EOC cells were transfected with highly abundant miRNAs miR-21, let-7b, miR-16 and miR-92a.

Results

We demonstrate the capacity of adipocytes to induce an invasive phenotype in EOC populations through driving epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Exosomes secreted by omental tissue of ovarian cancer patients, as well as patients without malignancies, induced proliferation, upregulated EMT markers and reduced response to paclitaxel therapy in EOC cell lines and HGSOC patient samples. Analysis of the omentum-derived exosomes from cancer patients revealed highly abundant miRNAs that included miR-21, let-7b, miR-16 and miR-92a that promoted cancer cell proliferation and protection from chemotherapy when transfected in ovarian cancer cells.

Conclusions

These observations highlight the capacity of omental adipocytes to generate a pro-tumorigenic and chemoprotective microenvironment in ovarian cancer and other adipose-related malignancies.
Artemisinin conferred cytoprotection to human retinal pigment epithelial cells exposed to amiodarone-induced oxidative insult by activating the CaMKK2/AMPK/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Yang Chao , Zhao Xia , Zhou Wenshu , Li Qin , Lazarovici Philip , Zheng Wenhua
Published: September 2024

Background

Ocular toxicity is a severe adverse effect that limits the chronic clinical use of the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone. Here, we aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective effect of artemisinin and explore the potential signalling pathways in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell cultures.

Methods

D407 cell cultures were exposed to amiodarone and the impact of artemisinin was evaluated. The key parameters included lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). We also assessed the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)ɑ (p-AMPK), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2).

Results

Artemisinin reduced the cytotoxicity induced by amiodarone, as reflected by decreased LDH release, ROS generation, and MMP disruption. Additionally, artemisinin increased p-AMPK, CaMKK2, and Nrf2 protein levels. Inhibition of AMPK, CaMKK2, or Nrf2 abolished the cytoprotective effect of artemisinin. AMPK activation and Nrf2 knockdown further supported its protective role.

Conclusions

Artemisinin protected RPE cells from amiodarone-induced damage via the CaMKK2/AMPK/Nrf2 pathway. The in vivo experiments in mice confirmed its efficacy in preventing retinal injury caused by amiodarone. These results suggest that an artemisinin-based eye formulation could be repurposed for treating amiodarone-induced ocular toxicity.
Micro computed tomography analysis of barley during the first 24 hours of germination
Authors: Doolan Olivia , Lewsey Mathew G. , Peirats-Llobet Marta , Bricklebank Neil , Aberdein Nicola
Published: September 2024

Background

Grains make up a large proportion of both human and animal diets. With threats to food production, such as climate change, growing sustainable and successful crops is essential to food security in the future. Germination is one of the most important stages in a plant’s lifecycle and is key to the success of the resulting plant as the grain undergoes morphological changes and the development of specific organs. Micro-computed tomography is a non-destructive imaging technique based on the differing x-ray attenuations of materials which we have applied for the accurate analysis of grain morphology during the germination phase.

Results

Micro Computed Tomography conditions and parameters were tested to establish an optimal protocol for the 3-dimensional analysis of barley grains. When comparing optimal scanning conditions, it was established that no filter, 0.4 degrees rotation step, 5 average frames, and 2016 × 1344 camera binning is optimal for imaging germinating grains. It was determined that the optimal protocol for scanning during the germination timeline was to scan individual grains at 0 h after imbibition (HAI) and then the same grain again at set time points (1, 3, 6, 24 HAI) to avoid any negative effects from X-ray radiation or disruption to growing conditions.

Conclusion

Here we sought to develop a method for the accurate analysis of grain morphology without the negative effects of possible radiation exposure. Several factors have been considered, such as the scanning conditions, reconstruction, and possible effects of X-ray radiation on the growth rate of the grains. The parameters chosen in this study give effective and reliable results for the 3-dimensional analysis of macro structures within barley grains while causing minimal disruption to grain development.
Gaps in communication theory paradigms when conducting implementation science research: qualitative observations from interviews with administrators, implementors, and evaluators of rural health programs
Authors: Johnson Nicole L. , Van Tiem Jennifer , Balkenende Erin , Jones DeShauna , Friberg Julia E. , Chasco Emily E. , Moeckli Jane , Steffensmeier Kenda S. , Steffen Melissa J. A. , Arora Kanika , Rabin Borsika A. , Reisinger Heather Schacht
Published: September 2024

Background

Communication is considered an inherent element of nearly every implementation strategy. Often it is seen as a means for imparting new information between stakeholders, representing a Transaction orientation to communication. From a Process orientation, communication is more than information-exchange and is acknowledged as being shaped by (and shaping) the individuals involved and their relationships with one another. As the field of Implementation Science (IS) works to strengthen theoretical integration, we encourage an interdisciplinary approach that engages communication theory to develop richer understanding of strategies and determinants of practice.

Methods

We interviewed 28 evaluators, 12 implementors, and 12 administrators from 21 Enterprise-Wide Initiatives funded by the Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Rural Health. Semi-structured interviews focused on experiences with implementation and evaluation strategies. We analyzed the interviews using thematic analysis identifying a range of IS constructs. Then we deductively classified those segments based on a Transaction or Process orientation to communication.

Results

We organized findings using the two IS constructs most commonly discussed in interviews: Collaboration and Leadership Buy-in. The majority of segments coded as Collaboration (n = 34, 74%) and Leadership Buy-in (n = 31, 70%) discussed communication from a Transaction orientation and referred to communication as synonymous with information exchange, which emphasizes the task over the relationships between the individuals performing the tasks. Conversely, when participants discussed Collaboration and Leadership Buy-in from a Process orientation, they acknowledged both constructs as the result of long-term efforts to develop positive relationships based on trust and respect, and emphasized the time costliness of such strategies. Our findings demonstrate that participants who discussed communication from a Process orientation recognized the nuance and complexity of interpersonal interactions, particularly in the context of IS.

Conclusions

Efficient, reliable information exchange is a critical but often overemphasized element of implementation. Practitioners and researchers must recognize and incorporate the larger role of communication in IS. Two suggestions for engaging a Process orientation to communication are to: (a) use interview probes to learn how communication is enacted, and (b) use process-oriented communication theories to develop interventions and evaluation tools.
Do we care? Reporting of genetic diagnoses in multidisciplinary intellectual disability care: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Müller Annelieke R. , Boot Erik , Notermans Stijn B. , Schuengel Carlo , Henneman Lidewij , Cornel Martina C. , van Haelst Mieke M. , Alders Mariëlle , van Karnebeek Clara D. M. , Bijl Bas , Wijburg Frits A. , van Eeghen Agnies M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Advances in understanding the etiology of intellectual disability (ID) has led to insights in potential (targeted) treatments and personalized care. Implications of ID on health are often complex and require a multidisciplinary approach. The aim was to investigate the reporting of genetic diagnoses in multidisciplinary ID care and to identify associated clinical and demographic factors.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on a randomly selected sample of individuals (n = 380) of a large ID care organization in the Netherlands. Data on genetic etiology, including genetic testing and diagnoses, and clinical and demographic characteristics were collected from files held by multidisciplinary team members.

Results

Reports on genetic etiology were available in 40% of the study sample (n = 151), with a genetic diagnosis recorded in 34% (n = 51), which is 13% of the total sample. In those with reported genetic diagnoses, this was reported in 90% of medical, 39% of psychodiagnostic, and 75% of professional caregivers’ files. Older age, mild ID, and the legal representative not being a family member were associated with less reported information on genetic etiology.

Conclusions

This study revealed that genetic diagnoses were often not reported in ID care files. Recommendations were formulated to reduce delay in diagnosis, and enable personalized care for individuals with ID.
Splam: a deep-learning-based splice site predictor that improves spliced alignments
Authors: Chao Kuan-Hao , Mao Alan , Salzberg Steven L. , Pertea Mihaela
Published: September 2024

The process of splicing messenger RNA to remove introns plays a central role in creating genes and gene variants. We describe Splam, a novel method for predicting splice junctions in DNA using deep residual convolutional neural networks. Unlike previous models, Splam looks at a 400-base-pair window flanking each splice site, reflecting the biological splicing process that relies primarily on signals within this window. Splam also trains on donor and acceptor pairs together, mirroring how the splicing machinery recognizes both ends of each intron. Compared to SpliceAI, Splam is consistently more accurate, achieving 96% accuracy in predicting human splice junctions.
Classification of cervical vertebral maturation stages with machine learning models: leveraging datasets with high inter- and intra-observer agreement
Authors: Kanchanapiboon Potjanee , Tunksook Pitipat , Tunksook Prinya , Ritthipravat Panrasee , Boonpratham Supatchai , Satravaha Yodhathai , Chaweewannakorn Chaiyapol , Peanchitlertkajorn Supakit
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of machine learning (ML) models with feature selection technique in classifying cervical vertebral maturation stages (CVMS). Consensus-based datasets were used for models training and evaluation for their model generalization capabilities on unseen datasets.

Methods

Three clinicians independently rated CVMS on 1380 lateral cephalograms, resulting in the creation of five datasets: two consensus-based datasets (Complete Agreement and Majority Voting), and three datasets based on a single rater’s evaluations. Additionally, landmarks annotation of the second to fourth cervical vertebrae and patients’ information underwent a feature selection process. These datasets were used to train various ML models and identify the top-performing model for each dataset. These models were subsequently tested on their generalization capabilities.

Results

Features that considered significant in the consensus-based datasets were consistent with a CVMS guideline. The Support Vector Machine model on the Complete Agreement dataset achieved the highest accuracy (77.4%), followed by the Multi-Layer Perceptron model on the Majority Voting dataset (69.6%). Models from individual ratings showed lower accuracies (60.4–67.9%). The consensus-based training models also exhibited lower coefficient of variation (CV), indicating superior generalization capability compared to models from single raters.

Conclusion

ML models trained on consensus-based datasets for CVMS classification exhibited the highest accuracy, with significant features consistent with the original CVMS guidelines. These models also showed robust generalization capabilities, underscoring the importance of dataset quality.
Cardiac ultrasomics for acute myocardial infarction risk stratification and prediction of all-cause mortality: a feasibility study
Authors: Hathaway Quincy A. , Jamthikar Ankush D. , Rajiv Nivedita , Chaitman Bernard R. , Carson Jeffrey L. , Yanamala Naveena , Sengupta Partho P.
Published: September 2024

Background

Current risk stratification tools for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have limitations, particularly in predicting mortality. This study utilizes cardiac ultrasound radiomics (i.e., ultrasomics) to risk stratify AMI patients when predicting all-cause mortality.

Results

The study included 197 patients: (a) retrospective internal cohort (n = 155) of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n = 63) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n = 92) patients, and (b) external cohort from the multicenter Door-To-Unload in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction [DTU-STEMI] Pilot Trial (n = 42). Echocardiography images of apical 2, 3, and 4-chamber were processed through an automated deep-learning pipeline to extract ultrasomic features. Unsupervised machine learning (topological data analysis) generated AMI clusters followed by a supervised classifier to generate individual predicted probabilities. Validation included assessing the incremental value of predicted probabilities over the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score 2.0 to predict 1-year all-cause mortality in the internal cohort and infarct size in the external cohort. Three phenogroups were identified: Cluster A (high-risk), Cluster B (intermediate-risk), and Cluster C (low-risk). Cluster A patients had decreased LV ejection fraction (P < 0.01) and global longitudinal strain (P = 0.03) and increased mortality at 1-year (log rank P = 0.05). Ultrasomics features alone (C-Index: 0.74 vs. 0.70, P = 0.04) and combined with global longitudinal strain (C-Index: 0.81 vs. 0.70, P < 0.01) increased prediction of mortality beyond the GRACE 2.0 score. In the DTU-STEMI clinical trial, Cluster A was associated with larger infarct size (> 10% LV mass, P < 0.01), compared to remaining clusters.

Conclusions

Ultrasomics-based phenogroup clustering, augmented by TDA and supervised machine learning, provides a novel approach for AMI risk stratification.
Serum Phosphate in the General Population: A Need for Sex-Specific Reference Intervals
Authors: Bosman Ariadne , Campos-Obando Natalia , Ramakers Christian , Zillikens M Carola
Published: September 2024

Context

Phosphate is important for several metabolic functions and essential for bone mineralization. Sex differences exist in the relation between serum phosphate and certain diseases. The reference interval for phosphate is age-adjusted in infants, but most institutions use the same intervals for adult men and women despite increasing evidence for age and sex differences.

Objective

We aimed to study these differences in 2 large population-based cohorts to evaluate whether current reference intervals are adequate.

Methods

A total of 8837 participants from 3 cohorts of the Rotterdam Study (RS) and 422 443 participants from the UK Biobank (UKBB), aged 40 and older and without chronic kidney disease, were analyzed for sex differences in serum phosphate using standard reference values (0.8-1.45 mmol or 2.5-4.5 mg/dL). Analyses were further stratified in women by menopausal status.

Results

Women had higher serum phosphate concentrations and a higher population range compared to men in all cohorts. Hypophosphatemia was more prevalent in men and hyperphosphatemia was more prevalent in women. Sex differences were present in all age categories. Perimenopausal women had higher serum phosphate concentrations than men of the same age, but lower than postmenopausal women of the same age.

Conclusion

This study in 2 population-based cohorts showed that women have higher serum phosphate concentrations than men and that women show a marked increase in serum phosphate during menopause. Moreover, the population range for serum phosphate was higher in women than in men. These findings indicate a need for sex-specific reference intervals for serum phosphate in adults older than 45 years.
Characterizing human KIF1Bβ motor activity by single-molecule motility assays and Caenorhabditis elegans genetics
Authors: Iguchi Rei , Kita Tomoki , Watanabe Taisei , Chiba Kyoko , Niwa Shinsuke
Published: September 2024

The axonal transport of synaptic vesicle precursors relies on KIF1A and UNC-104 ortholog motors. In mammals, KIF1Bβ is also responsible for the axonal transport of synaptic vesicle precursors. Mutations in KIF1A and KIF1Bβ lead to a wide range of neuropathies. Although previous studies have revealed the biochemical, biophysical and cell biological properties of KIF1A, and its defects in neurological disorders, the fundamental properties of KIF1Bβ remain elusive. In this study, we determined the motile parameters of KIF1Bβ through single-molecule motility assays. We found that the C-terminal region of KIF1Bβ has an inhibitory role in motor activity. AlphaFold2 prediction suggests that the C-terminal region blocks the motor domain. Additionally, we established simple methods for testing the axonal transport activity of human KIF1Bβ using Caenorhabditis elegans genetics. Taking advantage of these methods, we demonstrated that these assays enable the detection of reduced KIF1Bβ activities, both in vitro and in vivo, caused by a Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease-associated Q98L mutation.
Cost Analysis of Pelvic Exenteration Surgery for Advanced Pelvic Malignancy
Authors: Risbey Charles W. G. , Brown Kilian G. M. , Solomon Michael , McBride Kate , Steffens Daniel
Published: September 2024

Background

Pelvic exenteration (PE) is a radical procedure involving multi-visceral resection for locally advanced pelvic malignancies. Such radical surgery is associated with prolonged operating theater time and hospital stay, as well as a substantial risk of postoperative complications, and therefore significant financial cost. This study aimed to comprehensively detail the inpatient cost of PE at a specialist center in the Australian public sector.

Methods

A retrospective costing review of consecutive PE operations at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney between March 2014 and June 2022 was performed. Clinical data were extracted from a prospectively maintained database, and in-hospital costing data were provided by the hospital Performance Unit. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS.

Results

Pelvic exenteration was performed for 461 patients, of whom 283 (61 %) had primary or recurrent rectal cancer, 160 (35 %) had primary or recurrent non-rectal cancer, and 18 (4 %) had a benign indication. The median admission cost was $108,259.4 ($86,620.8–$144,429.3) (Australian dollars [AUD]), with the highest costs for staffing followed by the operating room. Overall, admission costs were higher for complete PE (p < 0.001), PE combined with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) (p < 0.001), and older patients (p = 0.006).

Discussion

The total admission cost for patients undergoing PE reflects the complexity of the procedure and the multidisciplinary requirement. Patients of advanced age undergoing complete PE and PE combined with CRS incurred greater costs, but the requirement of a sacrectomy, vertical rectus abdominal flap reconstruction, major nerve or vascular excision, or repair were not associated with higher overall cost in the multivariate analysis.
The Load–Velocity Slope Is an Indicator of the Active Drag in All Competitive Swimming Strokes
Authors: GONJO TOMOHIRO , VITAZKA MARIA , LJØDAL INGEBORG , OLSTAD BJØRN HARALD
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Active drag in swimming is a critical variable that affects swimmers' performance, as well as the physiological load, but it is challenging for practitioners to assess this variable. This study aimed to assess if the load–velocity profiling method can be used as an indicator of active drag.

Methods

A total of 419 swimmers performed three semitethered swimming trials in their speciality among the four competitive strokes with different external loads. Linear regression between external load and swimming velocity, as well as the external load relative to the body mass and swimming velocity, were established. The active drag and drag coefficient of each swimmer were calculated using a velocity perturbation method.

Results

There were significant correlations of the active drag with the absolute slope (correlation coefficient ≥ 0.696, P < 0.001) and relative slope (correlation coefficient ≥ 0.538, P < 0.001) in all four strokes and both sexes. A multiple regression analysis exhibited that the primary determinant of these relationships was the drag coefficient (semipartial correlation ≥0.422, P < 0.001). The effects of the height and body mass index (BMI) on the relationship between the drag and the absolute slope were small (0.195 ≤ semipartial correlation ≤0.249, P < 0.001), which became either nonsignificant (height: P ≥ 0.282) or trivial (BMI: −0.099 ≤ semipartial correlation ≤ −0.081, P ≤ 0.011) when focusing on the relative slope.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the absolute load–velocity slope is a strong indicator of the active drag, and the relative slope is useful when indirectly assessing the drag coefficient.
Το μοντέλο Ιδέες - Κόσμος - Τεκμήρια ως εργαλείο σχεδιασμού μιας Διδακτικής Μαθησιακής Ακολουθίας για την Οικολογία
Authors: Ντινολάζου Χριστίνα , Παπαδοπούλου Πηνελόπη
Published: September 2024

Η παρούσα έρευνα στοχεύει να διερευνήσει αν το θεωρητικό πλαίσιο Ιδέες-Κόσμος-Τεκμήρια (IKT) είναι κατάλληλο ως εργαλείο σχεδιασμού αποτελεσματικών Διδακτικών Μαθησιακών  Ακολουθιών (ΔΜΑ) για βασικές έννοιες της Οικολογίας. Για το σκοπό αυτό, δυο διαφορετικές εκδοχές μιας ΔΜΑ, που διέφεραν ως προς το αν χρησιμοποιήθηκε ή όχι το μοντέλο για το σχεδιασμό τους, σχεδιάστηκαν, εφαρμόστηκαν σε δυο διαφορετικά τμήματα και αξιολογήθηκαν. Τα αποτελέσματα τους συγκρίθηκαν, με κύριο εργαλείο ένα ερωτηματολόγιο ανίχνευσης εναλλακτικών ιδεών. Η περιγραφική ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων έδειξε ότι ενισχύθηκε περισσότερο η γνωστική εξέλιξη της ομάδας των μαθητών που συμμετείχαν στη ΔΜΑ της οποίας ο σχεδιασμός στηρίχθηκε στο μοντέλο ΙΚΤ.
Ιστορικά επιστημονικά όργανα στη μη-τυπική Εκπαίδευση: Οι απόψεις και ο ρόλος των εκπαιδευτικών
Authors: Παναγοπούλου Μαρία , Στεφανίδου Κωνσταντίνα
Published: September 2024

Η εκπαιδευτική αξία της Ιστορίας της Επιστήμης και η αποτελεσματική χρήση της για την ανάδειξη πτυχών της Φύσης της Επιστήμης είναι ευρέως αποδεκτή από την εκπαιδευτική κοινότητα. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο αναδεικνύεται από τη βιβλιογραφία το εύρος των δυνατοτήτων που προκύπτουν από την αξιοποίηση ιστορικών επιστημονικών οργάνων τόσο για τη διατήρηση της επιστημονικής κληρονομιάς όσο και για την εκπαίδευση μαθητών και πολιτών σε τυπικά και μη-τυπικά περιβάλλοντα. Στην παρούσα εργασία επιχειρείται η ανάδειξη του ρόλου των εκπαιδευτικών στην παραγωγή εκπαιδευτικού υλικού βασισμένου στα ιστορικά επιστημονικά όργανα στο πλαίσιο της μη τυπικής εκπαίδευσης.
Αξιολόγηση Διερευνητικών Δραστηριοτήτων, οι οποίες Απαρτίζουν Ψηφιακά Μαθησιακά Σενάρια
Authors: Βαλσαμούλη Δέσποινα , Λεύκος Ιωάννης
Published: September 2024

Σκοπός της έρευνας αυτής ήταν να αναλύσει και να αξιολογήσει διερευνητικές δραστηριότητες που πλαισιώνουν ψηφιακά σενάρια διερευνητικής μάθησης της πλατφόρμας Go-Lab ερευνώντας τη συμβολή τους στην κατανόηση επιστημονικών εννοιών, στις δεξιότητες επιστημονικών διαδικασιών και στην κατανόηση της διερευνητικής διαδικασίας. Αναλύθηκαν δραστηριότητες 16 παραδειγματικών σεναρίων χρησιμοποιώντας το Inquiry-Based Tasks Analysis Inventory. Διερευνήθηκε το συνολικό επίπεδο διερεύνησης των σεναρίων, καθώς και η πιθανή εξάρτησή του από χαρακτηριστικά των σεναρίων. Τα ευρήματά υποδηλώνουν ότι αυτά τα ψηφιακά σενάρια προάγουν υψηλό βαθμό κατανόησης των επιστημονικών εννοιών και της διερευνητικής διαδικασίας, αλλά ανομοιόμορφη εμπλοκή δεξιοτήτων επιστημονικών διαδικασιών, ενώ υπάρχουν ενδείξεις ότι ο βαθμός αυθεντικής διερεύνησης που προσφέρουν εξαρτάται από χαρακτηριστικά του ILS όπως τα Apps που συμπεριλαμβάνει.
Η τριακοστή έκθεση του Συμβουλίου της Ευρώπης με τίτλο «Επιθυμία για ελευθερία: Η τέχνη στην Ευρώπη μετά το 1945» (Βερολίνο, Γερμανικό Ιστορικό Μουσείο, 2012)
Authors: Σπύρου Λευτέρης
Published: September 2024

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Η Διδασκαλία του Ψυχρού Πολέμου στην Ευρώπη
Authors: Σακκά Βασιλική
Published: September 2024

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Multifractal analysis of Hewitt-Stromberg measures with respect to gauge control functions
Authors: Douzi Zied , Selmi Bilel
Published: September 2024

This study provides a general multifractal formalism that overcomes
the limitations of the traditional one. The generic
Hewitt-Stromberg measures are used to introduce and study a
multifractal formalism. The generic Hewitt-Stromberg dimensions'
upper and lower bounds are estimated, producing results even at
places $q$ where the upper and lower multifractal Hewitt-Stromberg
dimension functions diverge.
Neumann-type boundary value problem associated with Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Mamo Natnael Gezahegn
Published: September 2024

The aim of this paper is to investigate some multiplicity results for a Hamiltonian system with Neumann-type boundary conditions. A critical point theory is applied in order to show that the the problem has multiple solutions. The crucial part of this paper is that, in contrast to periodic problems where the Poincaré-Birkhoff Theorem has a significant role, no twist condition is required.
Weakly nonlinear hyperbolic differential equation of the second order in Hilbert space
Authors: Pokutnyi Oleksandr
Published: September 2024

We consider nonlinear perturbations of the hyperbolic equation in the Hilbert space. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions of boundary-value problem for the corresponding equation and iterative procedures for their finding are obtained in the case when the operator in linear part of the problem hasn't inverse and can have nonclosed set of values. As an application we consider boundary-value problem for van der Pol equation in a separable Hilbert space.
A study on approximate controllability of evolution systems with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Gou Haide
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this paper is to present the existence of mild solutions and approximate controllability for a class of non-autonomous measure driven
evolution systems with nonlocal conditions in Banach spaces. Firstly, we obtain the existence of mild solutions for the concerned problem by the semigroup theory and Schauder's
theorem. Secondly, some sufficient conditions of approximate controllability are proved. At the end, an example is also given to illustrate the feasibility of our theoretical results.
ALPASLAN MÜZESİ’NDE BULUNAN DÜZ DOKUMALARIN İNCELENMESİ VE MOTİFLERİN TEKSTİL TASARIMLARINA YANSITILMASI
Authors: Tağı Sema , Yaldızbaş Kübra Nur
Published: September 2024

Toplumun geleneklerini ve kültürel değerlerini yansıtan binlerce yıllık geçmişe sahip olan el sanatları Türk kültürünün önemli bir parçasıdır. Orta Asya’dan günümüze ulaşan ve önemini koruyan dokuma sanatı dünyanın en eski sanatlarından birisidir. Kirkitli dokumalar içerisinde yer alan düz dokumalar, havsız yatay veya dikey tezgâhlarda dokunan ve teknik bakımından düğümsüz olmasıyla halı ve tülüden ayrılan (kilim, cicim, zili ve sumak) düz dokumalardır. Kültürel değere sahip olan bu dokuma eserler çeşitli müzelerde teşhir edilip sergilenmektedir. Dokuma eserlerin saklandığı ve korunmaya alındığı müzelerden birisi Amasya Alpaslan Müzesidir. Bu araştırma ile Alpaslan Müzesindeki düz dokuma örneklerinin teknik, motif, renk ve kompozisyon özelliklerinin incelenmesi ve motiflerin çeşitli tekstil yüzey tasarımlarına yansıtılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla müzede teşhirde ve depoda bulunan 9 adet düz dokuma örneği ele alınarak incelenmiştir. Motif, renk ve kompozisyon bakımından incelenen düz dokuma örneklerinden seçilen bazı motifler “Etnik motifler” temasıyla esin kaynağı olarak kullanılmıştır. Yastık, runner, eşarp, koltuk şalı ve bez çanta gibi çeşitli hediyelik tekstil yüzeyleri tasarlanmıştır. Geleneksel motiflerin günümüz tekstil tasarımına yansıtılmasıyla kültürel sürdürülebilirlik sağlanmıştır.
Adaptive detail extraction network for moiré pattern removal in screen photography
Authors: Lu Weimin , Tang Guijin , Liu Xiaohua
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we propose a neural-network-based demoiréing algorithm aimed at eliminating moiré patterns and enhancing image quality. Our algorithm designs an adaptive detail extraction block to capture fine texture information in images, and builds a composite loss function including the L1 loss, the perceptual loss, and the contrastive loss to enhance the network’s perceptual and representational capabilities across different scales. Experimental results on multiple datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithm exhibits comparable or even superior demoiréing performance compared with state-of-the-art (SOTA) algorithms.
Infrared/radar stealthy metasurface design method based on the equivalent circuit model
Authors: Li Hao , Xu Weidong , Xiao Feifei , Yu Zhou , Hao Bentian , Huang Wei , Yu Haibao
Published: September 2024

In this paper, the mapping relationship between circuit components and metal patches on metasurfaces is investigated from the equivalent circuit model, and a method for designing metasurfaces based on equivalent circuits is proposed. Metasurfaces have a wide range of applications in electromagnetic absorption and polarization conversion, etc. However, the development progress of metasurfaces has lagged behind because of the inefficiency of full-wave simulation and unclear mechanism. Circuit simulation, thanks to the integration of momentum functions, has a great advantage over full-wave simulation in terms of time and efficiency; at the same time, it is easy to adjust the direction of improvement due to its clear mechanism. Experiments have proved that the method of metasurface design based on equivalent circuit is accurate, fast, and effective. Based on this method, a double-layer metasurface with infrared/radar stealth performance is designed using indium tin oxide/polyethylene terephthalate conductive film as the impedance-matching layer material and polyvinyl chloride as the dielectric layer material. The metasurface is characterized by transparency and flexibility and is experimentally proved to have an absorption bandwidth of 7.7–18 GHz and a relative bandwidth of 80.16%. The double-layer metasurface can isolate electromagnetic waves in the infrared band through infrared thermography test, realizing the radar wave-absorbing function with infrared stealth effect at the same time.
Plasmonic enhancement of Faraday rotation with gold nanodisks with low height-to-diameter aspect ratios
Authors: González-Alcalde Alma K. , Shi Xinping , Wilson Richard B. , Vuong Luat T.
Published: September 2024

We investigate the Faraday rotation induced in gold nanodisks with low height-to-diameter aspect ratios. Through a systematic study, we analyze the phenomenon using electrostatic theory with the modified long-wavelength approximation. We show that the Faraday rotation is enhanced at the localized surface plasmon resonance when the nanodisk’s effective mean free path is equal to the mean free path of the conduction electrons in the bulk metal, where light absorption dominates over light scattering. We also show that the Faraday rotation is largely enhanced at shorter rather than longer wavelengths.
Pulse length effects in the nonresonant long-wave infrared nonlinear optical response of n-Ge, GaAs, and ZnSe
Authors: Matteo Daniel , Tochitsky Sergei , Pigeon Jeremy , Joshi Chan
Published: September 2024

Nonlinear optical refraction and nonlinear absorption are characterized in important long-wave infrared optical materials with picosecond and femtosecond laser pulses. The effective nonlinear refractive indices are found to be constant across a range of pulse parameters. Nonlinear absorption far from resonance is observed at relatively low (∼1GW/cm2) intensities in these materials, and the onset intensity and fluence scale strongly with pulse length. A free carrier dominated nonlinear absorption mechanism is identified for picosecond pulses, whereas nonperturbative photoionization causes femtosecond absorption.
Cavity-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy in the molecular fingerprint region using free-running quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Markus Charles R. , Hayden Jakob , Herman Daniel I. , Kocheril Philip A. , Ober Douglas C. , Bashiri Termeh , Mangold Markus , Okumura Mitchio
Published: September 2024

Cavity-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy promises broadband,
high-resolution, and highly sensitive spectroscopic measurements on
sub-millisecond time scales, making it highly attractive for trace gas
monitoring. In this work, we demonstrate cavity-enhanced dual-comb
spectroscopy in the molecular fingerprint region using two quantum
cascade lasers (QCLs) operating as optical frequency combs centered at 1063cm−1 spanning 56cm−1. The high-finesse bow-tie cavity
provided a 285 m effective path length, and the high
power-per-mode of the QCL combs granted a strong multi-heterodyne
signal of the swept-cavity transmission. This ultimately resulted in a
noise equivalent absorption per spectral element of 1.8×10−9cm−1Hz−1/2, when considering the active
measurement time. Measurements of the ν8 fundamental band of methanol
determined concentrations as low as 1.3 ppm in a single shot,
which were captured in a 15 ms sweep of the cavity PZT. The
detection limit after averaging 30 measurements was 20 ppb,
which took 450 ms in measurement time and 70 s in wall
time. This demonstrates the potential of cavity-enhanced dual-comb
spectroscopy in challenging applications such as free radical kinetics
and environmental monitoring.
High power widely tunable frequency-doubled 490 nm blue semiconductor disk laser
Authors: Peng Xuefang , Wang Tao , Zhu Renjiang , Jiang Lidan , Tong Cunzhu , Song Yanrong , Zhang Peng
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a high power widely tunable frequency-doubled semiconductor disk laser emitting at 490 nm wavelength. The laser utilizes a specially designed gain chip with widened gain spectrum at the center wavelength of 980 nm, along with an anti-resonant microcavity, to extend the tuning range of the wavelength. A type-I phase-matched 5 mm length LBO crystal is used as the nonlinear crystal, and a fused quartz birefringent filter (BRF) is introduced to polarize the fundamental emission and narrow the linewidth of the laser. When the thickness of the used BRF is 1 mm, 50.7 nm tuning range of the 980 nm infrared laser is performed. A maximum output power of 5.36 W of the frequency-doubled 490 nm blue laser is achieved, and the optical-to-optical conversion efficiency from absorbed pump power to the blue light is about 15.3%. Meanwhile, a record tuning range of 21.5 nm of the blue laser is realized. The measured M2 factors of the blue laser are 1.00 in the x-direction and 1.04 in the y-direction, respectively.