bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptive Phenomenology of Examples of Dishonesty in Psychotherapy from the Client's Point of View
Authors:   Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology, Academic advisor of Mahmoudabad education and training consulting unit, Mazandaran, Iran, Alipour Hossein , Akbari Mahdi ,   Doctorate in Educational Psychology, Assistant Professor of Counseling Department, Farhangian University of Tehran, Iran
Published: February 2025

The present research was conducted with the aim of identifying examples of dishonesty in psychotherapy from the clients' point of
view in 2023. The method used in this research is a qualitative, descriptive phenomenology type. The statistical population of this
research included all the clients of counseling centers in Amol city in 2023 who participated in this research using non-probability
sampling method. The researcher reached information saturation by interviewing 19 clients and 4 more interviews were conducted
with the clients, in total 23 people were the sample clients of this study. A 3-question semi-structured interview protocol was used
to collect information. The seven-stage descriptive phenomenological method of Collaizi was used for data analysis. The findings
showed that dishonesty in the treatment room is inevitable and the reasons for clients' dishonesty include individual reasons such
as; sexual experiences and cognitive errors and external reasons including; Family experiences are lived experiences in society
and the therapist's reaction. The results showed that it is difficult for the clients to tell about some issues, and most of them hid
at least one issue from their therapist. Clients stated the possibility of being judged by the therapist, not trusting the therapist's
confidentiality and avoiding feeling shame as the reason for dishonesty.
A Robust Approach to Uncertainty Quantification in Deep Learning
Authors:   Department of Statistical Process Design (DCME), Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), Italy, Massoli Pierpaolo
Published: February 2025

This study proposes a novel approach for quantifying the uncertainty of a deep learning model by investigating the coverage
as well as the adaptivity of its prediction intervals in a Conformal Prediction context. The model investigated is designed
to impute the equivalent household income by taking both specific household group characteristics and relevant features
of the main income gainer into account as it is known that there are well-known correlations in literature. The imputation
of such variable is critical as outliers occur or the required information for computing it is not entirely available. Due to
the relevance of income in socio-economic policy contexts, the reliability of its imputation constitutes a key aspect. The
Conformalized Quantile Regression is adopted in order to evaluate the prediction intervals of the model by incorporating
this approach into the same. In this study an improved assessment of the model uncertainty is achieved by separating the
aleatoric component from the epistemic one. For this purpose, an appropriate selection of training data is proposed. This
non random selection introduces bias which may alter model estimates causing distortions which impair the uncertainty
quantification approach. As a consequence, a correction of selection bias is integrated in the uncertainty evaluation process.
A real-world case study is considered to demonstrate the potential of the proposed quantification approach.
The Dark Matter
Authors:   France, Raverdy Yvan-Claude
Published: February 2025

We present here elements which validate the identification of what is call “dark matter” to the classical gravitational energy.
The corpuscular gravitation theory gives a very concrete interpretation to this energy which concerns the space void of all matter
and radiation [1,2]. Measuring the energy density of the vacuum by the Casimir effect may be an experimental verification.
Degree of Microbial Contaminants Isolated from Smart Mobile Phones Used by University Students in Bangladesh
Authors: Nabila Ishrat Anzum , Ferdous Most Zannatul , Tasin Tasnima Akhter , Saba Jobaida
Published: February 2025

Background: Microbial survival capabilities on smartphone surfaces works as a major source of harmful microbial transmission among users.
Objectives: This study sought to determine the microbial growth on the surface of smartphones, used by students of Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study, from May to August 2021, involved 20 students, where 8 (40%) were females and 12 (60%) were males. The socio-demographic data and information about their phone usage  were collected utilizing a self-administered questionnaire. A sterile swab was rotated over the surface of both sides of each smartphone, and moistened with sterile saline. All swabs were cultured on MacConkey Agar and Nutrient Agar and examined for growth. Plates were incubated aerobically at 370C for 48h and identification was done as per standard laboratory procedures.
Results: Out of the total 20 swab samples collected, 16 (80%) of them presented with bacterial growth, and 10 (50%) of them presented with fungal growth. Gram-positive bacteria occurred on smartphones at 89.7%, whereas Gram-negative bacteria were contaminated at 10.03%. The total frequency of one or several micro-organisms on smartphones was 100%. The predominant isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis (37.1%) and Staphylococcus aureus (37.1%). Other isolates were Klebsiella sp. (5.7%) and Escherichia coli (2.9%). No significant association was found between smartphone contamination and gender, age group, educational level, phone sharing, presence of scratches, use of front cover, and regular cleaning of smartphones.
Conclusion: The study indicated that smartphones used by students are a vehicle for several microorganisms. According to the findings of this study, smartphones have the potential to act as a mode of transportation for various micro-organisms.
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):108-114
Coincidental detection of polymicrobial growth in the environment of an outpatient department of ophthalmology
Authors: Nishant Prateek , Kumar Roshan , Sinha Sony
Published: February 2025

Abstract Not Available
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):228-229
Public Health Strategy of Tuberculosis in Bangladesh: A Review Update
Authors: Mary Rabeya Mashferat , Hasan Jahid
Published: February 2025

Tuberculosis is a major public health concern in Bangladesh. Government struggles financially to establish treatment centers despite getting financial aids from NGOs. The high number of tuberculosis deaths in Bangladesh results from delays in the treatment process. Increased funding to allow the purchase of more drugs is a vital requirement to be facilitated by the Government of Bangladesh treasury. Strong-collaboration with WHO and international NGOs offering to help the TB incidences treatment in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):160-165
In-silico and in-vitro Antibacterial Activity and GC-MS Analysis of Anogeissus acuminata Leaf Extract with Host Toxicity Testing
Authors: Prusty J Bikrant Kumar , Mishra Monali Priyadarsini , Padhy Rabindra Nath
Published: February 2025

Background: Anogeissus acuminata leaf extract is utilized in the different purposes.
Objective: Antibacterial activity of organic solvent fractions of crude leaf extract of Anogeissus acuminata was used against multidrug-resistant strains of 9 pathogenic bacteria isolated from urine samples of patients with urinary tract infections.
Methodology: The n-butanol fraction revealed effective control over pathogens, and the zone size was 21 mm as a measure of antibacterial activity against Proteus mirabilis. The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis indicated the presence of 15 phyto-compounds with docking score values -5 to -7 kcal/mol in a molecular docking attempt against β-lactamase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Results: The isolated chemicals, conocarpan and dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol, had comparatively effective docking scores, -10.908 and -10.081 kcal/mol, respectively. In toxicity testing, the experimental minimum inhibitory concentration value was 600 mg/L, and the computed lethal concentration25 value was 1698.24 mg/L during cytotoxicity assay; it was observed that comet was not found in the cells treated leaf extract.
Conclusion: The isolated compounds conocarpan and dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol achieved successful docking scores against -lactamase in the molecular docking attempt. When the leaf extract was seen using lymphocytes grown from UCB, it was determined that it had no host toxicity.
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):93-101
Expediting the preparation against the next pandemic: Disease X
Authors: Roney Miah , Mohd Aluwi Mohd Fadhlizil Fasihi
Published: February 2025

Abstract not Available
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):230-232
Salmonella Paratyphi A causing Endocarditis: A rare encounter
Authors: Bal Harshvir , Chawla Aadya , Shetty Aakanksha , Sinan Mohammad , Achappa Basavaprabhu
Published: February 2025

With the trends of emerging paratyphi infections, especially in South Asia, the increase in the incidence of its rarer manifestations is around the corner. Here, we describe the case of Paratyphoid Endocarditis in a 55-year-old man, presenting to the ER with fever, vomiting, and aortic murmur, the subsequent diagnostic workup, and the treatment plan. The rarity of the disease has led to a scarcity of knowledge about the appropriate course of treatment, particularly whether surgery is required. Furthermore, a broader community-level strategy, such as the development of vaccines including the paratyphi strains, and measures to disrupt the modalities of disease transmission are required to curb the morbidity and mortality of Salmonella paratyphi.
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):214-216
Fixed Drug Eruption Likely Triggered by Antitubercular Drugs During Tuberculosis Treatment: A Case Report
Authors: Jha Ambika Nand , Gaikwad Varsha Ratan
Published: February 2025

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, contributing significantly to mortality rates around the world. Treatment with anti-TB first line drug can frequently lead to side effects Hepatotoxicity, GI Discomfort & skin rashes but the severe skin reaction are uncommon. A 38-year-old male patient presented to a private clinic with concerns about painful, fluid-filled skin lesions that were also causing significant itching. These symptoms began to manifest 7 weeks following the initiation of anti-tubercular treatment (ATT). The patient sought medical attention due to the persistent and distressing nature of these skin issues, which had become a prominent concern alongside his ongoing treatment regimen. The presentation of these symptoms raised the possibility of a drug-induced reaction, necessitating a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate management of his condition. Fixed drug eruptions can be linked to various medications. But there were limited literature available about ATT induce fixed drug eruptions It is important to remain vigilant for such reactions during anti-tubercular therapy (ATT), as current attention is primarily on hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. We should also include this type of reaction in our clinical evaluations to ensure a comprehensive assessment of potential adverse effects.
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):209-213
Role of Sequencing in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Surveillance: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Moureen Adneen
Published: February 2025

Abstract Not Available
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):86-87
Sociodemographic Characteristics and Clinical Profiles of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Patients attended at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Firoza , Khaled Md. Saifuddin , Akhter Farida , Khan Md Jahangir , Yusuf Md. Abdullah
Published: February 2025

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) can occur with varied sociodemographic and clinical presentations.
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the sociodemographic characteristics and clinical profiles of chronic suppurative otitis media patients.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried in the Department of Microbiology in collaboration with the Department of ENT at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet, Bangladesh from July 2017 to June 2018 for a period of one year. In this study, aural swab was taken from patients presented with CSOM. The details of sociodemographic characteristics and clinical profiles of chronic suppurative otitis media patients were recorded in a predesigned data sheet.
Results: The mean age of the patients with bacteriological growth was 25.27±­15.72 years and the peak incidence of growth was observed in the age group between 11 to 20 years. Sex wise distribution of the patients with bacteriological growth were 23.8% males and 76.2% females.
Conclusion: In conclusion young age females are commonly infected with chronic suppurative otitis media.
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):88-92
A Scoping Review to Explore Monkeypox Investigation Research in Bangladesh
Authors: Miraz Aiman Hossan , Trisha Samina Yesmin , Hossen Md. Shafiul
Published: February 2025

This scoping review conducted a thorough search of electronic databases and original articles to compile the results of researches on monkeypox investigation in Bangladesh in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and practices; epidemiology; and prevention and treatment. The final analysis included 12 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines served as the basis for data extraction. All included articles were retrieved from PubMed, BanglaJOL, Google Scholar, Embase, Web Sciences, Cochrane Library and other databases up to October, 2024. The present study found a good knowledge of monkeypox in the Bangladeshi nurses and a moderate in the university students, respectively. Besides, a positive attitude towards monkeypox was identified in nurses, students and general public. Doctors were more optimistic about the prevention of this outbreak. A high level of vaccine perception in the Bangladeshi adult male population was also observed. Vaccine and antiviral development are the central to the ongoing research efforts aimed at combating monkeypox. Bangladeshi researchers identified specific B and T cell epitopes on the monkeypox virus's surface proteins that may serve as potential targets for vaccine formulation. Understanding public perception and intention regarding vaccination is crucial for the success of vaccination campaigns. It is essential to highlight the significance of improved surveillance, healthcare worker safety, and public health initiatives in order to reduce the hazards. Therefore, it is urgent to undertake several preventive measures to reduce the mpox infection.
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):196-204
A Proposed Gender Equality Framework for Female Engineering Students in South Africa: Phase One
Authors: Lourens Ann Sharon , Mapaling Curwyn , Truter Nicole
Published: February 2025

Worldwide, women are under-represented in traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering and in academia. In Europe, initiatives such as Athena Swan have been implemented so that universities can formally commit to gender equality. The Systemic Action for Gender Equity (SAGE) is another European Charter which implements interventions to advance gender equality in seven European universities, supporting structural, cultural and political change to eradicate sexism, bias and discrimination. Progressive gender equality policies and equity clauses have been enacted in some African countries including South Africa and Kenya. However, gender skewing is still prevalent in universities in terms of throughput, completion rates, study areas and postgraduate enrolment. This research proposes the development of a gender equality framework for a South African university by reviewing literature on gender mainstreaming, gender equality frameworks and gender analysis including the South African gender context and women in academia, particularly, the attraction and retention of women in engineering fields. Based on the literature study, a gender equality framework process comprising of four phases was proposed to obtain baseline information regarding the current state of gender equality strategies within engineering fields using gender analysis as well as manufacturing and university sector status quos. A gender quality framework is then proposed to support the inclusion and retention of gender diverse communities. The proposed gender equality framework for universities could contribute to retaining women in male-dominated fields as well as highlighting discrimination and inequality practices in policies and processes, culture and the classroom. This equality framework is vital to attract, retain and support women in traditionally-male dominated fields such as engineering.
Comparative Profiles of Pull and Push Factors of Albanian Emigration
Authors: Jenishaj (Agastra) Anisa
Published: February 2025

Unmet needs push emigration from the country of origin. New opportunities attract immigration to the host country. In this paper, the goal is to evaluate and compare the push and pull factors that have encouraged the emigration of Albanian citizens abroad over the years. It is used qualitative method and it is carried out literature research to answer the research question "Why do Albanians make the decision to emigrate through years?" It turned out that the main driving factors of Albanian emigration are: poverty, unemployment, lack of security and better opportunities for living and education. The main attractive factors are better opportunities and standards of employment, payment, education and living. Over the years, 'economic factors' have been replaced by 'best opportunities'. The profile of Albanian emigrants has changed from ‘emigrants in black’, not very qualified and not very educated, to those who are regular, qualified and well educated.The desire of educated and qualified Albanians to emigrate has increased. The high figures of potential migration remain constant. The findings help to assess the needs of Albanians, to design policies and measures for not abandoning their country, and to improve policies for the inclusiveness of Albanian emigrants in the host countries.
ANALISIS DISTRIBUSI MINAT MAHASISWA PADA KONSENTRASI INFORMATIKA MENGGUNAKAN PENDEKATAN DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING
Authors: Mahardika Fathoni , Supriadi Fidi , Guntara Agun
Published: February 2025

In the digital era, higher education institutions face the challenge of aligning the curriculum with the dynamic demands of the industry. This research aims to identify patterns of student interest in choosing specialization concentrations in the Informatics Study Program (S1), Universitas Sebelas April, using a data-driven decision-making approach. The study involved 133 5th semester students out of a total population of 500 students in the Computer Science program at Sebelas April University. The respondents were selected because they were at the relevant stage of study to determine the specialization concentration, the results of which provide important recommendations for curriculum optimization and resource allocation.Student specialization survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, data visualization, and trend analysis to provide data-driven insights to support more efficient academic planning. The results showed that the concentration of "Computer Science, Software, and Intelligent Systems" was more desirable than "System Security and Computer Networks".
DESIGN OF CONTROL SYSTEM AND TEMPERATURE IN COFFEE DRYER ARDUINO BASED AUTOMATIC USING FUZZY
Authors: Siregar Ratu Mutiara , Mulyara Budi , Dian Rahmad , Maisarah Maisarah , Pane Muhammad Akbar Syahbana , Prayogi Andi
Published: February 2025

The coffee bean drying process is a crucial stage in ensuring the final quality of coffee products. Conventional drying methods, which rely on sunlight, face several challenges, such as dependence on weather conditions and prolonged drying times. This study proposes the design of a control and temperature system for an automatic coffee dryer based on the Arduino Mega 2560, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and consistency of the drying process. The system utilizes a semi-enclosed drying technology equipped with DHT22 temperature and humidity sensors, controlled by Arduino-Uno and Fuzzy Logic. This control system monitors temperature and humidity in real-time, maintaining the drying conditions at 55°C and 15% RH. If the temperature or humidity exceeds the set limits, the system activates an LED and buzzer alarm, indicating that the drying process has reached optimal conditions. The prototype was tested under various conditions, and the results demonstrate that the system has a high accuracy level in controlling temperature and humidity, significantly accelerating the drying process compared to traditional methods. By implementing this technology, the coffee industry in Indonesia is expected to achieve the Coffee Drying Operational Standards in accordance with SNI, maintain flavor quality, optimize the use of drying land, and reduce drying duration. This development offers an innovative solution that can enhance the quality and productivity of coffee processing, providing significant economic benefits to farmers and coffee industry stakeholders.
Reading Tommy Orange's There There as Crime Fiction: Identity and the Poetry of Urban Life
Authors: Hatch Laurie Camp
Published: February 2025

This essay examines Tommy Orange's novel There There through the lens of crime fiction, proposing that reading the novel as a mirrored or reversed crime plot allows for a unique exploration of Indigenous identity in urban spaces. The author argues that Orange's portrayal of the city of Oakland defies traditional crime fiction tropes and challenges the notion that urban landscapes can reliably represent and reconstruct history. The essay analyses the novel's use of mirrored images, its subversion of detective figures like Tony Loneman, and its portrayal of blood as an unreliable marker of identity. Ultimately, the essay contends that by inverting the crime fiction plot, There There directs the reader's attention towards constructing the future rather than restoring the past, offering an inversion of the satisfaction that crime fiction offers to readers.
Tinjauan Kritis Kebijakan Harga Eceran Tertinggi Minyak Goreng di Indonesia: Perspektif Surplus Konsumen dan Produsen
Authors: Hasibuan Annisa Fitri , Khaliqi Muhammad , Agustia Devi
Published: February 2025

Pasar minyak goreng di Indonesia memiliki struktur oligopoli, di mana sedikit produsen dapat mengendalikan harga, sehingga konsumen sering dirugikan oleh harga yang tinggi. Pemerintah menerapkan kebijakan Harga Eceran Tertinggi (HET) untuk menekan harga dan meningkatkan keterjangkauan minyak goreng, terutama bagi masyarakat berpenghasilan rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis dampak kebijakan HET terhadap kesejahteraan konsumen dan produsen, serta mengevaluasi efek ekonomi yang timbul akibat rigiditas harga. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif berbasis studi literatur dengan surplus konsumen dan produsen melalui kurva permintaan dan penawaran, serta Compensating variation (CV) dan equivalent variation (EV) . Hasil menunjukkan bahwa kebijakan HET meningkatkan surplus konsumen dengan menurunkan harga, tetapi secara signifikan mengurangi surplus produsen karena pembatasan harga di bawah tingkat keseimbangan pasar. Selain itu, rigiditas harga memperparah ketidakefisienan pasar, menyebabkan kelangkaan pasokan (shortage), deadweight loss, dan munculnya pasar gelap dengan harga lebih tinggi. Kebijakan HET bertujuan melindungi konsumen, dampaknya terhadap produsen dan distorsi pasar memerlukan pengawasan ketat dan strategi mitigasi untuk menjaga keseimbangan pasar dan keberlanjutan sektor minyak goreng di Indonesia.
Малые и средние города: история и современные проблемы. Этнографические очерки (К 100-летию М.Н. Шмелевой)
Authors: Дубова Н.А.
Published: February 2025

Книга включает очерки, посвященные исследованию различных аспектов городской этнографии. Основу ее составили материалы, в большинстве случаев базирующиеся на оригинальных полевых материалах авторов и представленные на Всероссийской конференции с международным участием в марте 2023 г., посвященной 100-летию известного отечественного этнографа, пионера этнографии города Маргариты Николаевны Шмелевой. Издание, кроме предисловия с краткой информацией о конференции и биографического очерка о юбиляре, включает четыре раздела: история и облик города в прошлом; религиозная жизнь в городе; современная культура и образ города, а также городские субкультуры.
The association between features of epicardial adipose tissue and the risks of early recurrence after catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Feng Leiyu , Li Liming , Bai Linpeng , Tang Li , Zhao Yintao , Zhao Xiaoyan
Published: February 2025

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) remodeling is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is limited research on the contribution of EAT to the risk of AF recurrence (AFR). The purpose of this research was to assess the relationship between the risk of AFR after radiofrequency catheter ablation and the volume and attenuation of the EAT.

Methods

We included a total of 123 consecutive individuals who received AF ablation, 31 of whom suffered AFR. The volume and mean density of the whole-heart and periatrial EAT were measured on computed tomography images using four attenuation ranges. The clinical, atrial, and EAT characteristics of patients with and without AFR were compared. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors and to build a model to predict recurrence. The relationship between EAT characteristics and recurrence was analyzed for the subtypes of AF.

Results

The AFR group had a larger left atrial anteroposterior diameter (47.4 ± 7.4 vs. 43.7 ± 8.0 mm), left–right diameter (78.6 ± 7.9 vs. 74.7 ± 9.1 mm), and volume (145.9 vs. 127.0 mL) than the non-recurrence group (P = 0.021, 0.037, 0.015, respectively). The total EAT volume in the AFR group was significantly larger than that in the non-recurrence group, for both the overall and persistent AF groups (all P < 0.1). The periatrial EAT volume of the AFR group was significantly larger than that of the non-recurrence group for those with persistent AF (P = 0.047, 0.048, 0.048, 0.031 for four attenuation ranges). The total EAT volume and left atrial anteroposterior diameter were independent risk factors for AFR (P = 0.035, 0.045, respectively).

Conclusion

The EAT volume and left atrial anteroposterior diameter were of great significance in predicting AFR.
Case Report: Percoronary device occlusion of right coronary artery fistula into left ventricle in an infant
Authors: Sun Shi-Bin , Pai Run-Tian , Wang Heng-Bao , Farhaj Zeeshan , Xiao Yilei , Hongxin Li
Published: February 2025

A 4-month-old male infant (weight 6 kg, height 67 cm) with heart failure was diagnosed with an isolated 8.9 mm right coronary artery fistula draining into the left ventricle (LV), identified via transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography angiography. The large, tortuous, and aneurysmal fistula was treated using a minimally invasive percoronary approach, avoiding the high risks of surgery and the challenges of percutaneous closure. A 10 mm muscular ventricular septal occluder was deployed successfully. At 3 months, imaging showed reduced LV size, excellent device positioning, and complete fistula occlusion without thrombus formation. By 6 months, optimal remodeling was confirmed. Over 10 years of follow-up, the patient’s troponin I levels and electrocardiograms remained normal, with no ST-T abnormalities.
Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in lung cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic targeting
Authors: Qiang Min , Chen Zhe , Liu Hongyang , Dong Junxue , Gong Kejian , Zhang Xinjun , Huo Peng , Zhu Jingjun , Shao Yifeng , Ma Jinazun , Zhang Bowei , Liu Wei , Tang Mingbo
Published: February 2025

Owing to its high mortality rate, lung cancer (LC) remains the most common cancer worldwide, with the highest malignancy diagnosis rate. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling (PAM) pathway is a critical intracellular pathway involved in various cellular functions and regulates numerous cellular processes, including growth, survival, proliferation, metabolism, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. This review aims to highlight preclinical and clinical studies focusing on the PAM signaling pathway in LC and underscore the potential of natural products targeting it. Additionally, this review synthesizes the existing literature and discusses combination therapy and future directions for LC treatment while acknowledging the ongoing challenges in the field. Continuous development of novel therapeutic agents, technologies, and precision medicine offers an increasingly optimistic outlook for the treatment of LC.
Exploring public attitudes of continuing care retirement communities in China: a sentiment analysis of China’s social media Weibo
Authors: Wang Xuechun , Xia Bo , Chen Qing , Skitmore Martin , Liu Huiming
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The traditional family responsibility system faces challenges as China undergoes rapid demographic shifts with an increasingly older population. Recognizing the potential of market-driven senior care, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) have emerged as a significant alternative. However, cultural stigmas and concerns about the quality, services, and health of older adults in these facilities raise questions over their broad acceptance.

Methods

This study examines public sentiment toward CCRCs through sentiment analysis of 1,027,295 pre-processed Weibo posts. Utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP) combined with fine-grained sentiment analysis and the Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency algorithm, the attitudes and emotions reflected in each data point are analyzed, identifying key contributing factors, and exploring the underlying reasons.

Results and discussion

The results reveal a predominantly positive sentiment toward CCRCs, emphasizing factors such as the living environment and government involvement. However, areas of concern, such as potential fraud and health and safety issues, remain. These findings both shed light on the public’s acceptance or resistance to CCRCs for stakeholders and highlight the potential of social media analysis in shaping older people’s care perceptions in today’s China.
Working from home and health complaints: on the difference between telework and informal overtime at home
Authors: Mergener Alexandra , Stawarz Nico , Rüger Heiko , Laß Inga
Published: February 2025

Background

With the increase in the prevalence of working from home (WFH), understanding its impact on health has become more relevant. However, the possibility that health effects may depend on the specific WFH arrangement has largely been ignored in research.

Objective

The aim of this study is to offer a differentiated view of WFH by distinguishing between informal overtime at home and telework during recognized working time when assessing its associations with mental and physical health complaints. Moreover, the extent of telework is considered. The study also differentiates the group of WFH non-users by distinguishing between voluntary non-use and employer-directed non-use.

Methods

We apply OLS regression models with clustered standard errors by occupation to probability-based survey data that is representative of employees in Germany. The analytical sample was restricted to employees whose job tasks could be performed at home (N = 10,365).

Results

Compared to employer-directed non-users, working informal overtime at home is associated with more mental health complaints, while telework is associated with fewer mental and physical health complaints. However, the beneficial association between recognized telework and mental health only applies to employees with relatively small extents of telework. At higher extents of telework, the mental health advantages disappear, while those for physical health tend to remain.

Conclusion

This study suggests that a nuanced look at patterns of use and non-use of WFH is essential when gauging its impact on health.
Case Report: Synovial chondromatosis in sport climbers fingers
Authors: Becker Helmut , Iruretagoiena-Urbieta Xeber , Schöffl Volker
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Sport Climbing is a rapidly developing sport with an increasing variety and number of injuries, especially now that it is an Olympic event. The objective of this study is to firstly report the presence of Finger Synovial Chondromatosis (FSC) found in the fingers of climbers. Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition and particularly rare in the hands and fingers.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated all climbers with finger injuries presenting in 2022 for the presence of FSC in the finger joints. 13 patients in this case series were included with complaints of finger pain for more than 6 weeks. The study was performed in our Sports Medical Centre in Bamberg, Germany. The diagnosis was made based on in person clinical assessment, ultrasound examination and additional radiological findings (e.g., x-ray, CT, MRI) as applicable.

Results

We detected 13 male climbers with FSC with experience ranging from intermediate to elite level. 77% (10/13) of the patients did not complain of any symptoms of the FSC and presented with other diagnoses (e.g.pulley rupture, tenosynovitis) and the finding of FSC was just an additional finding. In 12 subjects FSC was found in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and one in the metacarpo-pahalangeal (MCP) joint and distributed as follows: right (R) side 69%, left (L) side 38%, considering 15% in both hands. The prevalence corresponded to the digits are as follows: D2 15%, D3 77%, and D4 15%.

Discussion

With the rapid development in sport climbing there has been a rise in the intensity, volume and variety of training, which may be the key factors contributing to the spectrum of injuries associated with climbing. Hand and finger climbing related injuries are well documented, however the incidental discovery of this rare condition warrants its inclusion as another differential diagnosis in the spectrum of climbing related pathologies. At the moment, not enough is understood about FSC and its long-term consequences therefore further analysis is warranted for future studies.
Investigation of the Thermal Vibration Behavior of an Orthogonal Woven Composite Nozzle Based on RVE Analysis
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Xiaoniu , Fan Congze , Song Wenzhe , Chen Yiwei , Jin Yufeng , Han Xiaobo , Zheng Jinghua
Published: February 2025

Carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, known for their high specific stiffness, specific strength, and toughness are one of the primary materials used for composite nozzles in aerospace industries. The high temperature vibration behaviors of the composite nozzles, especially those that withstand internal pressures, are key to affecting their dynamic response and even failure during the service. This study investigates the changes in frequencies and the vibrational modes of the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy nozzles, focusing on a three-dimensional (3D) orthogonal woven composite, with high internal temperatures from 25 °C to 300 °C and non-uniform internal pressures, up to 5.4 MPa. By considering the temperature-sensitive parameters, including Young’s modulus, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion coefficients, which are derived from a self-built representative volume element (RVE), the intrinsic frequencies and vibrational modes in composite nozzles were examined. Findings reveal that 2 nodal diameter (ND) and 3ND modes are influenced by Exx and Eyy while bending and torsion modes are predominantly affected by shear modulus. Temperature and internal pressure exhibit opposite effects on the modal frequencies. When the inner wall temperature rises from 25 °C to 300 °C, 2ND and 3ND frequencies decrease by an average of 30.39%, while bending and torsion frequencies decline by an average of 54.80%, primarily attributed to the decline modulus. Modal shifts were observed at ~150 °C, where the bending mode shifts to the 1st-order mode. More importantly, introducing non-uniform internal pressures induces the increase in nozzle stiffening in the xy-plane, leading to an apparent increase in the average 2ND and 3ND frequencies by 17.89% and 7.96%, while negligible changes in the bending and torsional frequencies. The temperature where the modal shifts were reduced to ~50 °C. The research performed in this work offers crucial insights for assessing the vibration life and safety design of hypersonic flight vehicles exposed to high-temperature thermal vibrations.
Microbial Inoculation Is Crucial for Endocarp Opening of Panax ginseng Seeds in Warm Indoor Stratification
Authors: Kim Haenghoon
Published: February 2025

Panax ginseng Meyer is one of the most popular traditional medicinal plants in Korea. Since ginseng seeds are morpho-physiologically dormant and have a very short lifespan, the harvested seeds need outdoor warm and cold stratification for 100 days each. The seeds were covered by a fruit coat (endocarp), which opened during warm stratification. Farmers must, therefore, dehisce (open the endocarp) seeds annually. The conditions for embryo growth, dehiscence percentage, and endocarp hardness were temperature, watering, stratification substances, solution scarification, and microbial inoculation of the seed endocarp. Watering, temperature (17.5 °C), and aeration are crucial for embryo growth as a germination condition. Moreover, microbial-mediated endocarp decomposition is necessary for dehiscence and embryonic development. This study suggests that a combination of embryo growth and microbial-mediated decomposition of the endocarp during warm stratification is a prerequisite for the dehiscence of ginseng seeds, implying physical and morpho-physiological dormancy. Any microbes (fungi, actinomycetes, and bacteria) tested with high or low cellulose-decomposing ability increased the dehiscence percentage by 66% compared to the untreated control. Seeds of three varieties of P. ginseng and one variety of P. quinquefolius were successfully dehisced by fungal inoculation of seeds. This approach opens the door for year-round indoor dehiscence of ginseng seeds without substrates, such as sand.
Integrated Convolution and Attention Enhancement-You Only Look Once: A Lightweight Model for False Estrus and Estrus Detection in Sows Using Small-Target Vulva Detection
Authors: Duan Yongpeng , Yang Yazhi , Cao Yue , Wang Xuan , Cao Riliang , Hu Guangying , Liu Zhenyu
Published: February 2025

Accurate estrus detection and optimal insemination timing are crucial for improving sow productivity and enhancing farm profitability in intensive pig farming. However, sows’ estrus typically lasts only 48.4 ± 1.0 h, and interference from false estrus further complicates detection. This study proposes an enhanced YOLOv8 model, Integrated Convolution and Attention Enhancement (ICAE), for vulvar detection to identify the estrus stages. This model innovatively divides estrus into three phases (pre-estrus, estrus, and post-estrus) and distinguishes five different estrus states, including pseudo-estrus. ICAE-YOLO integrates the Convolution and Attention Fusion Module (CAFM) and Dual Dynamic Token Mixing (DDTM) for improved feature extraction, Dilation-wise Residual (DWR) for expanding the receptive field, and Focaler-Intersection over Union (Focaler-IoU) for boosting the performance across various detection tasks. To validate the model, it was trained and tested on a dataset of 6402 sow estrus images and compared with YOLOv8n, YOLOv5n, YOLOv7tiny, YOLOv9t, YOLOv10n, YOLOv11n, and the Faster R-CNN. The results show that ICAE-YOLO achieves an mAP of 93.4%, an F1-Score of 92.0%, GFLOPs of 8.0, and a model size of 4.97 M, reaching the highest recognition accuracy among the compared models, while maintaining a good balance between model size and performance. This model enables accurate, real-time estrus monitoring in complex, all-weather farming environments, providing a foundation for automated estrus detection in intensive pig farming.
Assessment of Minimum Stable Areas for Young Ostriches According to Animal Welfare Legislation
Authors: Rückschloss Sabrina , Schüttpelz Robin N. , Korbel Rüdiger
Published: February 2025

Regarding the ongoing global development of commercial ostrich husbandry, it is necessary to establish science-based recommendations for the appropriate treatment and welfare of ostriches. In this study, we determined the minimum housing area required for ostriches aged between 6 and 15 months. The planimetry revealed that the animals in this age group cover an average area of 0.31 m2 to 0.57 m2 with their bodies. To investigate the effects of space differences, the animals were divided into three groups and kept in 2.5 m2, 5 m2, and 10 m2 of available space per animal. When comparing their weight and growth, a deficit was found in the animals that were provided with a housing area of 2.5 m2. Furthermore, the animals exhibited differences in their integument and plumage score. The ostriches with the smallest housing area showed poorer scores in the plumage and integument than the animals with more space. At the conclusion of this study, the animals were slaughtered, and their carcass weights were compared. Similarly, lower carcass weights of the animals with a 2.5 m2 barn area were observed. Prior studies have indicated that long-term stress leads to immune deficiencies associated with the inadequate development of the immune organs. However, a preliminary examination of the heart and spleen did not reveal any evidence for this. Further ethological studies are necessary to provide specific recommendations for minimum housing areas for ostriches.
Biodegradable Microplastics from Agricultural Mulch Films: Implications for Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria and Plant’s Oxidative Stress
Authors: Carneiro Bruno , Marques Paula , Lopes Tiago , Figueira Etelvina
Published: February 2025

This study explores the interactions between biodegradable (BIO) microplastics and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), assessing their effects on soil health and crop productivity. Five bacterial strains, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Kosakonia, Rhizobium, and Pseudomonas, were exposed to BIO microplastics to examine strain-specific responses. This study revealed that while most bacteria experienced growth inhibition, Kosakonia sp. O21 was poorly affected by BIO microplastics, indicating a potential for microplastic degradation. This study further investigated the effect of these microplastics on plant growth and biochemistry. Results showed that exposure to BIO microplastics significatively reduced plant growth and caused oxidative stress, affecting membranes and proteins and inducing the activity of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as antioxidant responses. Bacterial inoculation alleviated plant oxidative stress, especially at lower concentrations of microplastics. These findings emphasize the critical role of oxidative stress in mediating the negative effects of BIO microplastics on plants and the relevance of bacterial strains that can tolerate BIO microplastics to protect plants from BIO microplastics’ effects. Results also highlight the importance of extending research to assess the long-term implications of biodegradable microplastics for soil PGPBs and plant health and crop productivity. This study contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by offering insights into mitigating the risks of microplastic pollution through microbial-based interventions.
Deciphering Antioxidant Responses in Tomato Autografts
Authors: Frey Carlos , Hernández-Barriuso Andrés , Acebes José Luis , Encina Antonio
Published: February 2025

Grafting is a horticultural technique that involves a healing process that requires grafted plants to develop physiological responses to overcome oxidative stress. In this study, oxidative damage, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymatic activities were analysed in functional and non-functional tomato autografts for eight days after grafting, considering scion and rootstock tissues separately. The results showed that oxidative damage, measured as lipid peroxidation, was controlled, especially in functional grafts. Scion tissues showed significant increases in total antioxidant capacity and activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase. Non-functional grafts showed elevated levels of class III peroxidase, potentially related to defensive suberisation and lignification. Principal component analysis revealed that antioxidant activities correlated dynamically with grafting stages, highlighting their critical role in stress mitigation. These results suggest that an efficient and asymmetric antioxidant response is essential for successful graft healing in tomato plants. Furthermore, different patterns in non-functional grafts underline the importance of redox balance in determining graft success.
Origins of Ultrasensitivity and Complex Signaling Dynamics of Cellular Hydrogen Peroxide and Peroxiredoxin
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Pi Jingbo , Zhang Qiang
Published: February 2025

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a crucial role in cell signaling in response to physiological and environmental perturbations. H2O2 can oxidize typical 2-Cys peroxiredoxin (PRX) first into a sulfenic acid, which resolves into a disulfide that can be reduced by thioredoxin (TRX)/TRX reductase (TR). At high levels, H2O2 can also hyperoxidize sulfenylated PRX into a sulfinic acid that can be reduced by sulfiredoxin (SRX). Therefore, PRX, TRX, TR, and SRX (abbreviated as PTRS system here) constitute the coupled sulfenylation and sulfinylation cycle (CSSC), where certain oxidized PRX and TRX forms also function as redox signaling intermediates. Earlier studies have revealed that the PTRS system is capable of rich signaling dynamics, including linearity, ultrasensitivity/switch-like response, nonmonotonicity, circadian oscillation, and possibly, bistability. However, the origins of ultrasensitivity, which is fundamentally required for redox signal amplification, have not been adequately characterized, and their roles in enabling complex nonlinear dynamics of the PTRS system remain to be determined. Through in-depth mathematical modeling analyses, here we revealed multiple sources of ultrasensitivity that are intrinsic to the CSSC, including zero-order kinetic cycles, multistep H2O2 signaling, and a mechanism arising from diminished H2O2 removal at high PRX hyperoxidation state. The CSSC, structurally a positive feedback loop, is capable of bistability under certain parameter conditions, which requires embedding multiple sources of ultrasensitivity identified. Forming a negative feedback loop with cytosolic SRX as previously observed in energetically active cells, the mitochondrial PTRS system (where PRX3 is expressed) can produce sustained circadian oscillations through supercritical Hopf bifurcations. In conclusion, our study provided novel quantitative insights into the dynamical complexity of the PTRS system and improved appreciation of intracellular redox signaling.