bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional screen exposure and its impact on psychological well-being in toddlers
Authors: Luo Sha , Guo Wenjie , Chen Hao , Zhu Yidong , Zhu Guowei , Jia Yingnan
Published: December 2024

Objective

Previous studies have indicated a link between screen exposure and children’s mental health, but with the emergence of new screen media and a rise in screen content, uncertainties have grown. Our aim was to investigate the impact of screen use on psychological issues in 2- to 3-year-old children, considering screen time and types of screen media and content.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included participants from Shanghai, China, from February to July 2023. Screen use information was collected from children’s caregivers via online questionnaire. Psychological difficulties of children were reported by parents using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Results

Among the interviewed children, 15.9% had an average daily screen time exceeding 1 hour (h). 52.1% of them viewed inappropriate, non-child-directed screen content, 37.6% were mainly exposed to educational content, and 18.9% watched more fast-paced screen content than slow-paced content. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the use of mobile phones (β = 1.16, 95% CI: 0.14, 2.18), virtual reality (VR) devices (β = 2.57, 95% CI: 0.62, 4.53) and computers for more than 30 minutes (min) per day (β = 2.15, 95% CI: 0.99, 3.30) were related to higher SDQ difficulty scores. Watching more fast-paced (β = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.80, 2.35) and more noneducational screen content (β = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.66) were also associated with increased difficulty scores.

Conclusion

The amount of time spent using computers, mobile phones and VR devices and the proportion of exposure to noneducational content and fast-paced content were significantly associated with psychological problems among 2- to 3-year-old children.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict depression in older adults with heart disease: a national survey in China
Authors: Ding Xianghong , Shi Zijuan , Xiang Liping , Liu Qin , Wu Li , Long Qingwen , Lee Yujun
Published: December 2024

Background

Comorbid depression, frequently observed in heart disease patients, has detrimental effects on mental health and may exacerbate cardiac conditions. The objective of this study was to create and validate a risk prediction nomogram specifically for comorbid depression in older adult patients suffering from heart disease.

Methods

The 2018 data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) was analyzed and 2,110 older adult patients with heart disease aged 60 and above were included in the study. They were randomly divided in a 7:3 ratio into a training set (n = 1,477) and a validation set (n = 633). Depression symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) and the participants were categorized into depressed (n = 687) and non-depressed (n = 1,423) groups. We collected information regarding general demographics, lifestyle habits, and medical history of the included patients. LASSO regression and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors and construct the depression prediction nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to assess the model's discrimination and calibration. Decision curve analysis helped evaluate the clinical utility of the predictive nomogram.

Results

Based on the LASSO and multivariable regression analyses, education level, quality of life, sleep quality, frequency of watching TV, and history of arthritis were identified as independent risk factors for comorbid depression in the older adult heart disease patients. A nomogram model was constructed with these five independent risk factors. The nomogram showed good clinical performance with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.816 (95% CI: 0.793 to 0.839). The calibration curves and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (training set χt2 = 4.796, p = 0.760; validation set χv2 = 7.236, p = 0.511) showed its satisfactory. Clinical usefulness of the nomogram was confirmed by decision curve analysis.

Conclusions

A five-parameter nomogram for predicting depression in older adult heart disease patients was developed and validated. The nomogram demonstrated high accuracy, discrimination ability, and clinical utility in assessing the risk of depression in the older adult patients with heart disease.
A collaborative approach to advancing research and training in Public Health Data Science—challenges, opportunities, and lessons learnt
Authors: Abade Elisha , Mulugeta Wondwossen , Orowe Idah , Hailemariam Getachew , Weke Patrick , Bekele Rahel , Zaugg Isabelle , Goldsmith Jeff , Sanchez Tiffany , Berhane Kiros
Published: December 2024

The unprecedented availability of increasingly complex, voluminous, and multi-dimensional data as well as the emergence of data science as an evolving field provide ideal opportunities to address the multi-faceted public health challenges faced by low and middle income countries (LMIC), especially those in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is a severe lack of well-trained data scientists and home-grown educational programs to enable context-specific training. The lack of human capacity and resources for public health data analysis as well as the dire need to use modern technology for better understanding and possible intervention cannot be dealt with currently available educational programs and computing infrastructure, demanding a great deal of collaboration and investments within Africa and with the Global North This paper describes processes undertaken to establish sustainable research training programs and to train a new generation of data scientists with knowledge, mentoring, professional skills, and research immersion. The goal is to position them for rigorous, biomedically grounded and ethically conscious Public Health Data Science practice with a focus on Ethiopia and Kenya. The programs are realized through partnership among Columbia University (CU, USA), Addis Ababa University (AAU, Ethiopia), and the University of Nairobi (UoN, Kenya). In this paper, we describe the collaborative project named “Advancing Public Health Research in Eastern Africa through Data Science Training (APHREA-DST)” delving on its conceptualization, implementation framework and activities undertaken. We adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand the needs of the stakeholders for such educational and training programs. Through harmonized online surveys and stakeholder engagements via focus group discussions in Ethiopia and Kenya, a curriculum was developed for a masters degree program in Public Health Data Science (PHDS). Moreover, the engagement with local projects in both countries as well as active collaboration with other data science related projects in Africa under DSI-Africa consortium benefited the project to start the M. Sc. program successfully. So far, the launching of the graduate program in both countries and the two-cycle experience sharing program done at Columbia University as well as the numerous MoUs signed between partners for data sharing and internships are the major successes of the project. In this paper, we discuss in detail the challenges faced as well as the existing opportunities and lessons learnt this far in implementing this tripartite collaborative teaching and research project.
The relationship between organizational trust and voice behavior among neonatal intensive care unit nurses in tertiary A hospitals in Sichuan Province: the mediating role of career resilience
Authors: Zhang Xiujuan , Huang Xi , Hu Yanling , Chen Qiong , Zhao Xiufang
Published: December 2024

Background

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses face immense pressure, yet research on their voice behavior and the motivational mechanisms behind it is limited. Specifically, the impact of organizational trust and career resilience on this behavior has not been thoroughly explored.

Aim

This study aims to examine the relationship between organizational trust and voice behavior in NICU nurses, with career resilience acting as a mediating factor, providing empirical evidence for nursing management.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to June 2023, involving 422 neonatal nurses from tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province, China. Data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire, a voice behavior scale, an organizational trust scale, and a career resilience scale. Hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to analyze the relationships among the variables.

Results

Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that organizational trust (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) and career resilience (β = 0.45, p < 0.001) significantly predicted voice behavior. Mediation analysis using structural equation modeling confirmed that career resilience mediated the relationship between organizational trust and voice behavior, with a mediation effect of 0.340, accounting for 44.8% of the total effect. The structural model demonstrated good fit indices (CFI = 0.962, RMSEA = 0.045), indicating the robustness of the proposed model.

Conclusion

Organizational trust significantly influences NICU nurses’ voice behavior, with career resilience playing a critical mediating role. Enhancing organizational trust and fostering career resilience among NICU nurses can improve their willingness to engage in voice behavior, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes.

Implications for nursing management

Nursing managers should foster a trusting and supportive work environment to improve nurses’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment. This can be achieved by enhancing psychological empowerment and promoting positive interactions between nurses, the organization, and leadership. Such an environment helps reduce burnout and strengthens career resilience. Increased resilience enables nurses to better manage clinical pressures and challenges, elevating their career expectations and enhancing their willingness to engage in work. This, in turn, promotes innovation, active participation, and improved voice behavior, ultimately contributing to organizational success.
Growth assessment of croakers (Pseudotolithus species) in West African waters
Authors: Mahe Kelig , Ekperusi Abraham O. , Diouf Khady , Munschy Catherine , Aminot Yann , Andrialovanirina Nicolas , Dussuel Antoine , Diop Mamadou
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The genus Pseudotolithus, commonly called croaker, is represented by the three main species found in West African waters.

Methods

In total, 934 individuals were sampled in 8 locations in Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria. Several tests identified using sectioned otolith as the best method for determining the croakers' age. The marginal increment analysis validated the age data.

Results

The relationship between total length and total weight was significant for all species. This relationship is significantly different according to the geographical area. There was significant sexual dimorphism in P. senegalensis and P. typus, and the reproduction period presented a significant effect on the body length-weight relationship of P. senegalensis. The von Bertalanffy growth model constrained by t0 = 0 was the best fit for the observed age data from the three species in the sampled countries. The asymptotic length TL∞ was estimated from 26.6 cm for P. elongatus on the Nigerian coast to 42.2 cm for P. senegalensis on the Senegalese coast. The growth rate K ranged from 0.58 for P. senegalensis to 1.12 for P. typus.

Discussion

The growth was significantly different among the three sampled countries for P. senegalensis. Conversely, there was no significant difference of growth between specimens of P. typus from Nigeria and Ghana. Finally, there was no significant sexual dimorphism in the growth of P. senegalensis in Senegalese waters. This new information on the biology of these three croaker species is essential for the future assessment and management of these commercial species in West African waters.
An overview of the literature on assistance dogs using text mining and topic analysis
Authors: Bassan Emma , Mair Alberto , De Santis Marta , Bugianelli Massimo , Loretti Enrico , Capecci Alessio , Mutinelli Franco , Contalbrigo Laura
Published: December 2024

It is said that dogs are human's best friend. On occasion, dogs can be raised and trained to provide additional specific benefits to humans suffering from a range of physical or mental conditions, working as assistance dogs. In this article, we employed innovative techniques to review the vast and constantly expanding literature on the subject, which covers a multitude of aspects. The 450 articles obtained through keyword search on Scopus were initially described in terms of year of publication, geographical context and publication destination, and were subsequently analysed through automated text mining to detect the most important words contained within them. Lastly, a generative model of topic analysis (Latent Dirichlet Allocation—LDA) described the content of the collection of documents, dividing it into the appropriate number of topics. The results yielded interesting insights across all domains, demonstrating the potential of automated text mining and topic analysis as a useful tool to support the researchers in dealing with complex and time-consuming subjects' reviews, integrating the work done with traditional reviewing methods.
A 15-Year Observational Cohort of Acute Empyema at a Single-Center in Japan
Authors: Asai Nobuhiro , Ohashi Wataru , Shibata Yuichi , Sakanashi Daisuke , Kato Hideo , Hagihara Mao , Suematsu Hiroyuki , Mikamo Hiroshige
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Despite the advancements in diagnostic methods and antibiotic treatment, empyema is a critical respiratory infection, showing a high mortality rate of 10–25%. Patients and Methods: To evaluate the bacterial etiology and prognostic factors of acute empyema, we conducted this long-term retrospective cohort study at our institute between 2008 and 2022. Results: A total of 80 patients were enrolled in this cohort. The median age was 72 years (range 19 to 93 years), and 61 (76%) were male. The most common underlying disease was malignancy, seen in 28 (35%). The mean Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was 2.7 (±2.4). The 30-day and in-hospital mortality were 9 (11%) and 15 (19%), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that healthcare-associated infection, inappropriate treatment, high CCI score, performance status (PS) of 2–4, and isolation of potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens were poor prognostic factors. Finally, multivariate analysis showed that high CCI score (p = 0.009) and isolation of PDR pathogens (p = 0.011) were independent poor prognostic factors for in-hospital death in acute empyema. Conclusions: We found that higher CCI scores and isolation of PDR pathogens were independent poor prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality among empyema patients.
On Non-Linear Differential Systems with Mixed Boundary Conditions
Authors: Rontó Miklós
Published: December 2024

For the constructive analysis of locally Lipschitzian system of non-linear differential equations with mixed periodic and two-point non-linear boundary conditions, a numerical-analytic approach is developed, which allows one to study the solvability and construct approximations to the solution. The values of the unknown solution at the two extreme points of the given interval are considered as vector parameters whose dimension is the same as the dimension of the given differential equation. The original problem can be reduced to two auxiliary ones, with simple separable boundary conditions. To study these problems, we introduce two different types of parametrized successive approximations in analytic form. To prove the uniform convergence of these series, we use the appropriate technique to see that they form Cauchy sequences in the corresponding Banach spaces. The two parametrized limit functions and the given boundary conditions generate a system of algebraic equations of suitable dimensions, the so-called system of determining equations, which give the numerical values of the introduced unknown parameters. We prove that the system of determining equations define all possible solutions of the given boundary value problems in the domain of definition. We established also the existence of the solution based on the approximate determining system, which can always be produced in practice. The theory was presented in detail in the case of a system of differential equations consisting of two equations and having two different solutions.
Robust Automated Mouse Micro-CT Segmentation Using Swin UNEt TRansformers
Authors: Jiang Lu , Xu Di , Xu Qifan , Chatziioannou Arion , Iwamoto Keisuke S. , Hui Susanta , Sheng Ke
Published: December 2024

Image-guided mouse irradiation is essential to understand interventions involving radiation prior to human studies. Our objective is to employ Swin UNEt TRansformers (Swin UNETR) to segment native micro-CT and contrast-enhanced micro-CT scans and benchmark the results against 3D no-new-Net (nnU-Net). Swin UNETR reformulates mouse organ segmentation as a sequence-to-sequence prediction task using a hierarchical Swin Transformer encoder to extract features at five resolution levels, and it connects to a Fully Convolutional Neural Network (FCNN)-based decoder via skip connections. The models were trained and evaluated on open datasets, with data separation based on individual mice. Further evaluation on an external mouse dataset acquired on a different micro-CT with lower kVp and higher imaging noise was also employed to assess model robustness and generalizability. The results indicate that Swin UNETR consistently outperforms nnU-Net and AIMOS in terms of the average dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and the Hausdorff distance (HD95p), except in two mice for intestine contouring. This superior performance is especially evident in the external dataset, confirming the model’s robustness to variations in imaging conditions, including noise and quality, and thereby positioning Swin UNETR as a highly generalizable and efficient tool for automated contouring in pre-clinical workflows.
Updates on Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells in Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Saleh Khalil , Khalife Nadine , Arbab Ahmadreza , Khoury Rita , Chahine Claude , Ibrahim Rebecca , Tikriti Zamzam , Masri Nohad , Hachem Mohamad , Le Cesne Axel
Published: December 2024

CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells have changed the treatment paradigm of patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). Three CAR T-cells were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with relapsed and/or refractory (R/R) LBCL in the third-line setting: tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel), axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel), and lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel), with an ORR ranging from 58% to 82%. More recently, axi-cel and liso-cel were approved as second-line treatments for patients with R/R disease up to 12 months after the completion of first-line chemo-immunotherapy. The safety profile was acceptable with cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome being the two most frequent acute adverse events. Potential long-term toxicities of CD19-targeting CAR T-cells have also been described. Overall, 30% to 40% of patients are cured with a single infusion of CAR T-cells. However, 60% to 70% of patients relapse after being treated with CAR T-cells and have a dismal prognosis. The advent of bispecific antibodies (BsAb) offers an additional treatment modality for patients with R/R LBCL. The aim of this review is to describe the clinical efficacy of the three CAR T-cells, as well as their safety profile. We also compare these three CAR T-cells in terms of their efficacy and safety profile as well as evaluating the place of CAR T-cells and BsAb in the treatment arsenal of patients with R/R LBCL.
Sodium Phenylbutyrate Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Through Inhibition of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4
Authors: Oh Chang Joo , Choi Wooyoung , Lee Ha Young , Lee In-Kyu , Kim Min-Ji , Jeon Jae-Han
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Cisplatin nephrotoxicity is a significant clinical issue, and currently, no approved drug exists to prevent cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). This study investigated whether sodium phenylbutyrate (4-PBA), a chemical chaperone, can prevent cisplatin-induced AKI. Methods: Six consecutive days of intraperitoneal injections of 4-PBA were administered in a murine model before and after the cisplatin challenge. This study evaluated tubular injury, serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, and inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Additionally, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption ratio, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed in renal tubular cells. The expression levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (Pdk4) were also analyzed. Results: 4-PBA prevented tubular injury and normalized serum BUN and creatinine levels. Inflammatory markers TNF-α and ICAM-1 were suppressed. In renal tubular cells, 4-PBA reduced apoptosis, restored mitochondrial membrane potential and oxygen consumption ratio, and reduced ROS production. Mechanistically, 4-PBA suppressed the expression of Pdk4, which is known to be induced during cisplatin-induced renal injury. The protective effect of 4-PBA was abolished in Pdk4-overexpressing renal tubular cells, indicating that the efficacy of 4-PBA partially depends on the suppression of Pdk4 expression. In cancer cells, 4-PBA did not interfere with the anti-cancer efficacy of cisplatin. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 4-PBA effectively prevents cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by suppressing Pdk4.
Comparing Polymerization Shrinkage Measurement Methods for Universal Shade Flowable Resin-Based Composites
Authors: Maesako Mayumi , Fischer Nicholas G. , Matsui Nagisa , Elgreatly Amira , Mahrous Ahmad , Tsujimoto Akimasa
Published: December 2024

Universal shade flowable composites have been introduced to mimic tooth structure with reduced color mismatch and reduced chair time and cost. However, the polymerization shrinkage of resin material may lead to sensitivity and restoration failure. The purpose of this study was to compare the polymerization shrinkage of recently introduced universal shade flowable resin-based composites using both wet and dry density methods. Using two measurement methods, ISO 17304 (wet method) and a gas displacement pycnometry system (dry method), the density of the unpolymerized and the polymerized RBCs were measured, and the polymerization shrinkage was calculated from the density difference. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize filler particles. The polymerization shrinkage showed significant differences between many materials. In particular, Bulk Base HARD II Medium Flow showed significantly lower polymerization shrinkage than all the other materials. Shrinkages measured by different methods were significantly different in all cases. The wet method measured a smaller shrinkage than the dry method in most cases, but the shrinkage measured for Gracefil LoFlow was larger with the wet method. Shrinkage between universal shade flowable resin-based composites significantly varied based on both material and measurement method. The polymerization shrinkage of resin-based composites is an important factor in biomimetic clinical dentistry, and work must be conducted to measure it accurately and with more standardization.
Enhancement of Microwave Dielectric Properties in Mixed-Phase Ceramics Through CuB2O4 Doping: Achieving Ultra-Low Loss and High Dielectric Constant
Authors: Chen Yuan-Bin , Xiong Siyi , Peng Jie
Published: December 2024

The microwave dielectric properties of (1−x)Ca0.6(La0.9Y0.1)0.2667TiO3-x(Nd1/2La1/2)(Mg(1+δ)1/2Ti1/2)O3 ((1−x)CYTO-xNLMTO) ceramics were investigated in this study. It was discovered that the addition of 1 wt% CuB2O4 effectively enhanced the densification and improved the microwave dielectric properties of (1−x)CYTO-xNLMTO, where δ = 0.02. The new ceramic systems of (1−x)CYTO-xNLMTO could achieve ultra-low loss and a high dielectric constant. The novel ceramic systems comprising (1−x)CYTO-xNLMTO exhibited remarkably low loss and a significantly high dielectric constant.
Chemical and Vibrational Criteria for Identifying Early Sèvres Factory Porcelain Productions
Authors: Colomban Philippe , Franci Gulsu Simsek , Gerken Mareike , Gironda Michele , Mesqui Viviane
Published: December 2024

Thirteen porcelains assigned to Sèvres factory productions and a few references to the other contemporary factories (Chantilly, Limoges, and Venice) have been studied on-site with a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometer in order to control the provenance attribution. Characteristic XRF signals of major elements (Si, Ca, K, Pb) and minor/trace (Au, Bi, As, Ti, Co, Cu, Zn, Ni, Y, Zr, Rb, and Sr) elements are compared for the paste, blue mark, various glazed (colored) areas, and gilding. The comparison of peak intensities clearly distinguishes different types of hard- and soft-paste porcelain, made from either similar or distinct raw materials. The analysis of transition elements associated with cobalt identifies three types of cobalt blue and reveals that du Barry-style decoration on certain artifacts was typical of 19th-century production. On-site comprehensive studies of the two famous Etruscan-style breast bowls from Rambouillet Castle dairy, using pXRF and Raman spectroscopy, confirm the use of soft-paste porcelain for the cup and hard-paste for its support, providing detailed information on the use of gold nanoparticles in the burgundy-colored decoration.
Growth Outcomes and Final Height in Children with Acquired Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cammisa Ignazio , Rigante Donato , Cipolla Clelia
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Hypothyroidism can profoundly affect growth, particularly if it insidiously arises during early childhood. Congenital hypothyroidism is now detected through newborn screening, significantly improving the overall growth outcomes of these children. Conversely, acquired hypothyroidism often results in delayed somatic growth and shorter stature, with many affected children initially remaining non-symptomatic. The main objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the impacts of acquired hypothyroidism on children’s growth outcomes. Methods: We performed a literature review to analyze growth and final height in children with acquired hypothyroidism, matching the following keywords: “hypothyroidism & growth”, “hypothyroidism & height”, “hypothyroidism & stature”, “hypothyroidism & development”, “hypothyroidism & auxological parameters”. We reviewed each article that met the eligibility criteria, and after a thorough selection, we included 16 studies. Results: Growth arrest is frequently noted as a symptom in hypothyroidic children, with substantial portions of affected children presenting below the third percentile for height. The timing of diagnosis significantly influences growth outcomes: those diagnosed during puberty tend to experience less catch-up growth due to accelerated skeletal maturation. Even if thyroxine replacement can induce rapid catch-up growth, it may be incomplete if treatment begins during puberty or if there is a markedly prolonged deficiency of thyroid hormones. While levothyroxine therapy typically results in some degree of catch-up growth, many children do not reach their expected genetic height. Conclusions: This review highlights the necessity of both early diagnosis and treatment of acquired hypothyroidism. Even if many children show improvements in height velocity post-treatment, the complete normalization of growth may remain elusive.
BDNF/Cyclin D1 Signaling System and Cognitive Performance After Perampanel and Lacosamide Treatment Singly or in Combination in an Experimental Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Shishmanova-Doseva Michaela , Barbutska Darina
Published: December 2024

Epilepsy is a common brain function disorder. The present study aims to evaluate the long-term effect of perampanel (PRM) and lacosamide (LCM), administered singly in a high-dose or in a low-dose combination of both, on comorbid anxiety, cognitive impairment, BDNF, and Cyclin D1 hippocampal expression in an experimental model of temporal lobe epilepsy with lithium–pilocarpine. PRM (3 mg/kg, p.o.)/LCM (30 mg/kg, p.o.) or PRM+LCM (0.5 mg/kg + 3 mg/kg, p.o.) treatments were administered three hours after the lithium–pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus and continued for up to ten weeks in adult Wistar rats. Our study demonstrated that perampanel and lacosamide administered singly in high doses improved epilepsy-associated cognitive impairment through ameliorating anxiety and facilitating passive learning and memory, with spatial and recognition memory measured in the elevated plus maze, step-through, Y-maze, and object recognition tests, respectively. In addition, the combination of both drugs in low doses demonstrated similar anxiolytic and cognitive-improving effects compared to the singly administered drugs. Moreover, the three experimental groups enhanced the hippocampal expression of the neurotrophic factor BDNF and mitigated the increased levels of the apoptotic factor Cyclin D1. These beneficial effects could be essential mechanisms through which administered anticonvulsants preserve neuronal survival and homeostasis in the CNS and especially in the hippocampus.
Microscopic Interactions Between Different Block Ratios of Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene and Asphalt During Their Miscibility
Authors: Deng Jinyang , Chen Yu , Cheng Ke , Xu Ning , Chang Jiaxin , Duan Gang
Published: December 2024

Styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt is widely used in the field of road construction because it helps asphalt pavements achieve good road performance. However, SBS-modified asphalt has problems of poor compatibility, leading to insufficient thermal storage stability. As a block copolymer of styrene and butadiene, the compatibility of SBS with asphalt is also influenced by its styrene-to-butadiene (S/B) ratios. To reveal the compatibility mechanisms of different S/B ratios of SBS and asphalt during system stabilization, the interactions of SBS with asphalt at the molecular level were investigated in this study. Based on the molecular dynamics simulation method, interfacial models of SBS and asphalt were constructed; the miscible process of SBS in asphalt was simulated, with the characteristics of phase structure evolution and molecular distribution being analyzed; and the binding energy of the SBS/asphalt miscible systems was calculated. The results show that a higher butadiene content benefits the miscibility of SBS in asphalt and that the S/B ratios affect the interaction of SBS with asphalt and its components. SBS with a 3:7 ratio of styrene to butadiene exhibits stronger adsorption with the resin component and has the highest binding energy and best compatibility with asphalt. The findings contribute to the understanding of the miscibility and compatibility mechanisms between different S/B ratios of SBS and asphalt.
Numerical Determination of a Time-Dependent Boundary Condition for a Pseudoparabolic Equation from Integral Observation
Authors: Koleva Miglena N. , Vulkov Lubin G.
Published: December 2024

The third-order pseudoparabolic equations represent models of filtration, the movement of moisture and salts in soils, heat and mass transfer, etc. Such non-classical equations are often referred to as Sobolev-type equations. We consider an inverse problem for identifying an unknown time-dependent boundary condition in a two-dimensional linear pseudoparabolic equation from integral-type measured output data. Using the integral measurements, we reduce the two-dimensional inverse problem to a one-dimensional problem. Then, we apply appropriate substitution to overcome the non-local nature of the problem. The inverse ill-posed problem is reformulated as a direct well-posed problem. The well-posedness of the direct and inverse problems is established. We develop a computational approach for recovering the solution and unknown boundary function. The results from numerical experiments are presented and discussed.
Wheat Grain Protein Composition—A Screening Tool to Be Used in Plant Breeding for Improved Tajik Food Security
Authors: Mahkamov Marufqul , Husenov Bahromiddin , Garkava-Gustavsson Larisa , Muminjanov Hafiz , Kuktaite Ramune , Prieto-Linde Maria Luisa , Johansson Eva
Published: December 2024

Non-satisfactory bread-making quality in wheat, a Tajik staple, hampers food security in Tajikistan and calls for plant breeding efforts. Here, methods were searched for to study grain protein composition, which is of use for Tajik plant breeding to improve bread-making quality. Size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) was used to determine protein composition in 22 wheat varieties and breeding lines grown in two locations, which were then compared with the specific protein composition evaluated using electrophoresis and previous results from Tajik breeding and farmer-grown wheat. As Tajik wheat generally showed a large variation in high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (HMW-GS) composition, with several allelic variants in the same line, single-seed selection was required when using this methodology in breeding for improved bread-making quality, and such an evaluation willalso result in more homogenous lines for protein composition. SE-HPLC was found to be a suitable tool to evaluate protein composition in the current Tajik wheat material with a heterogeneous protein composition, which might be advantageous for adaptation to the local and future climate. However, more easy-to-handle and high-throughput methods, e.g., marker-assisted selection, could be preferable alternatives for studying protein composition in wheat and for use in breeding for increased bread-making quality to increase food security in Tajikistan.
Hidden Places for Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens and Novel Approaches to Control Biofilms in the Meat Industry
Authors: Alves Virgínia Farias , Tadielo Leonardo Ereno , Pires Ana Carolina Moreira da Silva , Pereira Marita Gimenez , Bersot Luciano dos Santos , De Martinis Elaine Cristina Pereira
Published: December 2024

Biofilms are of great concern for the meat industry because, despite the implementation of control plans, they remain important hotspots of contamination by foodborne pathogens, highlighting the need to better understand the ecology of these microecosystems. The objective of this paper was to critically survey the recent scientific literature on microbial biofilms of importance for meat safety and quality, also pointing out the most promising methods to combat them. For this, the databases PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were surveyed in a 10-year time frame (but preferably papers less than 5 years old) using selected keywords relevant for the microbiology of meats, especially considering bacteria that are tolerant to cleaning and sanitization processes. The literature findings showed that massive DNA sequencing has deeply impacted the knowledge on the species that co-habit biofilms with important foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, pathogenic Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus). It is likely that recalcitrant commensal and/or spoilage microbiota somehow protect the more fastidious organisms from harsh conditions, in addition to harboring antimicrobial resistance genes. Among the members of background microbiota, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacteriales have been commonly found on food contact and non-food contact surfaces in meat processing plants, in addition to less common genera, such as Psychrobacter, Enhydrobacter, Brevundimonas, and Rothia, among others. It has been hypothesized that these rare taxa may represent a primary layer in microbial biofilms, offering better conditions for the adhesion of otherwise poor biofilm formers, especially considering their tolerance to cold conditions and sanitizers. Taking into consideration these findings, it is not only important to target the foodborne pathogens per se in cleaning and disinfection plans but the use of multiple hurdles is also recommended to dismantle the recalcitrant structures of biofilms. In this sense, the last part of this manuscript presents an updated overview of the antibiofilm methods available, with an emphasis on eco-friendly approaches.
Quality Differences in Frozen Mackerel According to Thawing Method: Potential Classification via Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Park Seul-Ki , Cho Jeong-Seok , Won Dong-Hoon , Kim Sang Seop , Lim Jeong-Ho , Choi Jeong Hee , Yun Dae-Yong , Park Kee-Jai , Lee Gyuseok
Published: December 2024

Seafood quality preservation remains a critical focus in the food industry, particularly as the freeze–thaw process significantly impacts the freshness and safety of aquatic products. This study investigated quality changes in frozen mackerel subjected to two thawing methods, room temperature (RT) and running water (WT), and assessed the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for classifying these methods. After thawing, mackerel samples were stored at 5 °C for 21 days, with physicochemical, textural, and spectroscopic analyses tracking quality changes and supporting the development of a spectroscopic classification model. Compared with the WT method, the RT method delayed changes in key quality indicators, including pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and total viable count (TVC), by 1–2 days, suggesting it may better preserve initial quality. Texture profile analysis showed similar trends, supporting the benefit of RT in maintaining quality. A major focus was on using HSI to assess quality and classify thawing methods. HSI achieved high classification accuracy (Rc2 = 0.9547) in distinguishing thawing methods up to three days post-thaw, with 1100, 1200, and 1400 nm wavelengths identified as key spectral markers. The HIS’s ability to detect differences between thawing methods, even when conventional analyses showed minimal variation, highlights its potential as a powerful tool for quality assessment and process control in the seafood industry, enabling detection of subtle quality changes that traditional methods may miss.
Nutritional Composition, Technological Quality, and Sensory Attributes of Chicken Breast Meat Affected by White Striping, Wooden Breast, and Spaghetti Meat: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Authors: Bošković Cabrol Marija , Xiccato Gerolamo , Petracci Massimiliano , Hernández Pérez Pilar , Mayr Marangon Christine , Trocino Angela
Published: December 2024

This study assessed the impact of growth-related myopathies—white striping (WS), wooden breast (WB), and spaghetti meat (SM)—on the technological properties, lipid and protein oxidation, chemical composition, and profiles of fatty acids (FAs), amino acids, minerals, and sensory attributes of pectoralis major muscles in broiler chickens. Breasts with myopathies had similar pH and lightness but exhibited lower redness and yellowness in the case of WB defect compared to normal meat (p < 0.05). The WB samples also showed higher cooking losses than normal meat and increased shear force compared to the SM samples (p < 0.01). Moreover, WB meat showed lower protein content (p < 0.001) than the normal and SM samples but the highest glycine content (p < 0.05). The WB meat also exhibited significant alterations in FA composition, with higher levels (p< 0.05) of C18:2n6, C22:6n3, n3 PUFA, n6 PUFA, and total PUFA compared to the normal and SM samples. The presence of myopathies did not influence the meat mineral composition, oxidative pattern, or sensory properties. In conclusion, growth-related myopathies in broiler chickens impact the technological quality and chemical composition of their breast meat, with WB showing the most significant alterations in protein content and FA composition. These changes indicate potential challenges to processing and nutritional quality, though sensory attributes remain largely unaffected.
Collinear Fractals and Bandt’s Conjecture
Authors: Espigule Bernat , Juher David , Saldaña Joan
Published: December 2024

For a complex parameter c outside the unit disk and an integer n≥2, we examine the n-ary collinear fractal E(c,n), defined as the attractor of the iterated function system {fk:C⟶C}k=1n, where fk(z):=1+n−2k+c−1z. We investigate some topological features of the connectedness locus Mn defined as the set of those c for which E(c,n) is connected. In particular, we provide a detailed answer to an open question posed by Calegari, Koch, and Walker in 2017. We also extend and refine the technique of the “covering property” by Solomyak and Xu to any n≥2. We use it to show that a nontrivial portion of Mn is regular closed. When n≥21, we enhance this result by showing that in fact, the whole Mn∖R lies within the closure of its interior, thus proving that the generalized Bandt’s conjecture is true.
Reexamining Medea’s Monstrosity in Greek Mythology and Eilish Quin’s Medea
Authors: Scoggins Rachel
Published: December 2024

In 2024, Eilish Quin published the novel Medea, which is a feminist approach to the Medea myth from Greek mythology. Medea’s myth is heavily influenced by Euripides’ play Medea, a play in which she kills her children to enact revenge on her cheating husband Jason. Quin’s novel is a reimagining of the myth, which explores Medea’s monstrosity and attempts to make her more sympathetic and less monstrous than the source text. I argue that Quin’s novel pulls from established characteristics of Medea that depict her as a monster and attempts to shift the narrative perspective. Using monster theory, I examine Medea’s monstrosity by looking at Euripides’ play and Quin’s novel. Quin attempts to recast Medea as a sympathetic woman instead of a monster through Medea’s anti-woman sentiments and monstrous power, along with her status as an outsider; moreover, Medea’s villainous nature is removed by changing the story surrounding the murder of her brother and children while stressing Jason’s excessively violent nature. Quin’s novel reflects a contemporary concern with female autonomy and victimization, but the novel’s approach highlights the issues with trying to remove Medea’s monstrosity.
Readiness to Embrace Artificial Intelligence Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: A National Survey
Authors: Al Shahrani Abeer , Alhumaidan Norah , AlHindawi Zeena , Althobaiti Abdullah , Aloufi Khalid , Almughamisi Rasil , Aldalbahi Ahad
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping healthcare, offering transformative potential for diagnostics, treatment, and patient management. Despite its growing significance, there is limited integration of AI education in medical curricula, raising concerns about the readiness of future healthcare professionals to utilize AI technologies. This study aims to evaluate the readiness of medical students in Saudi Arabia to embrace AI and to assess the current state of AI education, AI Application use, and future perspectives for medical students. Methods: a cross-sectional design was employed. It involved medical students from various regions of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an anonymous, online, structured, and validated tool from previous studies. The survey included sociodemographic information, details on AI education, the usage of AI applications, intended specialties, and a Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale for Medical Students (MAIRS-MS). The data were extracted and revised in an Excel sheet. Statistical analysis was conducted using the IBM SPSS computer program with appropriate statistical tests. Results: This study enrolled 572 medical students, with a mean age of 21.93 years. Most students were Saudi (99.0%), and 43.7% lived in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Most students attended a government medical college (97.41%), and 64.3% of students were in their clinical years. Only 14.5% of the students had received formal AI education, while 34.3% had participated in extracurricular AI training. The mean (SD) MAIRS-MS score was 68.39 (18.3), with higher scores associated with female students, those from the central region, and those with advanced English and computer technology skills (p < 0.001). Conclusions: there is limited AI education and moderate AI readiness among medical students in Saudi colleges, with significant variability in terms of gender, region, and educational background. These findings underscore the need to integrate AI education into medical curricula to better prepare future physicians for AI-enabled healthcare systems.
Using Natural Language Processing and Social Media Data to Understand the Lived Experience of People with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Bell Lucy , Fordham Beth , Mumtaz Sehreen , Yaman Reena , Balistreri Lisa , Butendieck Ronald R. , Irani Anushka
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia has many unmet needs relating to treatment, and the delivery of effective and evidence-based healthcare is lacking. We analyzed social media conversations to understand the patients’ perspectives on the lived experience of fibromyalgia, factors reported to trigger flares of pain, and the treatments being discussed, identifying barriers and opportunities to improve healthcare delivery. Methods: A non-interventional retrospective analysis accessed detail-rich conversations about fibromyalgia patients’ experiences with 714,000 documents, including a fibromyalgia language tag, which were curated between May 2019 and April 2021. Data were analyzed via qualitative and quantitative analyses. Results: Fibromyalgia conversations were found the most on Twitter and Reddit, and conversation trends remained stable over time. There were numerous environmental and modifiable triggers, ranging from the most frequent trigger of stress and anxiety to various foods. Arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were the most frequently associated comorbidities. Patients with fibromyalgia reported a wide range of symptoms, with pain being a cardinal feature. The massage, meditation and acupuncture domains were the most reported treatment modalities. Opportunities to improve healthcare delivered by medical providers were identified with current frustration relating to a lack of acknowledgement of their disease, minimization of symptoms and inadequately meeting their care needs. Conclusions: We developed a comprehensive, large-scale study which emphasizes advanced natural language processing algorithm application in real-world research design. Through the extensive encapsulation of patient perspectives, we outlined the habitual symptoms, triggers and treatment modalities which provide a durable foundation for addressing gaps in healthcare provision.