bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The process of spatial frequency information in temporal synchrony perception for audiovisual stimuli
Authors: Takeshima Yasuhiro
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have shown that the spatial frequency (SF) of visual stimuli alters the perceived timing of subjective simultaneity. However, these studies have been limited to the effects of a single SF component. In this study, I measured and compared the points of subjective simultaneity (PSS) for audiovisual stimuli among low, high, and composited SF components. This experiment comprised a dual-presentation timing task and a ternary response format to eliminate response bias for simultaneity judgment. The results indicated that the PSS value of the composition-SF stimuli was more toward visual-lead timing than the low-SF stimuli and did not differ significantly from that of the high-SF stimuli. The correlation coefficients showed that the PSS in composition-SF stimuli marginally approximated that of high-SF stimuli higher than that of low-SF stimuli. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings using visual stimuli with a wider range of SF components.
Combined treatment with Purpureocillum lilacinum MTL01 and Bacillus velezensis 83 reduces galling by Meloidogyne enterolobii and improves flowering in greenhouse-grown tomato
Authors: Lugo-García Luz Elena , Martínez-Anaya Claudia , Salinas-Castro Alejandro , Landa-Cadena Mahatma Gandhi , Vázquez Irán Tapia
Published: February 2024

M. enterolobii is an emergent phytopathogenic nematode that infects and reduces the yields of commercially important vegetables, such as tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). In Mexico, M. enterolobii has gained access to states previously unknown to be affected by it, especially northern states such as Sinaloa, which is the main producer of tomato in the country. Formulations based on antagonistic microorganisms exist in the Mexican market and are used in combination with chemically synthesized pesticides, which although effective are also unspecific and even toxic to other animals and humans. The ascomycetes Purpureocillum lilacinum (previously, Paecilomyces lilacinus) is an effective nematicide already used in different commercial formulations. Here, we aimed to determine the combined effect of an environmental strain of P. lilacinum MTL01 that we isolated, with spores of B. velezensis 83 that is also a growth promoter of tomato. Our findings of two assays in greenhouse conditions of tomato development treated with MTL01 and B. velezensis 83, either individually or in combination, and then challenged with stage-2 juveniles (J2) of M. enterolobii, indicate that the combined treatment is useful for reducing galling and stimulating flowering, with the potential of better yields to produce greenhouse-grown tomato.
Evaluation of the properties of Inconel® 625 preforms manufactured using WAAM technology
Authors: Silva Wemerson Felipe , Junior Givan Martins Macedo , Oliveira Hellen , Pires Julio Cezar Alvarenga , Carneiro Jose Rubens Gonçalves
Published: February 2024

Additive manufacturing is a constantly evolving technology that makes possible to manufacture highly complex parts by adding material layer by layer, as opposed to the various conventional manufacturing methods. Among additive manufacturing technologies, the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process stands out for its ability to manufacture large components with high mechanical properties and is a candidate to replace components manufactured by processes such as casting and forging. In order to increase the maturity of the process and understand the limits of the technology, this work objective is to evaluate the mechanical and metallurgical properties of a preform manufactured by the WAAM process on a substrate of the same alloy, comparing them with the reference material. To this end, the WAAM process was used to manufacture an Inconel® 625 preform, using wires as the deposition raw material and a substrate of the same alloy supplied forged. In order to select the processing window for the material, a Design of Experiment (DOE) was carried out, using deposition parameters as factors, such as: welding speed, stick-out, wire feed speed, shielding gas type and flow rate, among others, with the response of the experiment (DOE) being the geometric variables of the deposited layers (layer height and width) and the thermal input generated. After processing the information and selecting the processing window, four preforms were manufactured, following the same parameterization. After this, representative samples were taken to characterize the mechanical properties achieved and evaluate the metallurgical behaviour. Samples were prepared for macro and micrographic analysis through an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope, mechanical hardness tests and tensile test specimens in three directions: vertical, horizontal and at the intersection with the substrate. After carrying out the mechanical tests on the preform and the substrate, the differences in mechanical properties were evaluated, with the sample manufactured by WAAM caracterizing lower strength and tensile limits than the forged Inconel® 625 substrate, however, with greater elongation when compared to the same forged material. The presence of solidification dendrites with porosity in the interdendritic regions and niobium microsegregation in the interdendritic regions were also observed. One hypothesis for the observations in this work is associated with anisotropy arising from the multiple thermal cycles that occur in the process, making it possible to obtain better properties after carrying out a heat treatment compatible with the microstructure of interest.
Relationship Between Leadership Behaviour and Firm Performance in Ready Made Garments (Rmg) Industry of Bangladesh
Authors: Tareque Alam , Islam Prof. Nazrul
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The primary objective of this research is to investigate and elaborate on the relationship between leadership behaviour and firm performance in the context of Bangladesh RMG (Ready-Made Garments) firms. The study aimed to contribute to the existing literature by exploring the role of leadership behaviour in the competitive advantage process, addressing gaps in understanding within the RMG industry.
Design/Methodology/Approach:
The research employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative research methods. The conceptual model is developed through an extensive literature review and subsequently tested, refined, and validated. The empirical analysis involves 400 target respondents, and data is processed using PLS structural equation modelling principles. This includes structural path analysis, hypothesis testing, mediation, and moderation analyses.
Findings:
Empirical findings align with the resource-based view, confirming that Leadership Behaviours are intangible resources. Furthermore, the study identifies relationship-oriented behaviour as the most significant influence on the relationship between leadership behaviour and firm performance.
Originality:
This research delves into the Resource View's black box in firms. It establishes Dynamic Capabilities as a theoretically well-founded and valuable construct for understanding the leadership behaviour of strategic management.
Practical Implications:
providing insights into how leadership behaviour can impact firm performance. Identifying Relation Behaviours as particularly influential suggests that fostering positive relationships within the organisation may be a key strategy for leaders to enhance overall performance.
Social Implications:
the findings may have implications for workplace relationships, employee satisfaction, and potentially broader societal aspects influenced by the performance of RMG firms.
Vaginal Length Measurement and Examination of Sexual Functions in Patients Who Had Total or Subtotal Hysterectomy for Benign Reasons
Authors: kartal Duygu ucar , Dogan Ozan
Published: February 2024

Objective: It was aimed to evaluate the vaginal length in patients who underwent total or subtotal hysterectomy and to reveal its effects on the sexual functions of the patients depending on the choice of surgery.
Materials and Methods: 85 patients who were decided to undergo hysterectomy for benign reasons were included in the study. Vaginal lengths of all patients and cervical lengths of patients who underwent subtotal hysterectomy were recorded before and after the operation. In addition, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administered to the patients before and 24 months after the operation, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was administered to their spouses.
Results: While there was no significant change in the vaginal length of women who underwent subtotal hysterectomy after the operation (p>0.05), a significant shortening was detected in the total hysterectomy group (p:<0.0001). There was a decrease in the total FSFI scores of the patients after the operation in both groups (p<0.0001). However, the decrease in FSFI scores in the subtotal hysterectomy group was significantly less than that in the total hysterectomy group.
Conclusion: The decreasing FSFI scores of the patients after the operation show that both operations have negative effects on sexual functions. However, due to the vaginal tissue loss seen in the total hysterectomy group, the sexual functions of the patients were more negatively affected than the subtotal hysterectomy group.
Effectiveness of food quality and safety management systems in Oman’s food supply chain
Authors: Masengu Reason , Din Mohamed El , Ruzive Benson , Habsi Jouhara Al
Published: February 2024

This study has offered an extensive analysis of the effectiveness of Oman’s food supply chain’s quality and safety management. The study focused on the complex relationships among several variables, such as information technology, food traceability, supply chain risks, performance measures, and food safety regulations, and how these elements all work together to shape the efficiency of the food supply chain. The research examined data gathered from middle- and top-level managers in Oman’s food supply chain using a practical research strategy that combined quantitative and qualitative approaches and employed structural equation modelling to investigate the interconnections and effects on the performance of the supply chain from the previously listed factors. The key findings of this research have demonstrated the vital significance of strict food safety measures by revealing a substantial positive association between food safety standards and the performance of the food supply chain. Information technology has been found to be a significant catalyst for improving regulatory compliance and supply chain performance. The mediation study has highlighted how information technology is interdependent with other elements and demonstrated how it supports the robustness, agility and resilience of supply chains. This study further established that improving food safety standards, utilising cutting-edge information technology to enhance compliance and traceability, implementing thorough risk management plans, encouraging cooperation among supply chain participants and raising consumer knowledge of food safety are important suggestions to improve public health and economic growth. These suggestions are meant to assist Oman’s food supply chain in being robust, effective and safe. The research provided valuable insights for supply chain professionals, policymakers, and researchers who are interested in food safety and supply chain management, especially in the context of Oman and other GCC countries.
KAT2A-targeted inhibition prevents an inflammatory response to protect the myocardium
Authors: Lv Bin , Wang Xiaoying , Yu Haiyang , Chen Yang , Guo Jinhe , Du Yaodong , Feng Chao , Cui Rutao , Gao Xiumei
Published: February 2024

Background: Hyperactive inflammation is crucial for the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to heart failure and can promote impaired cardiac function, and it is difficult to determine its specific therapeutic targets and drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies to control inflammatory responses to protect myocardial cells during AMI.
Methods: Levels of critical cardiac markers and inflammatory factors were measured in blood samples collected from clinical patients with AMI to analyze the association between the serum expression levels of inflammatory factors and the progression of AMI. To uncover the mechanism underlying the association between inflammatory response and AMI, microarray analysis was performed to identify key myocardial cell regulators. ATAC-seq was also performed to identify how immune response genes are transcriptionally regulated by KAT2A. KAT2A-/- genetically engineered mice were used to validate the screened targets. Finally, a small molecule targeting KAT2A was developed and tested in a rat model of AMI.
Results: Here we show that KAT2A, a histone H3K9 acetyltransferase, is a key factor regulating the inflammatory response in AMI. Specifically, the level of cardiac damage was initially found to be associated with the inflammatory response in patients with AMI. Regarding the mechanism, KAT2A transcriptionally regulates pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 to induced cardiomyocyte damage. Using a genetically engineered mouse model of AMI, we show that targeted KAT2A loss or inhibition prevents the recruitment of immune cells into the myocardium to suppress the inflammatory explosion in AMI in vivo and significantly improved heart function. Finally, Tanshinone I, a KAT2A-targeted inhibitor, could inhibited the inflammatory response in AMI in vivo.
Conclusion: KAT2A is a potential therapeutic target for AMI, especially for inhibiting the inflammatory response to this condition. As a specific KAT2A-targeted inhibitor, Tanshinone I is a potent candidate drug for AMI.
Dual-trigger release of berberine chloride from the Gelatin/Perfluorohexane core-shell structure
Authors: Givarian Mahshid , Moztarzadeh Fathollah , Ghaffari Maryam , Bahmanpour AmirHossein , Mollazadeh-Bajestani Maryam , Mokhtari-Dizaji Manijhe , Mehradnia Fatemeh
Published: February 2024

The development of smart nanocarriers that enable controlled drug release in response to internal and external triggers is an emerging approach for targeted therapy. This study focused on designing pH-sensitive, ultrasound-responsive gelatin/perfluorohexane (PFH) nanodroplets loaded with berberine chloride as a model drug. The nanodroplets were prepared using an emulsion technique and optimized by varying process parameters like homogenization rate, polymer concentration, surfactant, drug, and perfluorocarbon content. The optimal formulation yielded nanodroplets with a particle size of 281.7 nm, a drug encapsulation efficiency of 66.8 ± 1.7, and a passive drug release of 15.4 ± 0.2 within 24 hours. Characterization confirmed successful encapsulation and pH-responsive behavior. Ultrasound stimulation significantly enhanced drug release, with 150 kHz being more effective than 1 MHz in triggering acoustic droplet vaporization while minimizing heat generation. After 10 minutes of radiation, the optimal formulation showed 89.4% cumulative drug release. The nanodroplets displayed stability over one month at 4°C. Overall, the dual-triggered nanodroplets demonstrate excellent potential for controlled delivery and targeted release of berberine chloride.
Expression of Lipid Metabolism Genes Is Correlated With Immune Microenvironment and Predicts Prognosis in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Huang , Chen Ye , Liu Xiaoli , Weng Ling , Zeng Yongping , Wang Yanying , Zhao Lijuan
Published: February 2024

Objective
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most prevalent types of gynecologic cancer. The purpose of this work was to identify the metabolic-related biological characteristics of endometrial cancer and to investigate the immune-related molecular pathways of carcinogenesis in endometrial cancer.
Methods
Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were utilized to identify lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) with significant correlations to the prognosis of EC patients. Enrichment of functional pathways within the LMRGs was studied. LASSO and Cox regression analysis were conducted to identify LMRGs that were significantly associated with the prognosis of EC patients. We created a prognostic signature and proved its effectiveness in both training and validation groups. In addition, we constructed a complete nomogram consisting of risk models and clinical variables to estimate the survival probability of EC patients.
Results
ACOT11, CYP1A2, GDPD5, MOGAT3, OLAH, PIASS4, PIP5K1C, PLPP2, and SRD5A1 were discovered to be strongly associated with the clinical outcomes of EC patients. On the basis of these nine LMRGs, we generated and validated our predictive signature using the training and validation cohorts. In addition to being independent of other clinical factors, the nine-LMRG signature distinguished between patients at high- and low-risk for EC and predict EC patient's probability of survival. Statistically, the nomogram exhibited a high correlation between survival forecasts and observations. In the high-risk group, immune/stromal scores were lower and there was a higher density of several kinds of immune cells.
Conclusions
The LMRG's prognostic model and comprehensive nomogram could guide therapeutic choices in clinical practice, and explore the underlying mechanisms involved in EC progression.
Design and development of a soluble PDA-Emodin-PVP-MN patch and its anti-obesity effect in rats
Authors: Wang Haijiao , Wang Lifang , Wang Meng , Niu Jingjing , Yang Bowen , Wang Yinxiong , An Min , Sun Xiuxia , Yang Zhigang , Li Xuefeng , Shi Yanbin
Published: February 2024

Emodin has been proven to have weight-reducing and lipid-lowering effects. In order to make emodin play a better anti-obesity role, we designed and developed an emodin loaded dissolving microneedle patch, in which emodin existed in the form of emodin-polyvinylpyrrolidone co-precipitate (Emodin-PVP). Meanwhile, polydopamine (PDA) was added to the microneedle patch (PDA-Emodin-PVP-MN) for photothermal-enhanced chemotherapy of obesity. The drug loading of PDA-Emodin-PVP-MN was 0.37 ± 0.025 mg per patch, and the cumulative release of the microneedle patch was up to 96.25% under NIR irradiation (808 nm, 0.6 W/cm2). The microneedle patch with NIR radiation significantly reduced body weight, waist circumference, lipid-body ratio and serum free fatty acids of the obese model rats, and the volume of adipocytes of fat droplets was significantly reduced after the treatment with microneedle patch under NIR radiation. No obvious toxicity was observed in hemolytic test and microscopic histopathological analysis. The mechanism of action of the weight-reducing might be ascribed to the expression level of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) involved in fat metabolism.
Improved marine predators algorithm for engineering design optimization problems
Authors: chun Ye , hua Xu , Qi Chen , yao Ye xin
Published: February 2024

The Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) is recognized as one of the optimization method in population-based algorithm that mimics the foraging optimization strategy dominated by the optimal foraging theory, which encounter rate policy between predator and prey in marine ecosystems for solving optimization problems. However, MPA presents weak point towards premature convergence, stuck into local optima, lack of diversity, specifically, which is in the real-world niche problems within different industrial engineering design domains. To get rid of such limitations, this paper presents an Improved Marine Predators Algorithm (IMPA) to mitigate above mentioned limitations by deploying the self-adaptive weight and dynamic social learning mechanism that performs well and challenges tough multimodal benchmark-functions and CEC 2021 benchmark suite, compared with the state-of-the-art hybrid optimization algorithms and the recently modified MPA. The experimental results show that the IMPA outperforms with better precision attainment and better robustness due to its enjoying equalized exploration and exploitation feature over other methods. In order to provide a promising solution for industrial engineering design problems and highlight the potential of the IMPA as a useful tool for solving real-world problems. This study has implemented four highly representative engineering design problems, including Welded Beam Design, Tension/Compression Spring Design, Pressure Vessel Design and Three Bar Design. The experimental results also proved its efficiency to successfully solve the complex industrial engineering design problems.
Comparison of clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes of various subtypes of breast cancer
Authors: Zangouri Vahid , Balaneji Souzan Soufizadeh , Deylami Iman , Zeinalpor Adel , Mousavi Seyed Amin , Amestejani Morteza
Published: February 2024

Background
Breast cancer is often classified into subtypes using immunohistochemical markers. This study aimed to compare the histopathological features, prognostic indicators, and clinical outcomes of diverse breast cancer subtypes.
Patients and methods:
A retrospective study was undertaken and all patients of various subtype of breast cancer over a 5 year period were included. Clinicopathological characteristics, including tumor size, lymph node (LN) metastasis, histological grade, immunohistochemical markers (estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2neu status), TNM staging, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), and overall survival (OS),and Disease free survival(DFS) were comprehensively evaluated.
Results
Of the 9310 individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, a vast majority (99.4%) was females. Patients with invasive papillary carcinoma tumor subtypes presented with an older mean age (57.24 ± 12.92) years. Tumor grade exhibited a statistically significant correlation with tumor subtype (P < 0.001). Invasive lobular carcinoma (94.8%), IPC (94.3%), and mucinous carcinoma (93.6%) demonstrated excellent OS rates in stages I, II, and III. However, ICMP (94.6%) exhibited superior OS in stages II and III. In terms of DFS, IPC (94.2%), mucinous carcinoma (94.5%), and ICMP (93.6%) showed favorable DFS rates in TNM stages 1 and 2, with ICMP maintaining exceptional DFS rates in stage 3.
Conclusion
Invasive carcinoma with medullary features has the highest DFS rate across all stages, while mucinous and invasive papillary carcinoma have the highest DFS rates in TNM stage 1. Mucinous tumors have the highest DFS rates in TNM stage 2, followed by invasive carcinoma with medullary features. Invasive lobular carcinoma, invasive papillary carcinoma, and mucinous tumors had excellent overall survival (OS) rates in stages I, II, and III. Invasive carcinoma with medullary features had superior OS in stages II and III.
A Machine Learning Tool for Early Identification of Celiac Disease Autoimmunity
Authors: Dreyfuss Michael , Getz Benjamin , Lebwohl Benjamin , Ramni Or , Underberger Daniel , Ber Tahel Ilan , Steinberg-Koch Shlomit , Jenudi Yonathan , Gazit Sivan , Patalon Tal , Chodick Gabriel , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Ben-Tov Amir
Published: February 2024

Identifying which patients should undergo serologic screening for celiac disease (CD) may help diagnose patients who otherwise often experience diagnostic delays or remain undiagnosed. Using anonymized outpatient data from the electronic medical records of Maccabi Healthcare Services, we developed and evaluated a gradient boosted trees model to classify patients as at-risk for CD autoimmunity prior to first documented diagnosis or positive serum tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA). A train set of highly seropositive (tTG-IgA > 10X ULN) cases (n = 677) with likely CD and controls (n = 176,293) with no evidence of CD autoimmunity was used for model development. Input features included demographic information and commonly available laboratory results. The model was then evaluated for discriminative ability as measured by AUC on a distinct set of highly seropositive cases (n = 153) and controls (n = 41,087). Performance was estimated at one (AUC = 0.84), two (AUC = 0.81), three (AUC = 0.82) and four (AUC = 0.79) years prior to first documented evidence of disease. The model’s ability to distinguish cases of incident CD autoimmunity from controls shows promise as a potential clinical tool to identify patients at increased risk for having undiagnosed celiac disease in the community for serologic screening.
Rapid Diagnosis of Celiac Disease Based on Plasma Raman Spectroscopy Combined with Deep Learning
Authors: Shi Tian , Li Jiahe , Li Na , Chen Cheng , Chen Chen , Chang Chenjie , Xue Shenglong , Liu Weidong , Reyim Ainur Maimaiti , Gao Feng , Lv Xiaoyi
Published: February 2024

Celiac Disease (CD) is a primary malabsorption syndrome resulting from the interplay of genetic, immune, and dietary factors. CD negatively impacts daily activities and may lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, malignancies in the small intestine, ulcerative jejunitis, and enteritis, ultimately causing severe malnutrition. Therefore, an effective and rapid differentiation between healthy individuals and those with celiac disease is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. This study utilizes Raman spectroscopy combined with deep learning models to achieve a non-invasive, rapid, and accurate diagnostic method for celiac disease and healthy controls.A total of 59 plasma samples, comprising 29 celiac disease cases and 30 healthy controls, were collected for experimental purposes. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Multi-Scale Convolutional Neural Network (MCNN), Residual Network (ResNet), and Deep Residual Shrinkage Network (DRSN) classification models were employed. The accuracy rates for these models were found to be 86.67%, 90.76%, 86.67% and 95.00%, respectively. Comparative validation results revealed that the DRSN model exhibited the best performance, with an AUC value and accuracy of 97.60% and 95%, respectively. This confirms the superiority of Raman spectroscopy combined with deep learning in the diagnosis of celiac disease.
Effects of high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic biomarkers in prostate cancer patients undergoing active surveillance: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Courneya K.S , Kang Dong-Woo , Field Catherine , Patel Dhruvesh , Fairey Adrian , Boule Normand , Dieli-Conwright Christina
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To report the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on cardiometabolic biomarkers in prostate cancer (PCa) patients on active surveillance (AS) from the Exercise During Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer (ERASE) Trial.
Methods: Fifty-two men with PCa on AS were randomized to either an exercise (HIIT; n=26) or usual care (UC; n=26) group. The HIIT intervention consisted of progressive, supervised, aerobic HIIT at an intensity of 85 to 95% VO2peak for 28 to 40 minutes per session performed three times/week for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention to analyze cardiometabolic biomarkers. Analysis of covariance was used to examine between-group mean differences.
Results: Blood data were obtained from 49/52 (94%) participants at postintervention. Participants were aged 63.4±7.1 years and 40% were obese. The HIIT group attended 96% of the planned exercise sessions. No significant between-group changes in weight were observed after the intervention. Compared to UC, HIIT significantly improved total cholesterol (-0.40 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval[CI], -0.70 to -0.10; p=0.011), non-high-density lipoprotein-c (-0.35 mmol/L; 95% CI, -0.60 to -0.11; p=0.006), insulin (-13.6 pmol/L; 95% CI, -25.3 to -1.8; p=0.025), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 (-15.0 ng/mL; 95% CI, -29.9 to -0.1; p=0.048), and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 (152.3 ng/mL; 95% CI, 12.6 to 292.1; p=0.033). No significant differences were observed for fasting glucose, HbA1c, other lipid markers, IGFBP-1, adiponectin, and leptin.
Conclusions: The ERASE Trial showed that a 12-week aerobic HIIT program improved several cardiometabolic biomarkers in PCa patients on AS that may contribute to cardiovascular health benefits and potentially influence the signaling pathways in the progression of prostate cancer. Further research is needed to explore the effects of exercise on cardiometabolic markers in men with PCa on AS and determine if these effects are associated with improved long-term clinical outcomes.
The Impact of Moderate to High-Intensity Physical Exercise on the Perception of Negative Emotional Intensity in College Students with High Psychological Stress
Authors: Tao Baole , Lu Tianci , Jiang Yueyan , Chen Hanwen , Chen Hao , Yan Jun
Published: February 2024

Method
Employing the "Chinese College Students' Psychological Stress Scale," 47 high-stress students were divided into a 25-member experimental group and a 22-member control group. The experimental group engaged in 40-minute group rope-jumping exercises thrice weekly for 12 weeks, following ACSM guidelines. A dual-choice Oddball task assessed the exercise intervention's impact on negative emotions. Results: (1) Post-intervention, the experimental group exhibited no significant change in reaction time to negative stimuli (p > 0.05); (2) The group experienced a notable reduction in negative reaction cost post-intervention (p < 0.05); (3) Significant variances were observed in P2, N2, and P3 waveform average amplitude and latency in main condition effects (p < 0.05); (4) Under negative conditions, the control group had shorter N2 latency (p < 0.05), higher P3 amplitude (p < 0.05), and shorter P3 latency (p < 0.05) than the experimental group. Conclusion: Physical exercise intervention enhances conflict inhibition abilities in individuals with high psychological stress. However, the neurophysiological responses to varying emotional stimulus intensities are more pronounced in these students.
Acoustic imaging of stable double diffusion in the Madeira abyssal plain
Authors: Duarte Ana , Peliz Alvaro , Matias Luis , Mendes Renato , Azevedo Leonardo
Published: February 2024

Sub-mesoscale and mesoscale (i.e., 1-10km and 10-200km, respectively) ocean processes are highly relevant for the understanding of global circulation, mixing of water masses and energy exchange between ocean layers. However, the processes happening at these scales are hard to be characterized using direct measurements of temperature and salinity. Direct measurements are obtained from vertical probes and/or autonomous vehicles, which, despite their high vertical resolution, are sparsely located in space and therefore unable to capture spatial details at these scales. Seismic oceanography (SO) data have been successful used to imaging and characterize the ocean at these spatial scales. These data represent indirect measurements of the ocean temperature and salinity along kilometric transects with high horizontal resolution (i.e., a near-synaptic view of the system under investigation), but lower vertical resolution when compared with direct observations. Despite its complex oceanographic setting, the Madeira Abyssal Plain is still largely uncharacterized due to the lack of direct observations. We show for the first time a comprehensive processing, modelling and interpretation of three 2-D seismic oceanography sections from this region. The data show coherent seismic reflection in space, depth and time and shed light into this oceanographic setting with an unprecedent horizontal resolution. The SO modelling and interpretation are combined with existing direct measurements and a quantitative method to correlate thermohaline staircases interpreted from conductivity-temperature-depth casts and seismic reflections is proposed. The results show the relatively stable presence of thermohaline staircases in simultaneously time and space between 1200–2000 m of water depth and their spatial variability and contribute to the generalization of SO in physical oceanography.
Diagnosis of bilateral ovarian dysgerminoma in an anemic new mother: a case report
Authors: Giordano Filippo Casaccia , Grossi Elena , Carignani Beatrice De Luca , Buggio Laura , Croci Giorgio Alberto , Scarfone Giovanna
Published: February 2024

Background
Ovarian dysgerminomas are rare, malignant germ cell tumors primarily affecting young women. Conservative surgery sometimes followed by chemotherapy is the treatment of choice, particularly in young patients with a strong desire to have pregnancies. Ovarian germ cell tumors during pregnancy are exceedingly rare. In these cases, the role of tumor markers is limited, as well as in pregnancy after cancer, or in cancers diagnosed immediately after pregnancy.
Moreover, post-partum anemia is a very common occurrence with a wide differential diagnosis, comprising hemorrhage and hemodilution due to pregnancy, but it only exceptionally includes paraneoplastic anemia.
Case presentation
We present the case of a 20 years-old woman from Bangladesh with severe unexplained post-partum anemia and her difficult diagnostic and therapeutic course, influenced by the young age of the patient, the fact that she had just given birth, the need for a conservative approach and lastly the difficult challenge set by the complete language barrier.
Conclusions
This peculiar case may help decision-making either from a diagnostic or a therapeutic point of view, both in a gynecologic oncological setting and in an obstetric one.
Akkermansia muciniphila modifies the association between metal exposure during pregnancy and depressive symptoms in late childhood
Authors: Midya Vishal , Nagdeo Kiran , Lane Jamil , Torres-Olascoaga Libni , Martínez Gabriela , Horton Megan , Gennings Chris , Téllez-Rojo Martha , Wright Robert , Arora Manish , Eggers Shoshannah
Published: February 2024

Emerging research suggests that exposures to metals during pregnancy and gut microbiome (GM) disruptions are associated with depressive disorders in childhood. Akkermansia muciniphila, a GM bacteria, has been studied for its potential antidepressant effects. However, its role in the influence of prenatal metal exposures on depressive symptoms during childhood is unknown. Leveraging a well-characterized pediatric longitudinal birth cohort and its microbiome substudy (n=112) and using a state-of-the-art machine-learning model, we investigated whether the presence of A.muciniphila in GM of 9-11-year-olds modifies the associations between exposure to a specific group of metals (or metal-clique) during pregnancy and concurrent childhood depressive symptoms. Among children with no A.muciniphila, a metal-clique of Zinc-Chromium-Cobalt was strongly associated with increased depression score (P<0.0001), whereas, for children with A.muciniphila, this same metal-clique was weakly associated with decreased depression score(P<0.4). Our analysis provides the first exploratory evidence hypothesizing A.muciniphila as a probiotic intervention attenuating the effect of prenatal metal-exposures-associated depressive disorders in late childhood.
The cultural efficacy of elementary school students：scale development and validation
Authors: Wang Shuzhen , Tian Mei , Yuan Xiqing , Wang Xiao , Xing Qiulian , Ming Yu , Cheng Xinyu , Kang Yanjun , Yang Shuhui , Wang Peng
Published: February 2024

Culture plays an important role in human social life,and cultural factors are also an important basis for the modernization of national governance.A strong culture makes a strong nation. This study aimed to develop a cultural efficacy scale for elementary school students in China and test its psychometric properties. The scale was conducted among 911 elementary school students (Mage = 10.64, SDage = 1.82, Nboy = 488). The data were then randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 457) were used for item and exploratory factor analyses, and Group 2 (n = 454) were used for confirmatory factor analysis and for providing criteria evidence. Fourteen items were retained in the scale, and the cumulative method interpretation rate was 48.75%. Statistically significant differences existed between the high and low groups in the independent samples t test. The structural model was well fitted (RMSEA = 0.056, SRMR = 0.044, TLI = 0.920, CFI = 0.934), and the range of factor load was 0.308–0.676. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.83, and criteria evidence was moderately significant. The outcomes show that the developed scale has good reliability and validity and can be used to assess the cultural efficacy level of elementary school students.
Isosurface geometric measurement on volume-rendered images: A novel method for quantitative measurements of complex cardiac anatomical features
Authors: Kamiya Kenichi , Nagatani Yukihiro , Matsubayashi Jun , Uemura Ryo , Oki Tatsuya , Matsubayashi Yuji , Terada Shinya , Vigers Piers , Nakata Susumu , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Tomoaki
Published: February 2024

Measuring living heart anatomy using three-dimensional (3D) images remains challenging. To address this, a method called isosurface measurement on volume-rendered images (IMVR) has been developed. This study aims to validate IMVR in quantitative measurement by comparing it with curved planar reformation (CPR). Five 3D-printed human cardiac models created from computed tomography (CT) images were optically scanned, and selected features were measured for reference. The models were CT-scanned, and the datasets were processed for IMVR and CPR measurements. Overall, 157 anatomical features (105 in the aortic root, 52 in the coronary artery) were measured three times by two observers for each method, and the agreement with the reference values was assessed using the Bland–Altman analysis. In the aortic root measurement, the lower and upper 95% limits of agreement (LOAs, mm) for IMVR were (− 3.1, 2.4) and (− 1.3, 0.9), whereas those for CPR were (− 5.9, 5.2) and (− 5.9, 6.3). In the coronary artery measurement, the LOAs for IMVR were (− 2.6, 2.2) and (− 1.2, 0.8), while those for CPR were (− 9.2, 8.6) and (− 9.5, 8.5). For both methods, the intra-class coefficient indicated high intra- and inter-observer reliability. Thus, IMVR demonstrated greater accuracy than CPR and facilitated 3D measurements of complex cardiovascular features.
Waiting for Self-Healing as a Primary Management Strategy for Lower Lip Mucoceles
Authors: LIU Jian-lin , LIU Yu-nan , WANG Lin , WANG Dian-can
Published: February 2024

Objectives
Oral mucoceles are most frequently encountered on the lower lip. A variety of treatment options are currently employed, including surgical excision, pharmacological injections, and laser therapy. However, each of these approaches may introduce risks and potential complications. Clinical practice has demonstrated a potential for self-healing in lower lip mucoceles, making a conservative observational approach more appealing. This research is a prospective study aimed at evaluating the self-healing capacity of lower lip mucoceles.
Methods
In this prospective study, patients with mucoceles were encouraged to intentionally delay medical intervention and to wait for self-healing. Disappearance of the mucocele for at least 3 months was defined as self-healing.
Results
Thirty patients with lower lip mucoceles were included. With no intervention, 24 patients (80%) reported self-healing of lower lip mucoceles. The mean natural duration of the mucoceles was 3.63 (± 4.7; 1–24) months. After self-healing of the mucocele, the patients were followed up for 17.21 (± 9.45; 2–30) months and there were no reported recurrences.
Conclusions
Lower lip mucoceles have a high potential for self-healing and patients may be routinely encouraged to wait for self-healing.
Clinical Relevance
The high self-healing rate observed in this study suggests that a conservative, non-interventional approach might be considered as the first-line management for lower lip mucoceles.
The relationship between climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behavior in adolescents: the mediating role of future self-continuity and the moderating role of green self-efficacy
Authors: Qin Ziqi , Wu Qi , Bi Cuihua , Deng Yanwei , Hu Qiuyun
Published: February 2024

Background
Climate change is seriously affecting human survival and development, and the anxiety caused by it is becoming increasingly prominent. How to alleviate people's climate change anxiety, improve the ecological environment, and promote the formation of green lifestyles among people, especially young people, is an important topic worth exploring. This study examined the relationship between climate change anxiety and pro-environment behaviors and the underlying psychological mechanism in the adolescents based on the proposed moderated mediation model.
Methods
This study explored the crucial role of future self-continuity between climate change anxiety (CCA) and pro-environmental behaviors (PEB) in adolescents and examined the moderating role of green self-efficacy. In this study, 1851 middle school students in four grades of junior high school and senior high school were selected for the questionnaire survey.
Results
The results showed that (1) in both middle and high school grades, there was a significant negative correlation between climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behaviors; future self-continuity was significantly positively correlated with pro-environmental behaviors; green self-efficacy was negatively correlated with climate change anxiety and positively correlated with pro-environmental behaviors; (2) climate change anxiety negatively predicted pro-environmental behaviors, and compared with middle school grades, high school grade adolescents' climate change anxiety was significantly predicted pro-environmental behaviors. Future self-continuity mediated the relationship between climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behaviors in both grades. (3) Green self-efficacy moderated the second half of the mediating pathway among middle school-aged adolescents. In contrast, the moderating effect of green self-efficacy was not significant in high school grades. Future self-continuity had a greater impact on pro-environmental behaviors in the high green self-efficacy group compared to the low green self-efficacy group.
Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that there is a moderated mediation model between adolescent climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behaviors, with different mediating and moderating effects among adolescents in various grade levels. This has important implications for targeting the alleviation of adolescent climate anxiety and fostering their pro-environmental behaviors.
Allergic Clinical Symptoms and Distribution of Stimulation Index of Drug Lymphocyte Stimulation Test for Local Anesthetics
Authors: Baba Yukiko , Sato Yu , Takahashi Ken , Ito Takaya , Wakita Ryo , Maeda Shigeru
Published: February 2024

Objective
The Drug Lymphocyte Stimulation Test (DLST), recognized for its safety as an allergy diagnostic modality, has been acknowledged for its utility in diagnosing drug-induced pathological conditions. However, reports elucidating DLST outcomes concerning local anesthetics are notably scarce.
Materials and Methods
An exhaustive analysis was conducted on the DLST results pertaining to local anesthetics derived from 571 patients presenting with suspected allergies to these specific agents.
Results
Remarkably, Stimulation Index (SI) > 180% was discerned in 11.4% and 7.8% of patients exhibiting hives or swelling subsequent to the administration of local anesthetics, surpassing the incidence observed in those experiencing post-injection discomfort. Additionally, SI > 300% was observed in 3 cases with lidocaine, 3 cases with prilocaine, and 1 case with mepivacaine. The distribution of SI exhibited a non-normal pattern for all three tested local anesthetics. Noteworthy is the case of a singular patient registering an SI of 184%, who also yielded a positive challenge test, conclusively confirming an allergy to lidocaine.
Conclusions
The DLST, holding promise as a potentially invaluable tool in identifying the causative factors behind adverse reactions to dental local anesthetics, lacks sufficient evidence to substantiate its efficacy definitively at present.
Clinical relevance
DLST, coupled with intradermal testing and challenge testing, may be elucidated in patients exhibiting indicators of suspected local anesthetic allergy.
Addiction treatment and harm reduction programs in prisons: lessons from Iran
Authors: SaberiZafarghandi MohammadBagher , Eshrati Sahar , Shoorsan Ali , Kohzadi Amir
Published: February 2024

Background. Substance use disorder is one of the most prevalent health issues among prison populations. In this regard, the Department of Health and Treatment of the Iranian Prisons has implemented treatment and harm reduction programs in prisons since 2002. The purpose of the present study was to describe the practical experience of implementation of addiction treatment and harm reduction programs in Iran's prisons.Methods. A qualitative cross-sectional study was designed in the present study. Further to library sources, we used face-to-face semi-structure interviews with 11 key informants with question about the evolution of treatment and harm reduction programs in Iranian prisons. We analyzed the data using content analysis method by MAXQDA-10 software.Results. The HIV outbreaks was a challenge in Iranian prisons in the late 18th-century (1999). Policy makers had different responses ranging from denying the issue to solving it according to the abstinence paradigm that was prevailed among the majority of drug experts and politicians, and finally to issuing a legal amendment based on evidence-based health literature. Although, at first, financial problems and lack of human resources hindered the implementation of large scale harm reduction measures, the extent and quality of these programs rapidly improved. Recently, these programs in Iranian prisons are a unique model of health in the Persian Gulf region. The main treatment and harm reduction programs in Iranian prisons were methadone maintenance treatment and setting up triangular clinics. Also, the national program for diagnosing HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in prison were provided by the collaboration of medical sciences universities.Conclusion. One of the main measures to provide evidence-based health interventions in prisons is the advocating for policy reform to implementation and expand harm reduction-based approaches. Providing evidence-based treatment and harm reduction programs in prisons and after inmates’ release into the community can significantly reduce health costs.
Changes in serum tumor marker levels are efficient predictors of complete response in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab
Authors: Takeuchi Yasuto , Sue Masahiko , Adachi Takuya , Onishi Hideki , Takaki Akinobu , Nouso Kazuhiro , Kariyama Kazuya , Kuwaki Kenji , Toshimori Jyunichi , Iwado Shota , Moriya Akio , Hagihara Hiroaki , Takabatake Hiroyuki , Tada Toshifumi , Yasunaka Tetsuya , Sakata Masahiro , Otsuka Motoyuki
Published: February 2024

Background and aims: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy is recommended as first-line regimen for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). Complete response (CR) is now being experienced at a consistent rate. This study aimed to identify predictive factors for CR.Methods A retrospective analysis of 319 patients with uHCC in whom atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy was introduced at our and joint research institutions from October 2020 to August 2023.Results Nineteen patients (6.0%) achieved CR. Multivariate analysis identified a Child–Pugh score 5 and decrease in alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels of more than 20% at 3 weeks as significant and independent determinants of achieving CR. Sixteen of the 19 patients (84.2%) maintained a cancer-free status. Cancer-free patients had a significantly higher proportion of lower levels of Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive AFP isoform (AFP-L3) at CR. Patients with AFL-L3 values of 15% or higher at CR had a significantly lower duration of response (log-rank test, P = 0.032).Conclusions Changes in AFP levels are important predictors of CR achievement in atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy. AFP-L3 levels are important for predicting maintenance of the therapeutic response.