bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latent Profiles of Passion and Categories of University Students' Passionate Activities: Difficulties in the Empirical Systematisation of Passion
Authors: Oszwa Urszula , Buczak Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

Both classical and contemporary definitions of education emphasise the development of learners and the discovery of their potential. The period of systemic education at all stages is an opportunity to seek this potential both at school and outside it. These are the circumstances of the development of abilities, interests and passions. In the educational process and in the modern world, the most valued are people who are creative, entrepreneurial, open to new experiences and have a passion—since it provides energy, gives wings, is a source of a sense of freedom and meaning and helps maintain well‐being. This study aimed to explore passion profiles, considering their dimensions and categories, and the respondents' field of study and gender, in a sample of Polish university students (n = 2720). The online Self‐Report Passion Inventory (SRPI) was used. Cluster analysis identified three latent profiles, differentiated by the perceived benefits of passion, its origin and its balance with other life activities. In addition, we identified categories of passionate activities typical of each profile. Field of study and gender were represented in similar ways in the distinguished profiles, indicating the universal nature of passion. The qualitative analysis of the results revealed potential reasons for the difficulties respondents experienced while categorising passionate activities.
Benchmarking Anomaly Detection Methods: Insights From the UCR Time Series Anomaly Archive
Authors: Baldán Francisco J. , García‐Gil Diego
Published: October 2024

Anomaly detection, vital for identifying deviations from normative data patterns, is particularly crucial in sensor‐driven real‐world applications, which predominantly involve temporal data in the form of time series. Traditional evaluation of anomaly detection methods has relied on public benchmark datasets. Yet, recent revelations have uncovered inherent flaws and inadequacies in these datasets, casting doubt on the perceived progress in the field. To address this challenge, the UCR Time Series Anomaly Archive has been recently proposed—a meticulously curated database comprising 250 time series—designed to provide a robust and error‐free benchmark for anomaly detection research. This paper comprehensively evaluates state‐of‐the‐art anomaly detection techniques using the UCR Time Series Anomaly Archive. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of current methods in accurately detecting anomalies across an important portion of datasets without additional optimization, underscoring the archive's utility as a foundational baseline for future research and development in anomaly detection methodologies.
Statistical Lifetime of Composites Subjected to Random and Ordered Block Loadings
Authors: D'Amore Alberto , Grassia Luigi
Published: October 2024

This study presents a procedure based on constant amplitude (CA) fatigue data to predict the statistical fatigue lifetime of glass/orthopolyester composites subjected to repeated ordered and random two, three, and six sequences of block loadings. A numerical routine was developed to detect cycle‐by‐cycle the statistical strength degradation progression until failure, assuming that the strength at the end of a block cycle equals the strength at the start of the successive one and that the individual samples' static strength, the amount of degraded strength, and fatigue life share the same rank in their respective cumulative distribution function. Predictions conform to the statistically undetectable loading sequence effects and lightly overestimate the lifetimes of random and ordered high‐to‐low (1/100 cycles) repeated two‐block loadings. The vanishing effect of the loading sequence when the block extents remain fixed, the block extent effects for a given three‐block sequence, and the lifetimes of three‐block loadings were fully predicted. The six‐block sequence's experimental lifetimes with different block loading orders and block extent fell within the predicted lifetimes' cumulative distribution function. A reliable damage rule based on residual strength was proposed and compared to the Miner's rule.
Serving Innovation: Exploring Patent Agency Service Networks in China
Authors: Wang Junsong , Qi Jie , Pan Fenghua , Liu Zhiqing
Published: November 2024

Patent agency services are crucial for the codification of technical knowledge and inventions. Drawing on an inter‐firm network analysis of the patent agency service relationships between patent agencies and their innovation clients during the last two decades in China, this paper seeks to explore the structure of urban patent agency service networks and how it is shaped by China's unique institutional and market forces. The study found that although the patent agency service network generally follows the basic structure of China's innovative and economic landscapes, it is still deeply shaped by China's unique intellectual property institutions, administrative hierarchy factors, market forces driven by patent agency service demand, and multidimensional proximities in a complex manner. Analyzing how these factors function should be related to the characteristics of patent agencies and the actors of networks. The study will help us understand how city patent service networks might be shaped by institutional and spatial factors, and provide new evidence on how cities are interlinked within patent agency service networks.
Developing STEP‐SE: A Qualitative Usability Study of a Novel Patient‐Reported Outcomes Tool for Managing Side Effects in Shared Decision‐Making for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder Care
Authors: Rodolico Alessandro , Di Francesco Antonio , Cutrufelli Pierfelice , Bighelli Irene , Caponnetto Pasquale , Concerto Carmen , Conti Davide , Furnari Rosaria , Leotta Gabriele , Mineo Ludovico , Messina Antonino , Müller Katharina , Petralia Antonino , Quattropani Maria Catena , Siafis Spyridon , Leucht Stefan , Signorelli Maria Salvina
Published: November 2024

Background

Schizophrenia treatment with antipsychotics often results in side effects that impact adherence and quality of life. Managing these effects remains challenging, as it requires balancing efficacy and tolerability. The Schizophrenia Technological Evaluation of Patient Side Effects (STEP‐SE) app aims to aid side effects monitoring and management through shared decision‐making (SDM).

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the usability of the STEP‐SE app for patients and clinicians in managing antipsychotic side effects.

Methods

Sixteen stable outpatients and 14 psychiatrists participated in semi‐structured interviews after using the STEP‐SE app. Questions explored ease of use, information clarity, user needs fulfilment, patient–clinician collaboration, treatment adherence improvement, patient empowerment and clinical utility. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Overall satisfaction with STEP‐SE was high. Both groups found that the tool improved patient involvement, provided reliable information to enhance therapeutic alliance, posed low risks of misunderstanding and had an intuitive interface. Patients felt more motivated and empowered. Clinicians appreciated guideline consistency. Preferences differed regarding data visualization formats.

Discussion

STEP‐SE shows potential for aiding SDM on antipsychotic side effects. Patients gained motivation, and clinicians felt reassured. Refinements around mobile access, graphics and features could augment utility. Generalizability is limited given the stable patient sample.

Conclusion

Preliminary findings suggest that STEP‐SE effectively engages patients, empowers them and supports clinicians in collaborative side effect management. Further testing with diverse user groups is warranted.

Patient or Public Contribution

The current study was designed to gather patient and public feedback for the development of our decision aid tool, STEP‐SE. Participants interacted with the tool's prototype in interactive sessions, providing insights and identifying technical issues. Their feedback was crucial for enhancing the tool, with each suggestion and bug report carefully considered for future iterations. The participants’ contributions were key in optimizing STEP‐SE's features and ensuring its relevance and reliability. We thank all who shared their time and perspectives, significantly shaping the tool's user‐centred design.
Mental Health Experiences Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in a New Zealand Tertiary Institution: A Time for Change
Authors: Solomon Bernadette , Topp Maia , Solomon David J. A. , Solomon David
Published: November 2024

Nursing students in undergraduate programmes exhibit comparable, sometimes higher, levels of poor mental health and substance use compared to the general population; however, this area remains under‐researched in New Zealand. The study involved 172 nursing students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing programme at one tertiary institution in Auckland, New Zealand. Employing a mixed‐methodology approach, a 29‐question survey comprising both open and closed questions was administered to explore the students' experiences with mental health and substance use, as well as their access to support services. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 29 descriptive statistics, while a general inductive approach guided the qualitative analysis. A significant proportion of participants (75%) reported experiencing emotional distress during their studies, with anxiety being the most prevalent (78.5%). A smaller percentage disclosed substance use (8.1%) including excessive alcohol use, cannabis use, nicotine use, vaping cannabis and some refusal to reveal substance use. Surprisingly, less than 1% (n = 0.6) utilised institutional support services. Three qualitative themes were identified including emotional distress and associated effects, emotional and psychological impacts on nursing students' academic journey and tertiary support systems. The findings highlight the urgent need to address the mental health and addiction challenges experienced by nursing students, given their potential adverse effects on academic success and overall well‐being. Urgent action is needed to integrate mental health training into the curriculum and provide faculty support. In this study, the underutilisation and inadequacy of institutional support services signal a need for institutional reforms to provide access and personalised mental health support to nursing students. Providing essential skills and support for student success contributes to the overall well‐being of the nursing workforce.
An Outbreak of Respiratory Viral Infections in a Professional Ice Hockey Team
Authors: Grönroos Wilma , Helenius Petri , Valtonen Maarit , Waris Matti , Heinonen Olli J. , Ruuskanen Olli
Published: October 2024

Background

Viral acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are an important cause of illness in athletes. However, their impact on ice hockey players is unclear.

Method

We describe an outbreak of ARIs in a professional ice hockey team.

Results

Contrary to expected influenza, the 40‐day outbreak was caused by 8 different respiratory viruses, that is, 2 different influenza A viruses, human coronavirus‐NL63 (HCoV‐NL63), respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) A and B, 2 different rhinoviruses, enterovirus D68, and parainfluenza type 2 virus.

Conclusion

Only influenza A and HCoV‐NL63 were possibly spread within the team thus suggesting an important contraction from the community. The burden of illness was substantial.
Influence of reduction treatment for TiNb2O7 nanoparticles on the electrochemical properties for Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Ou Chang‐Ying , Som Sudipta , Gupta Karan Kumar , Yu Chun Wei , Lu Chung‐Hsin
Published: October 2024

The discharge capacities and rate capability of TiNb2O7 powders were enhanced through the additional postreduction treatment. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance results confirmed the formation of oxygen vacancies in TiNb2O7 powders after a reduction treatment. The appearance of oxygen vacancies in TiNb2O7 powders formed the impurity level in the forbidden gap and decreased the bandgap values of TiNb2O7. Compared with the pristine TiNb2O7 powders, when TiNb2O7 powders were reduced at 400°C for 40 min, the charge transfer resistance of prepared samples was reduced from 43.67 to 19.35 Ω, and the pseudocapacitive contribution of TiNb2O7 was increased from 44% to 59%. In addition, the discharge capacities at 0.1 and 20 C of prepared batteries were increased by 10.84% and 105.85%, respectively. On the other hand, increasing the temperature in the reduction treatment caused the formation of Ti4+/Ti3+ and Nb5+/Nb4+ pairs and decreased the amounts of available redox couples, thereby deteriorating the electrochemical performance of prepared batteries. The results in the present study revealed that the discharge capacities and rate capability of TiNb2O7 powders were enhanced through a postreduction treatment.
NAT10‐mediated RNA ac4C acetylation contributes to the myocardial infarction‐induced cardiac fibrosis
Authors: Li Jun , Yushanjiang Feierkaiti , Fang Zhao , Liu Wan‐li
Published: November 2024

Cardiac fibrosis is featured cardiac fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix accumulation. Ac4C acetylation is an important epigenetic regulation of RNAs that has been recently discovered, and it is solely carried out by NAT10, the exclusive enzyme used for the modification. However, the potential regulatory mechanisms of ac4C acetylation in myocardial fibrosis following myocardial infarction remain poorly understood. In our study, we activated fibroblasts in vitro using TGF‐β1 (20 ng/mL), followed by establishing a myocardial infarction mouse model to evaluate the impact of NAT10 on collagen synthesis and cardiac fibroblast proliferation. We utilized a NAT10 inhibitor, Remodelin, to attenuate the acetylation capacity of NAT10. In the cardiac fibrosis tissues of chronic myocardial infarction mice and cultured cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in response to TGF‐β1 treatment, there was an elevation in the levels of NAT10 expression. This increase facilitated proliferation, the accumulation of collagens, as well as fibroblast‐to‐myofibroblast transition. Through the administration of Remodelin, we effectively reduced cardiac fibrosis in myocardial infarction mice by inhibiting NAT10's ability to acetylate mRNA. Inhibition of NAT10 resulted in changes in collagen‐related gene expression and ac4C acetylation levels. Mechanistically, we found that NAT10 upregulates the acetylation modification of BCL‐XL mRNA and enhances the stability of BCL‐XL mRNA, thereby upregulating its protein expression, inhibiting the activation of Caspase3 and blocking the apoptosis of CFs. Therefore, the crucial involvement of NAT10‐mediated ac4C acetylation is significant in the cardiac fibrosis progression, affording promising molecular targets for the treatment of fibrosis and relevant cardiac diseases.
The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of ErhBMP‐2/BioCaP/β‐TCP as a Novel Bone Substitute Using the Tooth‐Extraction‐Socket‐Healing Model: A Proof‐of‐Concept Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wei Lingfei , Sun Yuanyuan , Yu Dedong , Pieterse Herman , Wismeijer Daniel , Liu Yuelian , Wu Yiqun
Published: October 2024

Aim

This first randomized controlled trial in humans aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of low‐dosage Escherichia coli‐derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (ErhBMP‐2)‐incorporated biomimetic calcium phosphate coating‐functionalized β‐TCP (ErhBMP‐2/BioCaP/β‐TCP) as a novel bone substitute using the tooth‐extraction‐socket‐healing model.

Materials and Methods

Forty patients requiring dental implants after single‐root tooth extraction were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned into three groups: ErhBMP‐2/BioCaP/β‐TCP (N = 15), β‐TCP (N = 15) and natural healing (N = 10). New bone volume density from histomorphometric analyses was evaluated 6 weeks post‐operatively as the primary outcome, and other histomorphometric analyses, alveolar bone and soft‐tissue changes were the secondary outcomes. Safety parameters included adverse events, soft‐tissue healing, oral health impact profile, serum BMP‐2 concentrations and other laboratory tests.

Results

The findings revealed a significant increase in new bone volume density in patients treated with ErhBMP‐2/BioCaP/β‐TCP compared to those receiving β‐TCP alone. The required bone augmentation procedures during implant placement surgery in the ErhBMP‐2/BioCaP/β‐TCP group were significantly less than in the natural healing group. There were no significant differences in safety parameters among the three groups.

Conclusion

This clinical trial primarily proved the safety and efficacy of ErhBMP‐2/BioCaP/β‐TCP as a promising bone substitute.
Design and methodology of the harmonized diagnostic assessment of dementia for the longitudinal aging study in India: Wave 2
Authors: Khobragade Pranali Y. , Petrosyan Sarah , Dey Sharmistha , Dey A. B. , Lee Jinkook ,   the LASI‐DAD Authorship Team
Published: November 2024

The rising burden of dementia calls for high‐quality data on cognitive decline and dementia onset. The second wave of the Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment for the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI‐DAD) was designed to provide longitudinal assessments of cognition and dementia in India. All Wave 1 participants were recruited for a follow‐up interview, and a refresher sample was drawn from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, a nationally representative cohort of Indians aged 45 and older. Respondents underwent a battery of cognitive tests, geriatric assessments, and venous blood collection. Their health and cognitive status were also assessed through an interview with a close family member or friend. Clinical consensus diagnosis was made based on the Clinical Dementia Rating®, and comprehensive data on risk factors of dementia were collected, including neurodegenerative biomarkers, sensory function, and environmental exposures. A total of 4635 participants were recruited between 2022 and 2024 from 22 states and union territories of India, accounting for 97.9% of the population in India. The response rate was 84.0%, and 71.5% of the participants provided venous blood specimen. LASI‐DAD provides rich new data to study cognition, dementia, and their risk factors longitudinally in a nationally representative sample of older adults in India. Longitudinal cognitive data, together with longitudinally assessed biomarker data and novel data on sensory function and environmental exposures, provide a unique opportunity to establish associations between risk factors and biologically defined cognitive aging phenotypes.
Halobacteria Formula Improvement of Skin Care—A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Chan Leong‐Perng , Da‐Long Cheng , Tseng Ya‐Ping , Liang Chia‐Hua
Published: November 2024

Background

Halobacteria trueperi, an extremophilic microorganism thriving in high‐salt environments, produces extracellular polysaccharides with potential anti‐inflammatory and anti‐aging properties. However, its clinical efficacy in skin improvement remains unclear. This study focuses on H. trueperi TCI66207, isolated from the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 662 m near Hualien, and its potential to enhance skin parameters, aiming to develop a novel functional formulation for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use.

Aims

This sudy aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of H. trueperi TCI66207 on various skin parameters and its potential for developing new functional cosmetic formulations.

Patients/Methods

A total of 40 subjects were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: the test group applied a serum containing H. trueperi TCI66207, while the placebo group used a basic serum. Subjects were instructed to apply the serum twice daily for 4 weeks. Skin parameters, including moisture, brightness, elasticity, pigmentation (spots and UV spots), texture, wrinkles, pores, and collagen density, were assessed before and after the 4‐week application period.

Results

After 4 weeks of using the H. trueperi TCI66207 serum, significant improvements were observed in all measured skin parameters compared to baseline, with notable enhancements in moisture, brightness, elasticity, texture, and collagen density, along with reductions in wrinkles, spots, and pore size.

Conclusions

Halobacteria trueperi TCI66207 serum demonstrates a clear ability to improve skin conditions and delay signs of aging, making it a promising candidate for the development of new cosmetic formulations with potent anti‐aging and skin‐rejuvenating properties.
Energy‐Based Skin Rejuvenation: A Review of Mechanisms and Thermal Effects
Authors: Jia Ximeng , Feng Yongqiang
Published: November 2024

Background

Energy‐based photoelectric and ultrasonic devices are essential for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing in the field of plastic surgery and dermatology. Both functionality and appearance are impacted by factors that cause skin to age, and various energy types have variable skin penetration depths and modes of transmission.

Aim

The objective is to advise safe and efficient antiaging treatment while precisely and sensitively controlling and assessing the extent of thermal damage to tissues caused by different kinds of energy‐based devices.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on PubMed to review the mechanisms of action and thermal effects of photoelectric and ultrasonic devices in skin remodeling applications.

Results

This paper reviews the thermal effects of energy‐based devices in skin resurfacing applications, including the tissue level and molecular biochemical level. It seeks to summarize the distribution form, depth of action, and influencing factors of thermal effects in combination with the mechanisms of action of various types of devices.

Conclusion

Accurate control of thermal damage is crucial for safe and effective skin remodeling treatments. Thorough investigation of molecular biochemical indicators and signaling pathways is needed for real‐time monitoring and prevention of severe thermal injury. Ongoing research and technological advancements will improve the accuracy and control of thermal damage during treatments.
Association among raised intraventricular pressure, clinical signs, and magnetic resonance imaging findings in dogs with congenital internal hydrocephalus
Authors: Farke Daniela , Olszewska Agnieszka , Büttner Kathrin , Schmidt Martin J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Dogs with internal hydrocephalus do not necessarily have high intraventricular pressure (IVP).

Hypothesis/Objectives

Not all reported MRI findings indicate high IVP and some clinical signs might be associated with elevated IVP and syringomyelia.

Animals

Fifty‐three dogs.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Clinical signs and MRI findings were evaluated for an association of IVP >12 mm Hg and syringomyelia.

Results

High IVP was associated with obtundation OR 4.64 (95% CI 1.27‐16.93) (P = .02), head tilt OR 6.42 (95% CI 1.08‐37.97) (P = .04) and nystagmus OR 8.24 (95% CI 1.44‐47.07) (P = .02). Pain was associated with syringomyelia OR 3.4 (95% CI 0.98‐11.78) (P = .05). The number of affected ventricles was associated with high IVP OR 2.85 (95% CI 0.97‐8.33) (P = .05) and syringomyelia OR 12.74 (95% CI 2.93‐55.4) (P = .0007). Periventricular edema OR 24.46 (95% CI 4.54‐131.77), OR 7.61 (95% CI 1.91‐30.32) (P < .0002, P = .004) and signal void sign OR 17.34 (95% CI 4.01‐74.95), OR 4.18 (95% CI 1.16‐15.02) (P < .0001, P = .03) were associated with high IVP and syringomyelia. The probability for syringomyelia is lower with disruption of the internal capsule OR 0.19 (95% CI 0.05‐0.72) (P = .01) and higher VBR OR 0.25 (95% CI 0.1‐0.63) (P = .004).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Previously reported MRI findings are not predictive of high IVP. Clinical signs and MRI findings should be used to make a diagnosis of internal hydrocephalus in dogs with or without high IVP.
Clinical findings, prognostic factors, and outcome of protein‐losing nephropathy in cats: A retrospective study
Authors: Sugar Noam , Chen Hilla , Segev Gilad
Published: November 2024

Background

Primary glomerular disease resulting in protein‐losing nephropathy (PLN) is an uncommon cause of chronic kidney disease in cats, yet is important to recognize because it warrants specific treatment that impacts outcome.

Hypothesis/Objective

Characterize clinicopathologic findings, prognostic indicators, and short‐ (≤30 days) and long‐term survival of cats with PLN.

Animals

Thirty‐seven cats with naturally occurring PLN.

Methods

Medical records of cats with PLN admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Median age was 3 years (range, 1.5‐11.5 years) and 17/37 (46%) were males. Short‐term survival was 57%. The estimated median survival time of all cats was 424 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 0‐1098 days). Common clinical signs included lethargy (57%), edema (46%) and weight loss (35%). Edema was more common in short‐term survivors compared with nonsurvivors (odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05‐0.86‐20.4; P = .04). Serum creatinine concentration at presentation was negatively associated with long‐term survival (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.52; P = .01). Administration of immunosuppressive and antiproteinuric medications was more common among short‐term survivors compared with nonsurvivors (18/20 [90%] vs 9/16 [56%]; OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 1.2‐40.8; P = .05 and 17/20 [85%] vs 7/16 [44%]; OR, 7.3; 95% CI, 1.5‐35.2; P = .01, respectively). Partial or complete remission was documented in 11/31 (36%) cats and was associated with both short (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.7‐6.5; P < .001) and long‐term survival (P = .003).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Cats with PLN have a guarded prognosis, but achieving remission improves outcome. Cats presented with edema rather than azotemia are more likely to respond to treatment.
Empowering Global Health Systems to Protect, Promote and Support Optimal Breastfeeding
Authors: Zhu David T. , Gupta Tarini , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael
Published: November 2024

Breastfeeding is a critical public health strategy for optimal child development and maternal health across the life course. The 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study reveals that, despite reductions in mortality and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to suboptimal breastfeeding practices—namely, non‐exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months or early discontinuation within the first 2 years—low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) continue to bear a staggering 50‐fold higher burden compared to high‐income nations. This inequity signals a pressing global health priority. Hence, we propose to address these challenges by first, expanding the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) reach through community‐driven efforts such as the Baby‐Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) to enhance breastfeeding support in both clinical and community settings; second, embedding breastfeeding counselling within national health and social protection programmes to fill in gaps in culturally competent care, drawing on large scale breastfeeding peer counselling programme experiences like the one being implemented by the US Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); third, improving maternity leave policies and workplace accommodations for breastfeeding women and fourth, stringent regulation of exploitative commercial milk formula (CMF) marketing to combat misinformation and reduce health inequities. Governments must implement strong, evidence‐driven policies—such as strict monitoring and regulation of product labelling and digital media marketing—to establish safeguards against the powerful influence of the CMF industry. Collectively, these strategies will enhance breastfeeding outcomes, reduce health disparities and drive progress across countries towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Combining transfer learning and statistical measures to predict performance of composite materials with limited data
Authors: Li Xue , Zhu Zhongfeng , Zhou Yingwu , Zhou Zhihao , Zhang Liwen , Chen Cheng
Published: November 2024

Predicting the performance of composite materials is crucial for their application in civil infrastructure, yet limited experimental data often hinder the development of accurate and generalizable models. This study introduces a deep neural network (DNN) approach that combines summarizing statistics (SS) and transfer learning (TL)—termed the SSTL‐DNN approach—to address data scarcity in modeling composite materials. The computational novelty lies in the SS method's ability to extract comprehensive information from limited datasets by converting complex constitutive laws into concise statistical representations, thereby enabling efficient and effective model training. Simultaneously, the TL method enhances computational efficiency by leveraging knowledge from related tasks with abundant data to improve learning in the target task with scarce data. This combination not only reduces dependency on large datasets but also significantly improves model generalization. The proposed SSTL‐DNN approach is validated through two case studies: fiber‐reinforced polymer confined concrete and engineered cementitious composites. In both case studies, the SSTL‐DNN model reduces the required dataset size by up to 75% and decreases the validation error by 39%, compared to traditional deep learning models. These results demonstrate that the SSTL‐DNN approach not only overcomes data scarcity but also provides accurate predictions and generalization to unseen data, offering a practical solution for modeling composite materials with limited data.
Esophageal chest pain resembles heartburn in reflux metrics and response to proton pump inhibitor therapy
Authors: Ribolsi Mentore , Marchetti Lorenzo , Olmi Lucrezia Maria , Cicala Michele , Savarino Edoardo
Published: November 2024

Background

Gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common cause for noncardiac chest pain (NCCP), with an estimated prevalence rate ranging between 30% and 60%. Heartburn and NCCP may share common mechanisms.

Aims/Methods

To assess whether particular patterns of impedance‐pH variables characterize patients with dominant heartburn, regurgitation, or NCCP and their ability to predict proton pump inhibitor (PPI) response for each symptom, GERD patients, evaluated with high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance‐pH, were included.

Results

In total, 109 NCCP, 68 heartburn, and 64 regurgitation patients were included. Pathological reflux episodes were observed in 28%, 19%, and 56% (p < 0.001). Pathological mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) values were observed in 55%, 53%, and 34% (p < 0.05). Hypomotility was more frequent in NCCP compared to heartburn patients (p < 0.05). When comparing NCCP with heartburn, hypomotility was associated with NCCP perception (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.23–4.43; p < 0.01). When comparing NCCP with regurgitation, >80 refluxes and type 2/3 esophagogastric junction (EGJ) were associated with regurgitation perception (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16–0.59; p < 0.001, and OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.27–0.93; p < 0.05), while pathological MNBI was associated with NCCP perception (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.23–4.43; p < 0.01). 45.5% NCCP patients, 45.6% with heartburn, and 36% with regurgitation responded to PPIs (p < 0.05). At multivariate analysis, pathological MNBI or PSPW index were associated with PPI responsiveness in patients with NCCP or heartburn, while in patients with regurgitation, pathological MNBI was associated with PPI responsiveness and a reflux number >80 to PPI refractoriness.

Conclusions

We highlight the usefulness of an accurate clinical and functional evaluation of GERD patients, allowing to discriminate particular characteristics in patients with dominant heartburn, NCCP, or regurgitation, which may benefit of distinct therapeutic strategies.
Barriers and enablers to effective weight management for people living with overweight and obesity: A rapid scoping review
Authors: Mekonnen Alemayehu , Vasilevski Vidanka , Chapman Anna , Naughton Shaan , Yuen Eva , Willcox Jane , Holmes‐Truscott Elizabeth , Ananthapavan Jaithri , Tesfay Fisaha , Sweet Linda , Peeters Anna
Published: November 2024

A scoping review was conducted to identify barriers and enablers to effective weight management in healthcare settings for people living with overweight and obesity in English‐speaking high‐income countries. Peer‐reviewed and gray literature were systematically searched in June 2024. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Of the 15,684 unique articles identified and screened for relevance, 216 studies were included. Healthcare‐related barriers and enablers to weight management were organized under three themes: a) healthcare provider‐related factors, b) provision of care, and c) policy/funding. Prominent barriers included healthcare provider knowledge deficits and low prioritization of obesity management, mainly in the primary care setting. Weight management beyond the primary care setting was found to be especially challenging, with poor referral pathways, service fragmentation, lack of multidisciplinary practice, and restricted eligibility criteria, hindering the accessibility of services. Developing consistent policies and guidelines, improving the education of healthcare providers, and increasing funding to provide low‐cost comprehensive care, were identified as enablers to access and uptake of weight management services. Considerable overlap in the identified barriers existed across healthcare providers and settings. A whole health system approach to minimize barriers and strengthen enablers to weight management services is needed, to address rising obesity rates.
(Re)conceptualising Good Care in Hospital Settings From the Perspectives of Older Persons: A Concept Analysis Using Pragmatic Utility
Authors: Millar Nick Anthony , Hoben Matthias , Dahlke Sherry , Hunter Kathleen F.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To understand good care from the perspective of hospitalised older persons.

Background

Older persons are the largest group of hospital users, and numbers will increase in the next decades. Hospital organisations are attempting to transform traditional care models to meet the specialised needs of hospitalised older persons. To achieve this, healthcare providers including nurses and administrators need to understand the perspectives of hospitalised older persons on what constitutes good care. This knowledge is critical to nursing to ensure that care aligns with the perceived needs of hospitalised older persons. However, good care from the viewpoints of hospitalised older persons remains ambiguous and poorly delineated in the literature.

Methods

We conducted a concept analysis using the pragmatic utility method. To identify peer‐reviewed articles, we searched CINAHL, MedLine, PsycINFO, Scopus and Embase databases for related literature using the keywords and related terms to ‘good care’, ‘hospital or acute care’ and ‘older persons’.

Results

Twenty‐two peer‐reviewed articles out of 2144 search results were included. The heterogeneity of older persons' perspectives and limitations in the literature on good care led to a tentative understanding. Good care, a partially mature concept, is the provision of person‐centred, culturally sensitive, holistic and integrated care that fosters autonomy, control and participation, resulting in a sense of belonging, smooth transitions, optimal management of clinical conditions, satisfaction in care and informed older persons and family caregivers.

Conclusion

Older persons are a heterogeneous group with diverse perceptions of good care. Instead of seeking a common understanding of good care, efforts should be focused on identifying individual preferences, values and goals of hospitalised older persons.

Implications for Practice

The components of good care are important for many hospitalised older persons and can serve as a starting point for improvements in practice settings. However, this understanding is tentative and may overlook critical aspects of care at an individual level. Hospital organisations, healthcare providers and nurses should be cognizant of this limitation and cultivate adaptability for an individualised approach to care.
The unmet need for certification of vision impairment for people accessing a national primary care‐based low vision rehabilitation service
Authors: John Rebecca , Williams Gwyn , Morgan Tim , George Michael R. , Reynolds Rhianon , Acton Jennifer H.
Published: November 2024

Background

The certificate of vision impairment has an important role in enabling access to support for people with vision impairment (VI) and the provision of epidemiological data regarding sight loss. However, the rates of certification may not accurately reflect the number of people living with certifiable VI.

Methods

Observational data from a national primary care low vision rehabilitation service between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022 were analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the certification status of patients with certifiable VI. For patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and best‐corrected visual acuity of 6/60 or worse, logistic regression was undertaken to assess the effects of patient characteristics on certification status.

Results

For patients with AMD and certifiable levels of visual acuity, 41.00% (n = 426) were not certified. The reported certification was 60.09% (n = 256) and 58.24% (n = 357) for neovascular AMD and atrophic AMD, respectively. Existing patients of the service were 3.87 times more likely to be certified than new patients (OR 3.87, 95% CI 2.7–5.4). Increasing age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.004–1.038) and decreasing visual acuity (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.50–0.78) were associated with an increased likelihood of certification.

Conclusion

A significant number of patients live with certifiable vision impairment but do not access certification. Policy changes in Wales now enable patients with bilateral atrophic AMD to access certification within the primary care setting. Given the unmet need, consideration should be given to primary care certification in the rest of the UK, and in Wales, the potential to expand the scope of conditions.
CRISPR/Cas knockout of the NADPH oxidase gene OsRbohB reduces ROS overaccumulation and enhances heat stress tolerance in rice
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Ji Ping , Liao Jingpeng , Duan Ximiao , Luo Zhiyang , Yu Xin , Jiang Chang‐Jie , Xu Chen , Yang Hongtao , Peng Bo , Jiang Kai
Published: November 2024

Heat stress (HS) has become a major factor limiting crop yields worldwide. HS inhibits plant growth by ROS accumulation, and NADPH oxidases (Rbohs) are major ROS producers in plants. Here, we show that CRISPR/Cas knockout of the OsRbohB (OsRbohB‐KO) significantly increased rice tolerance to HS imposed at various different growth stages. We produced OsRbohB‐KO and OsRbohB‐overexpression (OsRbohB‐OE) lines in a japonica cultivar, Nipponbare. Compared with nontransgenic wild‐type (WT) plants, the OsRbohB‐KO lines showed a significant increase in chlorophyll contents (5.2%–58.0%), plant growth (48.2%–65.6%) and grain yield (8.9%–20.5%), while reducing HS‐induced ROS accumulation in seeds (21.3%–33.0%), seedlings (13.0%–30.4%), anthers (13.1%–20.3%) and grains (9.7%–22.1%), under HS conditions. Analysis of yield components revealed that the increased yield of OsRbohB‐KO plants was due to increased starch synthetase activity, spikelets per panicle (2.0%–9.3%), filled spikelets (4.8%–15.5%), percentage of filled spikelets (2.4%–6.8%) and 1000‐grain weight (2.9%–7.4%) under HS conditions during the reproductive stage. Grain milling and appearance quality, and starch content were also significantly increased in OsRbohB‐KO plants under HS conditions during the mature stage. Furthermore, OsRbohB‐KO significantly upregulated the expression levels of heat shock‐related genes, OsHSP23.7, OsHSP17.7, OsHSF7 and OsHsfA2a, in rice seedlings and grains under long‐term HS conditions. Conversely, OsRbohB‐OE resulted in phenotypes that were opposite to OsRbohB‐KO in most cases. Our results suggest that suppression of OsRbohB provides an effective approach for alleviating heat damage and improving grain yield and quality of rice under long‐term HS conditions.
Xylem and Phloem in Petioles Are Coordinated With Leaf Gas Exchange in Oaks With Contrasting Anatomical Strategies Depending on Leaf Habit
Authors: Martín‐Sánchez Rubén , Sancho‐Knapik Domingo , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Alonso‐Forn David , Losada Juan Manuel , Peguero‐Pina José Javier , Mencuccini Maurizio , Gil‐Pelegrín Eustaquio
Published: November 2024

As the single link between leaves and the rest of the plant, petioles must develop conductive tissues according to the water influx and sugar outflow of the leaf lamina. A scaling relationship between leaf area and anatomical traits of xylem and phloem is expected to improve the efficiency of these tissues. However, the different constraints compromising the functionality of both tissues (e.g., risk of cavitation) must not be disregarded. Additionally, deciduous and evergreen plants may have different strategies to produce and package their petiole conduits to cope with environmental restrictions. We explored in 33 oak species the relationships between petiole anatomical traits, leaf area, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis rate. Results showed allometric scaling between anatomical structure of xylem and phloem with leaf area. We also found correlations between photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and anatomical traits in the petiole. The main novelty is how oaks present a different strategy depending on the leaf habit. Deciduous species tend to increase their diameters to achieve greater leaf‐specific conductivity. By contrast, evergreen oaks develop larger xylem conductive areas for a given leaf area than deciduous ones. This trade‐off between safety‐efficiency in petioles has never been attributed to the leaf habit of the species.
Homocysteine S‐Methyltransferase 3 Positively Regulates Cadmium Tolerance in Maize
Authors: Lin Kaina , Xu Kewen , Chen Yiqing , Lu Yifan , Zhou Meixue , Cao Fangbin
Published: November 2024

The increasing contamination of agricultural soils with cadmium (Cd) poses a significant threat to human health and global food security. Plants initiate a series of mechanisms to reduce Cd toxicity. However, the response of maize to Cd toxicity remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified that ZmHMT3, which encodes a homocysteine S‐methyltransferases family protein, acted as a regulator of Cd tolerance in maize. Subcellular localization and in situ PCR exhibited that ZmHMT3 was localized in the cytoplasm and predominantly expressed in the phloem. Overexpression of ZmHMT3 enhanced Cd tolerance and reduced Cd concentration in both shoots and roots. In contrast, ZmHMT3 mutants attenuated Cd tolerance but did not change shoot Cd concentration. Heterologous overexpression of ZmHMT3 in rice enhanced Cd tolerance and reduced grain Cd concentration. Transcriptome analysis revealed that ZmHMT3 upregulated the expression of stress‐responsive genes, especially glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) and transcription factors, including MYBs, NACs and WRKYs, and modulates the expression of different ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters, thereby enhancing Cd tolerance. Collectively, these findings highlight the pivotal role of ZmHMT3 in Cd tolerance and as a candidate gene for improving Cd tolerance in elite maize varieties.
Risk of subsequent Parkinson's disease among patients with bipolar disorder or major depression: A nationwide longitudinal study in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Mao‐Hsuan , Cheng Chih‐Ming , Hsu Ju‐Wei , Bai Ya‐Mei , Su Tung‐Ping , Li Cheng‐Ta , Tsai Shih‐Jen , Chan Yee‐Lam E , Chen Mu‐Hong
Published: November 2024

Aim

Bipolar disorder (BD) and major depression have been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD); however, few studies have directly compared the risk of PD development between patients with BD and major depression while considering relevant risk factors and psychotropic medications.

Methods

Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, 21,186 patients with BD, 21,188 patients with major depression, and 42,374 controls were enrolled between 2001 and 2009, and followed until the end of 2011. Individuals who developed PD during the follow‐up period were identified. Cox regression models were used to analyze the hazard ratio (HR) of developing PD, adjusting for demographic factors, comorbidities, and psychotropic medication usage.

Results

Both patients with BD [HR 8.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.35–11.72] and those with major depression (HR 5.68, 95% CI 4.15–7.78) had an elevated risk of subsequent PD compared to the controls. Patients with BD were associated with a 51% increased risk of subsequent PD compared with patients with major depression. Long‐term treatment with antiepileptic mood stabilizers was associated with increased PD risk among patients with late‐onset BD and high Charlson comorbidity index scores. Lithium was not associated with an increased PD risk.

Conclusions

The study highlights an elevated PD risk in patients with BD and major depression compared to the controls, with BD patients at highest risk. Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between psychotropic medications and neurodegenerative processes in BD, aiming to optimize therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes.
Comparison and evaluation of feature matching methods for multisource planetary remote sensing imagery
Authors: Ye Zhen , Zhou Yingying , Xu Yusheng , Huang Rong , Wan Genyi , Qian Jia , Xie Huan , Tong Xiaohua
Published: November 2024

Feature‐based image matching is a critical technique in photogrammetry and computer vision. Recently, various advanced image matching methods have been proposed. The effectiveness of these methods is significantly challenged in the case of multisource planetary images which often have to deal with unique surface morphologies, observed by different sensors and under different illumination and viewing conditions. This study investigates and evaluates the performances of 13 feature detectors across diverse images from Moon and Mars, captured by different sensor systems under different radiometric and geometric conditions. Also, the performances of 12 feature descriptors are assessed. A ranking for combinations of detectors and descriptors is determined. The results reveal that phase congruency‐based algorithms achieve favourable performance in both feature detection and description. On the other hand methods based on deep learning may obtain better results if training data of high quality were available. Finally, we summarise the capabilities and limitations of multisource remote sensing image matching methods and provide discussions and prospects for future research.