bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic motivation and affective engagement toward science and math: the mediating role of self-efficacy
Authors: Valenzuela-Peñuñuri Rosalba , Tapia-Fonllem César O. , Fraijo-Sing Blanca S. , Manríquez-Betanzos Juan Carlos
Published: August 2024

The relationship between career choice and academic achievement associated with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has been extensively studied from the Educational Psychology Approach. The present study examined the impact of academic motivation on affective engagement, focusing on the mediating role of self-efficacy in pre-college students. A sample of 324 students between 17 and 19 years (M = 17.41; SD = 0.506; 51% females, 49% males) from different schools located in northwestern Mexico participated in completing a self-report questionnaire about math and science engagement, self-efficacy to science and math, and academic motivation. Statistical analyses were carried out to determine the reliability and validity of the measurement scale; posteriorly, a mediation analysis was used to determinate the direct and indirect effects of the structural model. The results revealed high correlations between the three study variables. Both mediation analysis and structural equation modeling indicated that academic motivation influences affective engagement through its relationship with self-efficacy. Although self-efficacy has a direct effect on affective engagement, it is also affected by academic motivation, so the interaction between these two generates an influence on affective engagement. In this research, a strong relationship was observed between academic motivation and self-efficacy, indicating that students who are motivated and enjoy performing activities related to their science and math classes have previous experiences of success in these tasks. These results provide new insights for the improvement of strategies regarding the training and performance of pre-university students in the areas of science and mathematics by considering their affective states.
Impact of ibrutinib on inflammation in a mouse model of Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Kim Charm , Park Jin Hwan , Choi Yeon Jeong , Jun Hyung Oh , Chung Jin Kwon , Park Tae Kwann , Yoon Jin Sook , Yang Jae Wook , Jang Sun Young
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) and interleukin (IL)-2 Inducible T-cell Kinase (ITK) inhibitors have anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the therapeutic effect of ibrutinib, an orally bioavailable BTK/ITK inhibitor, in a mouse model of Graves’ orbitopathy (GO).

Methods

Genetic immunization was performed through intramuscular administration of the recombinant plasmid, pCMV6-hTSHR cDNA, to 8-week-old female BALB/c mice. Serum levels of T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) antibodies (TRAbs) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathological changes in orbital tissues were examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining for TSHR and various inflammatory markers. Following successful genetic immunization, ibrutinib was orally administered daily for 2 weeks in the GO model mice. After treatment, the mRNA and protein expression levels of BTK, ITK, IL-1β, and IL-6 in orbital tissues were evaluated using real-time PCR and Western blotting.

Results

In total, 20 mice were sacrificed to confirm successful genetic immunization. The GO mouse group exhibited significantly increased serum T3, T4, and TRAb levels. IHC revealed increased expression of TSHR, IL-1β, IL-6, transforming growth factor-β1, interferon-γ, CD40, CD4, BTK, and ITK in the GO mouse model. The orbital inflammation was significantly attenuated in ibrutinib-treated mice. The mRNA and protein expression levels of BTK, ITK, IL-1β, and IL-6 in orbital tissue were lower in ibrutinib-treated GO mouse group compared to the phosphate-buffered saline-treated GO mouse group.

Conclusion

The GO mouse model demonstrated enhanced BTK and ITK expression. Ibrutinib, a BTK/ITK inhibitor, suppressed the inflammatory cytokine production. These findings highlight the potential involvement of BTK/ITK in the inflammatory pathogenesis of GO, suggesting its role as a novel therapeutic target.
Nutrigenomic underpinnings of intestinal stem cells in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer development
Authors: Ho Jennifer , Puoplo Nicholas , Pokharel Namrata , Hirdaramani Aanya , Hanyaloglu Aylin C. , Cheng Chia-Wei
Published: August 2024

Food-gene interaction has been identified as a leading risk factor for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Accordingly, nutrigenomics emerges as a new approach to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these two strongly associated gastrointestinal diseases. Recent studies in stem cell biology have further shown that diet and nutrition signal to intestinal stem cells (ISC) by altering nutrient-sensing transcriptional activities, thereby influencing barrier integrity and susceptibility to inflammation and tumorigenesis. This review recognizes the dietary factors related to both CRC and IBD and investigates their impact on the overlapping transcription factors governing stem cell activities in homeostasis and post-injury responses. Our objective is to provide a framework to study the food-gene regulatory network of disease-contributing cells and inspire new nutrigenomic approaches for detecting and treating diet-related IBD and CRC.
Unveiling the cellular landscape: insights from single-cell RNA sequencing in multiple myeloma
Authors: Li Xinhan , Lin Zhiheng , Zhao Fu , Huang Tianjiao , Fan Weisen , Cen Lijun , Ma Jun
Published: August 2024

Objective

The aim of this research was to gain a thorough understanding of the processes involved in cell communication and discover potential indicators for treating multiple myeloma (MM) through the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). And explored the expression of multiple myeloma-related subgroups on metal ion-related pathways to explore the relationship between MM and metal ions.

Methods

We performed a fair examination using single-cell RNA sequencing on 32 bone marrow specimens collected from 22 individuals at different points of MM advancement and 9 individuals without any health issues. To analyze the scRNA-seq data, we employed advanced computational algorithms, including Slingshot, Monocle2, and other methodologies. Specifically, Slingshot and Monocle2 enabled us to simulate the biological functionalities of different cell populations and map trajectories of cell developmental pathways. Additionally, we utilized the UMAP algorithm, a powerful dimension reduction technique, to cluster cells and identify genes that were differentially expressed across clusters.

Results

Our study revealed distinct gene expression patterns and molecular pathways within each patient, which exhibited associations with disease progression. The analysis provided insights into the tumor microenvironment (TME), intra- and inter-patient heterogeneity, and cell-cell interactions mediated by ligand-receptor signaling. And found that multiple myeloma-related subgroups were expressed higher levels in MMP and TIMP pathways, there were some associations.

Conclusion

Our study presents a fresh perspective for future research endeavors and clinical interventions in the field of MM. The identified gene expression patterns and molecular pathways hold immense potential as therapeutic targets for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The utilization of scRNA-seq technology has significantly contributed to a more precise understanding of the complex cellular processes and interactions within MM. Through these advancements, we are now better equipped to unravel the underlying mechanisms driving the development and progression of this complex disease.
Administration of turmeric kombucha ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis by attenuating inflammation and modulating gut microbiota
Authors: Su Jingqian , Tan Qingqing , Wu Shun , Zhou Fen , Xu Chen , Zhao Heng , Lin Congfan , Deng Xiaohui , Xie Lian , Lin Xinrui , Ye Hui , Yang Minhe
Published: August 2024

Our research team previously reported the immunomodulatory effects of kombucha fermentation liquid. This study investigated the protective effects of turmeric kombucha (TK) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis and its impact on the intestinal microbiota of mice. A turmeric culture medium without kombucha served as the control (TW). Non-targeted metabolomics analysis was employed to analyze the compositional differences between TK and TW. Qualitative analysis identified 590 unique metabolites that distinguished TK from TW. TK improved survival from 40 to 90%, enhanced thermoregulation, and reduced pro-inflammatory factor expression and inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissue, suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. TK also altered the microbiome, promoting Allobaculum growth. Our findings shed light on the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of TK in mitigating LPS-induced sepsis, highlighting TK as a promising anti-inflammatory agent and revealing new functions of kombucha prepared through traditional fermentation methods.
Radiosynthesis and in-vitro identification of a molecular probe 131I-FAPI targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts
Authors: Tian Yaxin , Jiang Yanghongyan , Ma Ping , Ma Xiaowei , Du Liang , Wang Fengkui , Yu Xiaodong , Zhao Qian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is highly expressed in the mesenchyme of most malignant epithelial tumors, while its expression is low in normal tissues. FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) bind specifically to FAP and are used for tumor-targeted diagnosis and therapy. The aim of this study was to radiosynthesize a novel molecular probe 131I-FAPI and evaluate its in-vitro targeting and biological characteristics.

Methods

The structurally modified FAPI was labelled with 131I through the chloramine-T method. The radiolabeling rate was then detected by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The stability of 131I-FAPI was determined at PBS (room temperature) and serum (37°C). Its hydrophilicity was calculated by measuring its lipid-water partition coefficient. Pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cell line and glioma U87 cell line were cultured in vitro. Cell uptake assay was used to show the binding ability of 131I-FAPI. The CCK-8 assay was used to calculate the inhibitory effects of 131I-FAPI at different time points (4h, 8h, 12h, 24h, 48h) after comparing with the 131I and FAPI. The before-and-after-24h scratch areas of the two cells were determined in order to verify the effect of 131I-FAPI on the migration ability of the cells.

Results

The radiolabeling rate was (84.9 ± 1.02) %. The radiochemical purity of 131I-FAPI remained over 80% in both 25°C PBS and 37°C serum. The value of the lipid-water partition coefficient was -0.869 ± 0.025, indicating the hydrophilic of the probe. The cellular uptake assay showed that U87 cells had a specific binding capacity for 131I-FAPI. In cell inhibition assays, the inhibitory effect of 131I-FAPI on U87 cells increased with time. The results of cell scratch assay showed that 131I-FAPI had the strongest inhibitory effect on the migratory ability of U87 cells compared with 131I and FAPI (P<0.001).

Conclusion

131I-FAPI was synthesized with good in-vitro stability and hydrophilic properties. It can be specifically bound by U87 cells. The proliferation and migration of U87 cells can be effectively inhibited. 131I-FAPI is promising to become a therapeutic probe.
Effect of whole-body cryotherapy on recovery after high-intensity training in elite rowers
Authors: Huang Tao , Dan Linfei , Wang Weirui , Ren Jiarui , Liu Xin , Li Jianshe
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on acute recovery after a single high-intensity training day. Twelve elite professional male rowers from the national aquatic training base. They were randomly divided into a WBC group (n = 6) and a control group (CON group, n = 6). They performed a high-intensity training program, with a single session immediately followed by WBC (−110°C, 3 min) or recovered naturally for 3 min (CON group). Rowing performance, skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood lactate concentrations were recorded before training, immediately, 5 min, and 15 min after the intervention. Blood samples were collected early in the morning of the day of intervention and that of the following day. The results indicated that 1) the blood lactate concentrations after WBC were significantly lower than pre-training (p < 0.05); 2) the maximum power significantly decreased immediately after WBC compared to pre-training (p < 0.05); 3) a significant main effect of time was observed for average speed, which significantly decreased after WBC (p < 0.05); 4) a significant main effect of time for blood parameters was observed. Specifically, hematocrit, cortisol, and hemoglobin were significantly lower after WBC than pre-intervention, whereas testosterone/cortisol was significantly higher than pre-intervention (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that a single session of WBC had a positive effect on accelerating the elimination of blood lactate after HIT, but did not significantly change rowing performance and physiological parameters. A single session of WBC was not an effective strategy for elite rowers for acute recovery after HIT.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms and its associated factors among the aging population in Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Oumer Bilcha , Abera Rahel , Beshah Asrat , Tesfaye Selamnesh , Niguse Tilhun , Mohammed Bedria , Yimer Awol Arega , Sidamo Negussie Boti
Published: August 2024

Background

Depression in the elderly is becoming a major public health problem worldwide. It is a major public health problem associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. However, especially in developing countries, they usually go undetected and untreated. There is little evidence of depressive symptoms among older people in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among the elderly population in the Gamo zone of southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 840 randomly selected elderly individuals. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) screening tool. Data collection was performed through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were initially computed. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent factors associated with the outcome variable.

Result

The finding of the study showed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms among older people living in the Gamo zone was 424(50.48%) (95% CI=47.09-53.86). Age 70–74 years [AOR=2.81, 95% CI 1.64-4.81], 75 years and above [AOR=5.09, 95% CI 3.00-8.64], age 65–69 years [AOR=2.43, 95% CI 1.62-3.66]; being widowed [AOR=2.73, 95% CI 1.69-4.42], ever chewing khat [AOR=5.89, 95% CI 1.17-29.53], being poor economic status [AOR=9.35, 95% CI 3.58-24.45], being average economic status [AOR=5.36, 95% CI 2.15-13.37], having 1–2 stressful life events [AOR=5.13, 95% CI 3.35-7.86], having 3 and above stressful life events [AOR=11.02, 95% CI 6.59,18.41], living alone [AOR=2.65, 95% CI 1.43-4.93] and those who lived with children [AOR=3.16, 95% CI 1.70-5.88] were significantly associated with depression.

Conclusion

Half of the study participants exhibited depressive symptoms. Urgent interventions are essential to enhance psychological well-being and mitigate the impact of various modifiable risk factors associated with depression symptoms in elderly individuals. This includes increasing social support, particularly for those who have experienced stressful life events, live alone, or have low economic status. Healthcare providers should implement routine screening for depressive symptoms and offer supportive counseling. Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize improving access to mental health services.
Clinical challenges in the dosing and titration of cariprazine
Authors: Miljević Čedo D. , Vuković Petar G. , Munjiza-Jovanović Ana
Published: August 2024

The introduction of a new psychopharmaceutical medication instead of the previous one always poses a certain challenge. In the case of antipsychotics (AP), these problems are considerably more complicated and are mainly caused by the question of dose equivalents, but also by the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug. In the case of partial dopamine D2 agonists, an additional issue is the possibility of deterioration when switching from the previous D2 antagonists to these drugs. Cross-titration is therefore generally recommended. Finally, due to the capsule form, it is not possible to increase the dose of cariprazine by less than 1.5 mg during titration. In this paper, we have presented our proposal to replace the most commonly used second-generation APs with the third-generation AP cariprazine. We have taken into account the dose equivalents, the pharmacological forms of the drugs and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
The effect of comprehensive psychological interventions on the mental health of the community elderly
Authors: Zhang Zi-Ming , Liu Hui-Jun , Li Gang , He Ying , Guo Xin , Zhao Fang , Luo Ying-Jie
Published: August 2024

Objective

To observe the intervention effect of comprehensive psychological interventions on the mental health of the elderly population.

Methods

133 elderly aged 60 and above in two urban districts of Tianshui City from January 2020 to December 2020 were selected and divided into the intervention group (n=67) and the control group (n=66). The intervention group received comprehensive psychological interventions, with no intervention given to the control group. The anxiety rate, depression rate, loneliness rate and happiness rate of the two groups were collected and compared pre- and post-intervention. Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA) and Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness (MUNSH) were used to compare the psychological status of the elderly pre- and post-intervention.

Results

Differences in the inter-group main effects and time-point main effects for SAS, SDS, UCLA, and MUNSH scores of the intervention group were significant (all p<0.05). The SAS, SDS, and UCLA scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group after intervention. Meanwhile, the SAS and SDS scores of the intervention group were lower than those of the control group after intervention (all p<0.05). Moreover, the MUNSH score of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group at 1-year follow-up post-intervention (p<0.05). Compared with pre-intervention values, the proportions of anxiety, depression loneliness, and happiness in the intervention group were improved at 1-year follow-up post-intervention (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides basis and important support for further investigations and the monitoring of health indicators in a population as fragile as the elderly. Targeted comprehensive psychological interventions can improve the negative emotions of community-dwelling elderly and maintain their physical and mental health. The “community-hospital linkage” mental health service model can improve the mental health status of community-dwelling elderly.
Governing AI in Southeast Asia: ASEAN’s way forward
Authors: Putra Bama Andika
Published: August 2024

Despite the rapid development of AI, ASEAN has not been able to devise a regional governance framework to address relevant existing and future challenges. This is concerning, considering the potential of AI to accelerate GDP among ASEAN member states in the coming years. This qualitative inquiry discusses AI governance in Southeast Asia in the past 5 years and what regulatory policies ASEAN can explore to better modulate its use among its member states. It considers the unique political landscape of the region, defined by the adoption of unique norms such as non-interference and priority over dialog, commonly termed the ASEAN Way. The following measures are concluded as potential regional governance frameworks: (1) Elevation of the topic’s importance in ASEAN’s intra and inter-regional forums to formulate collective regional agreements on AI, (2) adoption of AI governance measures in the field of education, specifically, reskilling and upskilling strategies to respond to future transformation of the working landscape, and (3) establishment of an ASEAN working group to bridge knowledge gaps among member states, caused by the disparity of AI-readiness in the region.
A holistic quality taxonomy for virtual reality experiences
Authors: Hameed Asim , Möller Sebastian , Perkis Andrew
Published: August 2024

The rapid advancement of virtual reality (VR) technology has brought many immersive experiences, each designed to transport users into captivating virtual worlds. While these experiences aim to provide a sense of presence and engagement, the factors contributing to a truly immersive experience are often complex and multifaceted. Existing scholarship has predominantly focused on specific aspects of user experience, such as psychological factors (e.g., sense of presence), emotional factors (e.g., enjoyment), or design-related factors (e.g., interface usability). This fragmented approach has impeded a comprehensive understanding of the overall quality of VR experiences. To address this, we propose a multidimensional taxonomy encompassing five essential qualities: immersivity, interactivity, explorability, plausibility, and believability. The framework aims to disentangle the complex, interrelated facets shaping VR experiences for a more systematic evaluation. Immersivity refers to the subjective sense of presence and “being there” in a virtual environment. Interactivity denotes the ability to interact with virtual objects, promoting engagement dynamically. Explorability refers to users’ freedom to navigate and discover new elements. Plausibility examines the logical congruence of the virtual environment’s rules and behaviors. Finally, believability relates to the world-building and internal coherence of the VR world. This taxonomy provides a structured approach to look at VR experiences holistically, assessing the interplay of these facets to facilitate a more objective, comprehensive evaluation, capturing the multidimensional nature of VR experiences. In summary, our proposed taxonomy marks an essential step toward systematic VR evaluation, providing guidance for researchers and highlighting factors integral to VR quality.
Is “Small” Safe? Exploring the Good and Bad of Nanomaterials
Authors: Andraos Charlene , Boodhia Kailen , Botha Tarryn Lee
Published: August 2024

“Small” does not necessarily have a clear meaning… is a ball big or small? A ball might be small compared to the entire planet, but it is absolutely huge compared to tiny “nano” particles! If you look at 1 mm on a ruler, one million nanometers can fit into that millimeter. Nanomaterials—the general name for materials made from tiny particles in the nanometer range—are so small that they have properties that can be quite different from “normal” materials. Nanomaterials may have a number of helpful functions. For example, they can be useful in medicine, helping our bodies to fight infections from bacteria and viruses. Nanomaterials can also be included in some products, to make them stronger or longer lasting. However, despite their advantages, we must be cautious with nanomaterials because they can sometimes get past the barriers in the human body that protect us from foreign invaders, causing damage to cells and potentially making people sick. Let us see how their size changes where they go and what they can do.
Developing Core Indicators for Evaluating Second Victim Programs: An International Consensus Approach
Authors: Guerra-Paiva Sofia , Carrillo Irene , Mira José , Fernandes Joana , Strametz Reinhard , Gil-Hernández Eva , Sousa Paulo
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To establish a consensus for evaluating second victims (SV) support interventions to facilitate comparison over time and across different organizations.

Methods

A three-phase qualitative study was conducted from June 2023 to March 2024. This consensus approach engaged members of the European Researchers Network Working on Second Victims. A nominal group technique and insights from a scoping review were used to create a questionnaire for Delphi Rounds. Indicators were rated 1–5, aiming for agreement if over 70% of participants rated an indicator as feasible and sensitive with scores above 4, followed by a consensus conference.

Results

From an initial set of 113 indicators, 59 were assessed online, with 35 advancing to the Delphi rounds. Two Delphi rounds were conducted, achieving response rates of over 60% and 80% respectively, resulting in consensus on 11 indicators for evaluating SV support programs. These indicators encompass awareness and activation, outcomes of SV support programs, as well as training offered by the institution.

Conclusion

This study presents a scoreboard for designing and monitoring SV support programs, as well as measuring standardized outcomes in future research.
Case report: Effectiveness of pulsed dye laser in facial redness of atopic dermatitis: a report of three cases
Authors: Kuriyama Yuko , Motegi Sei-ichiro , Noda Shinji
Published: August 2024

Facial redness in atopic dermatitis (AD) is often intractable due to factors like chronic inflammation, steroid-induced telangiectasia, and rosacea-like dermatitis from topical treatments. Pulsed-dye laser (PDL) effectively treats both vascular and non-vascular inflammatory conditions, but its use in adult AD is limited. This study presents three cases of refractory AD with significant facial erythema treated with PDL. Two women and one man had undergone five to thirteen PDL treatments at 3 weeks to 3-month intervals. Clinical response was evaluated using the Eczema Severity Score, which showed significant improvement after PDL treatments. Our cases explore the efficacy of PDL in treating refractory facial erythema in adult AD patients. Patients tolerated the procedures well without severe complications such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or blister formation. These findings suggest that PDL effectively reduces facial redness and alleviates associated AD symptoms. PDL is expected to address both vasodilation and cutaneous inflammation as an adjunctive therapy to manage refractory facial redness in adult AD. Further cases and research are needed to fully understand PDL’s immunomodulatory effects.
Effective Hybrid Structure Health Monitoring through Parametric Study of GoogLeNet
Authors: Al-Qudah Saleh , Yang Mijia
Published: August 2024

This paper presents an innovative approach that utilizes infused images from vibration signals and visual inspections to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of structure health monitoring through GoogLeNet. Scrutiny of the structure of GoogLeNet identified four key parameters, and thus, the optimization of GoogLeNet was completed through manipulation of the four key parameters. First, the impact of the number of inception modules on the performance of GoogLeNet revealed that employing eight inception layers achieves remarkable 100% accuracy while requiring less computational time compared to nine layers. Second, the choice of activation function was studied, with the Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) emerging as the most effective option. Types of optimizers were then researched, which identified Stochastic Gradient Descent with Momentum (SGDM) as the most efficient optimizer. Finally, the influence of learning rate was compared, which found that a rate of 0.001 produces the best outcomes. By amalgamating these findings, a comprehensive optimized GoogLeNet model was found to identify damage cases effectively and accurately through infused images from vibrations and visual inspections.
Perceived Quality in the Automotive Industry: Do Car Exterior and Interior Color Combinations Have an Impact?
Authors: Tovillo Giuseppina , Rapuano Mariachiara , Milite Alessandro , Ruggiero Gennaro
Published: August 2024

Since in the automotive field colors play an important role, the present study tried to answer the following questions: is the perceived quality (PQ) of the vehicle interior color different after visually exploring the car body color? If so, how? Here, exploiting immersive virtual reality simulations and eye-tracking technology, participants were asked to visually explore an unbranded car in different exterior/interior color combinations and rate its PQ. Fixation duration (time eyes are fixed on a target) was considered as an implicit measure of visual attention allocation while PQ evaluations were considered as explicit measures of individual preferences for car colors. As for eye-tracking data, the results showed that white and red car exteriors affected the attention to interiors with the fixation duration being longer for gray than black interiors. Moreover, the subjective evaluations of car PQ predicted eye-tracking patterns: as the negative evaluation increased, the fixation duration on car interiors also increased. Overall, these preliminary results suggested the need to further explore the relationship between PQ and attentional/motivational processing as well as the role of subjective aesthetic preferences for color combinations in the automotive field.
Evaluating Efficacy of Vedolizumab, Ustekinumab, and Golimumab in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Combined Role of Nutritional Therapy with Biologics: A Review
Authors: Kamal Shahed , Varshney Karan , Uayan Danielle Josefa F. , Caliwag Fides Myles C.
Published: August 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which encompasses both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is a major health burden worldwide. There are increasing concerns surrounding the impacts of this disease due to significant rises in the prevalence rates of IBD across the world. In consideration of the complexities of managing IBD along with this marked rise in prevalence and incidence, developing new forms of treatment for this condition has become a major priority. In recent years, a potential new form of treatment for IBD has emerged in the form of biologic therapies. While there is a high level of optimism due to the development of these therapies, there is also a clear need to evaluate their effectiveness, and their overall safety profiles. For this review, we have evaluated three specific biologics used for the treatment IBD. More precisely, the focus of this review is to analyze and critically appraise the literature for vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and golimumab, and determine their roles in the management of UC and CD, respectively. After doing so, we have also briefly synthesized important new findings regarding the role of dietary and nutritional approaches. In doing so, we have aimed to contextualize the findings regarding biologics, and, in order to evaluate potential new treatment approaches for the future to augment biologic therapies, we have discussed the potential for combined approaches that incorporate the usage of both biologics and nutritional interventions for patients.
Deep Learning-Based Intelligent Detection Device for Insulation Pull Rod Defects
Authors: Yu Hua , Niu Shu , Li Shuai , Yang Gang , Wang Xuan , Luo Hanhua , Fan Xianhao , Li Chuanyang
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a deep learning-based intelligent detection device for insulation pull rod defects, addressing the issues of low detection accuracy, poor timeliness of intelligent analysis, and the difficulty in preserving detection results. Firstly, by constructing the pull rod defects dataset and training the YOLOv5s network, along with commonly used object detection algorithms in industrial defect detection, the feasibility of deep learning networks for insulation pull rod defects detection is explored. Secondly, the trained model is combined to build an intelligent detection device for pull rod defects, integrating insulation pull rod image acquisition and defect detection into a unified system. The research results demonstrate that the YOLOv5s network can quickly and accurately detect pull rod defects. On the test set constructed in this paper, the detection performance metric mAP@0.5:0.95 of the trained model reached 54.7%. Specifically, the mAP@0.5 score was 86.9% at a threshold of 0.5. The detection speed FPS reached 169.5, significantly improving the detection efficiency and accuracy compared to traditional object detection algorithms. By establishing an organic connection between the image hardware acquisition device and the deep learning network, the existing problems of inefficient detection and difficult storage of detection results in pull rod defects detection methods are effectively addressed. This research provides new insights for detecting insulation pull rod defects.
Optimising Clinical Epidemiology in Disease Outbreaks: Analysis of ISARIC-WHO COVID-19 Case Report Form Utilisation
Authors: Merson Laura , Duque Sara , Garcia-Gallo Esteban , Yeabah Trokon Omarley , Rylance Jamie , Diaz Janet , Flahault Antoine ,   ISARIC Clinical Characterisation Group
Published: August 2024

Standardised forms for capturing clinical data promote consistency in data collection and analysis across research sites, enabling faster, higher-quality evidence generation. ISARIC and the World Health Organization have developed case report forms (CRFs) for the clinical characterisation of several infectious disease outbreaks. To improve the design and quality of future forms, we analysed the inclusion and completion rates of the 243 fields on the ISARIC-WHO COVID-19 CRF. Data from 42 diverse collaborations, covering 1886 hospitals and 950,064 patients, were analysed. A mean of 129.6 fields (53%) were included in the adapted CRFs implemented across the sites. Consistent patterns of field inclusion and completion aligned with globally recognised research priorities in outbreaks of novel infectious diseases. Outcome status was the most highly included (95.2%) and completed (89.8%) field, followed by admission demographics (79.1% and 91.6%), comorbidities (77.9% and 79.0%), signs and symptoms (68.9% and 78.4%), and vitals (70.3% and 69.1%). Mean field completion was higher in severe patients (70.2%) than in all patients (61.6%). The results reveal how clinical characterisation CRFs can be streamlined to reduce data collection time, including the modularisation of CRFs, to offer a choice of data volume collection and the separation of critical care interventions. This data-driven approach to designing CRFs enhances the efficiency of data collection to inform patient care and public health response.
Investigating Polystyrene Nano-Plastic Effects on Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Focusing on mRNA Expression: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Lipid Metabolism Dynamics
Authors: Zhang Kaipeng , Chen Jing , Wang Yamin , Chen Mingshi , Bao Xiaoxue , Chen Xiaotong , Xie Shan , Lin Zhenye , Yu Yingying
Published: August 2024

Nano-plastics (NPs) have emerged as a pervasive global contaminant, posing significant threats to carnivorous fish, in recent years. The accumulation of polystyrene nano-plastics (PS-NPs) can cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, the concurrent impacts of PS-NPs on lipid metabolism and ER stress in largemouth bass have not been sufficiently investigated. To study this gap, we established a largemouth bass model exposed to PS-NPs in a culture environment. The exposure experiment focused on 100 μg/L PS-NPs (100 nm). Transcriptomics analysis revealed a significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes involved in a lipid metabolism pathway and ER process. The levels of biochemical parameters associated with lipid metabolism, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, demonstrated that exposure to PS-NPs for nineteen days had an impact on lipid metabolism. Additionally, the expression levels of genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis and ER stress exhibited a significant increase following exposure to PS-NPs for nineteen days, whereas these changes were not significant after a seven-day exposure period. The ER stress induced by PS-NPs exhibited a positive correlation with lipid metabolism disorder and the magnitude of damage caused by prolonged exposure to PS-NPs in largemouth bass. The present study provides novel insights into the health threats encountered by largemouth bass when exposed to NPs.
The KDR Gene rs2071559 and the VEGF Gene rs6921438 May Be Associated with Diabetic Nephropathy in Caucasians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nussdorfer Petra , Petrovič David , Alibegović Armin , Cilenšek Ines , Petrovič Danijel
Published: August 2024

The aim of our study was to investigate an association between polymorphisms of either the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) gene (rs6921438) or the KDR (kinase insert domain receptor) gene (rs2071559, rs2305948) and DN (diabetic nephropathy) in Caucasians with T2DM (type 2 diabetes mellitus). The second aim was to investigate the effect of either the VEGF gene (rs6921438) or the KDR gene (rs2071559, rs2305948) on the immune expression of either VEGF or KDR in the renal tissues of T2DM subjects (to test the functional significance of tested polymorphisms). The study included 897 Caucasians with T2DM for at least ten years (344 patients with DN and 553 patients without DN). Each subject was genotyped and analyzed for KDR (rs1617640, rs2305948) and VEGF (rs6921438) polymorphisms. Kidney tissue samples taken from 15 subjects with T2DM (autopsy material) were immunohistochemically stained for the expression of VEGF and KDR. We found that the rs2071559 KDR gene was associated with an increased risk of DN. In addition, the GG genotype of the rs6921438 VEGF gene had a protective effect. We found a significantly higher numerical area density of VEGF-positive cells in T2DM subjects with the A allele of the rs6921438-VEGF compared to the homozygotes for wild type G allele (7.0 ± 2.4/0.1 mm2 vs. 1.24 ± 0.5/0.1 mm2, respectively; p < 0.001). Moreover, a significantly higher numerical area density of KDR-positive cells was found in T2DM subjects with the C allele of rs2071559 (CC + CT genotypes) compared to the homozygotes for wild type T allele (9.7± 3.2/0.1 mm2 vs. 1.14 ± 0.5/0.1 mm2, respectively; p < 0.001) To conclude, our study showed that the presence of the C allele of the rs2071559 KDR gene was associated with a higher risk of DN, while the G allele of the rs6921438-VEGF conferred protection against DN in Slovenian T2DM subjects.
Digital Whole Slide Image Analysis of Elevated Stromal Content and Extracellular Matrix Protein Expression Predicts Adverse Prognosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Karancsi Zsófia , Gregus Barbara , Krenács Tibor , Cserni Gábor , Nagy Ágnes , Szőcs-Trinfa Klementina Fruzsina , Kulka Janina , Tőkés Anna Mária
Published: August 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. This study evaluates the prognostic value of stromal markers in TNBC, focusing on the tumor–stroma ratio (TSR) and overall stroma ratio (OSR) in whole slide images (WSI), as well as the expression of type-I collagen, type-III collagen, and fibrillin-1 on tissue microarrays (TMAs), using both visual assessment and digital image analysis (DIA). A total of 101 female TNBC patients, primarily treated with surgery between 2005 and 2016, were included. We found that high visual OSR correlates with worse overall survival (OS), advanced pN categories, lower stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte count (sTIL), lower mitotic index, and patient age (p < 0.05). TSR showed significant connections to the pN category and mitotic index (p < 0.01). High expression levels of type-I collagen (>45%), type-III collagen (>30%), and fibrillin-1 (>20%) were linked to significantly worse OS (p = 0.004, p = 0.013, and p = 0.005, respectively) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.028, p = 0.025, and p = 0.002, respectively), validated at the mRNA level. Our results highlight the importance of stromal characteristics in promoting tumor progression and metastasis and that targeting extracellular matrix (ECM) components may offer novel therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, DIA can be more accurate and objective in evaluating TSR, OSR, and immunodetected stromal markers than traditional visual examination.
Functional Study on the Key Gene LaLBD37 Related to the Lily Bulblets Formation
Authors: Hou Xinru , Zhang Kewen , Lyu Yingmin
Published: August 2024

Oriental hybrid lilies, known for their vibrant colors, diverse flower shapes, and long blooming seasons, require annual bulb propagation in horticultural production. This necessity can lead to higher production costs and limit their use in landscaping. The LA hybrid lily ‘Aladdin’ has shown strong self-reproduction capabilities in optimal cultivation environments, producing numerous high-quality underground stem bulblets. This makes it a valuable model for studying bulblet formation in lilies under natural conditions. Through transcriptome data analysis of different developmental stages of ‘Aladdin’ bulblets, the LaLBD37 gene, linked to bulblet formation, was identified. Bioinformatics analysis, subcellular localization studies, and transcriptional activation activity tests were conducted to understand the characteristics of LaLBD37. By introducing the LaLBD37 gene into ‘Sorbonne’ aseptic seedlings via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, resistant plants were obtained. Positive plants were identified through various methods such as GUS activity detection, PCR, and fluorescence quantitative PCR. Phenotypic changes in positive plants were observed, and various physiological indicators were measured to confirm the role of LaLBD37 in bulblet formation, including soluble sugar content, starch content, sucrose synthase activity, and endogenous hormone levels. The findings suggest that the LaLBD37 gene plays a significant role in promoting the development of lily bulblets, offering insights for enhancing the reproductive capacity of Oriental hybrid lilies and exploring the molecular mechanisms involved in lily bulb regeneration.
Telomere Length, HLA, and Longevity—Results from a Multicenter Study
Authors: Dratwa-Kuzmin Marta , Hadra Bushra Al , Oguz Fatma , Ogret Yeliz , Constantinescu Ileana , Apostol Dimitri , Talangescu Adriana , Constantinescu Alexandra-Elena , Maruntelu Ion , Kościńska Katarzyna , Lukanov Tsvetelin , Naumova Elissaveta , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna
Published: August 2024

Aging is an exceptionally complex process that depends on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Previous studies within the International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIWS) component “Immunogenetics of Ageing” showed that longevity is associated with positive selection of HLA-DRB1*11- and DRB1*16-associated haplotypes, shown to be protective against diseases. Within the 18th IHIWS, we aimed to investigate the relevance of telomere length for successful aging and its association with classical HLAs. In total 957 individuals from Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, and Poland in two age groups, elderly individuals (age 65–99 years) and ethnically matched young group (age 18–64 years), were investigated. The obtained results confirmed interpopulation differences in the distribution of HLA alleles, documented the lengths of telomeres in analyzed populations, and demonstrated significant associations of telomere length with aging as well as with the presence of some HLA class I or class II alleles. They suggest that telomere length assessment combined with HLA genotyping may help identify immunogenetic profiles associated with longevity. The associations between HLA and telomeres support the theory that HLA genes influence the aging process. However, further research is needed to clarify the biological basis of the observed relationships.
Outcomes of Valve-in-Valve (VIV) Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) after Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement with Sutureless Surgical Aortic Valve Prostheses Perceval™: A Systematic Review of Published Cases
Authors: Owais Tamer , Bisht Osama , El Din Moawad Mostafa Hossam , El-Garhy Mohammad , Stock Sina , Girdauskas Evaldas , Kuntze Thomas , Amer Mohamed , Lauten Philipp
Published: August 2024

Background: Valve-in-Valve (VIV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a potential solution for malfunctioning surgical aortic valve prostheses, though limited data exist for its use in Perceval valves. Methods: searches were performed on PubMed and Scopus up to 31 July 2023, focusing on case reports and series addressing VIV replacement for degenerated Perceval bioprostheses. Results: Our analysis included 57 patients from 27 case reports and 6 case series. Most patients (68.4%) were women, with a mean age of 76 ± 4.4 years and a mean STS score of 6.1 ± 4.3%. Follow-up averaged 9.8 ± 8.9 months, the mean gradient reduction was 15 ± 5.9 mmHg at discharge and 13 ± 4.2 mmHg at follow-up. Complications occurred in 15.7% of patients, including atrioventricular block III in four patients (7%), major bleeding or vascular complications in two patients (3.5%), an annular rupture in two patients (3.5%), and mortality in two patients (3.5%). No coronary obstruction was reported. Balloon-expanding valves were used in 61.4% of patients, predominantly the Sapien model. In the self-expanding group (38.6%), no valve migration occurred, with a permanent pacemaker implantation rate of 9%, compared to 5.7% for balloon-expanding valves. Conclusions: VIV-TAVR using both balloon-expanding and self-expanding technologies is feasible after the implantation of Perceval valves; however, it should be performed by experienced operators with experience both in TAVR and VIV procedures.
The Influence of Post-Treatment on Micropore Evolution and Mechanical Performance in AlSi10Mg Alloy Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Pu Qing , Qian Jinbiao , Zhang Yingwei , Yang Shangjing , Huang Hongshou , Chao Qi , Fan Guohua
Published: August 2024

Gas-induced porosity is almost inevitable in additively manufactured aluminum alloys due to the evaporation of low-melting point elements (e.g., Al, Mg, and Zn) and the encapsulation of gases (e.g., hydrogen) during the multiple-phase reaction in the melt pool. These micropores are highly unstable during post-heat treatment at elevated temperatures and greatly affect mechanical properties and service reliability. In this study, the AlSi10Mg samples prepared by LPBF were subjected to solution heat treatment at 560 °C for 0.5 and 2 h, followed by artificial aging at 160 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C, respectively. The defect tolerance of gas porosity and associated damage mechanisms in the as-built and heat treated AlSi10Mg alloy were elucidated using optical, scanning electron microscopic analysis, X-ray micro computed tomography (XCT) and room temperature tensile testing. The results showed the defect tolerance of AlSi10Mg alloy prepared by LPBF was significantly reduced by the artificial aging treatment due to the precipitation of Mg-Si phases. Fracture analysis showed that the cooperation of fine precipitates and coarsened micropores assists nucleation and propagation of microcracks sites due to stress concentration upon tensile deformation and reduces the tensile elongation at break.