bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer awareness and its related factors among junior high and high school teachers in Japan: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Suzuki Kumi , Hayashi Naoko , Yamanaka Masako , Minamiguchi Yoko , Yamauchi Eiko , Fukawa Akiko , Tsuda Yasuhiro , Fujisaka Yasuhito , Doi Tomoki , Tomari Yuko 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The early detection and prevention of many cancers is possible. Therefore, public awareness about cancer risk factors and warning signs must be increased to ensure early diagnosis. Although Japan has implemented mandatory cancer education in junior high and high schools, few studies have evaluated teachers’ cancer awareness. This study aimed to determine Japanese junior high and high school teachers’ awareness of cancer and related factors.

Methods
This cross-sectional study obtained data through an online questionnaire survey using questions from the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) developed by Cancer Research UK. Thirty items were selected from three CAM modules: cancer risk factors, cancer warning signs, and barriers to seeking help. Descriptive statistics were used for socio-demografic data and CAM module questions. The χ2 test was performed on the relationship between cancer awareness and socio-demographic data. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing cancer awareness.

Results
Respondents included 316 junior high school and 463 high school teachers (541 men; 238 women; average age = 48.2 years; average teaching experience = 23.5 years). An average of 5.41 out of 11 cancer risk factors were recognized. More than 70% of teachers recognized smoking, exposure to another person’s cigarette smoke, and having a close relative with cancer as risk factors. On average, 4.52 out of 9 cancer warning signs were recognized. More than 50% of teachers recognized the warning signs of unexplained lump or swelling, unexplained weight loss, and unexplained bleeding. Barriers to seeking help had a low average score of 4.51 out of 20. However, the most commonly recognized “barriers to seeking help” were “too busy to make time,” “difficult to make an appointment,” “worried about what the doctor might find,” and “too scared.” Moreover, the common factors that affected awareness of cancer risk factors and cancer warning signs were gender and cancer experience of relatives. Factors that affected awareness of “barriers to seeking help” were “participation in cancer-related workshops,” age, gender, and cancer experience of relatives.

Conclusions
Cancer awareness education should consider interventions that can improve knowledge of the symptoms and signs related to cancer without increasing the awareness of barriers to seeking help.
Assessment of spongy moth infestation impacts on forest productivity and carbon loss using the Sentinel-2 satellite remote sensing and eddy covariance flux data
Authors: Hussain Nur , Gonsamo Alemu , Wang Shusen , Arain M. Altaf 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundDeciduous forests in eastern North America experienced a widespread and intense spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) infestation in 2021. This study quantified the impact of this spongy moth infestation on carbon (C) cycle in forests across the Great Lakes region in Canada, utilizing high-resolution (10 × 10 m2) Sentinel-2 satellite remote sensing images and eddy covariance (EC) flux data. Study results showed a significant reduction in leaf area index (LAI) and gross primary productivity (GPP) values in deciduous and mixed forests in the region in 2021.ResultsRemote sensing derived, growing season mean LAI values of deciduous (mixed) forests were 3.66 (3.18), 2.74 (2.64), and 3.53 (2.94) m2 m−2in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively, indicating about 24 (14)% reduction in LAI, as compared to pre- and post-infestation years. Similarly, growing season GPP values in deciduous (mixed) forests were 1338 (1208), 868 (932), and 1367 (1175) g C m−2, respectively in 2020, 2021 and 2022, showing about 35 (22)% reduction in GPP in 2021 as compared to pre- and post-infestation years. This infestation induced reduction in GPP of deciduous and mixed forests, when upscaled to whole study area (178,000 km2), resulted in 21.1 (21.4) Mt of C loss as compared to 2020 (2022), respectively. It shows the large scale of C losses caused by this infestation in Canadian Great Lakes region.ConclusionsThe methods developed in this study offer valuable tools to assess and quantify natural disturbance impacts on the regional C balance of forest ecosystems by integrating field observations, high-resolution remote sensing data and models. Study results will also help in developing sustainable forest management practices to achieve net-zero C emission goals through nature-based climate change solutions.
Uncovering the social impact of digital steganalysis tools applied to cybercrime investigations: a European Union perspective
Authors: Nicolás-Sánchez Alejandro , Castro-Toledo Francisco J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
European Union (EU) research on cybersecurity is actively developing more efficient digital steganalysis techniques aimed at uncovering hidden online illegal content in apparently legitimate multimedia files. Beyond issues such as the design, effectiveness and functionality of the technology, this paper addresses the recently raised concern of societal impact, which refers to the influence, consequences, or effects, whether expected or not, that a particular action, policy, or technological advance has on society as a whole or on different segments of society. These impacts can be broad and multifaceted, encompassing economic, social, cultural, environmental and ethical dimensions, amongst others.

Aim
The aim of this article is to take an exploratory look at the societal challenges and benefits associated with the use of digital steganalysis tools in cybercrime investigations in EU member states, adopting a dual mixed-methods perspective.

Methods
First, a systematic review of the scientific literature published within 2017–2023, focusing on the societal dimension of steganalysis tools, including peer reviewed journal and conference papers on steganalysis and crime (N = 55) was carried out. For the second part of the paper, two nominal group discussions were conducted with experts from Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs): the first on societal benefits (N = 7), the second on societal challenges (N = 6). These consensus-building discussions aimed to identify, quantitatively assess and rank the various challenges and potential social benefits associated with the use of digital steganalysis tools in police investigations.

Results
Findings reveal a widespread oversight in addressing the social impact dimension by tool designers on academic papers, especially regarding societal acceptance issues. The expert-citizens argued for stakeholders and public awareness of both risks and benefits of steganalysis tools.

Conclusions
This study highlights the current need to consider not only the technological aspects, but also the profound social dimension arising from the use of these tools, such as public awareness of cybercrime and the ethical design and use of digital crime investigation tools. Understanding and evaluating societal impacts is essential for making informed decisions, shaping policies, and addressing the needs and concerns of diverse stakeholders in various domains. This multidisciplinary approach is crucial to achieving a more balanced and comprehensive understanding of the impact of digital steganalysis tools in the field of digital criminal investigation.
Cognitive training via mobile app for addressing eating disorders’ cognitions in adolescents: a randomized control trial protocol
Authors: Corberán Marta , Arnáez Sandra , Saman Yuliya , Pascual-Vera Belén , García-Soriano Gemma , Roncero María 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDuring adolescence, individuals are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders (EDs). To address the dysfunctional beliefs linked to these disorders, a new mobile app has been developed. This app, called GG eating disorders-Adolescents (GGED-AD), was created based on CBT to help adolescents work on their self-dialogue related to the core beliefs of eating disorders. The objective is to present the protocol for a randomized controlled trial to explore the efficacy of GGED-AD.Methods The study will be carried out in adolescents aged 13 to 16 from an educational center in the Valencian Community. The participants will be randomized into two groups: the experimental group will use the GGED-AD app during 14 consecutive days for approximately 5 min each day; and the control group will use a neutral app (GGNEUTRAL) during the same time. Both groups will complete instruments that assess dysfunctional beliefs related to eating disorders, eating symptoms, symptoms of depression and anxiety, body satisfaction and self-esteem before and after the intervention. A follow-up will be conducted one month later.Results A decrease in the degree of ascription to dysfunctional beliefs associated with eating disorders and eating symptomatology is expected, as well as an increase in body satisfaction and the self-esteem of the participants of the experimental group.Discussion The app in this study could help tackle and prevent ED-related symptoms in adolescents.Trial registration NCT06039514.
Effects of local reduction of endogenous α-synuclein using antisense oligonucleotides on the fibril-induced propagation of pathology through the neural network in wild-type mice
Authors: Sano Tatsuhiko , Nagata Tetsuya , Ebihara Satoe , Yoshida-Tanaka Kie , Nakamura Ayako , Sasaki Asuka , Shimozawa Aki , Mochizuki Hideki , Uchihara Toshiki , Hasegawa Masato , Yokota Takanori 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies, fibrillar forms of α-synuclein (aSyn) are hypothesized to structurally convert and pathologize endogenous aSyn, which then propagates through the neural connections, forming Lewy pathologies and ultimately causing neurodegeneration. Inoculation of mouse-derived aSyn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the unilateral striatum of wild-type mice causes widespread aSyn pathologies in the brain through the neural network. Here, we used the local injection of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against Snca mRNA to confine the area of endogenous aSyn protein reduction and not to affect the PFFs properties in this model. We then varied the timing and location of ASOs injection to examine their impact on the initiation and propagation of aSyn pathologies in the whole brain and the therapeutic effect using abnormally-phosphorylated aSyn (pSyn) as an indicator. By injecting ASOs before or 0–14 days after the PFFs were inoculated into the same site in the left striatum, the reduction in endogenous aSyn in the striatum leads to the prevention and inhibition of the regional spread of pSyn pathologies to the whole brain including the contralateral right hemisphere. ASO post-injection inhibited extension from neuritic pathologies to somatic ones. Moreover, injection of ASOs into the right striatum prevented the remote regional spread of pSyn pathologies from the left striatum where PFFs were inoculated and no ASO treatment was conducted. This indicated that the reduction in endogenous aSyn protein levels at the propagation destination site can attenuate pSyn pathologies, even if those at the propagation initiation site are not inhibited, which is consistent with the original concept of prion-like propagation that endogenous aSyn is indispensable for this regional spread. Our results demonstrate the importance of recruiting endogenous aSyn in this neural network propagation model and indicate a possible potential for ASO treatment in synucleinopathies.
Social spaces: from Georg Simmel to Erving Goffman
Authors: Liu Sida 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFocusing on the concept of social space in the writings of three sociologists, Georg Simmel, Robert E. Park, and Erving Goffman, this article examines the classic theoretical formulations of social spaces in the tradition of the Chicago School of Sociology. For Simmel and the Chicago School, the foundation of social spaces lies in the social interactions among actors, and social entities and structures emerge from these interaction processes. This theoretical tradition emphasizes the interdependence of physical space and social space, highlighting two featured assumptions about social space: endogeneity and temporality. It also focuses on the relationship between spaces and human emotions.
Can on-line gait training improve clinical practice? Study protocol for feasibility randomised controlled trial of an on-line educational intervention to improve clinician’s gait-related decision-making in ambulant children and young people with cerebral palsy
Authors: Hebda-Boon Anna , Shortland Adam P. , Birn-Jeffery Aleksandra , Morrissey Dylan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Instrumented gait analysis (IGA) is an assessment and research tool with proven impacts on clinical decision-making for the management of ambulant children and young people with cerebral palsy (CYPwCP) but is underused and variably understood by relevant clinicians. Clinicians’ difficulties in gaining expertise and confidence in using IGA are multifactorial and related to access for clinical decision-making, limited training opportunities and inability to translate this training into clinical practice.

Methods
The primary aim of this study is to test the feasibility of an educational intervention to advance clinicians’ application of gait analysis in CYPwCP, to inform a definitive trial. The secondary aim is to measure the effect that appropriate IGA training has on physiotherapists’ knowledge, skills, confidence and behaviours. This will be a two-arm feasibility randomised controlled trial with an experimental and control group. The 6-week on-line intervention uses a multicomponent approach grounded in behavioural change techniques. A repeated measures design will be adopted, whereby participants will complete outcome measures at baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 4 months. The primary outcome measures (trial feasibility-related outcomes) are recruitment and engagement. The secondary outcome measures (trial research-related outcomes) are knowledge, skills, confidence and practice change. Outcome measures will be collected via online questionnaires and during observed skill assessments. Analysis of data will use descriptive statistics, two-way mixed ANOVA model and qualitative content analysis.

Discussion
This study will determine feasibility of the definitive randomised control trial of educational intervention delivered to advance clinicians’ application of gait analysis in CYPwCP. This study offers the shift in emphasis from regarding IGA as a tool to a focus on clinicians’ requirements for access, training and a well-defined role to optimise utilisation of IGA. The impact of this should be better engagement with IGA and clinical practice change. This study will contribute to a body of educational research into clinical education of healthcare professionals and IGA training offering insight into high levels of evaluation evidence including clinical behaviour change.

Trial registration
Protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework (osf.io/nweq6) in June 2023.
Insights into the structural and functional analysis of impact of the missense mutations on α-synuclein: an in silico study
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Mahur Pragati , Singh Amit Kumar , Muthukumaran Jayaraman , Jain Monika 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Alpha synuclein (α-synuclein) is coded by SNCA gene and found in a helical form with phospholipids or in an unfolded arrangement in the cytosol and belongs to the synuclein family other than beta synuclein and gamma synuclein. It is a short protein made of 140 amino acids with three domains: an N-terminal lipid binding helix, a non-amyloid-ß component (NAC), and an acidic tail at the C-terminus. α-Synuclein is present in aggregated and fibrillar form in Lewy bodies and its association has been related to multiple system atrophy (MSA), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Our objective is to investigate and prioritise the possible nsSNPs in the α-synuclein protein that have been potentially connected to human neurodegenerative diseases.

Results
We used the series of computational tools to predict the mutation's harmful effect on three-dimensional structure of α-synuclein based on consensus approach. Our findings pointed to a significant computational blueprint for discovering nsSNPs connected to neurodegenerative illnesses from a large SNP data set while also minimising the expenses of experimentally showing harmful nsSNPs.

Conclusions
The prioritised G25S (rs1433622151), V66E (rs1261243630), and V77D (rs745815563) mutations can be employed in additional experimental studies to assess the α-synuclein protein mutation in relation to neurodegenerative illnesses and develop a therapeutics against them.

Graphical Abstract
Effectiveness of lime kiln dust on swelling of subgrade expansive soil
Authors: Eid Mennat-allah , Gomaa Youssef , Galal Sameh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The structure of flexible or rigid pavement built on expansive subgrade soil that has a volumetric change is vulnerable to many problems that might cause failure. Pavement and construction became more durable and economical by enhancing the quality of subgrade expansive soil. Solid waste recycling has become very popular recently as a means of attaining sustainable waste management, so using lime kiln dust (LKD), which is a by-product of quick lime production, to treat expansive soil in pavement subgrades. This research describes the effect of LKD on the chemical composition, strength, and swelling of high and low-plastic clay that were extracted from two sites. The minimum LKD required for treating expansive soils was determined by using the Eades and Grim pH test. From tests, it was found that the addition of LKD increased the shrinkage limit by a range (250–500)% and decreased the plasticity and swelling potential by between (50 and 100)% of expansive subgrade soils. The strength according to CBR, increased approximately by 150% for CL soil and 800% for CH soil.

Results
The optimal percentage of LKD for CH soil is 6%, and for CL soil, it is 2%. The plastic limit increased by 50% for CH soil at 6% LKD. On the other hand, CL soil became non-plastic at 4% LKD. With an increase in the percentage of LKD, it led an the increase in the shrinkage limit by 500% in CH soil and 250% in CL soil. The free swell decreased by 50% in CH soil and 100% in CL soil. The swelling pressure decreased by 50% for two expansive soils. CBR increased by 800% in CH soil and by 150% in CL soil.

Conclusion
This work found that the addition of LKD improves the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of expansive subgrade soil.
Interplay between endocannabinoids and dopamine in the basal ganglia: implications for pain in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Mancini Maria , Calculli Alessandra , Di Martino Deborah , Pisani Antonio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPain is a complex phenomenon, and basal ganglia circuitry integrates many aspects of pain including motor, emotional, autonomic, and cognitive responses. Perturbations in dopamine (DA) signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic pain due to its involvement in both pain perception and relief. Several lines of evidence support the role of endocannabinoids (eCBs) in the regulation of many electrical and chemical aspects of DAergic neuron function including excitability, synaptic transmission, integration, and plasticity. However, eCBs play an even more intricate and intimate relationship with DA, as indicated by the adaptive changes in the eCB system following DA depletion. Although the precise mechanisms underlying DA control on pain are not fully understood, given the high correlation of eCB and DAergic system, it is conceivable that eCBs may be part of these mechanisms.In this brief survey, we describe the reciprocal regulation of eCB-DA neurotransmission with a particular emphasis on the actions of eCBs on ionic and synaptic signaling in DAergic neurons mediated by CB receptors or independent on them. Furthermore, we analyze the eCB-DA imbalance which characterizes pain condition and report the implications of reduced DA levels for pain in Parkinson’s disease. Lastly, we discuss the potential of the eCB-DA system in the development of future therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pain.
Evolution of the Innovative Therapies for Children With Cancer Consortium Trial Portfolio for Drug Development for Children With Cancer
Authors: Bautista Francisco , Verdú-Amorós Jaime , Geoerger Birgit , Rubio-San-Simón Alba , Paoletti Xavier , Zwaan C. Michel , Casanova Michela , Marshall Lynley V. , Carceller Fernando , Doz Francois , Lecinse Carole , Vassal Gilles , Pearson Andrew D.J. , Kearns Pamela , Moreno Lucas ,   on behalf of the Innovative Therapies For Children With Cancer Consortium
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE The aim of the Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer (ITCC) consortium is to improve access to novel therapies for children and adolescents with cancer. The evolution of the ITCC clinical trial portfolio since 2003 was reviewed. METHODS All ITCC-labeled phase I/II trials opened between January 1, 2003 and February 3, 2018 were analyzed in two periods (2003-2010 and 2011-2018), and data were extracted from the ITCC database, regulatory agencies' registries, and publications. RESULTS Sixty-one trials (62% industry-sponsored) enrolled 3,198 patients. The number of trials in the second period increased by almost 300% (16 v 45). All biomarker-driven trials (n = 14) were conducted in the second period. The use of rolling six and model-based designs increased (1 of 9, 11% v 21 of 31, 68%), and that of 3 + 3 designs decreased (5 of 9, 55% v 5 of 31, 16%; P = .014). The proportion of studies evaluating chemotherapeutics only decreased (5 of 16, 31% v 4 of 45, 9%), the proportion of single-agent targeted therapies did not change (9 of 16, 56.2% v 24 of 45, 53.3%), the proportion of combination targeted therapies trials increased (2 of 16, 12%, v 17 of 45, 38%), the proportion of randomized phase II trials increased (1 of 7, 14% v 8 of 14, 57%). More trials were part of a pediatric investigation plan in the second period (4 of 16, 25% v 21 of 45, 46%). The median time for Ethics Committees' approvals was 1.7 times longer for academic compared with industry-sponsored trials. CONCLUSION This study reports a shift in the paradigm of early drug development for childhood cancers, with more biologically relevant targets evaluated in biomarker-driven trials or in combination with other therapies and with more model-based or randomized designs and a greater focus on fulfilling regulatory requirements. Improvement of trial setup and recruitment could increase the number of patients benefiting from novel agents.