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Enhancing contact recommendation in social platforms through mental health awareness: Exploring Anorexia Nervosa as a case study
We analyze and propose a solution for the exposure of vulnerable users to harmful content during their interaction with contact recommender systems in social platforms. Our approach is dedicated to maximizing the number of harmless accounts suggested to users at risk. For these users, the over-personalization of recommender systems can result in an exposure to triggering content. We consider anorexia nervosa as a use case. People with anorexia tend to seek accounts of peers that support their unhealthy habits. Contact recommender systems can unintentionally reinforce such behaviors. Our approach modifies the objective function of a content and topology-based recommendation algorithm to maximize the suggestion of harmless accounts for users at risk. This is done with data from Twitter of Spanish speaking users with anorexia. The design and evaluation of the proposal has involved the participation of clinicians and volunteers at the last stages of treatment. Results show that users with anorexia are willing to follow harmless accounts suggested in online platforms. There is a tradeoff in precision (Pr) when comparing our proposal (Pr = 0.41) with a regular recommendation approach (Pr = 0.58). However, results are promising as there is a 55% increase in the percentage of harmless accounts suggested.
Study on bearing strength of fiber reinforced polymer anchoring cable in deep roadway
The role of peer support in coping and adjustment to dialysis and transplantation: Study protocol
Introduction People with kidney failure receiving dialysis or kidney transplantation find it difficult to adapt to treatment related routines and restrictions, and feel frustrated when their expectations aren’t matched by their lived experience. Health professionals provide information to help people prepare for kidney treatments, but it may be that ‘peer supporters’ - people who live with kidney disease - can provide more easily understood and relevant information. This study will explore how learning from peer supporters might improve the experience of treatment, after dialysis initiation and post-transplantation, by helping them to better understand what to expect from treatments. Methods Two mixed methods studies including in-depth interviews and questionnaires. In each study, participants will be recruited at two timepoints, before commencing dialysis or transplantation, and 6 months later. Questionnaires and interviews will explore expectations and the lived experience of treatment, and if peer support impacts on adjustment and coping with treatment. Participants will be recruited from two large teaching hospitals in the North and South of England, where one has access to a formal kidney peer support program. Discussion Delivering peer support in kidney units is increasingly popular, yet provision is inconsistent and generally low quality. Providing an evidence base for it’s use will help guide the optimal development of peer support programmes and efficient allocation of peer resources. A report will be produced to summarise the our findings, which will help kidney units better help people with kidney failure prepare for kidney treatments.
A novel method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG based on the gold immune chromatography assay
Hydrogeochemical and isotopic analysis for interpreting the formation of the complex geothermal system in the Guide Basin, Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
The Guide Basin, located in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, is rich in geothermal resources. However, whether the genesis of all geothermal waters in the basin is consistent remains an unresolved question. To clarify the geothermal system in this area, this study investigated the hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics of geothermal waters, combined with an analysis of the distribution and properties of regional faults. The study analyzed the processes controlling the chemical composition of thermal waters and the reservoir temperatures, ultimately creating a conceptual model of geothermal fluids. The results indicate that the geothermal waters in the Luohantang and Zhacanggou areas are classified as Na-SO4·Cl type, while those in the Xinjie area are classified as Na-HCO3 and Na-HCO3·Cl type. The chemical composition of geothermal waters is primarily controlled by the weathering of silicates, with some influence from carbonate dissolution and cation exchange processes. Isotope data (δD, δ18O, and 87Sr/86Sr) indicate that all geothermal waters originate from atmospheric precipitation and undergo deep circulation. The heat source in Guide Basin comes from mantle heat flow and granite radioactive decay, but the thermal storage patterns in the three regions of the basin are different. The use of cation and silica geothermometers estimates the reservoir temperatures in the basin to range between 82.4 °C and 229 °C. This study enhances the understanding of the genesis of geothermal resources in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and provides important information for guiding future geothermal exploration in the area.
Mechanisms of carbon and nitrogen distribution in soil aggregates in response to soil conditioners
Identifying engagement strategies for Hispanic youth with anxiety: A youth-centered, Design-Thinking approach
Anxiety is the most common and widespread mental health disorder impacting youth between the ages of 10–19. Youth of color including Hispanic youth are disproportionately impacted. Fewer than 20% of youth of color who need mental health services are receiving them. However, we know relatively little about how to best engage Hispanic youth to increase their use of mental health services. The aims of this study were to better understand the personal, environmental, and behavioral factors that impact Hispanic adolescents help-seeking behaviors and to identify the important criteria needed to develop an appealing intervention that would increase engagement with mental health services. This study used a Design Thinking process—a participatory research approach that included qualitative and engaged methods. In-depth interviews (n = 8) and a Design Thinking workshop (n = 11 participants) were conducted with Hispanic youth with anxiety residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. In-depth interviews were coded using Social Cognitive Theory to identify key themes that impact an adolescent’s decision to seek help. The 90-minute workshop included ideation and Design Thinking activities including personas, mind-mapping, and analytical problem-solving to identify the most important tools and strategies that could be used to manage anxiety. The study identified several themes that directly impact program design, including barriers to seeking help for anxiety, coping strategies, sources of support, and specific program ideas. The findings revealed that Hispanic youth want a culturally relevant technology-based program that provides easily accessible educational information and coping strategies delivered in an engaging format that also facilitates mental health support with a trusted adult. The results reinforce the need to develop culturally inclusive and innovative programs designed specifically for priority populations to increase youth engagement with mental health services.
Culture of cryopreserved first trimester placental tissues to study syncytial renewal
The systematic techno-stylistic and chemical study of glass beads from post-15th century West African sites
The systematic chemical analysis of large collections of archaeological glass beads is essential to better understand trade patterns at different times around the world. Glass beads’ trade towards and within sub-Saharan West Africa grew exponentially over time to culminate with the establishment of the Atlantic Trade. Although these artefacts are very commonly found in archaeological contexts dating after the 15th century CE, the assemblages are generally poorly studied from a chemical point of view. We present here the study of 916 glass beads found in five archaeological sites in Ghana, Mali, and Senegal, in contexts dated between the 15th and the mid-20th century CE. Besides the techno-stylistic classification of the whole assemblage, the compositional study of a sub-group of 578 monochrome and polychrome glass beads was performed. The 798 glass samples composing the selected beads were therefore classified based on their main chemical composition. Moreover, major, minor, and trace elements analysis by Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and the statistical analysis of the results by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) led to the identification of the probable origin of the glass. Different suppliers were distinguished for the Ghanaian earlier beads and the Senegalese and Malian later ones, in relation to the different European trade partners at different times.
Investigation on morphological and molecular fingerprints of penguin brain using label-free optical imaging and spectroscopic techniques
Abstract The morphology and molecular study of the penguin brain are crucial to define its survival in the extreme conditions of Antarctica. The present study focusses on extracting different optical parameters of the penguin brain using label-free optical imaging and spectroscopic techniques. In label-free optical imaging, we have used quantitative phase imaging, which provides morphological information about the neurons in brain tissue, giving the quantitative phase value of 5 to 20 radians corresponding to the 8 µm tissue section. In label-free spectroscopic techniques, we have used autofluorescence and Raman spectroscopy. Autofluorescence spectroscopy provides molecular information about nicotinamide dinucleotide, flavins, lipofuscins, and porphyrins in the brain’s spectral range of 420 nm to 700 nm. Raman spectroscopy provides multiple peaks associated with different molecules in the brain; among them, few signals are observed at approximately 1305 cm−1, 1448 cm−1, and 1661 cm−1, which correspond to vibrational modes indicative of vibrational features within lipids and protein structures, as well as the presence of amide groups within brain tissue constituents. All these techniques provide the microscopic and molecular fingerprint of the penguin brain, which can be useful for understanding penguin’s anatomical, physiological, and social behavior.
Effects of whole-body vibration training as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation exercise on pain, physical function and disability in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint condition that impairs mobility and quality of life. While whole-body vibration training (WBVT) shows promise as an adjunct to conventional KOA rehabilitation, its efficacy remains unclear due to inconsistent clinical evidence. Objective To elucidate the combined effects of WBVT and rehabilitation exercise on pain, physical function, and disability in KOA management through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across eight electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) up to February 2024. Inclusion criteria were (i) randomized controlled trials comparing combined WBVT and rehabilitation exercise versus rehabilitation alone in KOA (ii) reported clinical outcomes (iii) human studies, and (iv) publications in English or Chinese. Trial quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The meta-analysis employed random-effects models in Review Manager 5.3 to account for heterogeneity, supported by sensitivity analyses for robustness and subgroup analyses on WBVT frequency effects. Results Sixteen RCTs comprising 589 participants were included. The systematic review found that WBVT combined with conventional rehabilitation significantly reduced pain and improved physical function in KOA patients. The meta-analysis quantified these effects, showing that WBVT significantly (i) reduced knee pain (MD = −0.43, 95% CI [−0.70, −0.16], p = 0.002), with greater reductions observed from high-frequency WBVT, and (ii) increased isokinetic knee peak torque compared to rehabilitation exercise alone. No significant differences were found in balance, functional mobility, and disability outcomes. Sensitivity analysis of high-quality trials supported these results. However, the heterogeneity among studies and variations in control group interventions warrant cautious interpretation. Conclusion WBVT seems to be effective in reducing pain and enhancing muscle strength in KOA patients when used in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation. Future high-quality RCTs must standardize WBVT protocols, emphasize long-term follow-up, and refine dosage for clinically meaningful outcomes. Systematic review registration: International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO CRD42024508386)
Factors associated with false-positive screening mammography in São Paulo, Brazil
Saikosaponin A alleviates depressive-like behavior induced by reserpine in mice by regulating gut microflora and inflammatory responses
Saikosaponin A (SSA), a key ingredient of Chaihu-Shugan-San, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidepressant properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of action and the effect of SSA on reserpine-induced depressive-like symptoms in mice. Establishing mouse model of depression using intraperitoneal injection of reserpine (RSP). Forced swimming test, tail suspension test and sucrose preference test were used to assess depression-like behavior in mice. The results showed that mice exposed to RSP not only showed weight loss and depressive behavior, but also elevated levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, as well as upregulated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxides in the hippocampus. Detection of changes in the intestinal flora of mice using 16S rRNA, it was observed that the intestinal flora changed following SSA treatment. Not only was there an increase in the overall abundance of the intestinal microbiota, but there was also a significant down-regulation of the Firmicutes and an up-regulation of the Verrucomicrobia at the phylum level. Furthermore, SSA treatment markedly improved depressive-like behavior induced by RSP, alleviated damage to the hippocampus, elevated levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, suppressed inflammatory factors in the hippocampus, reduced hippocampal oxidative stress, and restored gut microbiota disruption in RSP-induced mice. The findings propose that SSA has the potential to alleviate depressive symptoms in mice by enhancing monoamine neurotransmitter levels, suppressing hippocampal inflammation, and modifying gut microbial composition.
The role of gut microbiota at different developmental stages in the adaptation of the Etiella zinckenella to a plant host
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outcomes of acute ischemic stroke patients treated with endovascular therapy: A multicenter Canadian study
Objective The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the implementation of wide-ranging institutional infection control protocols. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the pandemic on outcomes of large vessel occlusion (LVO) acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with endovascular therapy (EVT). Materials and methods Data were obtained from prospectively collected quality improvement stroke databases at six Canadian comprehensive stroke centres from March 11, 2020 to March 11, 2021. This patient cohort was compared to pre-pandemic patients consecutively treated with EVT from March 11, 2019 to March 10, 2020. The primary outcome is a 90-day modified Rankin Score (mRS). The secondary outcomes are angiographic time metrics. Results A total of 1329 EVT patients (pre-pandemic n = 666) were included. The initial NIHSS was statistically significantly lower in the pandemic cohort. Other baseline patient characteristics were comparable between the two periods. Median (interquartile range, IQR) time from last seen normal (LSN) to emergency department (ED) (172 (68–316) vs 210 (97–382) min; p = 0.0001), LSN to puncture (235 (160–378) vs 280 (184–475); p < 0.0001), computed tomography (CT) to angiographic table (68 (44–108) vs 84 (57–125) min; p = 0.002), ED to angiographic table (65 (37–96) vs 80 (50–112) min; p = 0.001), CT to recanalization (117 (84–156) vs 130 (89–173) min; p = 0.038) and LSN to recanalization (279 (198–453) vs 327 (219–561) min; p = 0.002) were longer in the pandemic period as compared to the pre-pandemic. There were no significant differences in median time from angiographic table to arterial puncture (13 (8–19) vs 12 (9–16) min; p = 0.70) or arterial puncture to first pass (21 (14–31) vs 20 (14–30) min; p = 0.50). Patients were more likely to have favourable outcomes (mRS at 90 days score of ≤ 2) post-EVT pre-pandemic than pandemic (53% vs 44%; p = 0.02). Furthermore, analysis of the time interval from “LSN to arterial puncture” in relation to functional outcomes showed that the percentage of unfavorable outcomes increased among patients who underwent EVT within 240 minutes. Specifically, the rate of unfavorable outcomes rose from 32.9% to 42.9% (p = 0.37 for intervals under 150 minutes) and from 41.6% to 52.3% (p = 0.15 for intervals between 151 and 240 minutes) when comparing pre-pandemic to pandemic periods. However, the detrimental effect associated with the pandemic was diminished in patients who received EVT beyond 240 mins (p = 1.0). Conclusion In this multicenter study involving six Canadian stroke centers, patients exhibited a higher probability of unfavorable long-term functional outcomes following EVT during the pandemic period compared to those in the pre-pandemic cohort, particularly during the first year of the pandemic.
Improved image reconstruction from brain activity through automatic image captioning
Why are individuals tracing travel trends? A case study of City Walk in Malaysia
Studying the emerging travel trends of City Walk is a beneficial activity for young groups. However, there is a lack of research and understanding regarding the motivation and mechanism behind these trends, both in theory and practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the motivation of persons who follow the travel trend of City Walk and evaluate how behavioral intentions are formed by exploring the link between motivation and behavioral intention using the self-determination theory, and social influence theory. Social influence, variety seeking, and self-identification were extrinsic and intrinsic motivations of behavioral intention. A quantitative purposive survey approach was employed, wherein 315 young individuals aged 18 to 40 were recruited to respond. The findings derived from the partial least squares structural equation modeling demonstrate that extrinsic incentives related to social influence, variety seeking, and health care have a considerable impact on behavioral intention, and to some extent influence self-identification. Self-identification has a mediating role in the relationship between health care and behavioral intention. By examining both theoretical and practical aspects, it seeks to provide useful theoretical insights and practical contributions to advance research and industry in the field of rural tourism.
Developing a nomogram for risk prediction of the low T3 syndrome
Validity of heart rate measurements in wrist-based monitors across skin tones during exercise
Purpose To evaluate the accuracy of a wrist-based heart rate (HR) monitor at different exercise intensities across different skin tones. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, we compared HR measures from the wrist-based photoplethysmography Fitbit Charge 5 to the Polar H10 chest strap at rest and during the YMCA Protocol using a recumbent cycle ergometer. Participant were grouped into three skin tone categories: light (Fitzpatrick Scale Skin Types 1+2), medium (Types 3+4), and darker skin tone (Types 5+6). HR measures using the Polar chest strap during the exercise test were categorized as <40%, 40–60%, or >60% HR reserve (HRR). Absolute error in beats per minute (bpm) between the two devices was calculated for each measure. A linear mixed effects model was used to assess interaction effects between skin tone and exercise intensity, with participants as the random effect. Bland-Altman plots were used for visual analyses. Results Twenty-five participants [mean (SD): 25.8 (1.9) years old; 64% female] were included with 495 observations of simultaneous Fitbit and Polar HR recordings collected during exercise. During exercise, we observed a statistically significant interaction effect between skin tone and exercise intensity. Compared with light skin tone at <40% HRR, mean error was greater for medium skin tone at >60% HRR [mean error (95%CI): 11.8 (5.6–17.9) bpm, p<0.001] and darker skin tone at 40–60% HRR [7.6 (1.7–13.5) bpm, p = 0.011] and >60% HRR [11.7 (5.3–18.0) bpm, p<0.001]. Conclusion HR measurement error using a wrist-based device was greater with increasing exercise intensity for people with darker skin tones.