Search Results (724)

Temporal action localization (TAL) is a research hotspot in video understanding, which aims to locate and classify actions in videos. However, existing methods have difficulties in capturing long-term actions due to focusing on local temporal information, which leads to poor performance in localizing long-term temporal sequences. In addition, most methods ignore the boundary importance for action instances, resulting in inaccurate localized boundaries. To address these issues, this paper proposes a state space model for temporal action localization, called Separated Bidirectional Mamba (SBM), which innovatively understands frame changes from the perspective of state transformation. It adapts to different sequence lengths and incorporates state information from the forward and backward for each frame through forward Mamba and backward Mamba to obtain more comprehensive action representations, enhancing modeling capabilities for long-term temporal sequences. Moreover, this paper designs a Boundary Correction Strategy (BCS). It calculates the contribution of each frame to action instances based on the pre-localized results, then adjusts weights of frames in boundary regression to ensure the boundaries are shifted towards the frames with higher contributions, leading to more accurate boundaries. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, this paper reports mean Average Precision (mAP) under temporal Intersection over Union (tIoU) thresholds on four challenging benchmarks: THUMOS13, ActivityNet-1.3, HACS, and FineAction, where the proposed method achieves mAPs of 73.7%, 42.0%, 45.2%, and 29.1%, respectively, surpassing the state-of-the-art approaches. Full article

There has been a growing trend of young people coming out as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) in recent years. Research on the relationship between LGBTQ grandchildren and their grandparents is limited and primarily focuses on the grandchildren’s perspective. This pilot study seeks to understand the relationship between grandparents and their LGBT grandchildren, from the grandparents’ perspective. Six Israeli grandparents were interviewed using a qualitative methodology, guided by a semi-structured interview protocol. Analysis of the interviews revealed three main themes: grandparents’ exposure to the grandchildren’s sexual orientation and their gender identity; the shattering of the grandparents’ dream and concern for the grandchild; and the relations between the grandparents and their LGBT grandchildren. The research findings in this pilot study indicate that the relations remained close and did not change following disclosure of the sexual orientation. However, some grandparents needed time to resume their regular relationship. The insights learned from the research findings regarding the process undergone by the grandparents upon discovering their grandchildren’s sexual orientation can help professionals treat and counsel family members, when necessary, how to bridge the gaps, and rebuild the relations between the grandparent and the grandchild, as these relations are important for the well-being of both. Full article

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a diagnostic tool for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients and evaluate the applicability of quantification cycle (Cq) data for PCP diagnosis. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data were collected from medical records of 96 immunocompromised patients hospitalized at the Hadassah hospital from 2018 to 2022, for lower respiratory tract infection. PCP diagnosis was independently categorized by two infectious disease specialists, blinded to PCR results, as either “definite” (confirmed by microscopic identification of P. jirovecii) or “probable” (compatible clinical data and negative microscopy). Clinical characteristics, PCR test performance, and Cq values were then compared between these PCP diagnostic groups and a control group of 85 patients who underwent bronchoscopy for indications unrelated to P. jirovecii infection. Results: The PCR test was found to be highly reliable for diagnosing PCP, with high sensitivity and specificity (93.1%, 98.7%, respectively), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 96.4%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.1%, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.71, and a positive likelihood ratio of 46.5. A Cq cutoff value of 21.89 was found to discriminate between probable PCP and definite PCP. In addition, patients with probable PCP had lower in-hospital mortality than those with definite PCP or no PCP. Conclusions: PCR offers a promising approach for diagnosing PCP in immunocompromised patients with negative respiratory microscopy results. While further research may be warranted, its use may allow for more timely treatment and potentially improved outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aging is often accompanied by physical and cognitive decline, affecting older adults’ mobility. Virtual reality (VR) offers innovative opportunities to safely practice everyday tasks, such as street crossing. This study was designed as a feasibility and pilot study to explore acceptance, usability, and preliminary effects of a VR-based road-crossing intervention for older adults. It investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) as an innovative training tool to support senior citizens in safely navigating everyday challenges such as crossing roads. By providing an immersive environment with realistic traffic scenarios, VR enables participants to practice in a safe and controlled setting, minimizing the risks associated with real-world road traffic. Methods: A VR training application called “Wegfest” was developed to facilitate targeted road-crossing practice. The application simulates various scenarios commonly encountered by older adults, such as crossing busy streets or waiting at traffic lights. The study applied a single-group pre-post design. Outcomes included the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results: The development process of “Wegfest” demonstrates how a highly realistic street environment can be created for VR-based road-crossing training. Significant improvements were found in the Timed Up and Go test (p = 0.002, d = 0.784) and fall-related self-efficacy (FES-I, p = 0.005). No change was observed in cognitive function (MoCA, p = 0.56). Participants reported increased subjective safety (p < 0.001). Discussion: The development of the VR training application “Wegfest” highlights the feasibility of creating realistic virtual environments for skill development. By leveraging immersive technology, both physical and cognitive skills required for road-crossing can be effectively trained. The findings suggest that “Wegfest” has the potential to enhance the mobility and safety of older adults in road traffic through immersive experiences and targeted training interventions. Conclusions: As an innovative training tool, the VR application not only provides an engaging and enjoyable learning environment but also fosters self-confidence and independence among older adults in traffic settings. Regular training within the virtual world enables senior citizens to continuously refine their skills, ultimately improving their quality of life. Full article

Centriole duplication is a vital process for cellular organisation and function, underpinning essential activities such as cell division, microtubule organisation and ciliogenesis. This review summarises the latest research on the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that control this process, focusing on important proteins such as polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4), SCL/TAL1 interrupting locus (STIL) and spindle assembly abnormal protein 6 (SAS-6). This study examines the complex steps involved in semi-conservative duplication, from initiation in the G1–S phase to the maturation of centrioles during the cell cycle. Additionally, we will explore the consequences of dysregulated centriole duplication. Dysregulation of this process can lead to centrosome amplification and subsequent chromosomal instability. These factors are implicated in several cancers and developmental disorders. By integrating recent study findings, this review emphasises the importance of centriole duplication in maintaining cellular homeostasis and its potential as a therapeutic target in disease contexts. The presented findings aim to provide a fundamental understanding that may inform future research directions and clinical interventions related to centriole biology. Full article

Studies commonly measure the effects of media narratives on the self immediately following exposure. We explored whether these effects on viewers’ self-esteem, self-efficacy and motivation are confined to the immediate post-exposure period and examined how they are related to the audience’s identification with the protagonist. In Study 1, participants watched movie clips that included inspiring narratives depicting protagonists who succeeded in accomplishing their goals. Implicit self-esteem was significantly higher immediately after watching than after a short break. Unexpectedly, identification was positively correlated only with delayed self-esteem. In Study 2 we changed the control condition and added explicit measures. The reduction in implicit self-esteem between the two measurement times was replicated in the no-treatment control group. Moreover, self-efficacy and motivation were higher than in the control group and were stable over time, and identification was positively related only to delayed implicit self-esteem and motivation. We conclude that the effect of inspiring narratives on the self extends beyond the immediate time of exposure, and identification with the characters contributes to this persistent effect. The findings are explained by theories of contrast and assimilation, identification and inspiring narratives. Full article

Introduction: The interface between T cells and the tumor microenvironment, termed the ‘immunological synapse’, consists of multiple checkpoint protein pairs co-expressed on both sides of the synapse. mir-16, a microRNA from a widely known tumor-suppressor family of miRNAs, was previously shown by us to be downregulated in melanoma. As other miRNAs from this family have been shown to directly target checkpoint proteins, here we investigated whether miR-16 influences the expression patterns of checkpoint proteins in melanoma. Methods: Single-cell gene expression data from the melanoma microenvironment were retrieved from a public database. Melanoma cell lines were established from metastatic lesions and transiently transfected with an hsa-miR-16-5p-mimic RNA or a mir-16-expressing plasmid. The mRNA expression profiles were analyzed using an Affymetrix microarray. Direct targets of miR-16 were identified by luciferase reporter assays. Protein levels were assessed by Western blotting. Results: Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the expression levels of eight checkpoint mRNAs, known to be present on the melanoma side of the immunological synapse, were highly correlated. Four of these mRNAs contained putative binding sites for the miR-15/16 family. miR-16 expression was significantly reduced in melanoma cells, compared to normal melanocytes. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-16 directly targets the 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of CD40, CD80. The mRNAs downregulated following miR-16 overexpression were highly enriched for genes involved in autophagy, vesicle-mediated transport, and the regulation of protein membrane localization. Among these, VTI1B and SMPD1 were confirmed to be direct targets of miR-16. Transient overexpression of miR-16 resulted in a significant reduction in SMPD1 and VTI1B levels in melanoma cell lines. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that miR-16 potentially modulates melanoma tumorigenesis, metastasis and immunogenicity by altering the composition of checkpoint proteins at the immunological synapse and by regulating cellular pathways associated with intracellular trafficking and transmembrane protein presentation. Full article

Between 2018 and 2019, Israel experienced one of its largest measles outbreaks in recent decades, with over 4300 reported cases and more than 100 documented importation events. Despite high national vaccination coverage, the prolonged nature of the outbreak posed a risk to the country’s measles elimination status. Traditional epidemiological investigations and genotyping based on the N450 region lacked sufficient resolution to differentiate between sustained local transmission and multiple independent introductions. To address this, we performed whole-genome sequencing on 123 measles virus samples representing both imported and locally acquired cases from diverse geographic regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed multiple, distinct transmission chains, several of which could be linked to separate importation events. The MF non-coding region (MF-NCR) not only showed the highest genetic variability, but also contained many of the phylogenetic cluster-defining mutations, though informative changes were found throughout the whole genome. These findings demonstrate the value of whole-genome sequencing in resolving complex transmission dynamics and highlight the importance of integrating genomic epidemiology into routine measles surveillance. Such integration can enhance outbreak investigations and better inform public health responses to protect elimination status. Full article

Background: This study aimed to develop a predictive model for acute gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity in prostate cancer patients treated with salvage radiotherapy (SRT) post-prostatectomy, using machine learning techniques to identify key prognostic factors. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study analyzed 454 patients treated with SRT from three Italian radiotherapy centers. Acute toxicity was assessed using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. Predictors of grade ≥ 2 toxicity were identified through Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) modeling. The analyzed variables included surgical technique, clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margins, extent of lymphadenectomy, radiotherapy technique, and androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). Results: No patients experienced grade ≥ 4 toxicity, and grade 3 toxicity was below 1% for both GI and GU events. The primary determinant of acute toxicity was the surgical technique. Open prostatectomy was associated with significantly higher grade ≥ 2 GI (41.8%) and GU (35.9%) toxicity compared to laparoscopic/robotic approaches (18.9% and 12.2%, respectively). A CTV-to-PTV margin ≥ 10 mm further increased toxicity, particularly when combined with extensive lymphadenectomy. SRT technique and ADT were additional predictors in some subgroups. Conclusions: SRT demonstrated excellent tolerability. Surgical technique, CTV-to-PTV margin, and treatment parameters were key predictors of toxicity. These findings emphasize the need for personalized treatment strategies integrating surgical and radiotherapy factors to minimize toxicity and optimize outcomes in prostate cancer patients. Full article

Background: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) through the tensor fascia latae (TFL) is a well-known pathology among runners whose etiology is not completely clear, nor is the effectiveness of plantar insoles for different types of feet known well enough for them to be considered a possible approach for this issue. Objective: to understand how foot type and foot orthotics may influence the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the TFL. Methods: A total of 41 healthy recreational runners (mean age 32.66 ± 3.51) were recruited for the present cross-sectional study, categorizing them as neutral (NEUg = 15), supinators (SUPg = 15), and pronators (PROg = 11) according to the foot postural index, over a period of 11 months. The EMG of the TFL was measured using a surface electromyograph device while they ran on a treadmill at a constant speed of 9 km/h for 3 min, randomly using supinating (SUP), pronating (PRO), or heel lift (TAL) insoles of 5 mm each one, compared to the baseline condition (SIN). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was performed to check the reproducibility of the tests, pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment were made, and to test the differences between measurements, the Friedman test was performed. Results: The Shapiro–Wilk test indicated a normal distribution of the sample (p > 0.05). Almost all obtained results showed a “perfect reproducibility” close to one; a significant statistical increase was observed in the mean EMG values from NEUg (87.58 ± 4.81 mV) to SUPg (97.17 ± 4.3 mV) (p < 0.05) during SIN+ basal condition. Additionally, there was a statistical reduction from SIN (87.58 ± 4.81 mV) vs. PRO (74.69 ± 3.77 mV) (p < 0.001) in NEUg and from SIN (97.17 ± 4.3 mV) vs. PRO (90.96 ± 4 mV) (p < 0.001) in SUPg. Conclusions: The SUPg exhibited increased activation of TFL fibers compared to the NEUg, likely due to the biomechanical demands associated with a supinated foot type. In contrast, the use of PRO appeared to promote relaxation of the TFL fibers by inducing internal rotation of the lower limb. Based on these preliminary results from a cross-sectional study in a healthy population, it is recommended to assess foot type when addressing ITBS and to consider the use of PRO as a complementary therapeutic strategy alongside conventional treatments. Full article

This article studies the effects of a laser remelting treatment on the microstructure and properties of Al-Cu-Mn alloy surfaces, as well as the effects of a heat treatment process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the matrix zone and remelting zone. The results showed that the remelting zone structure was mainly composed of equiaxed dendrites and fine columnar dendrites. The α(Al) phase and θ(Al₂Cu) phase were greatly refined after laser remelting. The T(Al₁₂CuMn₂) phase was completely dissolved into the α(Al) matrix. The hardness of the remelting zone increased significantly with an increase in the height of the molten pool, and the strengthening mechanism was mainly fine grain strengthening and second phase strengthening. For identical aging treatments, the solution treatment at 530 °C for 4 h yielded the highest hardness. Relative to samples aged without prior solution treatment, hardness increased by 80% in the matrix zone and 59.1% in the remelting zone. When the solid solution process was the same, the time to reach peak hardness was shortened when the aging temperature increased, and the hardness of both the matrix zone and remelting zone reached its peak at 175 °C for 8 h of aging. After aging, the friction coefficient of the alloy decreased due to the increase in the strength of the alloy. Full article

Depression and obesity are comorbid conditions linked through shared neuroinflammatory and immune mechanisms. This study examined the effects of chronic cannabidiol (CBD) treatment on behavior and neuroinflammatory gene expression in female rats exposed to a combined model of high-fat diet (HFD) and unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). Rats were subjected to an acute HFD for 2 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of UCMS. CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle was administered during the final 2 weeks of UCMS. Specifically, mRNA levels of nuclear factor kappa B1 (NF-κB1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 were measured in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and CA1. CBD’s effects varied depending on the type of stressor. It promoted coping behavior, increased locomotion, reduced freezing, and restored UCMS-induced depressive-like behavior in a splash test. In the vmPFC, CBD normalized the HFD- and UCMS-induced increase in il1β, and downregulated nfkb1 and tnfa expression. In the CA1, it normalized stress-induced downregulation in nfkb1 expression. These findings suggest that the efficacy of CBD in modulating both behavior and neuroinflammation is contingent upon the nature of the stress exposure, highlighting its potential as a targeted treatment for stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders in females. Full article

This article investigates how the Jewish leadership in early medieval Palestine employed religious elements to consolidate its power among Jewish communities across the Muslim world. It suggests that the Palestinian Academy in Jerusalem leveraged its location to enhance its authority. The first section analyzes the 921/922 calendar dispute between the Palestinian and Babylonian Jewish centers. I argue that this ostensibly religious conflict was fundamentally a political struggle for leadership, demonstrating how religious authority was utilized for political gain. The second section examines the Hoshana Rabbah ceremony on the Mount of Olives, a key event presided over by the Palestinian Academy and its head, the Gaon. Taking place on the final day of Sukkot, this ceremony attracted Jewish pilgrims from across the Muslim world to Jerusalem. This part analyzes how the Palestinian Academy strategically employed this significant religious gathering—acknowledged even by rival Jewish centers—as a political demonstration to assert its leadership over the Jewish world. Furthermore, the analysis delves into the ceremony’s historical origins, the motivations behind its establishment, and its deep connection to Jerusalem. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the concentrations of trace elements in tear fluid among athletes using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), and to assess the associations with gender, sports intensity, and nutritional supplement intake. Methods: In this cohort study, 84 athletes engaged in high- or low-intensity sports completed a demographic and supplement-use questionnaire. Tear samples were collected using Schirmer strips and analyzed for elemental composition with PIXE, a high-sensitivity technique suited for small biological samples. Multivariate and nonparametric statistical analyses were used to compare groups. Results: There were 46 males and 38 females, aged 17–63 years (mean 30.21 years). Tear phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur concentrations were higher in women than men and higher in women participating in low-intensity compared to high-intensity sports. Tear concentrations of magnesium were higher in men participating in high-intensity sports compared to low-intensity sports. They were higher in men than women regardless of supplement intake. Iron concentrations were higher in men than women only when neither group was taking supplements. Smoking had a slight inverse relationship to iron values. Iron levels were particularly high in men participating in intense sports and low in smokers. Magnesium supplements were associated with raised magnesium levels in tears. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an association between trace element levels in human tears and gender, sports intensity, and food supplement intake. PIXE enables the evaluation of trace element concentration in tears, which may serve as potential biomarkers for the clinical assessment of athletes’ health. Full article

Objective: The SHARON (Short course RadiatiON therapy for palliative treatment) Bone trial is a phase III randomized non-inferiority multicentric study comparing symptom relief for complicated bone metastases (BMs) achieved through hypofractionated accelerated palliative radiotherapy (RT) to a standard RT regimen. Methods: Eligible participants were adults with ECOG PS ≤ 3 who were referred for palliative RT for painful BMs. Patients were assigned to receive either 30 Gy delivered in 10 daily fractions or 20 Gy in 4 fractions over two consecutive days. The primary outcome was pain relief one month post-treatment. Pain relief and adverse events were also evaluated at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after RT. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03503682). Results: Between February 2018 and November 2021, 83 patients were enrolled (30 Gy: 41; 20 Gy: 42). In the standard RT group, five patients did not complete the prescribed RT, while none in the experimental arm discontinued treatment (p = 0.026). Due to early mortality, the primary endpoint was evaluable in 73 patients (35 and 38 in the standard and experimental arms, respectively). The rate of complete pain response at one month was 22.9% and 28.9% in the 30 Gy and 20 Gy arms, respectively (p: 0.571). The overall pain response rates, which included complete and partial responses, were 74.3% and 78.9% in the 30 Gy and 20 Gy arms, respectively (p = 0.638), when considering at least a 2-point reduction in the numerical rating scale. In both arms, 4.8% of patients experienced Grade >2 toxicity. Conclusions: Administering 20 Gy in four fractions twice a day is non-inferior to the standard 30 Gy delivered in 10 fractions for pain relief in the context of complicated BMs. Furthermore, this regimen demonstrated comparable safety in terms of acute toxicity, with a lower incidence of definitive interruptions of radiotherapy. Full article