bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics, predictors and outcomes of new-onset QT prolongation in sepsis: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Liu Weizhuo , Shao Rongjiao , Zhang Shen , Jin Lei , Liu Rongchen , Chen Peidong , Hu Jintao , Ma Haocheng , Wu Bangwei , Liang Weiguo , Luo Xinping , Li Jian , Chen Weiming , Xiong Nanqing , He Bin
Published: April 2024

Background

Sepsis-induced myocardial injury is a serious complication of sepsis. QT prolongation is a proarrhythmic state which reflects myocardial injury in a group of heterogeneous disorders. However, the study on the clinical value of QT prolongation in sepsis is limited.

Methods

We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and predictors of new-onset QT prolongation in sepsis and its impact on the outcome in a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Electrocardiographic and clinical data were collected from patients with sepsis from the wards and intensive care units of four centers after exclusion of QT-influencing medications and electrolyte abnormalities. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without QT prolongation (QTc > 450 ms). Multivariate analysis was performed to ascertain whether QT prolongation was an independent predictor for 30-day mortality. The factors predicting QT prolongation in sepsis were also analyzed.

Results

New-onset QT prolongation occurred in 235/1024 (22.9%) patients. The majority demonstrated similar pattern as type 1 long QT syndrome. Patients with QT prolongation had a higher 30-day in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001), which was also associated with increased tachyarrhythmias including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or tachycardia (P < 0.001) and ventricular arrhythmia (P < 0.001) during hospitalization. QT prolongation independently predicted 30-day mortality (P = 0.044) after multivariate analysis. History of coronary artery disease (P = 0.001), septic shock (P = 0.008), acute respiratory (P < 0.001), heart (P = 0.021) and renal dysfunction (P = 0.013) were independent predictors of QT prolongation in sepsis.

Conclusions

New-onset QT prolongation in sepsis was associated with increased mortality as well as atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, which was predicted by disease severity and organ dysfunction.

Graphical abstract
Strategies for improving the performance of prediction models for response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy in cancer
Authors: Zeng Tiantian , Zhang Jason Z. , Stromberg Arnold , Chen Jin , Wang Chi
Published: April 2024

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy holds promise for bringing long-lasting clinical gains for the treatment of cancer. However, studies show that only a fraction of patients respond to the treatment. In this regard, it is valuable to develop gene expression signatures based on RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data and machine learning methods to predict a patient’s response to the ICB therapy, which contributes to more personalized treatment strategy and better management of cancer patients. However, due to the limited sample size of ICB trials with RNAseq data available and the vast number of candidate gene expression features, it is challenging to develop well-performed gene expression signatures. In this study, we used several published melanoma datasets and investigated approaches that can improve the construction of gene expression-based prediction models. We found that merging datasets from multiple studies and incorporating prior biological knowledge yielded prediction models with higher predictive accuracies. Our finding suggests that these two strategies are of high value to identify ICB response biomarkers in future studies.
Use of a digital tool to support the diagnostic process in memory clinics–a usability study
Authors: van Gils Aniek M. , Rhodius-Meester Hanneke F. M. , Handgraaf Dédé , Hendriksen Heleen M. A. , van Strien Astrid , Schoonenboom Niki , Schipper Annemieke , Kleijer Mariska , Griffioen Annemiek , Muller Majon , Tolonen Antti , Lötjönen Jyrki , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Visser Leonie N. C.
Published: April 2024

Background

Both memory clinic professionals and patients see value in digital tools, yet these hardly find their way to clinical practice. We explored the usability of a digital tool to support the diagnostic work-up in daily memory clinic practice. We evaluated four modules that integrate multi-modal patient data (1.cognitive test; cCOG, and 2. MRI quantification; cMRI) into useful diagnostic information for clinicians (3. cDSI) and understandable and personalized information for patients (4. patient report).

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods study in five Dutch memory clinics. Fourteen clinicians (11 geriatric specialists/residents, two neurologists, one nurse practitioner) were invited to integrate the tool into routine care with 43 new memory clinic patients. We evaluated usability and user experiences through quantitative data from questionnaires (patients, care partners, clinicians), enriched with thematically analyzed qualitative data from interviews (clinicians).

Results

We observed wide variation in tool use among clinicians. Our core findings were that clinicians: 1) were mainly positive about the patient report, since it contributes to patient-centered and personalized communication. This was endorsed by patients and care partners, who indicated that the patient report was useful and understandable and helped them to better understand their diagnosis, 2) considered the tool acceptable in addition to their own clinical competence, 3) indicated that the usefulness of the tool depended on the patient population and purpose of the diagnostic process, 4) addressed facilitators (ease of use, practice makes perfect) and barriers (high workload, lack of experience, data unavailability).

Conclusion

This multicenter usability study revealed a willingness to adopt a digital tool to support the diagnostic process in memory clinics. Clinicians, patients, and care partners appreciated the personalized diagnostic report. More attention to education and training of clinicians is needed to utilize the full functionality of the tool and foster implementation in actual daily practice. These findings provide an important step towards a lasting adoption of digital tools in memory clinic practice.
Documentation of a novel FBP1 gene mutation in the Arabian ethnicity: a case report
Authors: Almousa Maher , Aljomaa Mohammad , Hamey Shekhey , Alasmar Diana
Published: April 2024

Background

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by impaired gluconeogenesis. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1) mutations demonstrate ethnic patterns. For instance, Turkish populations commonly harbor exon 2 deletions. We present a case report of whole exon 2 deletion in a Syrian Arabian child as the first recording of this mutation among Arabian ethnicity and the first report of FBP1 gene mutation in Syria.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 2.5-year-old Syrian Arab child with recurrent hypoglycemic episodes, accompanied by nausea and lethargy. The patient’s history, physical examination, and laboratory findings raised suspicion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency. Whole exome sequencing was performed, revealing a homozygous deletion of exon 2 in the FBP1 gene, confirming the diagnosis.

Conclusion

This case highlights a potential novel mutation in the Arab population; this mutation is well described in the Turkish population, which suggests potential shared mutations due to ancestral relationships between the two ethnicities. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Analytical and geometrical approach to the generalized Bessel function
Authors: Bulboacă Teodor , Zayed Hanaa M.
Published: April 2024

In continuation of Zayed and Bulboacă work in (J. Inequal. Appl. 2022:158, 2022), this paper discusses the geometric characterization of the normalized form of the generalized Bessel function defined by $$\begin{aligned} \mathrm{V}_{\rho,r}(z):=z+\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-r)^{k}}{4^{k}(1)_{k}(\rho )_{k}}z^{k+1}, \quad z\in \mathbb{U}, \end{aligned}$$

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Nanjing Yunjin intelligent question-answering system based on knowledge graphs and retrieval augmented generation technology
Authors: Xu Liang , Lu Lu , Liu Minglu , Song Chengxuan , Wu Lizhen
Published: April 2024

Nanjing Yunjin, a traditional Chinese silk weaving craft, is celebrated globally for its unique local characteristics and exquisite workmanship, forming an integral part of the world's intangible cultural heritage. However, with the advancement of information technology, the experiential knowledge of the Nanjing Yunjin production process is predominantly stored in text format. As a highly specialized and vertical domain, this information is not readily convert into usable data. Previous studies on a knowledge graph-based Nanjing Yunjin Question-Answering System have partially addressed this issue. However, knowledge graphs need to be constantly updated and rely on predefined entities and relationship types. Faced with ambiguous or complex natural language problems, knowledge graph information retrieval faces some challenges. Therefore, this study proposes a Nanjing Yunjin Question-Answering System that integrates Knowledge Graphs and Retrieval Augmented Generation techniques. In this system, the ROBERTA model is first utilized to vectorize Nanjing Yunjin textual information, delving deep into textual semantics to unveil its profound cultural connotations. Additionally, the FAISS vector database is employed for efficient storage and retrieval of Nanjing Yunjin information, achieving a deep semantic match between questions and answers. Ultimately, related retrieval results are fed into the Large Language Model for enhanced generation, aiming for more accurate text generation outcomes and improving the interpretability and logic of the Question-Answering System. This research merges technologies like text embedding, vectorized retrieval, and natural language generation, aiming to overcome the limitations of knowledge graphs-based Question-Answering System in terms of graph updating, dependency on predefined types, and semantic understanding. System implementation and testing have shown that the Nanjing Yunjin Intelligent Question-Answering System, constructed on the basis of Knowledge Graphs and Retrieval Augmented Generation, possesses a broader knowledge base that considers context, resolving issues of polysemy, vague language, and sentence ambiguity, and efficiently and accurately generates answers to natural language queries. This significantly facilitates the retrieval and utilization of Yunjin knowledge, providing a paradigm for constructing Question-Answering System for other intangible cultural heritages, and holds substantial theoretical and practical significance for the deep exploration and discovery of the knowledge structure of human intangible heritage, promoting cultural inheritance and protection.
A feasibility study of mindfulness-based interventions for children
Authors: Sin Wai Man , Tse Mimi Mun Yee , Chung Joanne Wai Yee , Choi Sandy Pin Pin
Published: April 2024

Background

Children’s overall psychological well-being is a concern for parents and adults worldwide. Mindfulness appears to be a promising intervention for enhancing children’s psychological well-being, and its effectiveness has been well-documented. However, there is a paucity of data on the feasibility and acceptability of implementing mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for children; this is a crucial factor in determining whether MBIs can be utilized to benefit children. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing MBIs among Hong Kong children.

Methods

Seventy-eight children (mean age = 9.06, SD = .375) were recruited from a primary school in Hong Kong and received MBIs in a single session that lasted about 2 h. The intervention’s feasibility was determined in terms of retention rates, while acceptability was based on qualitative feedback from the children.

Results

The results show that there were high retention rates (96%). Qualitative analyses of children’s feedback revealed that they experienced enhanced well-being, and enjoyed and benefited from the interventions.

Conclusions

This study shows the high feasibility of MBIs in children, supporting the conduct of an efficacy trial to examine the effects of MBIs among children. Support from school teachers and measures to raise and maintain children’s interest in mindfulness could facilitate the conduct of a study.
Association of endometriosis with asthma: a study of the NHANES database in 1999–2006
Authors: Pan Guangxin , Zhang Pei , Li Sha , Cao Lanlan , Yang Changqun
Published: April 2024

Objective

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways with a gender differences in the prevalence after puberty. Recent studies have reported a relationship between asthma and endometriosis, possibly related to the immune response mechanisms, but the evidences are limited and inconsistent. Herein, this research aimed to investigate the association of endometriosis with asthma based on the representative population in the United States (U.S.) to provide some reference for further exploration on mechanism of gender difference in asthma.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data of women aged ≥ 20 years old were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in 1999–2006. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to explore the association of endometriosis with asthma. The multivariate models adjusted for covariates including age, race, education level, marital status, poverty income ratio (PIR), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, smoking, estrogen and progesterone hormones use, uterine fibroids, at least one ovary removed, and birth control pills intake. The evaluation indexes were odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses of age, race, BMI, and pregnancy history were also performed.

Results

Among 5,556 eligible women, 782 had asthma, and 380 had endometriosis. The average age of participants was 37.19 years old, and more than half of them were non-Hispanic White (68.44%). After adjusting for covariates, endometriosis was associated with higher odds of asthma compared with non-endometriosis [OR = 1.48, 95%CI: (1.10–1.99)]. This relationship was also found in 40–49 years old [OR = 2.26, 95%CI: (1.21–4.23)], BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2 [OR = 2.87, 95%CI: (1.52–5.44)], and pregnancy history [OR = 1.44, 95%CI: (1.01–2.06)] subgroups.

Conclusion

Endometriosis had a positive association with asthma in adult women. Females aged 40–49 years old, with BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2 and had a history of pregnancy should take care about monitoring endometriosis to reduce the potential risk of asthma. Further studies are still needed to clarify the causal association between endometriosis and asthma.
Brain Mapping – Neuromuscular correlations in long-term Postsurgical rehabilitation of Adult Brachial Plexus Palsies
Authors: Trofin Dan , Grosu Cristina , Iordan Daniel Andrei , Trofin Daniela-Marilena , Onu Ilie , Stamate Teodor , Matei Daniela-Viorelia
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Background: Correlations of Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) mapping of the cortical area and electromyography (EMG) + dynamometric testing may demonstrate active neuroplas-ticity events that are reliant on rehabilitation therapy (RT) compliance in adult postsurgical brachial plexus (BP) injuries. Material and Methods: On the right (dominant) arm of two patients with chronic operated BP lesions, we evaluated the progress of functional recovery. The trau-matic event was dated more than 10 years ago for both patients. The first patient (male, 50 years old) and the second one (female, 58 years old) had a history of several microsurgical neurotiza-tion and muscle transfer procedures, with less amelioration of the motor deficit, especially re-lated to elbow flexion (MRC 1/5 and 2/5, respectively). We followed up their evolution by EMG parameters, dynamometry, MRC scaling, and TMS. The motor region of the limb was mapped using TMS to assess the amplitudes of the motor evoked potentials (MEP), on a 4-axis protocol. The patients were assessed twice, with the second examination performed after RT had just fin-ished. TMS findings were compared with EMG and dynamometric results. Results: Higher MEP amplitudes were associated with improved MEP latency during stimulation of the left cerebral hemisphere's cortical area, as well as at the cervical level. EMG findings, both nerve conduction and needle EMG studies showed nonsignificant improvements, as well as muscle strength (as measured by the hydraulic dynamometer). The best results for the first patient showed an in-crease in MEP’s amplitude increase from 1.08 mV to 1.49 mV (in the hotspot), which correlated with measurable latencies, as compared to the first TMS (when no response was obtained at cer-vical stimulation). The second patient also had improvements in latencies: from 37.1 msec. to 36.3 msec. (cervical stimulation with recording at bicipital level) and from 39.2 msec. to 37.9 (cervical stimulation recording at the first interosseous), with a hotspot increase from 1.35 mV to 1.98 mV. The results demonstrate cortical region reactivity in regard to therapeutic techniques. Central modifications do not correlate with visible EMG and dynamometric improvements. Pa-tients with traumatic BP palsy may receive several microsurgical reconstructive procedures, nevertheless, the rehabilitation of the upper limb’s functionality may sometimes still be limited. This increases the risk of discontinuity of the neuromotor RT. We aim to prove that in spite of little correlations with clinical and EMG findings, mapping the cortical area using TMS provides proof of ongoing neuroplasticity phenomena, dependent on adherence to RT. Conclusion: The evidence of continued brain activity supports the requirement for long-term adherence to treatment guidelines and long-term study protocols.
Improving the Methods of Analysis and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of «Green» Investments
Authors: Astvacaturova K.
Published: April 2024

The relevance of the methods for analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of «green» investments development due to the insufficient scientific validity of the approaches used today, because of which there is a risk of incorrect assessment of projects and investment expectations. The article proposes an author’s modification of the methodology for analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of «green» investments, based on the calculation of a complex index and an aggregated assessment of a set of factors of financial efficiency; financial stability; social efficiency; environmental efficiency, as well as the use of the decoupling index to monitor the achievement of “green” investment goals.
Emma Mościskier (1898-1942)
Authors: Kierzek Andrzej , Obrębowski Andrzej , Kotuła Jacek
Published: April 2024

Emma Mościsker (1898-1940), jedna z pionierek polskiej foniatrii, studiowała w Uniwersytecie Jana Kazimierza we Lwowie oraz szkoliła się w wiedeńskich ośrodkach foniatrycznych profesorów Hajeka i Neumanna. Pracowała w Szpitalu Powszechnym Krajowym we Lwowie oraz w Szpitalu Starozakonnych na Czystem w Warszawie. Znane są jej prace m.in. na temat stroboskopii, rerania (rhotacismus), zaburzeń głosu w mutacji, ćwiczeń uderzeniowych. Znaczne zainteresowanie wzbudziła jej publikacja dotycząca znaczenia zabiegów w zakresie otorynolaryngologii dla głosu i mowy.
Jan Władysław Stasiński (1869-1939)
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Rabiza Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

Celem pracy była analiza biografii oraz dorobku naukowego Jana Władysława Stasińskiego, profesora okulistyki Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego. Jan Stasiński urodził się w 1869 r. w Bogdanowie w powiecie wągrowieckim. Ukończył studia lekarskie w 1894 r. w Würzburgu. W kolejnych latach odbywał liczne zagraniczne staże, a od 1899 r. przyjmował pacjentów w prywatnej klinice okulistycznej w Poznaniu oraz na dziecięcym oddziale okulistycznym w Szpitalu Dziecięcym Św. Józefa. Był członkiem wielu towarzystw naukowych oraz autorem licznych prac naukowych.
Despertando Novos Talentos no Ensino de Ciências: Uma parceria entre o Colégio Estadual Ernesto Faria e o IFRJ
Authors: Anjos Maylta Brandão dos , Rôças Giselle , Oliveira Alexandre Lopes de , Bomfim Alexandre Maia , Deccache-Maia Eline , Pereira Marcus Vinícius
Published: April 2024

A qualidade do ensino formal se constitui na construção do conhecimento gerado no processo escolar, tendo como alicerce o ensino básico. Aportando-se nessa premissa, a CAPES lançou o programa “Novos Talentos”, com a publicação de editais distintos, para os quais o PROPEC/IFRJ inscreveu-se com o projeto “Ensino de Ciências: formando novos talentos e reforçando os laços entre o Instituto Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ) e o Colégio Estadual Professor Ernesto Faria (CEPEF)”. O projeto foi aprovado e aconteceu no incentivo da melhoria do ensino básico. A articulação proposta teve o enfoque do Ensino de Ciências como saber gerador.  O projeto visou a ampliação dos saberes nessa parceria interinstitucional, que privilegiou a conjunção das práticas educativas postas pelas atividades previstas nos quatro subprojetos que constou de oficinas de formação escolar e produção de produtos didáticos gerados nelas. Os resultados foram positivos, atendendo aos objetivos propostos.
Um texto biográfico sobre Isaac Newton como subsídio para uma atividade reflexiva em sala de aula
Authors: Fejolo Thomas Barbosa
Published: April 2024

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar uma atividade de ensino de física fundamentada na leitura do texto “Uma libertação do arado” de David Berlinski, que aborda elementos biográficos e socioculturais do físico Isaac Newton. Temos como pressuposto que o uso de textos em aulas de ciências pode mobilizar estudantes a refletirem sobre o próprio contexto sociocultural. Os dados analisados nesta pesquisa são relatos escritos pelos estudantes, após a leitura do capítulo proposto. Tais informações foram submetidas aos procedimentos metodológicos da Análise de Conteúdo e como resultado apresenta-se um conjunto de três categorias que correspondem aos principais temas emergentes da reflexão estudantil, são eles: 1) Inspiração para estudar; 2) Relação com a família e 3) Projeto pessoal. O artigo apresenta em cada categoria exemplos de relatos e destaca os aspectos socioculturais dos temas emergentes. Consideramos que esta ação pedagógica foi capaz de proporcionar um espaço favorável à produção de sentidos, fazendo emergir a subjetividade na construção de conhecimentos.
Utilização das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação para avaliação de aprendizagem: Vídeo complementar para o ensino contemporâneo de Acústica
Authors: Silva Gabriel Fernandes , De Cerqueira Lucas Brasil , Barbosa Caio Nabuco , De Castro Robson Costa , Godim Leitão Catarine Canellas
Published: April 2024

Devido ao distanciamento social imposto pela pandemia da Covid-19, as Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TICs) têm sido muito utilizadas no cotidiano educacional. O uso de simuladores, material multimídia e muitos outros recursos tecnológicos facilitam e engrandecem a aprendizagem no ensino mediado por tecnologias. Este trabalho apresenta uma alternativa para a utilização das TICs no ensino de Física com a produção de uma vídeoaula complementar, aplicada como ferramenta pedagógica, para o estímulo do aprendizado de Acústica. A vídeoaula complementar produzida aborda as propriedades fisiológicas do som como parte do conteúdo de Acústica nas aulas de Física. Para o seu desenvolvimento foram utilizados dois softwares livres:  Audacity e o Geogebra, além de instrumentos musicais, para explorar detalhadamente esses conceitos abordados previamente em aula pelo docente. A avaliação da aprendizagem foi feita após a exibição do vídeo, através de discussão e de um questionário aplicado em turmas da 2ª série do Ensino Médio de uma instituição pública federal do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Com esse trabalho foi possível observar que a videoaula foi produzida de forma lúdica e didática com embasamento teórico, estimulou o interesse dos discentes para o ensino de Física contextualizado com os instrumentos musicais.
A IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DO “PROGRAMA EDUCAÇÃO & FORMAÇÃO 2020” EM ESCOLAS PORTUGUESAS NO QUADRO DA EUROPEIZAÇÃO DAS POLÍTICAS EDUCACIONAIS
Authors: Stanciu Valeriu , Fonseca Dora Ramos
Published: April 2024

O Programa Educação & Formação 2020 emerge no contexto das políticas educativas europeias sendo, especialmente, direcionado para o espaço temporal específico de 2010 a 2020, assumido como um período relevante para a superação da crise económica na Europa. Procuramos, através da análise do discurso político-normativo, compreender como foram interpretadas, ao nível nacional, as diretivas europeias do “Programa Educação & Formação 2020” e conhecer as perceções dos diretores/gestores de instituições educativas e de formação sobre o Programa e sua aplicabilidade e efeitos na prática educacional.  A metodologia de investigação utilizada foi predominantemente de natureza qualitativa elegendo a análise documental e a entrevista como técnicas de recolha de dados e a análise de conteúdo como técnica de análise dos dados que emergiram do corpus empírico. Analisámos o “Programa Educação & Formação 2020” e outros documentos de referência considerados relevantes para o processo investigativo e auscultamos os diretores de escolas e de agrupamentos de escolas da região centro de Portugal. Concluímos que foram, de uma forma global, incorporadas, no discurso político – normativo, as recomendações veiculadas pelos diferentes organismos europeus, assumindo-se o “Programa Educação & Formação 2020” como um documento estratégico para o desenvolvimento de competências na população com o objetivo de potenciar o desenvolvimento socioeconómico. A análise de dados permitiu, ainda, inferir a partir das perceções dos entrevistados, que se confirma uma evolução positiva no que se refere ao cumprimento das metas preestabelecidas pelo Programa e que todas as escolas e agrupamentos estudados tiveram como referência, na sua atuação educativa, o “Programa Educação & Formação 2020”.
The organisational harm, economic cost and workforce waste of unnecessary disciplinary investigations
Authors: Cooper Andrew , Rogers Julie , Phillips Ceri , Neal Adrian , Wu Ning , McIntosh Bryan
Published: April 2024

Andrew Cooper and colleagues highlight the harm, cost and waste that can be caused by unnecessary and poorly managed employee investigations and highlights areas that need to be addressed to improve this area of human resources practice.
Terminalia bellirica Extract Suppresses SARS-Cov-2 Nucleocapsid-Induced Inflammation in A549 Cells
Authors:   Master of Science Program in Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Winidmanokul Peeranut , Panwong Suthida ,   Doctoral Program in Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Panya Aussara ,   Department of Biology Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Published: April 2024

SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers a host-immune response via cytokine release that, when excessive, leads to severe inflammation and life-threatening complications. To reduce the risks associated with cytokine storms, alternative approaches are needed. Traditional Thai herbal extracts are recognized for their potential as safe and effective anti-inflammatory agents against various diseases. Hence, this study aims to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extracts from Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Phyllanthus emblica, and Andrographis paniculata in reducing inflammation in the A549 alveolar basal epithelial cell lines. We conducted a comparative analysis of the anti-inflammation efficacy of four extracts in reducing the COX-2 upregulation induced by TNF-α stimulation in A549 cells. Among them, T. bellirica exhibited the highest effectiveness in reducing COX-2 levels to 0.38-fold. Furthermore, we validated the anti-inflammation properties of T. bellirica in diminishing inflammation-induced SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid. Lentivirus transduction expressing SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators including TNF-α, IL-8, CXCL-10, and COX-2. Interestingly, treatment with sublethal doses of T. bellirica (30 and 60 μg/mL) led to a significant reduction in COX-2 expression by 30% and 70%, TNF-α by 46% and 75%, IL-8 by 39% and 48%, and CXCL-10 by 46% and 80%, respectively. These findings confirm the potent anti-inflammatory effects of T. bellirica, highlighting its potential as a novel treatment for alleviating the severity of cytokine storms in SARS-CoV-2 and related diseases.
Population Structure and Functional Diversity of Rice Landraces: A Review
Authors:   Department of Plant and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Pusadee Tonapha ,   Agrobiodiversity in Highland and Sustainable Utilization Research Group, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Jamjod Sansanee ,   Department of Plant and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Lanna Rice Research Centre, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Prom-u-thai Chanakan ,   Department of Plant and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Lanna Rice Research Centre, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Jaksomsak Pennapa ,   Department of Plant and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Lanna Rice Research Centre, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Rerkasem Benjavan ,   Plant Genetic Resource and Nutrition Laboratory, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Published: April 2024

Rice landraces or local varieties that have remained in cultivation on-farm are embedded within their agroecological and cultural environment. Rice landraces are genetically diverse, but with a variation that can be well structured, not random. This review examines the population structure and functional diversity revealed in the rice germplasm acquired from farmers in recent decades. Sizable areas of local varieties are found in parts of Asia with distinctive agroecological environment and cultural heritage. A tally of variety names provides a first approximation of diversity, a frequency distribution of the varieties describes a basic structure of diversity in an agroecosystem. Genetic variation is detectable by microsatellites analysis or expressed in specific functional traits, at various organizational levels of the population, even among those exhibiting uniform appearances. The population dynamics of genetically diverse landraces perpetuated by many farmers are shaped by variations in the bio-physical environment and management practices, but those relying on one or two farmers for their maintenance face a risk of extinction. Diversity in widely grown varieties may either be within the farmer’s seed cache, or among populations of the same variety maintained by different farmers. Local rice varieties or landraces continue to play a crucial role in rice farming, the economic value of some is enhanced by their unique grain quality features. Genetically diverse rice landraces that either contribute towards meeting the household’s rice requirement or those that have become commercially successful, also provide an important service in the in situ conservation of germplasm.
Intimacy as a competency: information-seeking practices in (marriage) migration online support groups
Authors: Odasso Laura
Published: April 2024

This article explores the use of online social networks for seeking and sharing information about marriage migration. In Europe, since the 1990s, this migration has faced heightened scrutiny. Laws and administrative practices have added complexity to immigration procedures. Manifold screening methods gauge the authenticity of relationships aligning with the host nation’s concept of a suitable family for integration. In this context, informal self-help groups emerged to offer support to those facing burdensome formalities and local administrative intricacies. Based on extensive qualitative fieldwork, this article examines the significance of these support groups, drawing on the concept of intimacy as a shared competency. Here, intimacy is conceived as an active relational skill that counterbalances the limitations of migration policies. The analysis transcends the division between online and offline modes of living, shedding new light on intimacy and extimité – the sharing of one’s intimate self with others for validation – in doing family.
The Gospel of the Ebionites and the Synoptic Problem
Authors: Kok Michael
Published: April 2024

Abstract: David B. Sloan and James R. Edwards have revived the antique hypothesis that there was a single Gospel according to the Hebrews underlying the diverse patristic testimonies about it and that it was a significant source behind the Synoptic tradition. Specifically, Sloan and Edwards equate this reconstructed text with either Q or L, respectively, two hypothetical sources in B. H. Streeter’s classic solution to the Synoptic Problem. In this article, I defend the common scholarly view that the text known to Epiphanius, which modern scholars entitle as the Gospel of the Ebionites to distinguish it from the Gospel according to the Hebrews , was a Greek text that, at points, harmonizes passages from the Synoptics. I will focus on this Gospel’s baptism narrative to demonstrate that it replicates Matthean and Lucan redactional elements, thus making it unlikely to be the source of the Synoptic double tradition or the Lucan Sondergut .
Games as Epistemic Mediators: Rethinking Gamification with Morgenstern, von Neumann, and Bateson
Authors: Stark Doug
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: This article contends that gamification is a longstanding means of making knowledge, not just a twenty-first-century design technique. People have applied games to non-entertainment domains for millennia, especially to perform functions that we now associate with computational media, but their status as “epistemic mediators” comes to the fore in recent history. Stark examines two twentieth-century uses of games as models for systems that, contrasted, evidence distinct approaches to formalizing phenomena in the human sciences. First, Oskar Morgenstern and John von Neumann’s Theory of Games and Economic Behavior (1944) illustrates the propensity game models have to reduce complexity, mechanize judgment, and promote capitalist values. Then, Gregory Bateson’s cybernetic game models serve as counterexamples that, along with his critiques of game theory, the conclusion brings to bear on current debates about gamification.
Embodied Simulations and Neurodivergent Temporalities in To the Moon
Authors: Yeager Sean A. , Ciccoricco David
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: We position games as ludic time machines; beyond simply representing neurodiversity, they can prompt players to consider neurodivergent temporalities. In the 2D psychological adventure game To the Moon (Gao 2011), players control two scientists who travel through the memories of a man on his deathbed. Digging ever deeper into their seemingly neurotypical client’s past, the scientists learn how his marriage was strained by the complexities of cross-neurotype communication. We show how To the Moon ’s storyworld and gameplay destabilize fixed understandings of neurotypicality, encourage deeper mutual understanding of temporal embodiment, and prompt players to reconsider their relationship to neurodiversity.
Food Insecurity Transition Among Agricultural Households In Nigeria
Authors: Popoola Grace O. , Popoola Olufemi A.
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Hunger continues to be on the increase and food crises remain a developmental challenge. The incidence of food insecurity in the country has heightened in recent years due to unprecedented natural hazards, economic shocks and climate change, which have eroded livelihoods and worsened the country’s performance in food security-related indices. We therefore used the panel data from Nigeria to examine the food insecurity transition among agricultural households. The data covered four rounds. The food insecurity status of agricultural households was estimated using the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke measure. We explained the interaction among the states of food security of agricultural households across different periods using the food insecurity transition matrix. The determinants of food insecurity were explored using the dynamic probit model. The model addressed unobserved heterogeneity, state dependency, and serial correlation arising from the data and model. Findings revealed that the mean food expenditure increased across the period. Similarly, mean per capita food expenditure also increased across periods except for the 2012/2013 period where it dropped slightly. We observed a rising incidence of food insecurity across the period from 44.1% in 2010/2011 to 53.4% in 2018/2019 representing a 21.1% increase in food insecurity incidence. Widening inequality exists even among the food insecure. Our findings revealed that 87.6% of households are transitorily food insecure, 5.5% are chronically food insecure and 7% are food secured. The significant factors driving food insecurity across the period were the area of land under cultivation, the fall in the price of outputs, and the increase in the price of major food items. Coping strategies employed were eating less preferred foods, restriction in diversity of foods eaten, limiting food portions, and minimizing the frequency of meal consumption. It is therefore important that the government encourage the adoption of yield-enhancing technologies to ensure household food security. Rising prices of major food items and fall in output price gives a cause for concern over the macroeconomic environment in the country, which fuels rising food prices. Policymakers should exercise caution when implementing exchange rate policies that may affect food and output prices, given the impact they have on the livelihood and household security of smallholders.
Using Social Presence Theory to Understand and Reduce the Transmission of Cybergossip Among Adolescents
Authors: Caivano Oksana , Talwar Victoria
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Gossip is an important part of adolescent development. Although gossip can be used for negative influence, it can also be used for positive relational purposes such as establishing norms and creating intimacy. Discerning the gossip sharer's motives is important for receivers to determine how to react. However, the lack of visual and tonal cues in online exchanges can create miscommunications and misunderstandings about gossip intentions. Research has not yet identified a theoretical framework that can address the added interpersonal challenges of sharing gossip in online settings (i.e., cybergossip). A theory to consider addressing this gap is social presence theory (SPT). This article will argue how SPT can provide a framework for understanding the motivations and needs of gossip sharers in online settings and explain how receivers can promote social presence and mitigate the spread of cybergossip.
Conical quasi-phase-matching second harmonic generation in a 2D photonic crystal with hybrid Ewald geometric method
Authors: Ren Chang Ping , Huang Huang , Hong Xu Hao
Published: April 2024

The direction variation of the fundamental wave in the same nonlinear photonic crystal would cause different pattern of harmonics generation. In a 2D/3D crystal with dense reciprocal lattice vectors, there will be large numbers of conical harmonic beams evolving with direction change of the fundamental wave. By rearranging the Ewald sphere and superposing it into the Ewald shell, we have a hybrid Ewald construction. It becomes a simple but useful geometric method to comprehensively depict the distribution of these quasi-phase-matching second harmonics and their conical form evolution. It presents conical second harmonic beams by their related reciprocal lattice vectors and simplifies the beams’ distribution according to spatial arrangement of those reciprocal lattice vectors. It finds that the conical beams will create, annihilate, or get enhanced in specific order when fundamental waves change incident directions. We applied the method on a periodically poled 2D LiTaO3 crystal and all observed phenomena, meet the method’s predictions. In our experiment, we observed that the conical beams distorted along the optic axis of the sample due to anisotropy, which was generally overlooked by earlier researches. The eccentricities of their ring projections suggest a potential auxiliary approach for crystal dispersion measurement.
Dual-band and spectrally selective infrared absorbers based on hybrid gold-graphene metasurfaces
Authors: Alijabbari Mahsa , Karimzadeh Rouhollah , Pakniyat Samaneh , Gomez-Diaz J. Sebastian
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we propose a dual-band and spectrally selective infrared (IR) absorber based on a hybrid structure comprising a patterned graphene monolayer and cross-shaped gold resonators within a metasurface. Rooted in full-wave numerical simulations, our study shows that the fundamental absorption mode of the gold metasurface hybridizes with the graphene pattern, leading to a second absorptive mode whose properties depend on graphene’s electrical properties and physical geometry. Specifically, the central operation band of the absorber is defined by the gold resonators whereas the relative absorption level and spectral separation between the two modes can be controlled by graphene’s chemical potential and its pattern, respectively. We analyze this platform using coupled-mode theory to understand the coupling mechanism between these modes and to elucidate the emergence and tuning of the dual band response. The proposed dual-band device can operate at different bands across the IR spectrum and may open new possibilities for tailored sensing applications in spectroscopy, thermal imaging, and environmental monitoring.
Integrated optical polarizers based on novel 2D materials
Authors: Moss David
Published: April 2024

Optical polarizers are essential components for the selection and manipulation of light polarization states in optical systems. Over the past decade, the rapid advancement of photonic technologies and devices has led to the development of a range of novel optical polarizers, opening avenues for many breakthroughs and expanding applications across diverse fields. Particularly, two-dimensional (2D) materials, known for their atomic thin film structures and unique optical properties, have become attractive for implementing optical polarizers with high performance and new features that were not achievable before. This paper reviews recent progress in 2D-material-based optical polarizers. First, an overview of key properties of various 2D materials for realizing optical polarizers is provided. Next, the state-of-the-art optical polarizers based on 2D materials, which are categorized into spatial-light devices, fiber devices, and integrated waveguide devices, are reviewed and compared. Finally, we discuss the current challenges of this field as well as the exciting opportunities for future technological advances.
Anomalous transversal motion of spheroidal microparticles driven by radiation pressure and torque
Authors: Gerasimov Valeriy , Ershov Alexander , Maksimov Dmitrii , Bulgakov Evgeny
Published: April 2024

We numerically consider spheroidal dielectric micropaticles subject to radiation forces induced by a plane linearly polarized wave. Since the symmetry is lifted by the spheroidal shape of the particles the effects of both net radiation force and torque are taken into account. It is found that in the case of oblate spheroids there is a specific ratio of the semi-axes leading to anomalious dispersion of particles in the
transversal plane perpendicular to the wave propagation direction. Such an effect results in a departure
from the initial condition in the transversal plane by distances $\approx 10^{-2}~\mathrm{m}$ during a travel time $T=1000~\mathrm{s}$ while the particles are transported by mean distance $\langle z\rangle \approx 1.5~\mathrm{m}$ in the beam propagation direction.
A new chitinozoan assemblage from the Middle Devonian Los Monos Formation (sub-Andean basin, southern Bolivia) and its biozonal implications for Western Gondwana
Authors: Camina Sonia C. , Rubinstein Claudia V. , Butcher Anthony , Muro Victoria J. García , Vergani Gustavo , Pereira Martín
Published: April 2024

Chitinozoans recovered from one section of the Middle Devonian Los Monos Formation in the TCB X-1001-Tacobo borehole, sub-Andean basin of Bolivia, have been analysed. Eleven from the eighteen processed cutting samples yielded specimens that allowed taxonomic study. Eleven genera and thirty-five chitinozoan species were identified from the Los Monos Formation with four of them recorded for the first time in Western Gondwana. Ancyrochitina biconstricta, Ancyrochitina parisi, Angochitina galarzae and Ramochitina boliviensis are among the most relevant taxa restricted to Western Gondwana that support the affinity with this paleocontinent. One new species, Lagenochitina tacobensis sp. nov. is described, and Ramochitina candelariaensis sp. nov. (n. n.) is formally erected. The chitinozoan assemblage reinforces the late Eifelian–middle Givetian age previously proposed by organic-walled phytoplankton and miospores for this section of the TCB X-1001-Tacobo borehole. A new local chitinozoan biozonation based on the chitinozoan assemblages is proposed and a revision of the current chitinozoan biozonation for Western Gondwana and Bolivia is recommended.