bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of quality of life on job performance and job satisfaction of sports club employees (The case of Ankara province).
Authors: DERE Güven
Published: October 2023

Human, the most valuable capital of organizations, is the most effective success factor in achieving the set goals. For this reason, Jobes that set success and progress in their vision try to make all the variables affecting the human factor suitable for the benefit of the Job in order to increase their productivity. The fact that the general quality of life is positive for the individual is a critical factor that is stated to have a relationship with the organizational variables that affect the productivity of the employee. In this study, the compatibility of quality of life with and job satisfaction and job performance, which are thought to be related to this phenomenon (by creating a study model), was tested with the data obtained from sports center employees. The population of the research is the individuals working in sports clubs in Ankara province. The data were collected by online survey method and 423 employees participated in the survey. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS 27.0 statistical program. Frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation values were used to make descriptive statistics of demographic factors and scale scores. Skewness and kurtosis values were analyzed to determine the normality distribution of the scales. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses. A moderate, positive linear relationship between quality of life and job performance level (r=.436, p=.000) and a moderate, positive linear relationship between quality of life and job satisfaction (r=.344, p=.000) were found. As a result of the research, the two hypotheses were found to be compatible with the literature and it was stated that the model was compatible with the data.
The E-Learning Attitude of Talented Pre-service Teachers in the Online Learning Model Following the Kahramanmaraş and Hatay Earthquakes
Authors: TÜRKER Üstün , SOMOĞLU Mustafa Barış , TEZCAN Efecan , KOÇ Mine
Published: October 2023

This study, which aims to determine the e-learning attitudes of talented teacher candidates following the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay and to compare them according to some variables, was designed with a cross-sectional-survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The research sample was comprised of 826 pre-service teachers from the fields of Physical Education and Sports, Music Education, and Visual Arts during the spring semester of 2022-2023. Data for the study were collected using the Test of E-Learning Related Attitudes Scale, with data collection conducted through Google Forms. Data analysis was used to SPSS program. In terms of the academic department variable, it was concluded that pre-service teachers specializing in Physical Education and Sports, Music Education, and Visual Arts demonstrated similar levels of E-learning attitudes, and no statistically significant differences were observed among them (p<0.05). Furthermore, in the context of education and instructional activities being carried out through online learning methods, it was determined that the choice of and utilization of computers and mobile devices as learning tools resulted in similar overall E-learning attitudes (p<0.05). Nevertheless, those who favored mobile devices demonstrated a statistically higher level of inclination toward technology use and perceived usefulness, while those who used computers reported statistically higher levels of satisfaction and motivation in their E-learning attitudes (p<0.05). According to the research results, it was observed that the E-learning attitudes of pre-service teachers following the Kahramanmaraş and Hatay earthquakes were at a moderate level, with satisfaction in online learning registering as the least favorable aspect of E-learning attitude.
Research on Current Status and Development Plans of Shared Universities: Focusing on Building a Foundation for Sharing Liberal Arts Subjects in Universities in Local Area
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Yoo Jisung , Lee Yeonjoo
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore the current status and development plan for sharing of liberal arts courses in locally-based universities. Interviews were conducted with managers of 5 regions promoting the sharing of liberal arts subjects. Data related to the criteria for selecting liberal arts subjects, sharing methods, and student selection methods were determined. Additionally, FGI (Focus Group Interview) was conducted with 4 experts related to sharing liberal arts courses for suggesting development plans of liberal arts subject sharing of universities in local ares. As a result of the analysis, the subject tended to be selected by the professor in charge of the shared university, and the sharing method was mainly nonface-to-face and non-face-to-face mixed use. Lastly, as for the student selection method, each school sometimes limited the number of students, while others did not. This study is meaningful in suggesting implications such as subject selection, evaluation, and sharing methods for development plans when regional-based universities want to successfully promote liberal arts sharing in the future.
Direct or Indirect Scotism? Seventeenth-Century Scottish Scholasticism and the Case of James Sibbald (1595–1647)
Authors: Baines Matthew
Published: October 2023

Abstract: In response to scholarship which has shown that seventeenth-century Scottish scholasticism was influenced by John Duns Scotus (1265/66–1308), Jean-Pascal Anfray has argued that Scottish scholasticism was only indirectly influenced by Scotism, especially by Jesuit thinkers like Francisco Suárez (1548–1618), using the Aberdeen Doctor James Sibbald (1595–1647) and his theory of the body-soul composite as a litmus test. In reply to Anfray’s claims, this article undertakes three interconnected tasks. First, it renews calls for philosophical Scotism to be defined according to a principles-based approach focusing on Scotus’s metaphysics of essence in contrast to a quasi-falsificationist approach. Second, it shows how Sibbald adopts the Scotist metaphysics of essence over the very different Suárezian metaphysics of essence. Third, it demonstrates how Sibbald endorses Scotus’s qualified pluralism in accounting for the body-soul composite. Sibbald thus turns out to be more directly Scotist (and less Suárezian) than first thought.
Geometric Progression-Based Binomial Series for Computing Application
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a computational technique for forming the binomial series using geometric series. Computational science is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary area where science, computation, mathematics, and its collaboration use advanced computing capabilities for understanding and solving the most complex real-life problems. Also, the growing complexity of mathematical and computational modelling demands the simplicity of mathematical equations for solving today’s scientific problems and challenges. For this purpose, the geometric progression-based binomial series is introduced in this article.
Developing The Public Health Scotland Whole System Model: A Report
Authors: Oyedele Gbeminiyi Joshua , Budd Jeremy , Byrne Daire , O'Neill Xander , Rasmussen Yubo , Schewe Lars
Published: October 2023

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is refining its hospital bed forecasting model, initially focusing on heart diseases, dementia, and respiratory conditions to enhance data-driven decision-making. They seek to improve predictive accuracy for patient length of stay (LoS) by integrating patient diagnoses and various data sources, including open, disclosive, and synthetic data. However, effectively conveying model uncertainty to a diverse audience is a challenge. PHS envisions a collaborative framework that extends beyond a single model, promoting ongoing data challenges and innovation in public health. This initiative involves coordinating research, data sharing, and collaborations to enhance healthcare accuracy and bed availability understanding in Scotland. The report discusses efforts during ESGI 171 to enhance the PHS Whole System Model by improving predictions of hospital stay length for patients with specific characteristics. It includes an analysis of anonymised and depersonalised data, outlines methodological approaches, and explores results and potential future developments.
A nomogram for predicting echocardiogram prescription in outpatients: an analysis of the NAMCS database
Authors: Liu Yujian , Deng Yanhan , Wang Hongjie , Liu Wanjun , He Xingwei , Zeng Hesong
Published: October 2023

Background and objective

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Echocardiography is a commonly used method for assessing the condition of patients with cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the population characteristics of patients who are recommended for echocardiographic examinations.

Methods

The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was a cross-sectional survey previously undertaken in the USA. In this study, publicly accessible data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database (for 2007–2016 and 2018–2019; data for 2017 was not published) were utilized to create a nomogram based on significant risk predictors. The study was performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations stipulated in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: training cohort or validation cohort. The latter was used to assess the reliability of the prediction nomogram. Decision curve analysis was performed to evaluate the net benefit. Propensity score matching analysis was used to evaluate the relevance of echocardiography to clinical decision-making.

Results

A total of 217,178 outpatients were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease/history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, major reason for visit, metropolitan statistical area, cerebrovascular disease/history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, previously assessed, insurance, referred, diagnosis, and reason for visit were all predictors of echocardiogram prescription in outpatients. The reliability of the predictive nomogram was confirmed in the validation cohort. After propensity score matching, there was a significant difference in new cardiovascular agent prescriptions between the echocardiogram and no echocardiogram groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

In this cohort study, a nomogram based on the characteristics of outpatients was developed to predict the possibility of prescribing echocardiography. The echocardiogram group was more likely to be prescribed new cardiovascular agents. These findings may contribute to providing information about the gap between actual utilizations and guidelines and the actual outpatient practice, as well as meeting the needs of outpatients.
Isolated annuloplasty in elderly patients with secondary mitral valve regurgitation: short- and long-term outcomes with a less invasive approach
Authors: Oezpeker Ulvi Cenk , Hoefer Daniel , Barbieri Fabian , Gollmann-Tepekoeylue Can , Johannes Holfeld , Clemens Engler , Suat Ersahin , Adel Sakic , Sasa Rajsic , Mueller Ludwig , Grimm Michael , Bonaros Nikolaos
Published: October 2023

Background

Long-term outcomes of elderly and frail patients with secondary mitral valve regurgitation (MR) are inconclusive. Especially in patients with co-morbidities such as atherosclerosis who are suffering from heart failure, optimal medical therapy (OMT) is the preferred therapy relative to surgical or percutaneous interventions. It remains challenging to identify the most successful therapy to improve symptoms and increase life expectancy. To reduce surgical trauma for these patients, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) was developed; this has shown promising medium-term results, but there is still a lack of evidence regarding long-term results. The aim of this investigation was to describe the long-term outcomes of less invasive mitral valve surgery (MVS) in elderly patients.

Methods

In this longitudinal retrospective analysis, 67 patients (aged ≥70 years) with secondary MR who underwent MV repair ± tricuspid valve repair (TVR) were identified. MVS was performed via minithoracotomy (MT) in most cases (n = 54); in patients with contraindications for MIMVS, partial upper sternotomy (PS) was the preferred route for surgical access (n = 13). The appropriate access route was chosen according to the patient's clinical condition and comorbidities. We analyzed reoperation-free long-term survival, combined operative success (lack of residual MR, conversion to MV replacement, or larger thoracic incisions), and perioperative safety (at 30 days: mortality, re-thoracotomy, ECMO, pacemaker implantation, dialysis, longer ventilation, stroke, myocardial infarction). In a subgroup analysis, we compared long-term survival in MVS patients with and without TVR.

Results

The median age of patients (62.7% female) was 74 years (interquartile range: 72–76 years), with a median EuroSCORE2 of 2.8% (1.5%–4.6%) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide plasma levels of 1,434 ng/L (1035–2149 ng/L). The median follow-up period was 5.6 years (2.7–8.5 years). The reoperation-free long-term survival rate up to 10 years was 66.2%. Combined operative success and perioperative safety were achieved in 94% and 76% of patients, respectively. Additional TVR was performed in 56.7% of patients, without any significant difference in survival rates compared to the group without TVR (p = 0.417; HR 1.473, 95% CI 0.578–3.757).

Conclusion

Less invasive MV repair for secondary MR shows excellent operative success and safety in selected patients. Freedom from significant MR and from the need for reoperation indicates long-lasting efficacy. These results should be considered in heart team discussions regarding allocation of patients to surgical mitral procedures.
High residual cardiovascular risk after lipid-lowering: prime time for Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, Participatory, and Psycho-cognitive medicine
Authors: Reijnders E. , van der Laarse A. , Jukema J. W. , Cobbaert C. M.
Published: October 2023

As time has come to translate trial results into individualized medical diagnosis and therapy, we analyzed how to minimize residual risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reviewing papers on “residual cardiovascular disease risk”. During this review process we found 989 papers that started off with residual CVD risk after initiating statin therapy, continued with papers on residual CVD risk after initiating therapy to increase high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), followed by papers on residual CVD risk after initiating therapy to decrease triglyceride (TG) levels. Later on, papers dealing with elevated levels of lipoprotein remnants and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] reported new risk factors of residual CVD risk. And as new risk factors are being discovered and new therapies are being tested, residual CVD risk will be reduced further. As we move from CVD risk reduction to improvement of patient management, a paradigm shift from a reductionistic approach towards a holistic approach is required. To that purpose, a personalized treatment dependent on the individual’s CVD risk factors including lipid profile abnormalities should be configured, along the line of P5 medicine for each individual patient, i.e., with Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, Participatory, and Psycho-cognitive approaches.
Geochemical characteristics and sedimentary environment of black mudstone in the early Carboniferous Dawuba Formation in the Middle and Upper Yangtze region
Authors: Zhang Haiquan , Zhang Qian , Zhou Yexin , Lan Baofeng , Feng Xintao , Chen Yi , Yu Qian , Cheng Jinxiang , Men Yupeng , Zhao Ankun
Published: October 2023

To further study the sedimentary environment of the black mudstone in the early Carboniferous Dawuba Formation in the Middle and Upper Yangtze regions and support regional shale gas exploration and related research, the major and trace elements of the Dawuba Formation in Well CY1, located in deep water shelf facies, were tested and analyzed. The results show that the study area contains mainly continental margin deposits affected by hydrothermal deposition, and they are rich in organic matter and have high primary productivity. The parent rocks are mainly acidic rocks, such as felsic igneous rocks, granites and some sedimentary rocks. And the provenance is mainly provided by acidic igneous rocks of the Jiangnan Paleouplift. An ICV<1 and high CIA and Th/U values indicate a warm and humid climate and under stong chemical weathering conditions. The values of V/(V+Ni), Cu/Zn and Ce/La suggest that organic-rich intervals of the Dawuba Formation accumulated under predominantly dysoxic conditions. The warm and humid climate is conducive to the flourishing of micropaleontology, and the high primary paleoproductivity and weakly reducing environment are conducive to the formation of organic-rich shale, forming high-quality reservoir source rock in the Dawuba Formation.
A data-driven time-delay compensation strategy for ancillary service of the distribution photovoltaic generation system
Authors: Shen Maodong , Dong Yuqing , Sun Kaiqi , Li Ke-jun
Published: October 2023

With the increasing integration of distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation, the distribution network has met many challenges in operation and control. Ancillary services on PV generation systems become a necessary function to enhance the distribution network operating stability and resilience. However, due to the complexity of the control framework and the outer data dependency, the time delay on the measured data may bring a significant influence on the effectiveness of the PV system ancillary service. To solve the time delay influence, in this paper, a data-driven time-delay compensation strategy via the long short-term memory (LSTM) method is proposed. The proposed compensation strategy could realize the measured data compensation caused by the communication or calculation delay to maintain the accuracy of measured data that is input into the PV system ancillary service. Besides the LSTM-based method, the data-driven time-delay compensation strategy also includes a LSTM activation control to realize the smooth activation of the compensation strategy into the PV generation system. A modified IEEE 123 bus system with multiple distributed PV generation systems integration is conducted to verify the performance of the proposed compensation strategy. The simulation results indicate that the proposed data-driven time-delay compensation strategy could significantly improve the frequency performance of the PV ancillary service. In addition, the simulation results also show that the LSTM has a strong generalization ability for delay time constant and can deal with the random time delay caused by communication and disturbances in distribution systems.
Changing relative intrinsic growth rates of species alter the stability of species communities
Authors: Löffler Thomas J. , Lischke Heike
Published: October 2023

Introduction

It is perplexing when species-rich ecosystems change abruptly and, for example, dominant or economically interesting species populations collapse. Although various aspects of such ecosystem regime shift at tipping points have been studied, little attention has been paid to the possible dependence of community stability on the intrinsic growth rates of their species. Intrinsic growth rates of species can vary, e.g., due to evolution, environmental changes or fluctuations, disturbances, or human influences such as exploitation of certain species.

Methods

We analyse theoretically and computationally the stability behaviour of the n-species Lotka–Volterra competition model.

Results and discussion

Depending on the competitive strengths of the species, changes in the relative intrinsic growth rates of competing species have a strong effect on community stability.
Case report: A novel homozygous variant in ZP3 is associated with human empty follicle syndrome
Authors: Kong Na , Xu Qian , Shen Xiaoyue , Zhu Xiangyu , Cao Guangyi
Published: October 2023

Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a rare condition in female infertility. It is characterized by the inability to retrieve oocytes from visibly large, normally developing follicles in the ovaries, despite ovarian stimulation. The genetic factors contributing to this syndrome remain unclear. This study focused on patients who underwent three consecutive ovarian stimulation procedures for oocyte retrieval but experienced unsuccessful outcomes, despite the presence of observable large follicles. Ultrasound examinations were conducted to assess follicular development during each procedure. In order to investigate potential genetic causes, we performed whole exome sequencing on peripheral blood samples from the patient. Interestingly, we identified that this patient carries a homozygous mutation in the ZP3 genes. Within the ZP3 gene, we identified a homozygous variant [NM_001110354.2, c.176T>A (p.L59H)] specifically located in the zona pellucida (ZP) domain. Further analysis, including bioinformatics methods and protein structure modeling, was carried out to investigate the conservation of the ZP3L59H variant across different species. This homozygous variant exhibited a high degree of conservation across various species. Importantly, the homozygous ZP3L59H variant was associated with the occurrence of empty follicle syndrome in affected female patients. The homozygous ZP3L59H variant represents a newly discovered genetic locus implicated in the development of human empty follicle syndrome. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of zona pellucida-related genes in infertility and provide valuable insights for the genetic diagnosis of female infertility.
Preliminary study of donor volume changes after dual-graft liver transplantation in rats
Authors: Wang Dan , Ma Yanling , Gu Baohong , Li Xuemei , Yu Yang , Zhang Ying , Chen Hao
Published: October 2023

Dual-graft liver transplantation (DGLT) expands the pool of donors, ensures the safety of the donors, and treats a potential small for size syndrome (SFSS). However, some of the recipient graft showed atrophy. The cause and mechanism of the unbalanced proliferation and atrophy of dual grafts after clinical DGLT have not been clarified. We established and optimized the rat model of DGLT to explore the causes of growth unbalance. Continuously and dynamically observed bilateral graft volume and portal vein blood flow change by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US). We detected liver function indexes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), and indirect bilirubin (IBIL). Liver samples from receptors were obtained for morphology, and apoptosis was measured by RT-PCR and western blot. Optimization of the model improved the 7-day survival rate from former 58.3% to 87.5%, and the 30-day survival rate was 68.8%. The volume of the right graft gradually increased, and the left graft atrophied during the 30-day observation period. The portal blood flow of the left graft gradually decreased until the 30th day (0.13 ± 0.01 ml/s) compared with the sham group (0.63 ± 0.05 ml/s), and the right graft significantly increased on the 30th day (0.75 ± 0.11ml/s). The liver function initially increased and then recovered. The total volume (12.52 ± 1.60 ml vs 4.47 ± 0.08 ml) and weight (12.09 ± 1 g vs 4.91 ± 0.18 g) of the graft increased significantly compared to pre-transplantation and reached the level of the sham operation group on the 30th day. The volume and weight of the right graft increased more than those of the left graft (P < 0.05). There was more inflammatory cell infiltration in the left graft, and the right graft had obvious proliferation of hepatocytes and mature bile duct cells. Left grafts were more prone to apoptosis than right grafts (P < 0.05). In conclusion, growth of the right graft is superior to the left; after double liver transplantation, perfusion blood flow and apoptosis may be the reason contributing to the volume differences in dual grafts.
Pseudomonas fluorescens MFE01 uses 1-undecene as aerial communication molecule
Authors: Dupont Charly A. , Bourigault Yvann , Osmond Théo , Nier Maëva , Barbey Corinne , Latour Xavier , Konto-Ghiorghi Yoan , Verdon Julien , Merieau Annabelle
Published: October 2023

Bacterial communication is a fundamental process used to synchronize gene expression and collective behavior among the bacterial population. The most studied bacterial communication system is quorum sensing, a cell density system, in which the concentration of inductors increases to a threshold level allowing detection by specific receptors. As a result, bacteria can change their behavior in a coordinated way. While in Pseudomonas quorum sensing based on the synthesis of N-acyl homoserine lactone molecules is well studied, volatile organic compounds, although considered to be communication signals in the rhizosphere, are understudied. The Pseudomonas fluorescens MFE01 strain has a very active type six secretion system that can kill some competitive bacteria. Furthermore, MFE01 emits numerous volatile organic compounds, including 1-undecene, which contributes to the aerial inhibition of Legionella pneumophila growth. Finally, MFE01 appears to be deprived of N-acyl homoserine lactone synthase. The main objective of this study was to explore the role of 1-undecene in the communication of MFE01. We constructed a mutant affected in undA gene encoding the enzyme responsible for 1-undecene synthesis to provide further insight into the role of 1-undecene in MFE01. First, we studied the impacts of this mutation both on volatile organic compounds emission, using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and on L. pneumophila long-range inhibition. Then, we analyzed influence of 1-undecene on MFE01 coordinated phenotypes, including type six secretion system activity and biofilm formation. Next, to test the ability of MFE01 to synthesize N-acyl homoserine lactones in our conditions, we investigated in silico the presence of corresponding genes across the MFE01 genome and we exposed its biofilms to an N-acyl homoserine lactone-degrading enzyme. Finally, we examined the effects of 1-undecene emission on MFE01 biofilm maturation and aerial communication using an original experimental set-up. This study demonstrated that the ΔundA mutant is impaired in biofilm maturation. An exposure of the ΔundA mutant to the volatile compounds emitted by MFE01 during the biofilm development restored the biofilm maturation process. These findings indicate that P. fluorescens MFE01 uses 1-undecene emission for aerial communication, reporting for the first time this volatile organic compound as bacterial intraspecific communication signal.
Microbial synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and their importance in wastewater treatment and antimicrobial activities: a review
Authors: Rathore Chandani , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Gacem Amel , AbdelRahim Siham K. , Verma Rakesh Kumar , Chundawat Rajendra Singh , Gnanamoorthy G. , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Choudhary Nisha , Sahoo Dipak Kumar , Patel Ashish
Published: October 2023

Nanotechnology (NT) and nanoparticles (NPs) have left a huge impact on every field of science today, but they have shown tremendous importance in the fields of cosmetics and environmental cleanup. NPs with photocatalytic effects have shown positive responses in wastewater treatment, cosmetics, and the biomedical field. The chemically synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) utilize hazardous chemicals to obtain the desired-shaped TiO2. So, microbial-based synthesis of TiO2 NPs has gained popularity due to its eco-friendly nature, biocompatibility, etc. Being NPs, TiO2 NPs have a high surface area-to-volume ratio in addition to their photocatalytic degradation nature. In the present review, the authors have emphasized the microbial (algae, bacterial, fungi, and virus-mediated) synthesis of TiO2 NPs. Furthermore, authors have exhibited the importance of TiO2 NPs in the food sector, automobile, aerospace, medical, and environmental cleanup.
Case Report: Multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors along with numerous cutaneous neurofibromas: a case description and literature analysis
Authors: Zhao Congcan , Jin Liquan , Tan Yunbo , Chen Yiming , Su Ziting , Li Wenwu , Yang Qing
Published: October 2023

Multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) combined with cutaneous multiple neurofibromas are clinically rare. This paper presents a case of multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the jejunum of a 68-year-old mother, along with her daughter who also had coexisting cutaneous multiple neurofibromas. The mother had been experiencing repeated melena for over 2 years and had previously been diagnosed with multiple small intestinal masses at other hospitals. Additionally, her 42-year-old daughter was admitted to our department due to recurrent abdominal pain caused by cholecystolithiasis. The mother and daughter both exhibited multiple nodular masses of varying sizes on their skin, including the truncus, limbs, and face, which were diagnosed as neurofibromas. The mother underwent a partial excision of the jejunum and a lateral jejunojejunal anastomosis side-to-side, as well as excision of skin lesions in our department. The final diagnosis of wild-type GISTs associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) was confirmed through postoperative pathology, immunohistochemistry, and genetic testing results. During preoperative gastrointestinal endoscopy and intraoperative laparoscopic exploration of the gastrointestinal tract, no obvious tumors were found in her daughter. A combination of patient observations and a review of relevant literature in the field suggests that when patients present with gastrointestinal symptoms and multiple irregular painless swellings in the skin, it is important to consider the possibility of an association with NF1 and GIST. Additionally, obtaining a detailed family history can save time and improve the diagnosis of patients with both NF1 and GIST. We recommend that even if there are no gastrointestinal manifestations of GISTs in the offspring of newly mutated NF1 patients, regular review of gastroenteroscopy, imaging examination, and long-term follow-up after middle age are still crucial for the early diagnosis and treatment of NF1-related GISTs.
Targeting STEAP1 as an anticancer strategy
Authors: Nakamura Hajime , Arihara Yohei , Takada Kohichi
Published: October 2023

Although the six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1) was first identified in advanced prostate cancer, its overexpression is recognized in multiple types of cancer and associated with a poor prognosis. STEAP1 is now drawing attention as a promising therapeutic target because of its tumor specificity and membrane-bound localization. The clinical efficacy of an antibody-drug conjugate targeting STEAP1 in metastatic, castration-resistant, prostate cancer was demonstrated in a phase 1 trial. Furthermore, growing evidence suggests that STEAP1 is an attractive target for immunotherapies such as chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy. In this review, we summarize the oncogenic functions of STEAP1 by cancer type. This review also provides new insights into the development of new anticancer strategies targeting STEAP1.
Efficacy and safety of adalimumab biosimilar (HS016) in inflammatory bowel disease from the real-world study
Authors: Wang Fang , Li Xiaofei , Shi Yanting , Zhou He , Yang Gang , Li Ruixia , Wu Tong , Liang Jie
Published: October 2023

Objective: Adalimumab (ADA) is an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The equal effect between the original ADA and biosimilars from Europe and the United States has been shown. However, the biosimilar of ADA is different in China. The effectiveness and safety data of ADA biosimilar (HS016) in China have yet to be discovered.

Patients and methods: 91 patients (75 CD, 16 UC) received HS016 treatment and were enrolled in this study. Therapeutic response and safety profiles were analyzed. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) was also carried out among nonresponse patients. After being considered as “nonresponse” (after three or 6 months of treatment), 20 patients’ serum TNFα concentrations were measured and correlated to their disease severity.

Results: Among active CD patients (n = 61), 75.4% (46/61) at 12 w, 73.8% (45/61) at 26 w, 50.8% (31/61) at 52 w achieved the clinical response, respectively; 55.7% (34/61) at 12 w, 65.6% (40/61) at 26 w, and 45.9% (28/61) at 52 w achieved clinical remission. The maintained remission rates of CD (n = 14) in clinical remission were 100% (14/14) at 12 w, 78.6% (11/14) at 26 w, and 63.6% (7/11) at 52 w, respectively. Among active UC patients, 37.5% (6/16) at 12 w and 50% (8/16) at 26 w achieved clinical response. Total adverse event rates were 5.5% (5/91) during 52-week visits. Due to the inadequate serum drug concentration, 30.4% (7/23) of patients had poor clinical responses. Elevations of serum anti-drug antibodies occurred in one additional patient (4.3%).

Conclusion: ADA biosimilar HS016 had good efficacy and safety in Chinese IBD patients.
IoT network traffic classification: a deep learning method with Fourier transform-assisted hyperparameter optimization
Authors: Xiong Yiyang , Dong Shilei , Liu Ruitong , Shi Fangning , Jing Xiaojun
Published: October 2023

There has been a significant increase in IoT-related network traffic in recent years. The surge in IoT has resulted in a more complex network environment than ever before. In light of this, deep learning (DL)-based network traffic classification has gained prominence, because of its powerful feature extraction capabilities for complex problems. However, selecting hyperparameters for DL models, such as network depth, lacks a theoretical basis and costs a lot of time. Often, the setting of hyperparameters is not directly related to the inherent characteristics of the data but relies on empirical knowledge. Traditionally, hyperparameters are adjusted based on performance during model training, leading to a significant amount of tuning work. To address these problems, this paper proposes a novel DL-based anomaly network traffic classification algorithm. This algorithm estimates the required hyperparameters by analyzing the spectrum obtained from Fourier Transform of the input samples in advance, enhancing the efficiency of model training for IoT network traffic classification. Our experiments reveal that the complexity of the neural network is directly proportional to the spectrum of the data being trained. As the presence of high-frequency components increases, the complexity needed for the neural network parameters also rises. Based on the conclusions drawn from our experiments, we can pre-determine appropriate hyperparameters for the neural network, thereby saving over 70% of the time in neural network parameter tuning.
Auricular acupressure for constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Ze-Fei , Liu Guang , Sun Xiao-Xiang , Zhi Na , Li Xue-Mei , Sun Ran , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Auricular acupressure (AA) has been widely utilized in the management of constipation, with several studies suggesting its efficacy in treating constipation patients. However, the safety and effectiveness of AA in constipation remain uncertain. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of AA for constipation.

Methods and analysis: A total of eight electronic databases and three clinical trial registration platforms were searched from their inception to April 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of AA for constipation. The included studies were appraised for quality using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Assessment tool. The quality of evidence was assessed by two independent reviewers employing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation System (GRADE) evaluation tool. Meta-analysis of data and assessment of publication bias were performed using RevMan 5.4 and STATA 13.0 software, respectively.

Results: This review included 34 randomized controlled trials conducted between 2007 and 2023, involving 2,465 participants. The findings of the study indicate that overall, AA is significantly associated with improved CSBMs (MD = 1.22, 95% CI [0.68, 1.77], p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), BSF (MD = 0.72, 95%CI: [0.15,1.28], p = 0.01, I2 = 82%), CAS (MD = -3.28, 95%CI: [−5.95, −0.60], p = 0.02, I2 = 80%), responder rate (RR = 1.27, 95%CI: [1.16, 1.38], p < 0.00001, I2 = 79%), cure rate (RR = 1.84, 95% CI [1.56, 2.15], p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), and PAC-QOL (MD = −2.73, 95% CI: [−3.41, −2.04], p < 0.00001, I2 = 98%) compared to the control group. However, no difference in PAC-SYM (MD = −0.15, 95%CI: [−0.38,0.07], p = 0.19, I2 = 67%) was found between the two groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference in adverse events (RR = 0.53, 95% CI: [0.24, 1.21], p = 0.13, I2 = 38%).

Conclusion: Based on the available evidence, auricular acupressure appears to be a potentially safe and effective intervention for managing constipation in adults. Nonetheless, the overall quality of evidence for the identified outcomes was assessed as low to very low, highlighting the need for additional high-quality randomized controlled trials to further validate these findings.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42023425033.
Seasonal changes in free 25-(OH)D and vitamin D metabolite ratios and their relationship with psychophysical stress markers in male professional football players
Authors: Książek Anna , Zagrodna Aleksandra , Lombardi Giovanni , Słowińska-Lisowska Małgorzata
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Novel markers of vitamin D status are currently being investigated, including free 25-(OH)D (25-(OH)DF) and the vitamin D metabolite ratio (24,25-(OH)2D3:25-(OH)D3; VMR). The VMR may provide additional functional information on vitamin D metabolism in athletes. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to evaluate 25-(OH)DF, bioavailable 25-(OH)D (25-(OH)DB), VMR, and psychophysical stress markers during different training periods over a half-season. The second aim was to assess the association between vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), total and free 25-(OH)D, VMRs, and psychophysical stress markers in professional football players. Moreover, we examined the relationship between 25-(OH)D3 and vitamin D metabolites (24,25-(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25-(OH)D3) to determine if training loads in different training periods influenced the vitamin D metabolome.

Methods: Twenty professional football players were tested at six different time points across half a year (V1—June; V2—July; V3—August; V4—October; V5—December; V6—January).

Results: Analyses indicated a significant seasonal rhythm for VDBP, and total 25-(OH)D (25-(OH)DT), 25-(OH)DB, 24,25-(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25-(OH)D3, 25-(OH)D3:24,25-(OH)2D3, and 24,25-(OH)2D3:25-(OH)D3 VMRs throughout the training period. No correlation was detected between 25-(OH)DT, 25-(OH)DB, 25-(OH)DF, vitamin D metabolites, VMRs, VDBP, and ferritin, liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase [AST] and alanine transaminase [ALT]), creatine kinase (CK), cortisol, testosterone, and testosterone-to-cortisol ratio (T/C) in each period (V1-V6). However, there was a strong statistically significant correlation between 25-(OH)D3 and 24,25-(OH)D3 in each training period.

Conclusion: In conclusion, a seasonal rhythm was present for VDBP, 25-(OH)DT, 25-(OH)DB, vitamin D metabolites (24,25-(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25-(OH)D3), and VMRs (25-(OH)D3:24,25-(OH)2D3, 25-(OH)D3:3-epi-25-(OH)D3). However, no rhythm was detected for 25-(OH)DF and markers of psychophysical stress (ferritin, liver enzymes, CK, testosterone, cortisol, and T/C ratio). Moreover, the relationships between free and total 25-(OH)D with psychophysical stress markers did not demonstrate the superiority of free over total measurements. Furthermore, training loads in different training periods did not affect resting vitamin D metabolite concentrations in football players.
The response to fasting and refeeding reveals functional regulation of lipoprotein lipase proteoforms
Authors: Carulla Pere , Badia-Villanueva Míriam , Civit Sergi , Carrascal Montserrat , Abian Joaquin , Ricart-Jané David , Llobera Miquel , Casanovas Albert , López-Tejero M. Dolores
Published: October 2023

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is responsible for the intravascular catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and plays a central role in whole-body energy balance and lipid homeostasis. As such, LPL is subject to tissue-specific regulation in different physiological conditions, but the mechanisms of this regulation remain incompletely characterized. Previous work revealed that LPL comprises a set of proteoforms with different isoelectric points, but their regulation and functional significance have not been studied thus far. Here we studied the distribution of LPL proteoforms in different rat tissues and their regulation under physiological conditions. First, analysis by two-dimensional electrophoresis and Western blot showed different patterns of LPL proteoforms (i.e., different pI or relative abundance of LPL proteoforms) in different rat tissues under basal conditions, which could be related to the tissue-specific regulation of the enzyme. Next, the comparison of LPL proteoforms from heart and brown adipose tissue between adults and 15-day-old rat pups, two conditions with minimal regulation of LPL in these tissues, yielded virtually the same tissue-specific patterns of LPL proteoforms. In contrast, the pronounced downregulation of LPL activity observed in white adipose tissue during fasting is accompanied by a prominent reconfiguration of the LPL proteoform pattern. Furthermore, refeeding reverts this downregulation of LPL activity and restores the pattern of LPL proteoforms in this tissue. Importantly, this reversible proteoform-specific regulation during fasting and refeeding indicates that LPL proteoforms are functionally diverse. Further investigation of potential differences in the functional properties of LPL proteoforms showed that all proteoforms exhibit lipolytic activity and have similar heparin-binding affinity, although other functional aspects remain to be investigated. Overall, this study demonstrates the ubiquity, differential distribution and specific regulation of LPL proteoforms in rat tissues and underscores the need to consider the existence of LPL proteoforms for a complete understanding of LPL regulation under physiological conditions.
Impact of the number of players on the emergence of creative movements in small-sided soccer games: a systematic review emphasizing deliberate practice
Authors: Ueda Lucas Shoiti Carvalho , Milistetd Michel , Praça Gibson Moreira , da Maia Gabriel Silveira Guedes , da Silva Juliano Fernandes , Borges Paulo Henrique
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Creativity is a recognized quality in various areas, including sports. Within the training processes, various modifications to objectives, game configurations, rules, among other factors, can be considered to favor creative solutions to the tactical problems inherent to soccer. This systematic review aimed to identify the impact of the number of players on the emergence of creative movements in small-sided soccer games, emphasizing deliberate practice.

Methods

A systematic review of Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, PsycInfo, SportDiscus and Lilacs databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria were defined based on the elements of population, context and concept. Only full articles published in scientific journals written in English were included. No period restriction was applied.

Results

Five papers were included and the results of studies indicate greater number of actions, variability, and creativity in small-sided games compared to formal soccer matches. When comparing different small-sided game formats, 5 v 5 showed higher values in terms of total number of actions compared to 7 v 7, and the absolute number of original and creative actions tended to decrease as the game format increased. Imbalanced small-sided games format can promote increased exploratory behavior. Structural manipulation in goal positioning in 5 v 5 games may also influence the originality of tactical behaviors, while the use of different ball types in 4 v 4 games appears to decrease fluency values. In 6 v 6 games, fluency and versatility are negatively impacted.

Conclusion

Reduced game formats with fewer players and in smaller field dimensions provide more suggestive environment for exploratory behavior, variability and original and creative actions. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) on 2 December 2022 (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/VN6YZ).

Systematic review registration

[https://osf.io/jmf4k/].
Odor familiarity and improvement of olfactory identification test in Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Mingyao , Qian Meiyu , Wei Hongquan
Published: October 2023

Aims

This study aimed to design the Chinese Modified Olfactory Identification (CMOI) test based on the Sniffin' Sticks Olfactory Identification (SSOI) test by changing unfamiliar distractors and odors for more familiar ones for the Chinese population.

Materials and methods

We recruited 200 healthy volunteers (103 males and 97 females, aged 18–65 years, mean age 35.04 years, SD 10.96); in a survey, 100 volunteers rated their familiarity with 121 odors, including all the SSOI test odor descriptors and common odors in Chinese daily life. The SSOI test was modified according to the survey results. The other 100 volunteers were tested three times using the SSOI test, the Modified Distractors Olfactory Identification (MDOI) test established by modifying distractors in the SSOI test, and the CMOI test developed by using familiar unpleasant odors to displace the odors with low correct recognition rates in the MDOI test. We compared the test scores of the volunteers during the modification process.

Results

Volunteers were unfamiliar with 31 odor descriptors in the SSOI test; 23 distractors with low familiarity were displaced with more familiar distractors. The three odors with the lowest correct recognition rate in the MDOI test (apple, leather, and pineapple) were displaced with familiar unpleasant odors. The test scores were significantly higher in the CMOI test than in others (p < 0.0001); the correct recognition rate in the CMOI test was significantly higher than in the SSOI test (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The test scores in the CMOI test were significantly improved; it prevented choosing wrongly due to unfamiliarity with an odor and its distractors.