bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of Exosomes from Cancer Cells Using Antibody-Functionalized Paddle Screw Type Devices and Detection of Exosomal miRNA Using Piezoelectric Biosensor
Authors: Han Su Bin , Lee Soo Suk
Published: July 2024

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles produced by almost all cell types in the human body and exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that are known to serve as important biomarkers for diseases such as cancer. Given that the upregulation of miR-106b is closely associated with several types of malignancies, the sensitive and accurate detection of miR-106b is important but difficult. In this study, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) biosensor was developed to detect miR-106b isolated from the cancer cells based on immunoaffinity separation technique using our unique paddle screw device. Our novel SAW biosensor could detect a miR-106b concentration as low as 0.024 pM in a linear range from 0.1 pM to 1.0 μM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9939. Additionally, we were able to successfully detect miR-106b in total RNA extracted from the exosomes isolated from the MCF-7 cancer cell line, a model system for human breast cancer, with performance comparable to commercial RT-qPCR methods. Therefore, the exosome isolation by paddle screw method and the miRNA detection using the SAW biosensor has the potential to be used in basic biological research and clinical diagnosis as an alternative to RT-qPCR.
Enhanced Thermal Stability of Conductive Mercury Telluride Colloidal Quantum Dot Thin Films using Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Malachosky Edward W , Ackerman Matthew M , Stan Liliana
Published: July 2024

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are valuable for their potential applications in optoelectronic devices. However, they are susceptible to thermal degradation during processing and while in use. Mitigating thermally induced sintering, which leads to absorption spectrum broadening and undesirable changes to thin film electrical properties, is necessary for the reliable design and manufacture of CQD-based optoelectronics. Here, low temperature metal-oxide atomic layer deposition (ALD) was investigated as a method for mitigating sintering while preserving the optoelectronic properties of mercury telluride (HgTe) CQD films. ALD-coated films are subjected to temperatures up to 160oC for up to 5 hours and alumina (Al2O3) is found to be most effective at preserving the optical properties, demonstrating the feasibility of metal-oxide infilling to protect against sintering. HgTe CQD film electrical properties were investigated before and after alumina ALD in-filling, which was found to increase the p-type doping and hole mobility of the films. The magnitude of these effects depended on the conditions used to prepare the HgTe CQDs. With further investigation into the interaction effects of CQD and ALD process factors, these results may be used to guide the design of CQD-ALD materials for their practical integration into useful optoelectronic devices.
The Interplay between Nucleation and the Rates of Chemical Reduction in the Synthesis of Bimetallic Nanoparticles in Microemulsions: A Computer Study
Authors: Tojo Concha
Published: July 2024

Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to investigate the interaction between nucleation and the rates of chemical reduction in Au/Ag, Au/Pt and Au/Pd nanoparticles prepared in microemulsions using a one-pot method. The impact of nucleation on final nanostructure depends on the critical nucleus size value: at a high critical nucleus size, nucleation becomes the main factor in determining the final nanostructure, even with very large difference in reduction rates, as seen in the Au/Pd pair. However, when the critical nucleus size is small, the difference in reduction rates of the two metals becomes the key parameter determining the final nanostructure. Furthermore, the relevance of heteroatomic nucleation on the mechanism of nanoparticle formation depends on the difference between the reduction rates of the two metals. Smaller differences, such as in the Au/Ag or Au/Pt pairs, result in a greater impact of heteroatomic nucleation on the final nanostructure. In contrast, in the Au/Pd pair, heteroatomic nucleation becomes less important due to the low availability of Pd until late stages of synthesis. This study provides deeper insight into the complex mechanisms that govern reactions in microemulsions.
Using Light as a Medium to Convey Its Dark Side—A Light Festival Case Study
Authors: Breukel Klaasz , Cieraad Ellen
Published: July 2024

An online survey assessed the awareness of Nelson region’s residents, comparing responses between those who experienced the installation and those who did not. Findings indicated that eco-art installations can significantly enhance public understanding of ALAN's environmental and health impacts. The installation successfully increased specific knowledge about ALAN, with 92% of visitors reporting learning something new, however overarching knowledge and levels of concern were largely similar between the groups. Emotional engagement was high, with 62% of viewers stating that the installation invoked an emotional response. While the study did not measure behavioural changes, 94% of festival participants found it at least ‘somewhat appropriate’ and 64% ‘very’ or ‘entirely appropriate’ to raise awareness of these issues at such events, suggesting a potential foundation for future action. This research underscores the promise of art-science collaborations in environmental education and public engagement.
Blending News Text and Economic Policy Uncertainty to Forecast the Company’s Unexpected Earnings
Authors: Guan Yixin , Hu Jinhao , Wang Yutong , Gu Wentao , Xi Houjiao
Published: July 2024

Employing Chinese A-share market data, this study explores how news text and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) can be combined to predict a company’s unanticipated earnings using the XL (extra long) Transformer and long short term memory (LSTM) models. The results show that adding news text features or the EPU index can improve the model’s predictive performance. However, adding the EPU index improves the model prediction performance by a tiny amount. Next, news headlines have better predictive performance relative to news content. Meanwhile, as a supplement to news headlines, news content can further improve predictive performance. Finally, the XL-Transformer model has better predictive performance than the LSTM model, but the improvement in the effect is limited.
Readability and Sentiment Analysis of Central Bank Communication in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Celler Jan
Published: July 2024

This study analyzes the readability and sentiment of central bank communications across six Central and Eastern European countries. It reveals considerable variability in readability, with Moldova being the most accessible and Serbia the most complex. Notably, readability declined during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the urgent and complex nature of economic communication. The study finds no direct correlation between readability and sentiment; however, the net hawkishness index significantly correlates with business cycle phases, suggesting its potential to forecast monetary policy shifts. This study underscores the intricate relationship between central bank communication, readability, sentiment, and economic conditions, advocating for enhanced clarity in central bank communication. It also highlights the importance of domain-specific sentiment analysis for interpreting and predicting the implications of monetary policy communication, providing valuable insights for policymakers and market participants.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 13.07.2024 г. по 19.07.2024 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Дмитриева Людмила , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир , Чумачкова Елена
Published: July 2024

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19 за неделю с 13.07.2024 г. по 19.07.2024 г.
Integración de la Realidad Aumentada en la enseñanza del inglés en educación primaria: Mejorando el aprendizaje lingüístico y la adquisición de vocabulario
Authors: Subirats-Blanco Raquel , Conde del Rio Manuel Antonio
Published: July 2024

La investigación se centró en la integración de la realidad aumentada (RA) en la enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera en educación primaria. Se reconoció la necesidad de desarrollar una metodología que promoviera la competencia comunicativa y la autonomía del estudiante, inspirada en enfoques pedagógicos anteriores y respaldados por la literatura académica pertinente. La metodología se basó en un enfoque cualitativo, con una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura relacionada con la aplicación de la RA en la educación primaria y la enseñanza del inglés. Se propuso una metodología enfocada en la creación de actividades que fomentaran la competencia comunicativa y la autonomía del estudiante. Se destacó la importancia de actualizar constantemente las actividades y adaptarlas a diferentes dispositivos para mantener su relevancia en el entorno educativo. Se concluyó que la integración de la RA en la enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera en educación primaria puede mejorar significativamente el aprendizaje y la motivación de los estudiantes. Aunque se identificaron limitaciones, como la necesidad de dispositivos y conectividad, se sugirió que el desarrollo de aplicaciones más accesibles y la creación de un banco de recursos en RA podrían superar estos obstáculos en el futuro.
Implementasi Model Pembelajaran Matematika Realistik Indonesia dengan Media Papan Hitung Pada Materi Operasi Hitung Bilangan Cacah Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Logis Matematis
Authors: Munawaroh Faridlatul , Hadi Sofwan
Published: July 2024

This study aims to find out how the PMRI learning model is implemented using the counting board media and to find out whether there is an increase in students' mathematical logical thinking skills after applying the PMRI model using the counting board media. The research was conducted in February-March 2023. The research subjects were 3rd grade students of Ibnu Khaldun MIN 1 Ponorogo. The material studied is arithmetic operations on whole numbers. In this study the method used was Classroom Action Research (CAR) with the type of PTK participants and was carried out for 3 cycles. The results showed that in the first cycle the average ability to think logically mathematically was 66.5%, then it increased in the second cycle to 74%, and the third cycle to 86%. The conclusion of this study is that application of the PMRI model with counting board media can improve students ability to think logically and mathematically
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana penerapan model pembelajaran PMRI dengan media papan hitung dan untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat peningkatan kemampuan berpikir logis matematis siswa setelah menerapkan model PMRI dengan media papan hitung. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Februari-Maret 2023. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas 3 Ibnu Khaldun MIN 1 Ponorogo. Materi yang diteliti adalah operasi hitung bilangan cacah. Dalam penelitian ini metode yang digunakan adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) dengan jenia PTK partisipan dan dilaksanakan selama 3 siklus. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada pada siklus I rata-rata kemampuan berpikir logis matematis adalah 66,5 %, kemudian meningkat pada siklus II menjadi 74%, dan siklus III menjadi 86%. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah penerapan model PMRI dengan media papan hitung dapat meningkatkan kemamouan berpikir logis matematis siswa
Prediksi Harga Cabai Di Kabupaten Ponorogo Menggunakan Algoritma Kalman Filter
Authors: Nabila Asyiqotur Rohmah
Published: July 2024

Cabai merupakan hasil produksi pertanian yang sering mengalami perubahan harga. Untuk memprediksi naik-turunnya harga, digunakan algoritma Kalman Filter pada harga dua jenis cabai (cabai merah besar dan cabai rawit merah) di dua lokasi pasar Kabupaten Ponorogo, yaitu di Pasar Legi dan Pasar Sumoroto. Data harga cabai digunakan untuk memprediksi harga cabai dengan algoritma Kalman Filter pada periode Maret 2023-Februari 2024. Berdasarkan hasil komputasi dan analisis dengan algoritma Kalman Filter, didapatkan angka MAPE untuk cabai merah besar (5,02% di Pasar Legi dan 4,82% di Pasar Sumoroto) dan MAPE untuk cabai rawit merah (34,3% di Pasar Legi dan 31,76% di Pasar Sumoroto). Nilai MAPE ini berarti prediksi harga cabai merah besar sangat baik, sementara prediksi harga cabai rawit merah layak.
Pengembangan Modul Fotosintesis Berbasis IPA Terpadu untuk Melatih Keterampilan Proses Sains pada Mahasiswa Tadris IPA UIN Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq Jember
Authors: Hasanah Rafiatul , Susanti Laily Yunita , Fajar Dinar Maftukh
Published: July 2024

Pembelajaran IPA pada tingkat SMP/ MTs seharusnya diajarkan secara integratif terpadu agar dapat meningkatkan efisiensi, efektivitas pembelajaran, minat, dan motivasi peserta didik, serta beberapa kompetensi dapat dicapai sekaligus. Selain itu, pembelajaran IPA juga harus diajarkan berdasarkan hakikat sains (produk, proses dan nilai). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengembangkan modul IPA Terpadu yang melatih keterampilan proses sains pada materi fotosintesis yang valid dan efektif. Jenis penelitian ini adalah research and development (R&D) menggunakan model dari Borg & Gall yang dimodifikasi, dengan menghasilkan produk berupa modul. Pengembangan modul ini divalidasi oleh ahli materi dan ahli desain, kemudian dilakukan uji coba awal terbatas pada 6 orang, setelah modul direvisi selanjutnya dilakukan uji coba di lapangan dengan subjek penelitian berjumlah 30 orang yang sedang menempuh mata kuliah biologi dasar, kimia dasar dan fisika dasar. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan adalah: (1) angket validasi untuk ahli materi dan ahli desain modul, (2) angket respons mahasiswa. Nilai rata-rata hasil validasi modul yang dikembangkan pada komponen kelayakan isi, komponen kelayakan bahasa, dan komponen kelayakan fisik masing-masing adalah 89,29%, 91,67%, dan 84,72%. Nilai-nilai tersebut menunjukkan bahwa modul yang telah dikembangkan layak/valid. Hasil uji coba lapangan menunjukkan bahwa nilai pada komponen penyajian fisik, penyajian konsep, dan penyajian bahasa masing-masing adalah 90%, 75,76%, dan 93,33%. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa modul termasuk pada kriteria efektif untuk dijadikan sumber belajar mahasiswa yang berbasis IPA terpadu dalam melatih keterampilan proses sains mahasiswa.
Eksplorasi Wisata Pantai Slopeng sebagai Sumber Belajar IPA Materi Ekologi dan Keanekaragaman Hayati Indonesia
Authors: Alifiyah Farah Lailatul Nur , Tamam Badrud , Wulandari Ana Yuniasti Retno , Putera Dwi Bagus Rendy Astid
Published: July 2024

Pembelajaran IPA merupakan bagian dari sistem pendidikan yang memanfaatkan lingkungan alam sekitar sebagai sumber belajar, sehingga memudahkan guru untuk menyajikan pembelajaran secara kontekstual. Salah satu lingkungan sekitar yang dapat dijadikan sumber belajar yaitu Pantai Slopeng yang memiliki potensi ekosistem laut dan ekosistem darat. Oleh sebab itu, tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu mengkaji konsep pembelajaran IPA materi ekologi dan keanekaragaman hayati Indonesia yang terdapat di Pantai Slopeng. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif eksploratif. Pengumpulan data penelitian menggunakan observasi lapangan dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis deskriptif. Hasil dari eksplorasi di wisata Pantai Slopeng ditemukan konsep lingkungan makhluk hidup, lingkungan biotik dan abiotik, ekosistem, rantai makanan, siklus air, interaksi komponen ekosistem, identifikasi perbedaan flora dan fauna asiatis, dampak manusia terhadap ekosistem, dan konservasi. Wisata Pantai Slopeng berpotensi sebagai sumber belajar IPA materi ekologi dan keanekaragaman hayati Indonesia karena sesuai dengan capaian pembelajaran kelas VII SMP.
Literasi Sains Siswa dalam Berinovasi pada Pembelajaran IPA Berbasis Produk
Authors: Marwah Ani Satull , Pertiwi Faninda Novika
Published: July 2024

Menurut data PISA 2022, Indonesia menduduki peringkat rendah dalam aspek literasi sains. Selain literasi sains, di abad ke-21 ini salah satu dari keterampilan yang harus dimiliki siswa yaitu keterampilan berinovasi. Perlunya keterpaduan antara dua keterampilan ini diharapkan dapat menambah literatur pendidikan IPA dengan memberikan wawasan yang lebih dalam mengenai kemampuan siswa dalam literasi sains serta kreativitas mereka dalam berinovasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kemampuan literasi sains siswa serta keterampilan mereka dalam berinovasi melalui pembelajaran IPA yang berbasis produk. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif. Sumber data penelitian ini berasal dari kelas VIII di salah satu MTs di Kabupaten Ponorogo. Pengumpulan data melalui angket terbuka (luring dan daring). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa siswa memiliki kemampuan literasi sains yang memadai. Mereka mampu mengaitkan isu-isu terkini dengan pembelajaran IPA dan menjelaskan fakta-fakta ilmiah dengan baik. Selain itu, siswa mampu memahami konsep sains dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, menjawab pertanyaan yang berkaitan dengan pengetahuan informasi sains, serta melaksanakan kegiatan praktikum dengan baik, menerangkan langkah-langkah prosedural dan melakukan aktivitas berfikir yang kritis. Penelitian ini dapat memberikan kontribusi dalam memahami keterpaduan antara literasi sains dengan keterampilan berinovasi pada pembelajaran IPA. Selain itu, memberikan pandangan yang komprehensif tentang potensi siswa dalam mengembangkan pengetahuan ilmiah serta kreativitas mereka dalam berinovasi.
Implementasi Model Pembelajaran Kontekstual dengan Pendekatan Socio Scientific Issue Dalam Pembelajaran IPA untuk Mewujudkan Empati Kognitif Siswa
Authors: Baqiatun Nafiah Prifatma , Aristiawan Aristiawan
Published: July 2024

Pendidikan mempunyai peranan yang sangat penting dalam membentuk sumber daya manusia. Pembelajaran Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (IPA) di berbagai jenjang pendidikan dapat dijadikan sebagai ujung tombak pendidikan karakter dan salah satunya dalam menanamkan empati kognitif pada siswa. Penelitian ini berlatar belakang mengenai permasalahan empati kognitif siswa. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu mengetahui peran model pembelajaran kontekstual dengan pendekatan socioscientific issue dalam mewujudkan empati kognitif siswa. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini mengunakan kuantitatif dengan melakukan eksperimen. Dalam mengolah data penelitian ini menggunakan uji paired t-test. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah implemetasi model pembelajaran kontekstual dengan pendekatan socioscientific issue berpengaruh terhadap empati kognitif siswa. Dalam pengimplementasian Sosioscientific issue dengan penggunaan model pembelajaran kontekstual dapat membantu meningkatkan empati kognitif; sehingga siswa menjadi lebih tanggap terhadap lingkungannya dengan ilmu yang diperoleh.
Penerapan Teori Pembelajaran Kontekstual dengan Pendekatan Scientific Literacy terhadap Keterampilan Mengambil Keputusan
Authors: Alsya Nurnabilla Tasyakuri  , Ulinnuha Nur Faizah
Published: July 2024

Perkembangan abad 21 mengharuskan peserta didik untuk memiiliki keterampilan berpikir tingkat tinggi. Salah satu keterampilan berpikir tingkat tinggi abad 21 adalah keterampilan mengambil keputusan. Sains yang bersifat abstrak membutuhkan pendekatan yang sesuai dalam pembelajaran, salah satunya adalah dengan diterapkannya teori pembelajaran kontekstual dengan pendekatan scientific literacy. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hasil pengambilan keputusan dan indikator keterampilan pengambilan keputusan peserta didik pada topik ekologi, juga untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat dampak dan pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap keterampilan pengambilan keputusan dari penerapan teori pembelajaran kontekstual dan pendekatan literasi sains. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan jenis penelitian eksperimen yang menggunakan desain one group pre-test and post-test design. Teknik pengambilan sampel berupa nonprobability sampling. Sampel yang digunakan adalah 14 peserta didik kelas VII SMP Muhammadiyah Boarding School Pringkuku. Analisis data  yang dilakukan adalah analisis parametrik dengan melakukan uji paired sample t-test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat variasi keputusan setiap peserta didik dengan indikator pengambilan keputusan tertinggi dalam mengidentifikasi pilihan dan menentukan pilihan. Terdapat pengaruh dan perubahan yang signifikan dengan rata-rata selisih sebesar 14,28 dan effect size sebesar 1,322. Hasil penenitian ini menunjukkan bahwa penerapan teori pembelajaran kontekstual dengan pendekatan scientific literacy memberikan dampak yang positif terhadap keterampilan mengambil keputusan bagi peserta didik.
ECT and Psychiatric Rehospitalization Rates: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Rahangdale Aneesh , Wasdin Joshua , Ferraro Jeffrey
Published: July 2024

Background
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) induces a generalized seizure under anesthesia with an electrical current for treatment-resistant patients and may be underutilized. To our knowledge, no large-scale, American, nationwide hospital system retrospective study has examined how ECT affects psychiatric rehospitalization chances.
Methods
We analyzed initial inpatient encounters for adults aged > 18 years at HCA Healthcare Behavioral Health Units from 2016–2021 with diagnoses of major depressive disorder with/without psychosis, bipolar disorder with/without psychosis, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. Excluding pregnancy and incarceration cases, we compared psychiatric rehospitalization rates within 365 days for patients receiving ECT versus those with the same diagnoses not receiving ECT. Subgroup analyses were conducted by diagnosis, length of stay, sex, and race. Detailed statistical analyses included bivariate analyses with Fisher's Exact Test and Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test.
Results
We analyzed 38,109 distinct patients, 637 of which received ECT. The readmission rate was 37.52% for ECT recipients versus 20.71% for non-ECT patients (p < 0.0001). ECT was associated with higher readmission rates, particularly for severe diagnoses like psychosis (87.28%), schizoaffective disorder (3.77%), and schizophrenia (6.59%). ECT patients had significantly longer readmission lengths of stay (mean 14.53 days vs 6.54 days for non-ECT, p < 0.0001). White patients received ECT more frequently. Females received ECT more often, while males had higher readmission rates.
Conclusions
ECT was associated with higher psychiatric rehospitalization rates and longer lengths of stay. This suggests ECT is more commonly used for complex, severe cases which may contribute to higher rehospitalization. Stronger social support and hospital and geographic ties among ECT patients may also play a role.
How do home visits during pregnancy strengthen breastfeeding support postpartum? A realist evaluation of a large Danish breastfeeding intervention
Authors: Gadeberg Anne Kristine , Nilsson Ingrid Maria Susanne , Christensen Ulla , Jacobsen Marie Honoré , Rossau Henriette Knold , Villadsen Sarah Fredsted
Published: July 2024

Background
Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits but social inequality in breastfeeding is documented in many high-income countries. The evidence for improving breastfeeding support through prenatal encounters is conflicting, but points towards a mechanism activated through a positive relationship between the families and their health care providers. In Denmark, an intervention including a pregnancy home visit from a health visitor with focus on breastfeeding was implemented in a cluster randomized design in 20 municipalities to prolong and reduce social inequality in breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the pregnancy home visit affected breastfeeding support across socioeconomic groups with attention to how, and for whom, the pregnancy visit activated a mechanism of improved relationship and trust between the health visitor and the family.
Methods
We used a realist evaluation approach. In the intervention arm, we observed 35 home visits delivered by the health visitors, interviewed 16 mothers and conducted 6 focus groups with a total of 34 health visitors to examine the intervention mechanisms and contextual factors that influence the generation of outcomes. The analysis applied Luhmann’s, and Brown and Meyers’ concepts of trust as middle-range theories.
Results
The pregnancy home visit enabled early establishment of trust which enhanced the subsequent breastfeeding support postpartum in numerous ways. In realist terms, our central mechanism of change, the establishment of trust, had optimal conditions for success in the contextual setting of the pregnancy home visit where there was time, peace, undisturbed conversations, mental capacity to reflection, and a perceived more even power balance between the family and the health visitor which resulted in a range of positive outcomes. The mechanism resulted in improved tailored breastfeeding support postpartum, families reaching out to the health visitor sooner when experiencing breastfeeding difficulties, and families expressing a more positive experience of breastfeeding. The mechanism was activated across the different socioeconomic groups.
Conclusions
The circumstances of the pregnancy home visit increase the chances of establishment of trust between the health visitor and the family. Especially for families in vulnerable positions, the pregnancy home visit is a potent driver for enhancing the gains from breastfeeding support.
Different U-Net Variants for Segmentation of Histological Breast Images: An Analytical Comparison
Authors: Ramalakshmi Eliganti , Gunisetti Loshma , sumalatha L
Published: July 2024

The diagnosis and treatment of Breast Cancer disorders depend on information from Breast image segmentation, which is a crucial task in medical image analysis. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have demonstrated outstanding performance in a number of medical picture segmentation tasks, including Breast image segmentation, in recent years. In this study, using a publicly available dataset, we assess the histopathological Breast image segmentation performance of three CNN models, specifically U-Net, U- Net++, and U-Net3++.The U-Net++ and U-Net3++ models are improved variants of the well-known U-Net model that were created to address the short comings of the original architecture. Despite U-Net3++ surpassing the other two models in terms of dice coefficient and surface distance, the experiments demonstrate that all three models obtained good accuracy. According to our findings, U-Net3++ is a promising Breast image segmentation model with the potential to increase the precision of Breast Cancer disease detection and therapy.
Biomolecular condensates can enhance pathological RNA clustering
Authors: Banerjee Priya , Mahendran Tharun Selvam , Wadsworth Gable , Singh Anurag
Published: July 2024

Intracellular aggregation of repeat expanded RNA has been implicated in many neurological disorders. Here, we study the role of biomolecular condensates on irreversible RNA clustering. We find that physiologically relevant and disease-associated repeat RNAs spontaneously undergo an age-dependent percolation transition inside multi-component protein-nucleic acid condensates to form nanoscale clusters. Homotypic RNA clusters drive the emergence of multiphasic condensate structures with an RNA-rich solid core surrounded by an RNA-depleted fluid shell. The timescale of the RNA clustering, which drives a liquid-to-solid transition of biomolecular condensates, is determined by the sequence features, stability of RNA secondary structure, and repeat length. Importantly, G3BP1, the core scaffold of stress granules, introduces heterotypic buffering to homotypic RNA-RNA interactions and impedes intra-condensate RNA clustering in an ATP-independent manner. Our work suggests that biomolecular condensates can act as sites for RNA aggregation. It also highlights the functional role of RNA-binding proteins in suppressing aberrant RNA phase transitions.
Serotonin receptor 5-HT7 modulates inflammatory-associated functions of macrophages
Authors: Bahr Frauke S , Müller Franziska , Kasten Martina , Benen Nils , Falk Christine S , Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise , Ricke-Hoch Melanie , Ponimaskin Evgeni
Published: July 2024

The hormone and neurotransmitter serotonin regulates numerous physiological functions within the central nervous system and in the periphery upon binding to specific receptors. In the periphery, the serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT7R) is expressed on different immune cells including monocytes and macrophages. To investigate the impact of 5-HT7R-mediated signaling on macrophage properties, we used human THP-1 cells and differentiated them into pro-inflammatory M1- and anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages. Pharmacological 5-HT7R activation with the specific agonist LP-211 especially modulates morphology of M1-like macrophages by increasing the number of rounded cells. Furthermore, 5-HT7R stimulation results in significantly reduced phagocytic and migratory ability of M1-like macrophages. Noteworthy, LP-211 treatment leads to changes in secretory properties of all macrophages types with the highest effects obtained for M0- and M2c-like macrophages. These results indicate that 5-HT7R activation selectively impairs basic functions of pro-inflammatory macrophages and might thus be a new access point for the modulation of macrophage responses in the future treatment of inflammatory diseases.
ENO2 in Progression and Treatment of Colon Adenocarcinoma Based on Non-Apoptotic Cell Death
Authors: Tang Jia , Wang Weiqiang , Tang Guangming
Published: July 2024

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the most common types of cancer. The interconnection between non-apoptotic cell death and COAD has not been adequately addressed. In our study, an integrative computational analysis was performed to explore non-apoptotic cell death-related biomarkers in COAD. ENO2 was determined as a potent biomarker for prognosis, drug response, immunity, and immunotherapy prediction. We used EdU and RT-qPCR assays to test our hypothesis and investigate how the ENO2 gene may influence or regulate cancer-related processes. ENO2 was expected to be a potential target in COAD.
Investigating the Physicochemical and Optical Properties of PANI and PANI-ZnO Thin Films for an Efficient Ammonia Sensor at Ambient Conditions
Authors: Dhanve Shilpa P. , Gutte Yashavant , Birajdar Chandrakant
Published: July 2024

Recently, owing to the versatile properties of conducting polymer-nanomaterial composite thin films have been extensively employed in diverse applications. Within this framework, the present investigation reported the NH3 gas sensing ability of zinc oxide nanoparticles doped polyaniline (PANI-ZnO) composite thin films along with physicochemical and optoelectronic properties. The PANI-ZnO nanocomposite thin films were harvested using a soft chemical polymerisation technique over a glass substrate. The physicochemical and optoelectronic properties of the developed thin films were explored using the XRD, FESEM, UV-Vis. and FTIR characterisation techniques. The NH3 gas sensing properties of PANI and PANI-ZnO nanocomposite thin film at ambient temperature were studied using the chemiresistive sensing technique. The developed PANI-ZnO sensor exhibited an excellent response toward the target NH3 gas with outstanding sensitivity, selectivity, linearity, and stability. Comparatively, the PANI-ZnO thin films show enhanced sensitivity, stability, response and recovery time than the PANI film. Thus, the present study declared that the developed PANI-ZnO thin films are promising candidates for low-concentration detection of NH3 gas with appropriate response and recovery time.
A Method to Estimate Prevalence of Diabetes for Adults Based on Insurance Data
Authors: Yang Wenyi , Chen Min , Guo Xiaojing , Liu Yongxiang , Li Ning , Dou Haibo , Meng Xianfeng , Liu Na , Wan Xia
Published: July 2024

Background: Insurance data could be a good source to get prevalence of diabetes. However, because of the low treatment rate of diabetes, the prevalent cases from the insurance data are just part of all prevalent cases in general population. Therefore, it is important to explore a method to fill in the gap between the insurance data and the general population.
Objective: This study aims to offer a method to estimate the prevalence of diabetes among population based on insurance data, and reported the prevalence of Weifang city, China.
Methods: By borrowing the methods on population deaths estimation based on the hospital deaths, we constructed a possibility model by using the data from the 2018 Social Factors of Chronic Disease (SFCD) of Weifang to assess the probability (Pi) of diabetes cases having treatment in hospital, which means when there is one patient in the insurance, there will be 1/(Pi) patients in the population. Then based on the model, we used the diabetes patient in 2020 insurance database to estimate the prevalent cases in population.
Results: The possibility model is Logit P= −3.4484+0.0520∗A+0.2520∗G−0.7011∗I. The female or the people having urban employees insurance were more possible to have treatment. The model estimated that the prevalence of diabetes in the whole population in Weifang City was 7.29% for adults.
Conclusions: This study proposed a method to estimate diabetes prevalence among population based on the insurance data. The prevalence of diabetes in the whole population in Weifang City was 7.29% for adults.
Antibiotic Overuse in a Contemporary Cohort of Children Hospitalized with Influenza, RSV, or SARS-CoV-2: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kalasikam Mrinmoyee , Jimenez-Truque Natalia , Kloek Anisa , Banerjee Ritu
Published: July 2024

Background
Children hospitalized with viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are often prescribed antibiotics due to concern for bacterial co-infection, although most do not have concurrent bacterial infections. This unnecessary antibiotic treatment can lead to bacterial resistance and adverse events. The extent of antibiotic overuse in hospitalized children with community-onset viral RTIs has not been described in recent years. To identify antibiotic stewardship opportunities in this population, we quantified the extent of antibiotic overtreatment and determined predictors of antibiotic use among children hospitalized with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Methods
We performed a single-center retrospective study evaluating antibiotic use and culture-confirmed bacterial co-infection among children and adolescents hospitalized with influenza, RSV, or COVID-19 between April 2020 and May 2023. Predictors of antibiotic treatment were determined using logistic regression.
Results
We included 1,718 patients (influenza: 188; RSV: 1,022; COVID-19: 535). Patients with RSV were younger and more likely to be in intensive care. Eight percent of patients had culture-confirmed bacterial co-infection. The proportion of children with culture-confirmed bacterial infection was low (8%) but the proportion receiving antibiotics was high and varied by virus (influenza: 60.6%, RSV:41.2%, COVID-19: 48.6%, p < 0.001). Independent predictors for receipt of antibiotics were elevated inflammatory markers, mechanical ventilation, and influenza infection. Among patients with the lowest severity of illness, 48% received ≥ 1 dose of antibiotics.
Conclusions
In children hospitalized with community-onset viral RTIs, antibiotic treatment is substantially higher than the burden of culture-confirmed bacterial infection, especially for influenza, suggesting antibiotic overuse and antibiotic stewardship opportunities.
Severe Myocardium Suppression in Two Congenital Heart Disease Patients After Remdesivir Use
Authors: Lin Yi-Fan , Fang Shih-Yu , Huang Shu-Chien , Wu En-Ting
Published: July 2024

Background
Remdesivir, the first antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2 fully approved by the FDA, induces ECG abnormalities and impairs cardiac function. Remdesivir interferes with mitochondrial dynamics in vitro, herein, we report on two pediatric patients with a history of congenital heart disease (CHD) who developed profound cardiogenic shock after remdesivir administration.
Patient 1
A 10-year-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome was admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection with a high viral load. After receiving remdesivir, the patient experienced refractory hypotension and a widening of the QRS duration, followed by cardiac arrest. Despite treatment with multiple inotropes and vasopressors, the patient required venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for cardiogenic shock and ultimately died of intracranial hemorrhage.
Patient 2
A 15-year-old boy with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect after corrective surgeries was admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection. After receiving remdesivir, the patient developed hypotension, ultimately requiring VA-ECMO due to profound shock and multiorgan failure. Despite stabilization, the patient remained comatose and eventually succumbed to a severe intra-abdominal infection.
Conclusion
In our proposed model, remdesivir may impair cardiac function, especially at high viral loads, by interfering with mitochondrial quality control and augmenting the cytokine storm. Certain CHDs lead to ventricular overload, rendering cardiomyocytes susceptible to remdesivir-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, the sudden onset of shock and the protracted nature of its progression observed in the two patients were in line with the pharmacokinetics of remdesivir. We recommend that remdesivir be used with caution in patients with CHD with right ventricle failure and single-ventricle circulation.
Chloroplast genome sequencing in winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) and comparative analysis with other legumes
Authors: Singh Nikhil Kumar , Singh Binay K. , Giddhi Anupama , Srivast Harsha , Pandey Avinash , Kumar Sudhir , Pattanayak A. , Bhadana V. P. , Rakshit Sujay , Tribhuvan Kishor U.
Published: July 2024

The winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) is a fast-growing, underutilized legume thriving in hot, humid regions. It forms symbiotic associations with a broad-spectrum cowpea rhizobial group, making it ideal for crop rotation or intercropping systems. Winged bean seeds are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, fat, and carbohydrates, highlighting its potential as a valuable agricultural crop. In this study, we conducted whole-genome sequencing of the winged bean chloroplast using high-coverage short-read sequencing on the Illumina platform, generating over 1 billion paired-end raw reads. We utilized the GetOrganelle toolkit to assemble the chloroplast genome comprising 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and eight rRNA genes. We also identified 84 perfect SSRs, two compound SSRs, and 15 VNTRs. Our analysis revealed the typical quadripartite structure of the chloroplast genome, along with insights into its functional classification and phylogenetic relationships with other legumes. Additionally, we identified possible genomic rearrangements through synteny analysis. Characterizing the winged bean chloroplast genome provides crucial resources for research and crop improvement. Comparative genomics of the chloroplast offers significant insights into the evolutionary and molecular biology of legumes.
The Relationship Between Gender Identity, Economic Stressors, Social Support, Concurrent Substance Use and Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Kelly Sara , Donohue Sarah , Rospenda Kathleen , Moilanen Kristin , Karnik Niranjan , Herron Jesse , Johnson Timothy , Richman Judy
Published: July 2024

Purpose
To examine a comprehensive list of demographic, substance use, economic, and social factors associated with suicidal ideation (SI) among middle-aged adults.
Methods
Cross-sectional data were obtained from a national sample of middle-aged adults between February and November 2022. The study’s final sample include 1,337 respondents who represented the adult population of persons aged 40–60 years in the United States. Bivariate and multivariate statistics were employed to identify significant factors associated with past year SI, in particular single vs. multiple instances of SI.
Results
Of the sample, 140 (10.4%) reported SI in the past year. Among those, more than half (60.0%, n = 84) reported SI multiple times in the past year. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that those who were a gender minority, engaged in concurrent substance use, or had financial stressors had significantly higher odds of past SI. Multinomial regression found that concurrent substance use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76–5.70) and having a lower standard of living than their parents/caregivers (aOR 2.99; 95% CI 1.39–6.41) predicted repeated past year SI whereas higher social support was protective against multiple SI experiences (aOR 0.65; 95% CI 0.55–0.78).
Conclusion
Gender minorities and those reporting concurrent substance use had the highest odds of past year SI. Findings underscore the need to develop public health and clinical interventions tailored to these highest-risk middle-aged adults in order to prevent suicide.
Disaster Awareness and Preparedness: The Case of Ondokuz Mayıs University
Authors: BODUR ALPER , Emecen Yeliz , Keskin Kader
Published: July 2024

This study offers a comprehensive examination to understand university students’ disaster awareness and preparedness level in the case of Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU). Within the scope of the research, focusing on disaster awareness, preparedness, and awareness of the students, an attempt was made to explain how various demographic factors affect attitudes toward disasters. A survey was conducted with the participation of 382 students who were studying in the 2022–2023 Spring Semester in all faculties, colleges, and institutes within the broad academic structure of OMU. The data were examined with descriptive statistics, and the relationships between variables were evaluated using the chi-square test. According to the findings, disaster awareness and preparedness must be addressed from a broad perspective and planned, especially by considering demographic diversity. It was stated that this study could contribute to education in terms of disaster management not only for OMU but also for other higher education institutions.
Physical activity is associated with renal function in middle-aged and elderly people in China: first cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence from the CHARLS
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Zhao Yaxi , Luo Guoxian , Xu Jian , Zhang Yi , Cui jianchen , Chen Lijuan , Wang Ya , Na Wangyao , Li Hanhao , Deng Qinyuan , Ao Linmei , Chen Fei
Published: July 2024

Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a common health problem among middle-aged and elderly people in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical activity on renal function in Chinese middle-aged and elderly people.
Methods: A total of 3599 participants in the 2011 China Health and Aging Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included in this cross-sectional study, with an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 as the endpoint. A total of 2309 participants in the 2015 CHARLS were included in the longitudinal study, with an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or a ≥25% decrease in eGFR as the endpoint. Physical activity intensity was assessed by self-reports. Associations between physical activity levels and renal function were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results: In cross-sectional studies, moderate physical activity (MPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) >300 min/week were associated with a reduced risk of renal endpoint events compared with relatively physically inactive participants (OR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.30-0.51). After correction for clinical characteristics and blood test results, VPA and MPA >300 min/week remained independent protective factors for renal function. In the longitudinal cohort, VPA and MPA >300 min/week reduced the risk of renal endpoint events by 45% (OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.38-0.80). After correcting for clinical characteristics and blood test results, VPA and MPA >300 min/week still reduced the risk of renal endpoint events by 37% (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.43-0.92) and 39% (OR=0.61, 95%), respectively.
Conclusions: Physical activity is beneficial for reducing and delaying the onset of renal insufficiency. The results of this study provide additional evidence for the renoprotective effects of exercise in non-CKD populations.
Association between sleep disorder and gallstone in US adults：Data from NHANES 2017-2020
Authors: Jiang Shiming , Wu Zhaowei , Li Jinzhi , Wang Panguo , Chen Yong
Published: July 2024

Sleep disorder is acknowledged as a risk factor for poor health. However, the effect of sleep disorder on the prevalence of gallstones is still unknown. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between sleep disorders and the prevalence of gallstones among National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that snore, trouble sleeping, and overly sleepy were an independent risk factor for gallstones. Compared to never snore, 3–4 nights a week and 5 or more nights a week were linked with a higher risk of gallstones prevalence (OR1: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.16–1.87; OR2: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.09–1.75). We also observed that the risk of gallstone formation increased by 1.67-fold in the trouble sleeping group compared to that in the control group (OR:1.67, 95% CI: 1.42–2.01). Furthermore, the correlations appeared to be higher for individuals with overly sleepy (2–4 times a mouth: OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01–1.71; 5–15 times a mouth: OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12–2.01). Thus, our results indicated that sleep disorder is a risk factor for gallstone prevalence.
Co-application of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi and putrescine improves essential oil production and drought tolerance cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)
Authors: Anjam Hamid Reza , Abdipour Moslem , Hosseinifarahi Mehdi
Published: July 2024

The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF), putrescine (Put), and their combination on essential oil (EO) content, chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoid and EO chemical compounds of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) were studied under optimal and drought stress conditions. The foliar application of Put or inoculation with AMF significantly (P ˂ 0.05) increased seed yield, EO content, EO yield, Chl a, Chl b, total Chl, and carotenoid. Moreover, AMF or Put application increased cuminaldehyde, limone, and β-Pinene and decreased γ-Terpinene, o-Cymene, and linalool concentration in cumin plants compared to non-treated plants in both optimal and drought stress conditions. However, the highest EO content, EO yield, Chl a, Chl b, total Chl, carotenoid, and major EO chemical components were obtained when AMF and Put were used together under optimal and drought stress conditions. This study showed that Put and AMF can be co-applied to the cumin plant to significantly improve drought tolerance in field conditions greatly.
Development of a prediction model for ctDNA detection (Cir-Predict) in breast cancer
Authors: Nakauchi Chiaki , Masunaga Nanae , Kagara Naofumi , Oshiro Chiya , Shimoda Masafumi , Shimazu Kenzo
Published: July 2024

Purpose
The detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a valuable method to predict the risk of recurrence and to detect real-time gene changes. The amount of ctDNA is affected by many factors. Moreover, the detection rate of ctDNA varies from report to report.
Methods
The present study evaluated differentially expressed genes using a DNA microarray assay for gene expression in tumors with and without detected ctDNA and constructed a prediction model for the detectability of ctDNA in breast tumor tissues. The model, named Cir-Predict, consisted of 73 probe sets (56 genes) and was constructed in a training set of breast cancer patients (n = 35) and validated in a validation set (n = 13).
Results
The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in training and validation sets were over 95%, and Cir-Predict was significantly associated with ctDNA detection independently of the other conventional clinicopathological parameters in all cohorts. Pathway analysis revealed that nine pathways including tight junction and cell cycle tended to be related to ctDNA detectability.
Conclusion
Cir-Predict not only provides information useful for breast cancer treatment, but also helps the understanding of the mechanism by which ctDNA is detected.