bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DRIVING PROGRESS TOGETHER: EMBRACING INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IN EAST INDONESIA
Authors: Ramadhan Rifqi Dhia , Fauzi Fadhli Zul
Published: December 2023

This research aims to look at efforts of inclusive development in eastern Indonesia and what challenges occur in its development. Researchers see that inclusive and sustainable infrastructure development can be one of the answers or efforts to solve development problems in eastern Indonesia. Recent literature about infrastructure development in East Indonesia is used in this research. We grouping it with the core of SDG’s to see is the development in Indonesia is paying attention to inclusive and sustainable aspect or not. This research found that inclusive development could have a significant impact on Eastern Indonesia in the future, where community participation could actually assist in improving other aspects such as the economy and environmental sustainability. However, some challenges such as  awareness of education and gender equality still need to be addressed, while some literatures consider this to be the most important or common issue in infrastructure development, especially in eastern Indonesia.

 

Keywords: Inclusive Development, Infrastructure, Economic Growth, East Indonesia
Eksudatif Plevral Efüzyonda Torakoskopik Biyopsinin Tanısal Rolü ve Uzun Dönem Takip Sonuçları
Authors: ESME Hıdır
Published: December 2023

Giriş: Eksudatif plevral efüzyonların %20’sinde, tekrarlayan torasentez ve perkutan plevral biyopsiye rağmen tanısı konulamaz. Bu çalışmanın amacı daha az invaziv yöntemlerle tanısı konulamayan eksüdatif PE olan hastalarda yapılan torakoskopik biyopsinin etkinliği ve işlem sonrası uzun dönem takiplerin gözden geçirilmesidir.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Ocak 2016 ile Aralık 2020 tarihleri arasında eksüdatif PE nedeniyle torakoskopik biyopsi uygulanan hastalar geriye dönük incelendi. Postoperatif en az 2 yıl takip edilebilen hastalar çalışmaya dahil edildi. Klinik ve fizik muayene, kan tahlilleri, plevral sıvının biyokimyasal, bakteriyolojik ve sitolojik incelemeleri, radyolojik ve histopatolojik veriler elde edildi.

Bulgular: Hastaların 45'i (%61.6) erkek, 28'i (%38.3) kadındı. Yaş ortalaması 56,5±13,2 idi. Hiçbir hastada intraoperatif komplikasyon gelişmedi. Postoperatif dönemde 7 (%9) hastada komplikasyon gelişti. Üç (%4.1) hastada uzamış hava kaçağı, 2 (%2.7) hastada yara yeri enfeksiyonu ve 2 (%2.7) hastada pnömoni gelişti. Hastaların 21’inde (%28.7) malignite saptanırken 52 (%71.2) hastada benign patolojiler saptandı. Takip sırasında daha önce nonspesifik plörit tanısı alan ve tekrarlayan PE nedeniyle torakoskopik biyopsi yapılan 4 (%5.4) hastadan 2’sinde (%2.7) malign mezotelyoma saptandı.

Tartışma: Sonuç olarak eksudatif PE’nin tanısında torakoskopik biyopsi tanısal değeri yüksek ve komplikasyonları nadir bir yöntemdir. Nonspesifik plevrit sonrası malignite gelişimi genellikle 1 yıl içerisinde olmakla birlikte nadiren 2 yıl içinde de gelişebilir. Bu nedenle nonspesifik plevrit sonrası takip süresinin 2 yıl olması gerektiği kanaatindeyiz.
Analisa Pengatur Lenturan Sistem manual pada Peredam kejut Sepeda Motor
Authors: Ghofur Abdul
Published: December 2023

Comfort in the vehicle is needed, therefore the vehicle is equipped with a suspension system.The problem with the current suspension system is that the suspension system cannot be used according to the wishes of the rider, because it does not yet have a flexibility regulator that can be adjusted directly while driving.

The purpose of this study, will make a device for adjusting the flexibility of the shock absorber electrically, so that the driver can adjust the flexibility of the shock absorber when the vehicle is running without having to stop.

The results of this study shock absorber with a passenger load of 90.5 kg produces the largest bending length of 5.17 cm at a hole area of 28.26 mm². For a passenger load of 141.5 kg, the greatest flexibility is 7.06 cm. with a hole area of 28.26mm².
Perencanaan Perawatan Mesin Pencacah Kapas BO-R Waste Opener Dengan Metode ISMO
Authors: Galang Galang Bakti Nusa
Published: December 2023

Cotton chopping machine Type Bor Waste Opener is one of the equipment used for production activities at PT Lotus Indah Textile Industries Cotton chopping machine Type The Bor Waste Opener must work properly and in a ready-to-use condition so that production activities are not hampered, so planned maintenance is needed. The purpose of this final report is to find out how to evercome the damage that often occurs in the Bo-r Waste Opener type cotton chopper, to plan activities and schedule machine maintenance using the ISMO methodImplementation methods include collecting data by observation, interviews, and literature studies, as well as made maintenance plans using the ISMO method which included determining the degree of complexity, determining the maintenance cycle, designing maintenance activities, making maintenance schedules, and estimating maintenance and repair costsThe results of this final report Problems that often occur in the Bo-r Waste Opener type are Finned strippe roll fins the fins are worn out due to frequent friction, spike lances in the form of the surface of the nails on the board coming off Results of planning activities for cotton chopper machine maintenance Type Bo-r Waste Opener using the ISMO method obtained data with a degree of complexity of 75 so that repair complexity 18 was obtained. Maintenance activities include 9 inspection activities, 6 small repair activities, 2 medium repair activities, and 1 Overhou! Calculation of the maintenance and repair planning obtained an estimated cost for the period 2023 to 2026 of Rp 3,614,367
ANALISIS SIFAT KIMIA DAN DEKOMPOSISI TERMAL MODEL VYAZOVKIN SUTRA JAGUNG DENGAN PROSES PIROLISIS PADA LAJU PEMANASAN 40 OC/MENIT
Authors: Citrakara Upendra Sneha Bandhana Kusuma Himawan  , Rahmad Hadi , Mutiara Bahtiar Ahmad Dony
Published: December 2023

Peningkatan kadar karbon-dioksida (CO) di atmosfer di negara yang memiliki penduduk sangat banyak, mendorong minat baru dalam mengembangkan penelitian dan teknik untuk mengurangi pemanasan global . Melimpahnya sutra jagung merupakan faktor yang sangat penting dan perlu dipertimbangkan dalam hal pemanfaatannya. Beberapa penelitian yang telah dilakukan terkait kegunaan rambut jagung yaitu sebagai bahan pembuatan bakso rendah lemak, anti obesitas, antidiabetes yang didapat dari polisakarida sutra jagung. Namun, potensi sutra jagung sebagai bahan baku bahan bakar belum dilakukan penelitian. Karena itu, penting untuk melakukan penelitian dalam memahami potensi sutra jagung sebagai sumber energi baru dan terbarukan yang diharapkan menjadi cadangan energi jangka panjang. Analisa termogravimetri tentang karakteristik dan kinetika dalam rentang suhu normal ruang 900 oC dibawah atmosfer nitrogen pada laju pemanasan 40 oC/menit. Hasilnya menunjukan bahwa proses pirolisis sutra jagung terbagi menjadi 3 tahap yang terkait dengan proses berkurangnya kadar air pada suhu 65-130 °C, dilanjutkan dengan tahap devolatilisasi pada rentang suhu 216-506 oC dan yang paling akhir yaitu dekomposisi yang relative lambat hingga 900 oC. Energi aktivasi (Ea) pada tahap pirolisis aktif dihitung dengan menggunakan model fitting model isoconvensional menggunakan model Vyazovkin. Energi aktivasi hasil dari perhitungan model Vyazovkin masing-masing pada kisaran sebesar 215.522kJ/mol.
Salud auditiva de colaboradores de la Fundación Universitaria María Cano
Authors: Meza Martínez Sandy Paola , Álvarez Areiza Liliana María
Published: December 2023

La audiometría es un examen que evalúa la función auditiva con relación al tono, la intensidad y el equilibrio del sonido. Sin embargo, la audiometría de alta frecuencia, definida como la evaluación de umbrales auditivos aéreos en el intervalo de 9 kHz a 20 kHz, es un examen complementario importante que tiene como utilidad detectar tempranamente la pérdida de audición y como procedimiento clínico para la monitorización de pacientes expuestos a situaciones, ambientes o sustancias nocivas para la salud auditiva.
Esta audiometría de alta frecuencia como prueba diagnóstica que permite una evaluación completa del sistema auditivo en su porción coclear, dado que con ella se pueden establecer los umbrales reales de todo el rango frecuencial audible para el ser humano que va hasta 20.000 Hz con lo cual, se pueden obtener diagnósticos oportunos y diferenciales, que por medio de un examen no invasivo se facilita la monitorización de posibles cambios audiológicos generados por diferentes etiologías. Es por ello que las perdidas auditivas pueden ocasionar una alteración sensorial y por ende una discapacidad comunicativa que repercute en la calidad de vida del individuo y se convierte en un tema importante de salud pública a nivel mundial.
En el presente artículo se planteó un estudio cuantitativo, de tipo descriptivo, donde se retoman elementos que soportan la influencia del uso de auriculares para laborar en la salud auditiva de los docentes y personal colaborador de la Fundación Universitaria María Cano. Se realizó una caracterización sintomatológica y auditiva, aplicando el estudio a los empleados de la institución que tuvieren como instrumento de trabajo y uso frecuente el uso de audífonos o diademas además se observó en todos que la audiometría tonal por si sola no es suficiente para un diagnóstico auditivo completo.
Relación entre hipoacusia súbita y (COVID-19): revisión sistemática
Authors: Fonseca Arrieta Mary Clara
Published: December 2023

La hipoacusia súbita es definida como la pérdida repentina de la audición, regularmente es unilateral, pero también tiene una presentación bilateral, siendo menos común pero no imposible (Organización Mundial de la Salud, 2023). Sobre la fisiopatología de la hipoacusia súbita, aún no se ha establecido una causa exacta, sin embargo, hay teorías que sustentan posibles orígenes de la patología. Frente a la emergencia de SARS-Cov19, surgieron diversos síntomas diferenciadores para el diagnóstico de (COVID-19), y aunque ya se han establecido algunos, es importante resaltar que aún no se han estudiado a profundidad todas las manifestaciones de esta enfermedad; en ese sentido, la hipoacusia súbita podría estar relacionada con el (COVID-19), motivo por el cual, se realiza una revisión sistemática para establecer si existe una relación estrecha entre (COVID-19) e hipoacusia súbita. Durante la revisión sistemática se seleccionaron 15 artículos bajo el método PRISMA, que son clasificados en serie de casos, reportes de caso y estudio de cohorte, los cuales fueron analizados de manera detallada con el fin de encontrar la relación entre hipoacusia súbita y (COVID-19); posteriormente se determinó el nivel de evidencia según la tabla de Sackeet. De acuerdo con los resultados es necesario dar continuidad a identificar factores de riesgo con el fin de tener en cuenta medidas preventivas y/o detección temprana para proteger la salud auditiva de las personas afectadas.
Las Epistemologías sordas pensadas desde las experiencias con la otredad
Authors: Muñoz Vilugrón Karina Andrea , Rodriguez Ponce Santiago Leonardo , Bachmann Vera Daniela Andrea
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: El presente artículo tiene como finalidad reflexionar, desde una perspectiva crítica, el cómo se han pensado los procesos de subjetivación de lo que se ha denominado sordedad, a partir de la construcción del otro en el contexto de la modernidad. Estructura: Se plantea la alteridad y alteridad sorda explicitando que la sordedad es una forma más de otredad y que en este sentido, obedece a una misma matriz de inteligibilidad que opera sobre la idea de cuerpos normativizados. Posteriormente, se plantean las miradas de la sordera, se analizan los dispositivos de saber-poder que están a la base de cada modelo de conceptualización de la sordedad, con el propósito de conocer los presupuestos que los sustentan. Conclusión: En este contexto, se concluye el riesgo que implica perpetuar los discursos referidos a la sordedad desde el dispositivo de normalidad de la cultura oyente y que, en consecuencia, la sitúan en un “estatus especial de inferioridad” que termina discriminando y excluyendo; como propuesta se presenta la consideración de las epistemologías sordas.
Atención humanizada en cuidado crítico fundamentos técnico-científicos, de profesionalismo y bioéticos
Authors: Jiménez–Rodríguez Mauren Daniela , Forero–Sarmiento Valentina , Sánchez-Alfaro Luis Alberto
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: analizar los pilares técnico-científicos, de profesionalismo y bioéticos de la atención humanizada en cuidado crítico, a partir de la percepción de profesionales sanitarios de Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo de Adultos en Bogotá. Método: investigación cuantitativa exploratoria descriptiva con diseño transversal, utilizó un cuestionario a profesionales sanitarios que laboran en UCI de Bogotá. A partir del proyecto HUCI se diseñó un cuestionario, adaptando su lenguaje y realizando validación de fachada. Para el análisis se utilizó estadística descriptiva mediante el programa STATA. Resultados: con relación a los roles en las UCI, respecto del pilar técnico científico, el 25,68% de los participantes tuvieron una percepción de humanización con nivel bajo, el 51.35% un nivel medio y el 22,97% un nivel alto. Al relacionar el nivel de percepción de humanización con el género, se halló que el 20,27% de los participantes tuvieron una percepción de humanización con nivel bajo, el 52,70% un nivel medio y el 27,03% un nivel alto. Conclusiones: el modelo HUCI está principalmente fundamentado en elementos de corte técnico-científico basados en procesos, protocolos o procedimientos empleados como métodos para orientar acciones terapéuticas o institucionales, siendo los cuidados alrededor del paciente en estadio de fin de vida el mejor cimentado. El Pilar Bioética, entendido como la praxis de principios y virtudes éticas en pro de trato justo y digno a los pacientes y sus familias, y para la resolución de conflictos éticos, no está claramente establecido; sin embargo, el modelo favorece la toma de decisiones bajo algunos parámetros éticos.
Memoria a corto y largo plazo, atención selectiva y cognición social en pacientes con esquizofrenia
Authors: Ochoa Jiménez Deisy Elizabeth , Sánchez Ceballos Leidy Alejandra , Herrera Valencia Aura Lucero
Published: December 2023

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación en dominios cognitivos como memoria a corto-largo plazo, atención selectiva y cognición social en pacientes colombianos con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia, a través de un diseño observacional, analítico retrospectivo, de alcance correlacional. Se usó un muestreo a conveniencia conformado por 15 pacientes (12 hombres y 3 mujeres), en su mayoría con una escolaridad entre primaria y bachillerato completo, con un rango de edad de 18 a 65 años (X=36,5), residentes en hogares psiquiátricos en la ciudad de Medellín. Los instrumentos que fueron utilizados para su evaluación son 4 subpruebas de la Batería NEUROPSI (Dígitos en progresión y regresión, detección visual, codificación-evocación curva de memoria espontánea y codificación-evocación figura de Rey), el Repositorio de Expresiones Faciales Emocionales Colombianas y un Cuestionario de Teoría de la mente. Entre los resultados más destacados se encuentran las asociaciones positivas estadísticamente significativas entre las 3 variables cognitivas y respecto a la cognición social, la memoria a corto y largo plazo se correlacionó con algunas tareas que hacen parte de la teoría de la mente. Como conclusión, se encontró que las funciones cognitivas presentan una asociación positiva significativa entre sí, demostrando una codependencia del proceso cognitivo para atender y desempeñarse de forma adecuada en las tareas, adicionalmente, las variables cognitivas presentaron una asociación positiva significativa con subdominios de la teoría de la mente, pero no con la tarea de reconocimiento emocional.
Aplicação labiríntica, Avaliação neuropsicológica, Funções cognitivas, Realidade virtual, Tarefa computadorizada, Validade ecológica
Authors: Soares Wellington Danilo , Marcelino Larissa Alves , Rocha Bárbara Brito , Moura João Igor Lopes , Freitas Daniel Antunes
Published: December 2023

Os instrumentos neuropsicológicos que são tradicionalmente usados para avaliação cognitiva e estimulação a lápis e papel tendem a ter algumas limitações. As tarefas baseadas em computador, além de manter a boa confiabilidade e validade, apresentam certas estratégias em sua preparação que superam as limitações dos tradicionales testes a lápis e papel. Neste sentido, aqueles projetados em um ambente de realidade virtual também apresentam validade ecológica. Portanto, o principal objetivo deste trabalho era projetar e testar um instrumento que avaliasse alguns processos cognitivos através da realidade virtual em adultos jovens, com a ideia de implementá-lo e utilizá-lo no futuro tanto para treinamento quanto para a reabilitação cognitiva em pessoas de diferentes idades. Para este fim, foi implementado um projeto descritivo-correlacional e transversal, desenvolvendo uma ferramenta de software chamada "App Labyrinth" que permite, atraves de seu uso em diferentes sessões variando o nível de complexidade, o treinamento e/ou estimulação cognitiva dos jovens adultos e registrar e armazenar os resultados de seu desempenho a cada oportunidade. Nesta primeira coleta de dados, foram obtidas medidas ajustadas, tornando plausível testar posteriormente o instrumento em treinamento cognitivo e reabilitação. Pode-se concluir que esta ferramenta apresenta um design ecológico e intuitivo, pois produz índices baseados em tempos de reação e precisão de resposta. Estes índices oferecem uma medida promissora que, em contraste com os usados em tarefas neuropsicológicas tradicionais, pode ser considerada uma medida mais precisa e objetiva das funções cognitivas
Integrating ultrasonic neuromodulation with fiber photometry
Authors: Vasan Aditya , Magaram Uri , Patel Janki , Friend James , Chalasani Sreekanth H.
Published: December 2023

Ultrasound has been used to modulate neural activity in rodents and primates; however, combining ultrasound stimulation with in vivo imaging in freely moving animals has been challenging. Here, we design and validate a transducer to overcome these challenges in the rodent. We develop a head-mounted ultrasound transducer that can be combined with a fiber photometry system. This combination allows us to monitor ultrasound-evoked responses in striatal neurons in awake and freely moving animals. Together, this system allows for a high-resolution analysis of ultrasound-evoked biology at the level of both neural circuits and behavior in freely moving animals, critical to providing a mechanistic understanding of ultrasound neuromodulation.
Investigating the role between glycosaminoglycan immobilization approach and protein affinity
Authors: Cornell Nicholas , Griffin Donald
Published: December 2023

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are linear polysaccharides commonly used to impart bioactivity into synthetic hydrogels through their broad electrostatic-based protein-binding capabilities. In vivo, GAGs are immobilized through a single linkage point and function as semi-rigid ligands that are capable of limited conformation to proteins to enable high affinity interactions, concentration gradients, and co-signaling. Most GAG immobilization strategies in biomaterials target modification of the GAG repeat unit and produce multiple linkage points which effectively turns the GAG into a multifunctional crosslinker. In this study, we utilize real-time monitoring of binding kinetics to investigate the effects of GAG immobilization approach on GAG-protein binding. We show that GAGs immobilized through a single linkage point (GAGSingle) possess enhanced protein binding compared with GAGs immobilized at several points (GAG¬Multi¬). This effect is demonstrated for multiple GAG and protein types, indicating a broad applicability and importance to GAG use in biomaterials.
Narrative review investigating the nephroprotective mechanisms of sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Speedtsberg Emma S. , Tepel Martin
Published: December 2023

Background and aims

Outcome trials using sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors have consistently shown their potential to preserve kidney function in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Several mechanisms have been introduced which may explain the nephroprotective effect of sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors beyond lowering blood glucose. This current narrative review has the objective to describe main underlying mechanisms causing a nephroprotective effect and to show similarities as well as differences between proposed mechanisms which can be observed in patients with diabetic and nondiabetic chronic kidney disease.

Methods

We performed a narrative review of the literature on Pubmed and Embase. The research string comprised various combinations of items including “chronic kidney disease”, “sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor” and “mechanisms”. We searched for original research and review articles published until march, 2022. The databases were searched independently and the agreements by two authors were jointly obtained.

Results

Sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors show systemic, hemodynamic, and metabolic effects. Systemic effects include reduction of blood pressure without compensatory activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Hemodynamic effects include restoration of tubuloglomerular feedback which may improve pathologic hyperfiltration observed in most cases with chronic kidney disease. Current literature indicates that SGLT2i may not improve cortical oxygenation and may reduce medullar oxygenation.

Conclusion

Sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors cause nephroprotective effects by several mechanisms. However, several mediators which are involved in the underlying pathophysiology may be different between diabetic and nondiabetic patients.
Research progress on biochar-based material adsorption and removal of ibuprofen
Authors: Zhan Dan , Ye Aihui , Hou Tingting
Published: December 2023

Ibuprofen, commonly used for pain relief, inflammation, and to reduce high fever, etc., is a widely available over-the-counter drug. In recent years, due to the excessive use of ibuprofen, its presence in the aquatic environments has shown a significant increasing trend, raising concerns about potential risks to environmental safety, which attracted people’s close attention. Notably, biochar, known as an environmentally friendly functional material, had been widely studied and applied for the removal of ibuprofen in water environments. According to current reports, the adsorption capacity value of biochar for IBP is between 9.69–309 mg/g, and the adsorption mechanism mainly includes π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, pore filling, etc. In response to this research hotspot, this study reviewed the most recent research progress on the adsorption of ibuprofen using biochar-based materials, including the modified preparation process of biochar and the adsorption mechanism of IBP on various modified biochar surfaces. Additionally, potential challenges and future development directions for the practical applications of biochar were discussed and proposed.
Multi-omics computational analysis unveils the involvement of AP-1 and CTCF in hysteresis of chromatin states during macrophage polarization
Authors: Zhang Yubo , Yang Wenbo , Kumagai Yutaro , Loza Martin , Zhang Weihang , Park Sung-Joon , Nakai Kenta
Published: December 2023

Macrophages display extreme plasticity, and the mechanisms and applications of polarization and de-/repolarization of macrophages have been extensively investigated. However, the regulation of macrophage hysteresis after de-/repolarization remains unclear. In this study, by using a large-scale computational analysis of macrophage multi-omics data, we report a list of hysteresis genes that maintain their expression patterns after polarization and de-/repolarization. While the polarization in M1 macrophages leads to a higher level of hysteresis in genes associated with cell cycle progression, cell migration, and enhancement of the immune response, we found weak levels of hysteresis after M2 polarization. During the polarization process from M0 to M1 and back to M0, the factors IRFs/STAT, AP-1, and CTCF regulate hysteresis by altering their binding sites to the chromatin. Overall, our results show that a history of polarization can lead to hysteresis in gene expression and chromatin accessibility over a given period. This study contributes to the understanding of de-/repolarization memory in macrophages.
Targeting Trop2 in solid tumors: a look into structures and novel epitopes
Authors: Liu Xinlin , Li Jiyixuan , Deng Junwen , Zhao Jianan , Zhao Gaoxiang , Zhang Tingting , Jiang Hongfei , Liang Bing , Xing Dongming , Wang Jie
Published: December 2023

Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2) exhibits limited expression in normal tissues but is over-expressed across various solid tumors. The effectiveness of anti-Trop2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in managing breast cancer validates Trop2 as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. However, excessive toxicity and a low response rate of ADCs pose ongoing challenges. Safer and more effective strategies should be developed for Trop2-positive cancers. The dynamic structural attributes and the oligomeric assembly of Trop2 present formidable obstacles to the progression of innovative targeted therapeutics. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in understanding Trop2’s structure and provide an overview of the epitope characteristics of Trop2-targeted agents. Furthermore, we discuss the correlation between anti-Trop2 agents’ epitopes and their respective functions, particularly emphasizing their efficacy and specificity in targeted therapies.
Nutrient fluxes from recent deposits of fine-grained, organic-rich sediments in a Florida estuary
Authors: Fox Austin L. , Trefry John H.
Published: December 2023

Nutrient fluxes from fine-grained, organic-rich sediments in estuaries can hasten the onset and progression of eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. Targeted efforts to manage degraded sediments and improve estuarine water quality require a better understanding of physicochemical controls and the relative importance of benthic fluxes. Toward that end, we determined fluxes from organic-rich, high porosity sediments deposited during the past 5-6 decades along 60 km of the Indian River Lagoon, a barrier island lagoon in Florida, USA. Highly bioavailable ammonium and phosphate were the predominant chemical forms of interstitial nitrogen and phosphorus in these highly-reducing sediments. Median fluxes of ammonium and phosphate were 320 µmol m-2 h-1 and 11 µmol m-2 h-1, respectively. Fluxes were 3-10 times greater when sediment temperatures were >28°C and interstitial sulfide concentrations were >1 mM. Temperature-compensated fluxes of ammonium and phosphate were significantly correlated with sediment organic matter content; total organic carbon averaged 5.3 ± 2.4% and the maximum was 12.4% for the sediments studied. Fine-scale physical probing, plus lidar data, showed that these organic-rich sediments covered <10% of our study area; however, fluxes from these sediments were estimated to supply 20-40% of internal + external annual loads of nitrogen and phosphorus. Furthermore, 60% of nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes from sediments in the northern Indian River Lagoon came from just 22% of the total surface area. Lagoon segments with high benthic fluxes overlapped in part with areas prone to harmful algal blooms. Effective strategies to manage degraded sediments in the Indian River Lagoon depend on knowing the relative magnitude of internal loading of nutrients as well as appropriate techniques to mitigate sediment fluxes.
Association between mobile phone addiction, sleep disorder and the gut microbiota: a short-term prospective observational study
Authors: Zhu Zhihui , Zhang Jianghui , Yuan Guojing , Jiang Meng , Zhang Xueqing , Zhang Kexin , Lu Xiaoyan , Guo Haiyun , Yang Huayu , Jin Guifang , Shi Haiyan , Du Jun , Xu Wenzhuo , Wang Sainan , Guo Hao , Jiang Kele , Zhang Zhihua
Published: December 2023

Bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain has sparked interest in exploring the link between mobile phone addiction (MPA) and sleep disorders (SD) in microbiome research. However, investigating the role of gut microbiota in this relationship using animal models presents challenges due to the unique nature of MPA, and human research in this area is scarce. We recruited 99 healthy college students to evaluate the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and assess MPA and SD at baseline and after a two-month follow-up. Multiple covariate-adjusted statistical models, including linear regression, permutational multivariate analysis of variance and so on, were employed to determine microbiome associations with MPA at baseline and changes in SD at follow-up. Our findings revealed negative associations between MPA and three alpha diversity metrics, along with alterations in bacterial composition. MPA showed negative associations with the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, while displaying positive associations with Actinobacteria and Bifidobacteriales. Conversely, Actinobacteria exhibited a negative association with increased SD. This study has established a significant link between MPA and a decrease in the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota. Actinobacteria was associated with MPA and SD, respectively. Additional investigation is needed to fully comprehend the relationship between comorbid behavioral disorders and the gut microbiota.
Potentially inappropriate drug use in myasthenia gravis: a real-world population-based cohort study in Italy
Authors: Crescioli Giada , Finocchietti Marco , Paoletti Olga , Brunori Paola , Sciancalepore Francesco , Tuccori Marco , Addis Antonio , Vannacci Alfredo , Lombardi Niccolò , Kirchmayer Ursula ,   The CAESAR study group
Published: December 2023

Introduction

To evaluate the use of pyridostigmine in presence of contraindications, and the use of concomitant potentially contraindicated drugs in a cohort of patients affected by Myasthenia Gravis (MG) in the Italian Regions of Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the determinants of pyridostigmine and of potentially contraindicated drugs use in MG patients.

Results

Among 591 incident pyridostigmine users affected by MG, 91 (15.4%) had at least one of the contraindications considered at the first prescription of pyridostigmine. Patients prescribed with pyridostigmine in presence of contraindications were more frequently affected by diabetes, obesity, and renal diseases. Age 75+ years (odds ratio, OR 4.94, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.60–15.22 for Latium; OR 3.78, 95%CI: 1.26–11.34 for Tuscany; OR 5.83, 95%CI 1.19–28.52 for Umbria), the presence of at least one specific comorbidity (OR 3.93; 95%CI 1.68–9.17 for Latium), and polytherapy (6+ drugs, OR 4.90, 95%CI: 1.35–17.85 for Tuscany) were found to be significantly associated with pyridostigmine use in presence of contraindications. Among patients affected by MG, 1,483 (62.6%) were treated with potentially contraindicated drugs in the first year of follow-up (67.06.9% in Latium; 59% in Tuscany; 57.6% in Umbria). Patients aged 75+ years, those with at least one specific complication or comorbidity, and those exposed to polytherapy were more likely to be treated with a potential contraindicated drug.

Conclusion

Among incident users of pyridostigmine, more than 15% of patients have at least one of the contraindications considered, and among patients diagnosed with MG, in the first year of follow-up >60% of subjects were treated with potentially contraindicated drugs.
Nusinersen demonstrates effectiveness in treating spinal muscular atrophy: findings from a three-year nationwide study in Korea
Authors: Cho Jaeso , Lee Jiwon , Kim Jihye , Lee Hyunjoo , Kim Min-Jee , Lee Yun Jeong , Yum Mi-Sun , Byun Ji-Hye , Lee Chong Guk , Lee Young-Mock , Lee Jeehun , Chae Jong-Hee
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Nusinersen is the first drug approved for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of nusinersen, assess the therapeutic effects based on the treatment initiation timing and baseline motor function, and explore the perception of functional improvement from either parents or patients, utilizing 3-year nationwide follow-up data in South Korea.

Methods

We enrolled patients with SMA who were treated with nusinersen under the National Health Insurance coverage, with complete motor score records available and a minimum treatment duration of 6 months. To evaluate the motor function of patients, the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination-2 (HINE-2) was used for type 1 and the Expanded Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (HFMSE) was used for types 2 and 3 patients. A significant improvement was defined as a HINE-2 score gain ≥5 for patients with type 1 and an HFMSE score ≥ 3 for patients with types 2 and 3 SMA. Effects of treatment timing were assessed. Patients with type 2 were further categorized based on baseline motor scores for outcome analysis. We also analyzed a second dataset from five tertiary hospitals with the information on parents/patients-reported impressions of improvement.

Results

The study comprised 137 patients, with 21, 103, and 13 patients representing type 1, 2, and 3 SMA, respectively. At the 3-year follow-up, the analysis encompassed 7 patients with type 1, 12 patients with type 2, and none with type 3. Nearly half of all enrolled patients across SMA types (42.8, 59.2 and 46.2%, respectively) reached the 2-year follow-up for analysis. Patients with type 1 SMA exhibited gradual motor function improvement over 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-ups (16, 9, and 7 patients, respectively). Patients with type 2 SMA demonstrated improvement over 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-ups (96, 61 and 12 patients, respectively). Early treatment from symptom onset resulted in better outcomes for patients with type 1 and 2 SMA. In the second dataset, 90.7% of 108 patients reported subjective improvement at the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Nusinersen treatment for types 1–3 SMA is safe and effective in long-term follow-up. Early treatment initiation was a significant factor affecting long-term motor outcome.
Bilateral vestibulopathy: a clinical update and proposed diagnostic algorithm
Authors: van Stiphout Lisa , Szmulewicz David J. , Guinand Nils , Fornos Angélica Pérez , Van Rompaey Vincent , van de Berg Raymond
Published: December 2023

Bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) is characterized by its heterogeneous and chronic nature with various clinical presentations and multiple etiologies. This current narrative review reflects on the main insights and developments regarding clinical presentation. In addition, it proposes a new diagnostic algorithm, and describes available and potential future therapeutic modalities.
Effect of intracranial electrical stimulation on dynamic functional connectivity in medically refractory epilepsy
Authors: Lu Meili , Guo Zhaohua , Gao Zicheng
Published: December 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the distributed network effects of intracranial electrical stimulation in patients with medically refractory epilepsy using dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) and graph indicators.

Methods

The time-varying connectivity patterns of dFC (state-based metrics) as well as topological properties of static functional connectivity (sFC) and dFC (graph indicators) were assessed before and after the intracranial electrical stimulation. The sliding window method andk-means clustering were used for the analysis of dFC states, which were characterized by connectivity strength, occupancy rate, dwell time, and transition. Graph indicators for sFC and dFC were obtained using group statistical tests.

Results

DFCs were clustered into two connectivity configurations: a strongly connected state (state 1) and a sparsely connected state (state 2). After electrical stimulation, the dwell time and occupancy rate of state 1 decreased, while that of state 2 increased. Connectivity strengths of both state 1 and state 2 decreased. For graph indicators, the clustering coefficient, k-core, global efficiency, and local efficiency of patients showed a significant decrease, but the brain networks of patients exhibited higher modularity after electrical stimulation. Especially, for state 1, there was a significant decrease in functional connectivity strength after stimulation within and between the frontal lobe and temporary lobe, both of which are associated with the seizure onset.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that intracranial electrical stimulation significantly changed the time-varying connectivity patterns and graph indicators of the brain in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Specifically, the electrical stimulation decreased functional connectivity strength in both local-level and global-level networks. This might provide a mechanism of understanding for the distributed network effects of intracranial electrical stimulation and extend the knowledge of the pathophysiological network of medically refractory epilepsy.
Validation of a debiasing addition to Analytical Hieratical Process tools to increase the effects of side-stream utilization and the choice of the filtration system in the European mussel aquaculture and processing industry
Authors: Schrøder Søren Espersen , San Martin David , Foti Giuseppe , Gutierrez Monica , Iñarra Chastagnol Bruno , Nielsen J. Rasmus , Larsen Erling
Published: December 2023

Introduction: New EU regulations for increased sustainability and better utilization of side-streams are pushing the European mussel farming and processing industry to adapt to new regulations regarding their wastewater production, which leads to incentives for optimizing methods for better utilization of this side-stream resource. In this study, one such European company is faced with a choice of a filtration system out of three possible options, to invest in and achieve the option with the best balance between economic gain and environmentally sound production.

Method: For this, a specialized Analytical Hieratical Processes (AHP) tool was utilized together with a supplementary Debias Your Decisions (DYD) tool to visualize the local best choice for the company.

Results: Based on the generated user weights from the company it was apparent that the user weights were biased towards certain criteria in the AHP tool, which meant that half of the tool’s criteria had greatly diminished influence on the tool’s scores. This brought into question the objectivity of the Performance index (Pi) score results from the AHP tool when the user weights were applied, since these Pi scores deviated significantly from the expert Pi scores. The supplement tool DYD was found to be able to identify the dominant decision biases influencing the user weights in the current case, which enabled the implementation of relevant debiasing techniques to correct for the overweighted user weights from the company. With these corrections and the case company’s input data, the optimum alternative suggested for the case company is membrane filtration based on the final Pi scores for all weight sets.

Discussion: This process and final debiased results further validated the AHP tools results as objectively grounded due to their convergence with the experts’ scoring results. This study also served as further validation for the new supplement DYD tool as the current sensitivity analysis showed the tool’s robustness to be high.
Co-implementation: collaborative and concurrent approaches to advance embedded implementation in the health sciences
Authors: Archibald Mandy M.
Published: December 2023

There is a global movement towards stakeholder engagement in healthcare research. This movement has been catalyzed by a need to create context relevant evidence of maximal utility to health service provision and policy. The concept of “co-implementation” has potential to inform and extend these discussions of partnership and to complement the growing literature on collaborative implementation. Attending to this concept may preempt conceptual confusion and provide opportunities for sustainable and context-responsive embedded research necessary for the strengthening of health systems. In this perspective article, I seek to advance the discussion of co-implementation through an examination of the concept and through consideration of it merits to the health sciences.
Identification of Key Factors Influencing Sound Insulation Performance of High-Speed Train Composite Floor Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Ruiqian , Yao Dan , Zhang Jie , Xiao Xinbiao , Xu Ziyan
Published: December 2023

The body of a high-speed train is a composite structure composed of different materials and structures. This makes the design of a noise-reduction scheme for a car body very complex. Therefore, it is important to clarify the key factors influencing sound insulation in the composite structure of a car body. This study uses machine learning to evaluate the key factors influencing the sound insulation performance of the composite floor of a high-speed train. First, a comprehensive feature database is constructed using sound insulation test results from a large number of samples obtained from laboratory acoustic measurements. Subsequently, a machine learning model for predicting the sound insulation of a composite floor is developed based on the random forest method. The model is used to analyze the sound insulation contributions of different materials and structures to the composite floor. Finally, the key factors influencing the sound insulation performance of composite floors are identified. The results indicate that, when all material characteristics are considered, the sound insulation and surface density of the aluminum profiles and the sound insulation of the interior panels are the three most important factors affecting the sound insulation of the composite floor. Their contributions are 8.5%, 7.3%, and 6.9%, respectively. If only the influence of the core material is considered, the sound insulation contribution of layer 1 exceeds 15% in most frequency bands, particularly at 250 and 500 Hz. The damping slurry contributed to 20% of the total sound insulation above 1000 Hz. The results of this study can provide a reference for the acoustic design of composite structures.
A System Dynamics-Based Interactive Learning Environment for Online Formative (Self-)Assessment of Wanna-Be Entrepreneurs’ Performance Management Capabilities
Authors: Ceresia Francesco
Published: December 2023

Background: Many scholars emphasize the way in which sustained organizational development requires a shift in focus from the individual traits of the entrepreneur to the building of an organization that utilizes the collective contributions of its employees. To achieve this, entrepreneurs must adopt the role of a facilitator and empower their employees to perform at their best. There are numerous factors that influence one’s decision to pursue a career in entrepreneurship, such as the beliefs and desires that individuals possess. Entrepreneurs possess diverse self-perceptions, and this plays a crucial role in their motivation to start a new business. Studies on entrepreneurial self-perception examine the elements, such as personal identity and capabilities—particularly the ability to effectively manage company drivers—which ultimately shape one’s decision to embark on a new venture. Launching a startup is not merely an act; rather, it represents a substantial reflection of an individual’s self-concept and identity. Consequently, an individual’s perceived social identity has a substantial influence on their choice to pursue entrepreneurship, as they view the venture as an extension of themselves. Methods: An online interactive learning environment (ILE) designed to assess the performance management capabilities of wanna-be entrepreneurs, in accordance with the formative assessment paradigm, has been developed. Results: The procedures for carrying out the formative (self-) assessment of wanna-be entrepreneurs’ performance management capabilities will be detailed. Two concrete assessment cases, with the aim of making clearer what kind of outcomes the ILE can generate, will be presented. Conclusions: The ILE could contribute in the encouragement of wanna-be entrepreneurs to participate in entrepreneurship educational programs.
Region and Crop Type Influenced Fungal Diversity and Community Structure in Agricultural Areas in Qinghai Province
Authors: Zhou Lianyu , Ma Xuelan , Wang Longrui , Sun Wenjuan , Liu Yu , Ma Yun , Xie Huichun , Qiao Feng
Published: December 2023

The differences in soil fungal communities in four agricultural areas growing wheat (Triticum aestivum), rapeseed (Brassica napus), and barley (Hordeum vulgare) in the Qinghai Province, namely the Dulan (DL), Gonghe (GH), Huzhu (HZ), and Datong (DT) counties, were investigated using high-throughput sequencing. The region showed highly significant effects on soil pH, organic matter, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total phosphate, effective phosphate, total sulfur, and effective sulfur (p < 0.01). The crop type resulted in highly significant (p < 0.01) variations in total phosphate and effective phosphate. Principal coordinates analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling revealed significant differences in soil fungal diversity and fungal community composition in the soils of three crops or four regions (p < 0.05). Although the soils of the four regions or three crops had similar dominant phyla, classes, and genera, these taxa differed in terms of their relative abundance. Four, 12, 15, and 16 biomarkers with significant linear discriminant analysis effect sizes were identified in the HZ, DL, GH, and DT groups, respectively. A total of 36, 12, and eight significant biomarkers were observed in the wheat, rapeseed, and barley soils, respectively. In addition, altitude and soil physicochemical properties had significant relationships with fungal diversity and community composition (p < 0.05, p < 0.01).
Effect of Some Herbicides on Primary Photosynthesis in Malva moschata as a Prospective Plant for Agricultural Grass Mixtures
Authors: Lang Jaroslav , Barták Miloš , Váczi Peter , Hájek Josef
Published: December 2023

Musk mallow (Malva moschata) is a perennial European plant that grows in pastures and grass mixtures. M. moschata is a medicinal plant with a high content of polysaccharides, flavonoids, and other biologically active compounds. The sensitivity of the species to herbicides is, however, generally unknown. In our study, we investigated the effects of three herbicides with different active compounds: (1) Propaquizafop (PPQ), (2) Clopyralid (CPR), (3) Metamitron+Quinmerac (MMQ) on primary photosynthetic processes of M. moschata plants cultivated in two different temperatures (12 and 18 °C). Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of absorbed light energy by chlorophyll molecules and the parameters derived from fast chlorophyll fluorescence transient (OJIP) were evaluated before and then 1, 2, 5, 24, and 48 h after the herbicides application. Among the herbicides, only MMQ negatively affected the functioning of photosystem II (PSII). The effect, however, was reversible, and the plants reached pre-application values after 48 h. No herbicide-induced changes in NPQ were found over the time after the application. The majority of the OJIP-derived chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were found to be temperature-sensitive. The herbicides tested in our study may be ranked among those with only limited effects on primary photosynthetic processes in PSII. While the application of PPQ and CPR did not bring any negative effects on the functioning of PSII, MMQ application induced a decrease in the potential quantum yield of PSII (FV/FM) and activation of protective mechanisms, increased heat dissipation in particular. These changes, however, were fully alleviated 48 h after MMQ application.