bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological and Pedagogical Aspects of Adaptation of Students Who Received Temporary Shelter to the Educational Environment of Another Country
Authors: Ishchenko Yevhenii , Rusnak Alexander , Artemov Volodymyr , Syniavskyi Petro , Soroka Iryna
Published: January 2024

The study focuses on determining the features of social and psychological adaptation of students who have experienced changes in the ethno-cultural and ethno-political environment because of forced migration because of the hostilities in Ukraine. The research involved questionnaire method, method of monitoring student satisfaction and indexing the level of adaptation to learning. The results were processed using Pearson correlation coefficient, Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The psychological and pedagogical aspect of satisfaction was studied based on the level of student satisfaction with the educational environment of the higher education institution (HEI). The study found that the overall level of student satisfaction is 75%. The quality of teaching and the favourable environment for learning and personal development are rated high, 80%. It was found that communication and interaction with fellow students is rated lower, 55%. The organization of the educational process and the schedule meet the students’ needs at 65%.
Gastrite e duodenite linfoplasmocíticas em cão: Relato de caso
Authors: Oliveira Caroline Rodrigues de , Volkweis Fabiana Sperb
Published: January 2024

A doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) ou enteropatia inflamatória crônica em cães, é  caracterizada por alterações inflamatórias crônicas do trato grastrointestinal, das quais possuem etiologia multifatorial e difícil diagnóstico. Entre as principais causas da DII estão a predisposição genética, disbiose, aumento da permeabilidade intestinal e fatores ambientais. Os sinais clínicos são inespecíficos, recorrentes ou persistentes, incluindo vômitos, diarreia, perda de peso e alteração do apetite, por um período superior a três semanas. O diagnóstico costuma ser feito a partir da exclusão de patologias diferenciais, através da anamnese e exames complementares. O tratamento é baseado na modificação da dieta, utilização de corticosteroides, imunossupressores, antibióticos, além de terapia de suporte com nutracêuticos e tratamentos alternativos. O prognóstico da doença é variável, a depender do tipo de enteropatia e sua severidade. Este estudo tem como objetivo relatar o processo de investigação clínica, acerca de um caso de gastrite hiperplásica e duodenite erosiva linfoplasmocíticas, apresentadas em um canino, macho, da raça Dachshund, de 7 anos, com histórico de diarreia crônica e vômitos biliosos esporádicos. A metodologia utilizada no presente artigo refere-se a um estudo observacional descritivo do tipo relato de caso. Dessa forma, expõe a investigação dos sinais clínicos, onde foram descartados diagnósticos diferenciais, sugerindo-se o diagnóstico, tratamento e prognóstico pertinentes para doença inflamatória intestinal. Até o momento, o animal permanece em tratamento e estabilizado.
Comparação da eficácia diagnóstica entre teste da urease e histopatológico na infecção pelo H. pylori
Authors: Santos Jéssica Seibert dos , Aguiar Natália Rocha de
Published: January 2024

A infecção por H. pylori é globalmente prevalente, variando conforme a idade, localização geográfica e status socioeconômico. No Brasil, estima-se que afete cerca de 70% da população, aumentando com a idade e sendo menor na população branca, independente do sexo. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os resultados de exames histopatológicos e de urease em pacientes, destacando uma positividade superior no primeiro (42%) em relação a estudos anteriores. A análise das faixas etárias revelou uma maior prevalência de H. pylori positivo em pacientes entre 30-39 anos, diferindo de outros estudos. Quanto ao gênero, observou-se uma incidência maior no masculino (47%), similar a estudos prévios. Sintomas dispépticos foram observados em 48% dos pacientes, mas não correlacionados diretamente com a positividade para H. pylori. Em relação a variáveis clínicas, a maioria dos pacientes não tinha alergias medicamentosas (76%) ou comorbidades significativas, sendo que dentre os que possuíam comorbidades, a hipertensão arterial sistêmica a mais prevalente (73,7%). Os testes clínicos, especialmente a urease e histopatologia, foram comparados, mostrando resultados semelhantes, embora o teste da urease tenha sido sugerido como útil para descartar a infecção quando negativo. Conclui-se que a combinação de ambos os métodos pode ser benéfica. Este estudo contribui para a compreensão da prevalência de H. pylori, destacando a importância da avaliação conjunta de testes diagnósticos e a necessidade de mais pesquisas sobre correlações com variáveis clínicas específicas.
Breast Tuberculosis: Case report and review literature
Authors: Jucá Neto José de Ribamar Barroso , Oliveira David Evangelista Barros de , Costa Felipe Rabelo , Brasil Lívia Fontelles , Machado Olga Oliveira , Martins Sara dos Santos , Boscov Vitor Teixeira , Sousa Yasmim Cavalcante
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Extrapulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis are well documented, however breast tuberculosis is a rare site of involvement, as it represents 0.1% of breast diseases in developed countries and 3%-4% in endemic countries. Methodology: The present study refers to a case report of Breast Tuberculosis and a literature review carried out in the PUBMED database with the keywords “Breast Tuberculosis” and “Young Adult” in the last 10 years. Case Report: A 32-year-old female patient complained of painful nodules in her right breast, in addition to the growth of axillary lymph nodes, associated with constitutional symptoms. Afterwards, a histopathological puncture of the lesion was requested, which showed the presence of active tuberculosis, and a regimen was initiated. of standard antibiotic therapy. Discussion: Breast tissue is extremely resistant to the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, however these characteristics can change physiologically. The clinical presentation is not very specific with the possibility of breast nodulation being painful or painless, with fistulation or retraction of the breast and formation of a local abscess. Therefore, the gold standard for diagnosis is Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), which can be associated with additional tests. The basis of treatment for breast tuberculosis is antibiotic therapy, with emphasis on ethambutol, pyrazinamide, rifampicin and isoniazid. Conclusion: Breast tuberculosis is one of the differential diagnoses of breast nodulations, with investigation by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) in addition to other tests that assist in clinical reasoning that leads to appropriate therapy.
Inovasi produk rotan serta peningkatan skill digital marketing berbasis e-commerce dan media sosial dalam menunjang local pride
Authors: Suryanatha Ida Bagus , Ningrum Windi Susetyo , Ahriyati  , Hapsari Ivana , Ryamizardin Dwiky
Published: January 2024

Artikel ini membahas secara komprehensif penggunaan teknologi yang dapat membantu masyarakat khususnya di Desa Rantau Asem untuk mengembangkan pemasaran produk lokal rotan. Sebagaimana yang terjadi saat ini, distingsi antara inovasi produk antara inovasi produk dan kualitas sumber daya manusia menjadikan permasalahan utama yang dikaji dalam penulisan ini. Metode pada penulisan ini menggunakan metode PAR (Participatory Action Research) dan teknik pengumpulan datanya adalah FGD (Focus Group Discussion). Hasil dalam penulisan ini menjelaskan pengembangan inovasi produk dibutuhkan oleh masyarakat Desa untuk keberlangsungan kearifan lokal. Selain itu, edukasi mengenai pemasaran berbasis digital (digital marketing) menjadi salah satu fokus penguatan kapasistas masyarakat Desa Rantau Asem agar produk rotannya mampu bersaing mengikuti selera konsumen dan meningkatkan taraf ekonomi masyarakat Desa. Oleh karenanya, peningkatan skill sumber daya manusia dengan tujuan budidaya kearifan lokal yang dikombinasikan dengan penggunaan teknologi menjadi terobosan untuk memberikan banyaknya referensi baru kepada masyarakat Desa Rantau Asem, terutama dikarenakan melimpahnya kearifan lokal yaitu rotan yang secara garis besar pembahasan kasusnya karena belum mempunyai inovasi produk rotan dan cara memasarkannya sesuai dengan perkembangan trend dan kebutuhan dari pasar di masyarakat kota.
Strategi pengembangan desa wisata dengan pendekatan tourism digital marketing
Authors: Ilyas Taufiq Rahman , Deka Rio Era , Batau Mohamed Fajil Abdul , Ismail Mohd Faiz bin , Chanafi Ainul
Published: January 2024

Desa wisata ngadas merupakan salah satu destinasi wisata yang menarik untuk dikunjungi di Jawa Timur khususnya Kabupaten Malang. Fenomena Gunung Bromo dan keunikan budaya lokal masyarakat suku tengger menjadi daya tarik tersendiri bagi para wisatawan domestik ataupun mancanegara. Maraknya vlogger tourism diberbagai konten media sosial membuat destinasi wisata desa ngadas menjadi semakin populer dikalangan masyarakat. Namun demikian percepatan teknologi terkadang kurang begitu selaras dengan adaptasi dan penguasan oleh beberapa kalangan khususnya masyarakat yang tidak mau mengikuti perkembangan zaman. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut dan strategi dalam pengembangan desa wisata ngadas maka terdapat beberapa langkah stategis yaitu pelatihan tourism digital marketing, pengadaptasian teknologi informasi, dan pemaksimalan teknologi informasi. Dari ketiga langkah strategis tersebut diharapkan mampu menjadi metode jitu dalam pengembangan desa wisata Ngadas Kabupaten Malang.
Pengembangan Kawasan Berkarakter Urban Crack melalui Desain Pasar Tematik Berbasis Material Daur Ulang Kain di Ciakar, Tangerang
Authors: Wicaksono Emanuel Agung , Winnerdy Fernisia Richtia , Prayangga Angeline Sie
Published: January 2024

Ciakar Village, located in Panongan sub-district, Tangerang Regency, Banten, experienced significant physical spatial development, namely land use change from agriculture to settlements. The phenomenon of urban crack emerged as a result of this development. Urban crack refers to a narrow area hidden behind a prosperous and once thriving area that no longer has energy and is intrinsically characterized by emptiness. Urban crack in Ciakar village is triggered by the gated community system in the housing clusters that flank the site, resulting in street space that tends to be unmanaged and neglected which is then utilized wildly for plantations, kiosks, garbage disposal areas because there is no control and supervision.

 The Ciakar village government plans to activate and revitalize this area by injecting a thematic market function that is expected to improve the quality of urban space as well as become an economic space for informal communities in improving their standard of living. The concept of a thematic market that combines culinary areas, shopping tours, educational tours, community activities by promoting local wisdom in the form of a park that can be built at an affordable cost. PKM UPH team contributed to propose the design of this thematic market.  In the design process, there are two scales of design. Micro-scale design produces affordable building materials by utilizing fabric-based recycled materials with experimental methods to produce prototypes. The macro-scale design produces architectural design ideas for the thematic market by considering the existing context. In this study, the team used qualitative research methods. Data were collected from activities: field observations and Forum Group Discussions (FGDs) involving Ciakar Village government officials and community members. The design method used was a participatory design approach.
Integrasi Bioenergi dalam Desain Taman Kota
Authors: Novianti Yenny , Olivia Sisca , Muliana Erna
Published: January 2024

Bioenergy is a renewable energy source that can be renewed naturally and has a good environmental impact on air quality in urban environments. Urban parks have the potential to integrate bioenergy into an urban context. Design environmentally friendly city parks to be able to produce bioenergy, so that public spaces can double as both open recreation spaces and sources of green energy. The air condition in Lhokseumawe City experiences CO2 pollution and high air temperatures. The aim is to implement bioenergy in gardens through application to plants and trees. Climate change is characterized by extreme rainfall and temperatures. Apart from that, the depletion of the ozone layer is the impact of global warming which is indicated by high air temperatures a global issue. In essence, climate change occurs in all cities. Apart from that, rapid urban development is the influence of the activity and density of the city center which triggers an increase in global warnings and has an impact on thermal comfort. good air quality and thermal conditions in outdoor spaces in urban areas are difficult to find. The presence of public space plays a role as a green open space and a source of green energy and renewable energy and can increase absorption areas. However, the existence of environmentally friendly green open spaces that are capable of reducing global warming cannot be integrated with bioenergy, which is still less familiar and not yet optimal for application, so it is the basic fundamental phenomenon in this research. This research aims to identify thermal quality (CO2, temperature, and wind speed); identify softcape elements, namely plants in RTH, and contribute through integration with the bioenergy approach in RTH as a solution to reduce global warming, especially CO2. This type of research is descriptive using a quantitative approach. The research results show that CO2 levels have exceeded the threshold, resulting in air pollution with high air temperatures. This condition has a very negative impact on the survival of an urban environmental climate. The presence of plant elements as softcap elements has yet to be fulfilled, so certain plants are needed as a solution in producing bioenergy applications.
Efisiensi Energi Berkelanjutan: Strategi Desain dan Perhitungan Optimalisasi Efisiensi Energi pada Selubung Bangunan
Authors: Nasution Aulia Muflih , Moerni Saufa Yardha , Rambe Yunita Syafitri
Published: January 2024

Global warming is an increase in the temperature of the Earth's surface over the last few decades. Building energy consumption is the number two contributor to global warming. About 5-13% of the energy consumed during construction and the remaining 87-95% occur during the lifetime of a building, mainly for heating, cooling, and lighting purposes. This requires the selection of building materials that are certified green or environmentally friendly to help reduce energy consumption. The aim of this study is to evaluate the energy efficiency of a variety of designs of the building cover best in the glass protector as a building wall material. The research method uses comparative research that involves comparing energy efficiency between 4 different designs and materials with the calculation of OTTV on the facade of the building. Overal Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) is a design parameter used to measure the level of energy efficiency of a building in reducing the heat from sunlight entering through walls and roofs. The results of the study showed massive walls with a 0.8 m high parapet and 1.2 m sharpening (Aluminum 4 mm with semi-flash white paint + 30 mm airspace + 150 mm precast concrete), along with window walls using the Stopray Vision 52 T (8 mm (#2) +12 mm Anti-Shatter+6 mm Clear Glass) and horizontal shading as high as 0.4 m, as well as openings with a configuration of 8 mm (No2) + 12 mm anti-shatter + 6 mm Clear glass, showing that the Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) reached its peak with a 29% decrease from the standard value. It states the combination of these elements provides optimal thermal performance, minimizing overall heat transfer.
Expansion of Proteome-wide Coxiella burnetii Comparative T-cell Epitope Prediction to Include Small Ruminant Hosts
Authors: Grossman Paige C. , Schneider David A. , Kirkpatrick Robert , White Stephen N. , Piel Lindsay M.W.
Published: January 2024

Background: Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever, a human disease that can be acquired from livestock. Diseases caused by this organism have caused great losses in livestock and human health. No vaccine is approved for use in the United States, and formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccines pose a significant manufacturing risk for biocontainment. A subunit vaccine using recombinant peptides from C. burnetii would be safer and less resource-intensive to produce. This study used reverse vaccinology to expand our prediction sets of T-cell epitopes for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I and II alleles of cattle, sheep, and goats. Thereafter, the present results were compared with those from our previous prediction sets for mice and humans.

Results: Small ruminant breed representation for the United States was ensured by querying whole genome sequences on the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Consequently, twenty-two sheep MHC Class I, seventeen goat MHC Class I, and one goat MHC Class II alleles were added to the analyses, resulting in a total of fifty-six sheep MHC Class I, eighteen goat MHC Class II, and twenty-seven goat MHC Class II alleles. Predicted interactions of C. burnetii proteome-derived peptides with each MHC allele were categorized as strong, weak, or non-binding based on bioinformatic scores. Interspecies comparisons resulted in 256 peptides of interest for MHC Class II presentation and 766 peptides of interest for MHC Class I presentation. Of these, 51 peptides were predicted to bind with both classes of MHC alleles, of which 33 were newly identified.

Conclusion: The high scoring T-cell epitope predictions identified in this study provide grounds for prioritizing subunit candidates to further develop a safe and perhaps broadly effective C. burnetii vaccine.
Species-specific roles of the Notch ligands, receptors, and targets orchestrating the signaling landscape of the segmentation clock
Authors: Ramesh Pranav S. , Chu Li-Fang
Published: January 2024

Somitogenesis is a hallmark feature of all vertebrates and some invertebrate species that involves the periodic formation of block-like structures called somites. Somites are transient embryonic segments that eventually establish the entire vertebral column. A highly conserved molecular oscillator called the segmentation clock underlies this periodic event and the pace of this clock regulates the pace of somite formation. Although conserved signaling pathways govern the clock in most vertebrates, the mechanisms underlying the species-specific divergence in various clock characteristics remain elusive. For example, the segmentation clock in classical model species such as zebrafish, chick, and mouse embryos tick with a periodicity of ∼30, ∼90, and ∼120 min respectively. This enables them to form the species-specific number of vertebrae during their overall timespan of somitogenesis. Here, we perform a systematic review of the species-specific features of the segmentation clock with a keen focus on mouse embryos. We perform this review using three different perspectives: Notch-responsive clock genes, ligand-receptor dynamics, and synchronization between neighboring oscillators. We further review reports that use non-classical model organisms and in vitro model systems that complement our current understanding of the segmentation clock. Our review highlights the importance of comparative developmental biology to further our understanding of this essential developmental process.
Differential effects of location and object overlap on new learning
Authors: Chaloupka Benjamin , Zeithamova Dagmar
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Overlap with prior experience facilitates learning in some cases while hindering it in others. As facilitation and interference are typically studied in separate lines of research, using distinct paradigms, it is unclear what key factors drive the opposing behavioral outcomes.

Methods

In two experiments, we tested whether both effects can be observed within a single task, depending on what overlaps between experiences. Participants completed a novel task in which they learned a grid of object-location associations, followed by a second grid that overlapped with the first in locations and/or objects. We hypothesized that overlap of locations would serve as a spatial schema, facilitating new learning, while overlap of objects would create interference.

Results

In line with our hypothesis, we found that location overlap facilitated learning of the second grid, while object overlap hindered learning of the second grid. We replicated these findings in a second experiment, additionally showing that both effects remain largely stable across two distinct grid shapes.

Discussion

These results demonstrate that the effect of overlap can be manipulated within a single task, pinpointing one factor that determines the direction of the effect and highlighting the differential roles of “what” and “where” in the organization of memory.
Queen of the Andes: the ecology and conservation of Puya raimondii
Authors: Fortier Riley P.
Published: January 2024

Puya raimondii is the world’s largest bromeliad and a prime example of a “charismatic megaflora”. Indeed, its grand stature and remarkable once-in-a-lifetime flowering event have earned it the name “Queen of the Andes”. Like many Puya species, it is one of the only large-statured plants in high Andean puna ecosystems and an important structural and ecological component throughout its native range, providing food and shelter to a variety of animals. However, its future is threatened by anthropogenic stressors such as climate change and land use. In this article, I provide a review of its life history, ecology, and the most important threats to the plant, including climate change and land use. Despite its importance, status as endangered, and the urgency of its threats, little is being done to forecast its future and protect its scattered populations. I finally call for its conservation through in- and ex-situ initiatives and argue that future intervention will be necessary to ensure its survival.
Students’ technological skills and attitudes toward HyFlex learning: the mediating role of online self-regulated learning, blended learning perception, and preferred learning modes
Authors: Amiruddin Amiruddin , Sunardi Sunardi , Setialaksana Wirawan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

HyFlex learning has been used and researched in colleges in developing countries. The main challenges in HyFlex adaptation in college are technology related variables. However, the investigations about HyFlex and the factors affect it were limited.

Methods

The current study aims to explore student technological skills effect on their attitudes toward HyFlex learning using 738 Indonesian college students. The mediating role of online self-regulated learning (SRL), perceptions on blended learning, and student’s preferred learning modes were also investigated. The relationship between variables were analyzed using structural equation modelling with partial least square parameter estimations (PLS-SEM).

Results

Results of structural equation modeling analysis show that student technological skills have significant effect on their attitude toward HyFlex learning. Mediation analysis revealed that student technological skills have indirect significant effect on their attitude toward HyFlex learning, i.e., online self-regulated learning, perceptions on blended learning, and online asynchronous and face to face learning preference partially mediated the effect of student technological skills on their attitude toward HyFlex learning. PLS-SEM conducted also shows that student technological skills have direct effect on their online self-regulated learning and perceptions on blended learning. Online self-regulated learning and perceptions on blended learning were also shown to have direct effect on student’s attitude toward HyFlex learning.

Discussion

By comprehending the factors that influence student attitudes towards HyFlex learning, educators and policymakers can endeavor to create a more conducive environment that enhances students’ motivation and engagement in this flexible learning approach.
Endocrine and metabolic factors and the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiang Yan , Chen Rumeng , Xu Shuling , Ding Yining , Zhang Mengling , Bao Meihua , He Binsheng , Li Sen
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous observational studies have investigated the association between endocrine and metabolic factors and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), yet have produced inconsistent results. Therefore, it is imperative to employ the Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method to conduct a more comprehensive investigation into the impact of endocrine and metabolic factors on IPF.

Methods

The instrumental variables (IVs) for 53 endocrine and metabolic factors were sourced from publicly accessible genome-wide association study (GWAS) databases, with GWAS summary statistics pertaining to IPF employed as the dependent variables. Causal inference analysis encompassed the utilization of three methods: inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger. Sensitivity analysis incorporated the implementation of MR-PRESSO and leave-one-out techniques to identify potential pleiotropy and outliers. The presence of horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity was evaluated through the MR-Egger intercept and Cochran’s Q statistic, respectively.

Results

The IVW method results reveal correlations between 11 traits and IPF. After correcting for multiple comparisons, seven traits remain statistically significant. These factors include: “Weight” (OR= 1.44; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.78; P=8.71×10-4), “Body mass index (BMI)” (OR= 1.35; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.62; P=1×10-3), “Whole body fat mass” (OR= 1.40; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.74; P=1.72×10-3), “Waist circumference (WC)” (OR= 1.54; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.05; P=3.08×10-3), “Trunk fat mass (TFM)” (OR=1.35; 95% CI: 1.10,1.65; P=3.45×10-3), “Body fat percentage (BFP)” (OR= 1.55; 95% CI: 1.15,2.08; P=3.86×10-3), “Apoliprotein B (ApoB)” (OR= 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65,0.93; P=5.47×10-3). Additionally, the sensitivity analysis results confirmed the reliability of the MR results.

Conclusion

The present study identified causal relationships between seven traits and IPF. Specifically, ApoB exhibited a negative impact on IPF, while the remaining six factors demonstrated a positive impact. These findings offer novel insights into the underlying etiopathological mechanisms associated with IPF.
A family case report of parathyroid carcinoma associated with CDC73 mutation in hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome
Authors: Gu Yian , Ye Yuanyuan , Shu Hua , Chang Lina , Xie Yinghui , Li Fengao , Zhu Tiehong , Liu Ming , He Qing
Published: January 2024

Background

Hereditary primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) accounts for 5-10% of all PHPT cases, necessitating genetic testing for diagnosis and management. Among these, hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by CDC73 mutations with variable clinical presentations and incomplete symptoms.

Case summary

The proband, diagnosed with PHPT, underwent parathyroidectomy at the age of 41 with pathological examination of parathyroid carcinoma (PC). Hereditary PHPT was initially suspected due to the early-onset PHPT and family history. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous CDC73 mutation, NM_024529.4: c. 687_688delAG (p. Arg229Serfs*37). Even in the absence of jaw tumors, the diagnosis of HPT-JT was confirmed based on the discovery of renal cysts. A secondary thyroidectomy was performed to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

Genetic testing is strongly recommended in cases of early-onset PHPT, family history, jaw tumors, renal and uterine involvement, atypical parathyroid tumors, and PC. This testing provides valuable information for personalized management, and counseling is available for affected families.
Relationship between bisphenol A and autoimmune thyroid disease in women of childbearing age
Authors: Yuan Ning , Sun Jianbin , Zhao Xin , Li Wei
Published: January 2024

Background

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is the main cause of hypothyroidism in women of childbearing age. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental factor affecting AITD. This study aims to investigate relationship between BPA and AITD in women of childbearing age, thereby contributing novel evidence for the prevention of hypothyroidism in this specific demographic.

Methods

A total of 155 women of childbearing age were enrolled in this study, including the euthyroid group comprised 60 women with euthyroidism and thyroid autoantibodies negativity and the AITD group consisted of 95 women with euthyroidism and at least one thyroid autoantibody positivity. The general information, thyroid function, thyroid autoantibodies, and thyroid ultrasound results of the two groups of women of childbearing age were recorded. Urinary BPA and urinary BPA/creatinine were detected. The difference of BPA levels between the two groups was compared. logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between BPA and AITD.

Results

The proportion of multiparous and serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels were significantly higher in the AITD group compared to the euthyroid group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that BPA levels did not exhibit a statistically significant association with AITD. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between BPA and urinary iodine levels (r=0.30, P < 0.05), as well as a correlation between urinary BPA and free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) levels (r=0.29, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study revealed a correlation between urinary BPA levels and FT4 levels. However, it did not establish a relationship between BPA and AITD in women of childbearing age.
Industrial and agricultural land uses affected the water quality and shaped the bacterial communities in the inflow rivers of Taihu Lake
Authors: Liu Shuang , Lu Jing , Adriaenssens Evelien M. , Wang Jianjun , McCarthy Alan J. , Sekar Raju
Published: January 2024

Taihu Lake is the third-largest freshwater lake in China and is vital as a drinking water source, as well as for irrigation water, flood control, and other functions. Taihu Lake is connected to many inflow rivers, which contribute to the water resource but also to its pollution. Investigating the correlation between water quality, bacterial community structure, and land-use types is essential for pollution control. Yet, few studies have been conducted on all the major inflow rivers of Taihu Lake. This study aimed to assess the bacterial community composition of major inflow rivers of the lake and determine the relationship between the bacterial community, water quality, and land-use. Water samples were collected from ten inflow rivers across four seasons in 2019–2020. DNA extracted from the samples was used for 16S rRNA gene-targeted next-generation sequencing to determine the bacterial community structures. Thirteen physicochemical and microbiological parameters were used to assess the water quality, and the land-use pattern surrounding each sampling location was also profiled. The bacterial community composition demonstrated significant seasonal variation. In summer, the community variation was correlated with chlorophyll a, pH, and phosphate-P, and electric conductivity, nitrate-N, and ammonium-N in winter. Rivers in the northwest were more nutrient-rich than those in the southwest. The industrial, residential, and agricultural land-use categories correlated strongly with the bacterial community composition and water nutrient parameters. Accordingly, farmland drainage, untreated domestic wastewater, and industrial pollution were identified as the major objectives for more effective water quality management in the region.
Coordinated development of rural ecological construction and carbon neutrality: a deep learning approach for enhanced sustainability
Authors: Li Tong , Feng LiangXing
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In recent years, the world has faced increasingly severe climate change and ecological environmental problems. As an important part of the ecological system, rural areas also face many challenges. Rural ecological construction and carbon neutrality, as a solution, have attracted widespread attention. However, achieving the coordinated development of rural ecological construction and carbon neutrality requires more in-depth research and effective methods.

Methods

This study aims to explore how to promote the coordinated development of rural ecological construction and carbon neutrality through the combination of a Transformer-RNN model and cross-attention mechanism. We propose a deep learning framework that combines the parallelism and global dependency capturing capabilities of the Transformer model with the temporal information handling capabilities of the RNN model. By integrating these two models, we leverage their respective strengths to improve the performance of the model. Furthermore, we introduce a cross-attention mechanism that enables the model to simultaneously focus on the relationship between rural ecological construction and carbon neutrality. Through cross-attention, the model accurately captures the impact of rural ecological construction measures on carbon neutrality and the feedback effect of carbon neutrality on the rural ecological environment. In our experiments, we collected relevant data on rural ecological construction and carbon neutrality, including environmental indicators, socio-economic factors, land use patterns, energy consumption, and carbon emissions.

Results and discussion

We preprocess the data and train the combined Transformer-RNN model with the cross-attention mechanism. The trained model demonstrates promising results in capturing the complex dependencies and relationships between rural ecological construction and carbon neutrality. The significance of this study lies in deepening the understanding of the coordinated development relationship between rural ecological construction and carbon neutrality and providing a novel deep learning-based method to solve related problems. By introducing the Transformer-RNN model with a cross-attention mechanism, we provide decision-makers with more scientific and accurate decision support, promoting the improvement of the rural ecological environment and the achievement of carbon neutrality goals.
The impact of pulmonary artery to ascending aorta diameter ratio progression on the prognosis of NSCLC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Gong Bingxin , Li Yi , Guo Yusheng , Wang Jing , Liu Weiwei , Zhou Guofeng , Song Jiyu , Pan Feng , Yang Lian , Liang Bo
Published: January 2024

Background

Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), is a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. Studies have reported that the use of ICIs is associated with an increase in the pulmonary artery to ascending aorta diameter (PAD/AoD) ratio. However, the impact of PAD/AoD ratio progression on the prognosis of patients is unclear.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with stage III or IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with ICIs at the Wuhan Union Hospital between March 1, 2020, and September 1, 2022. The baseline and post-treatment PAD/AoD ratios of patients were evaluated through chest CT scans. The primary outcome of this study was overall survival (OS), while the secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR).

Results

The PAD/AoD ratio increased after the initiation of ICIs (from 0.75 to 0.78; P < 0.001). A total of 441 patients were divided into severe group (n=221) and non-severe group (n=220) according to the median increase of PAD/AoD ratio (1.06). Compared with the non-severe group, the severe group had a lower DCR (87.8% vs. 96.0%, P = 0.005) and ORR (87.5% vs. 96.0%, P = 0.063). Over the entire duration of follow-up (median 22.0 months), 85 (38.5%) patients in the severe group and 30 (7.3%) patients in the non-severe group died. An increased PAD/AoD ratio was associated with shorter PFS (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.48 [95% CI, 1.14 to 1.93]; P = 0.003) and OS (HR: 3.50 [95% CI, 2.30 to 5.30]; P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained across subgroups.

Conclusions

ICI treatment exacerbates an increase in the PAD/AoD ratio in patients with cancer, and greater increase in the PAD/AoD ratio was associated with a worse prognosis. PAD/AoD ratio could be a biomarker to stratify prognosis of NSCLC patients treated with ICIs.
Monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages are key drivers of smoke-induced lung inflammation and tissue remodeling
Authors: Wohnhaas Christian T. , Baßler Kevin , Watson Carolin K. , Shen Yang , Leparc Germán G. , Tilp Cornelia , Heinemann Fabian , Kind David , Stierstorfer Birgit , Delić Denis , Brunner Thomas , Gantner Florian , Schultze Joachim L. , Viollet Coralie , Baum Patrick
Published: January 2024

Smoking is a leading risk factor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), that is characterized by chronic lung inflammation, tissue remodeling and emphysema. Although inflammation is critical to COPD pathogenesis, the cellular and molecular basis underlying smoking-induced lung inflammation and pathology remains unclear. Using murine smoke models and single-cell RNA-sequencing, we show that smoking establishes a self-amplifying inflammatory loop characterized by an influx of molecularly heterogeneous neutrophil subsets and excessive recruitment of monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages (MoAM). In contrast to tissue-resident AM, MoAM are absent in homeostasis and characterized by a pro-inflammatory gene signature. Moreover, MoAM represent 46% of AM in emphysematous mice and express markers causally linked to emphysema. We also demonstrate the presence of pro-inflammatory and tissue remodeling associated MoAM orthologs in humans that are significantly increased in emphysematous COPD patients. Inhibition of the IRAK4 kinase depletes a rare inflammatory neutrophil subset, diminishes MoAM recruitment, and alleviates inflammation in the lung of cigarette smoke-exposed mice. This study extends our understanding of the molecular signaling circuits and cellular dynamics in smoking-induced lung inflammation and pathology, highlights the functional consequence of monocyte and neutrophil recruitment, identifies MoAM as key drivers of the inflammatory process, and supports their contribution to pathological tissue remodeling.
Quantitative assessment of retinal vasculature changes in systemic lupus erythematosus using wide-field OCTA and the correlation with disease activity
Authors: Meng Lihui , Chen Lulu , Zhang Chenxi , Chen Huan , Yang Jingyuan , Wang Yuelin , Zhang Wenfei , Cheng Shiyu , Zhao Qing , Zhao Xinyu , Chen Youxin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To assess the retinal vasculature changes quantitatively using wide-field optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and explore its correlation with systemic clinical features.

Design

Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study.

Participants and controls

Patients with SLE who presented to the Ophthalmology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2022 to April 2023 were collected. The subjects were divided into retinopathy and without retinopathy groups. Age and gender-matched healthy subjects were selected as controls.

Methods

Patients with SLE and control subjects were imaged with 24×20 mm OCTA scans centered on the fovea and 6×6 mm OCTA scans centered on the optic disc. The sub-layers of OCTA images were stratified by the built-in software of the device and then the retinal thickness and vessel density were measured automatically. The characteristics of retinal OCTA parameters of SLE and its correlation with systemic clinical indicators of patients without retinopathy were analyzed.

Main outcome measures

OCTA parameters, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and systemic clinical indicators of patients such as disease activity index, autoimmune antibodies, and inflammatory marker levels were collected.

Results

A total of 102 SLE patients were included, 24 of which had retinopathy, and 78 had unaffected retina. Wide-field OCTA could effectively detect retinal vascular obstruction, non-perfusion area, and morphological abnormalities in patients with lupus retinopathy. SLE patients without retinopathy had significantly higher retinal superficial vessel density (SVD) in foveal (P=0.02), para-foveal temporal (P=0.01), nasal (P=0.01), peripheral foveal temporal (P=0.02), and inferior areas (P=0.02), as well as subregion temporal (P=0.01) and inferior areas (P=0.03) when compared with healthy controls (n=65 eyes from 65 participants). The area under curve (AUC) value of subregion inferior SVD combined parafoveal temporal SVD was up to 0.70. There was a significantly positive correlation between SVD and disease activity in SLE without retinopathy group. Patients with severe activity had the most significant increase in SVD.

Conclusion

Wide-field OCTA can provide a relatively comprehensive assessment of the retinal vasculature in SLE. In the absence of pathological changes of the retina, the SVD was significantly increased and was positively correlated with the disease activity of SLE.
Planktonic habitats in the Amazon Plume region of the Western Tropical North Atlantic
Authors: Pham Anh H. , Choisnard Noémie , Fernández-Carrera Ana , Subramaniam Ajit , Strope Erica K. , Carpenter Edward J. , Voss Maren , Montoya Joseph P.
Published: January 2024

The Western Tropical North Atlantic is a highly dynamic marine system where the Amazon River Plume (ARP) generates a patchwork of environmental conditions that favor different phytoplankton groups. To study phytoplanktonic community structure in such heterogeneous conditions, we used a set of five standard ship-based measurements taken from oceanographic surveys between 2010 and 2021 to characterize different habitat types. We then utilized a variety of multiparametric approaches to examine phytoplankton biodiversity in the different habitats to assess the biological relevance of our delineated habitats. Our approach generated a consistent set of habitat types across cruises carried out in multiple different years and the Amazon’s two predominant (wet and dry) seasons. Our phytoplankton community analyses revealed strong distinctions among all habitats along the plume gradient using in-vivo fluorescence and diagnostic pigments, and clear contrasts of diazotroph community along the mesohaline waters using direct cell-count, a pattern consistent with niche partitioning among similar species. The few apparent mismatches we found between phytoplankton community composition and habitat may reflect recent hydrographic changes driven by mixing and/or upwelling and thus may be a useful index to biologically-relevant temporal variation. Our habitat classification approach is straightforward and broadly applicable in identifying biologically distinct areas within heterogeneous and dynamic regions of the ocean.
Effect of tungsten contents on the jet penetration performance of shaped charge liner based copper-tungsten composites
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Minh , Van Toan Nguyen , Long Vu Thang , Duong Luong Van , Van Trinh Pham , Trung Tran Bao , Dinh Phuong Doan
Published: January 2024

Herein, we investigated the effect of W content on the jet penetration performance of W-Cu shaped charge liners by using both simulation and experimental methods. The W-Cu composite liners were prepared directly by using spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. Microstructural observations showed that W particles were uniformly dispersed within the Cu matrix. The relative density of W-Cu composites decreased slightly from 99.2% to 98.8% with an increase in the W content. The hardness of the W-Cu composite liner increased as increasing W content and reached the highest value of 209.2 HV for the composite reinforced by 60 wt.% W. Besides, the penetration depth increased and reached the maximum value of 80 mm for the composite liner containing 50 wt.% W which is improved by about 11% compared to pure Cu liner. According to simulation and experiment results, the penetration depth of the W-Cu composite liners exhibits a nearly identical trend. W-Cu composite liner containing 50 wt.% W remains the best performance compared to other composites. However, the experimental results are lower compared to the simulation results. This could be because the simulation procedure did not completely account for the actual test conditions.
Electrical conductivity analysis of extrusion-based 3D-printed graphene
Authors: R Hushein , Shajahan Mohamed Iqbal , Čep Robert , Salunkhe Sachin , Murali Arun Prasad , Sharad Gawade , Mohamed Abdelmoneam Hussein Hussein , Abouel Nasr Emad
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, research has shown the emergence of the 3D printing method for printing a functionalized component. Graphene nanomaterial has an enormous conducting property that can compete with conducting materials like copper and silicon. This paper describes the electrical conductivity investigation of 3D-printed graphene nanomaterial in extrusion-based 3D printing methods. In extrusion, two different approaches of the 3D printing method were used to print the graphene-based structure: the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method and the direct ink writing (DIW) method. Both printing methods follow the two printing processes and select material forms. Selection of testing was made to analyze the characterization variations in the printed material, such as XRD, TGA, viscosity, Raman shift, and Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses, which shows the changes of effect in the conductivity due to various parameter differences in both the printing methods. A four-point probe technique was used to analyze the electrical conductivity of the two different methods. These analysis results prove that the characterization variations differ in the FDM and DIW printed models.