bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOSYAL ELEŞTİRİ AÇISINDAN DEDE KORKUT DESTANLARI
Authors: VURUCU İkbal
Published: December 2022

Dede Korkut Oğuznameleri, sözlü anlatım geleneğimizin sonradan yazıya aktarılmış olan temel bir ürünüdür. Destan, konusu bakımından göçebe yaşam sürdüren Oğuzların hanlar ve beyler zümresinin yaşayışına ilişkin olayları içine alır. Türklerin Oğuz boyu esas alınmakla birlikte yaşam biçimi, kültürü, norm ve değer kodlarının tanımlanmasında önemli bir işlev görmektedir. Oğuzlar arasında geçmiş bir destan olmakla birlikte Türk Dünyasında ve dünya bilim çevrelerinde çok yönlü olarak araştırmalara konu olmuştur. Ayrıca, roman, hikâye, sinema, dizi, tiyatro gibi sanat dallarında da uyarlaması yapılmıştır. Bütün Türk lehçelerinden ortak özellikler taşır. Destanlar, göçebe yaşam biçiminden yerleşikliğe geçiş sürecinin bir ürünüdür. Bu sebeple geçiş sürecinin nitelikleri, çatışma süreçleri, mücadeleleri, bireysel ve grupsal ilişkileri gözlemlenebilmektedir. Bu makalede de Dede Korkut destanlarına sanat ve edebiyatın incelenmesinde önemli bir yaklaşım biçimi olan sosyal eleştiri noktasından hareketle sosyal nitelikli sorunlara genel hatlarıyla değinilecektir. Destanlardaki sosyal eleştiri unsurları da aile ve yapısı, akrabalık ilişkileri ve sosyal davranış kuralları toplumsal değişim merkezli olarak bu makalede ele alınmıştır.
Osmanlı İmparatorluğunda Siyasal İdare ile Finansal İdare Arasındaki Güç Mücadelesi: Balta Limanı Anlaşması’ndan Birinci Dünya Savaşı’na
Authors: GÜNDOĞAN Mete , ÖZSARAÇ Yakup
Published: December 2022

Bu çalışmada Osmanlı İmparatorluğunun 1838 Balta Limanı Antlaşması (BLA) ile başlayıp, Birinci Dünya Savaşına kadar süren bir zaman dilimi içerisindeki ekonomik, mali ve siyasi analizi yapılmıştır. Çalışmada özellikle BLA ile Osmanlı İmparatorluğunun dünyaya finansal entegrasyonu ve siyasi idarenin çözümlemeleri ve etkileri analiz edilmiştir.

BLA ile Osmanlı toprakları uluslararası ticarete açılmış ve cari açık vermiştir. Takip eden dönemde uluslararası ticaret yeni bir boyut almış ve Osmanlı için uluslararası ödemeler sistemi ortaya çıkarmıştır. Bu durum bankacılık sisteminin Osmanlı toprakları içerisine girmesine ve yapılanmasına temel teşkil etmiştir. BLA anlaşması sonucunda önceleri ekonomik rahatlama yaparken, ilerleyen süreçlerde ise ekonomik ve mali zorluklara neden olmuştur. Siyasi süreçlerin ortaya çıkmasıyla BLA sorgulanmaya başlamıştır. Bu sorgulamalar sistemin kendisine değil, kullanımına yönelik yapılmıştır. Bu çerçevede “daha nitelikli” olacağına inanılan idareciler sıklıkla değiştirilmiştir. Osmanlı yöneticileri uzun vadeli iktisadi sonuçlardan çok, kısa vadede Avrupalı devletlerden sağlanacak siyasal veya mali desteği düşünmüşlerdir. Süreç içerisinde; 1854 dış borç alım süreci, 1863 Osmanlı Bankası ve para basma yetkisinin devri sonuçta 1876’da moratoryum süreci yaşanmıştır. Bu süreçten 1881 Düyun-ı Umumiye İdaresi ile çıkış aransa da siyasal sistem etkinliğini kaybetmiş ve neticede maliye ile ekonominin kontrolü tamamen yabancıların ve gayri-müslimlerin eline geçmiştir. Kısaca makalede; siyasal güç mücadelesi ile finansal güç mücadelesinin mukayeseli analizi yapılmıştır.
Waste Water Treatment Technology by The Anaerobic with IC Reactor
Authors: NURISLAMIYATI DINDA ULZANAH
Published: December 2022

In this industrial 4.0 era, there are  more industries built in Indonesia. During the operation of an industry, the waste generated is not spared. These industrial wastes, if not managed properly, can pollute the environment and can endanger the environment and health. The waste treatment process can be done in several ways, such physically, chemically and biologically. With the smart city concept, the government, society, industry, transportation and also the environment must be smart, especially in utilizing existing resources so that they can be used efficiently and effectively. For the development of waste treatment technology and to fulfill this concept, the industry must also play a role in choosing an efficient technology. Therefore, to utilize energy effectively and efficiently, in handling liquid waste from industrial production, anaerobic waste treatment technology using IC (Internal Circulation) Reactor can be used. IC Reactor is considered as an excellent and efficient technology development breakthrough. This technology uses 3-phase separation to produce gas, biomass and final waste. In this technology, in addition to cleaning waste water, biogas is also produced at the same time which can be used as a reusable resource. In addition, this technology can also save costs and energy, so that the waste treatment process using an IC Reactor is a very effective and efficient treatment method.
هكذا تحدث المتمردون : دراسة على عينة من زعماء الحركات الاجتماعية والاحتجاجية في مصر بالعقد الأول من القرن الحادي والعشرين
Authors: AbuAl-Khair Omaima Mohammed
Published: December 2022

مُلَخَّصُ البَحث

تسلط هذه الدراسة الضوء على خبرة المقاومة والنضال والتغيير لدى زعماء الحركات الاجتماعية والاحتجاجية في مصر . واعتمدت على منهج دراسة الحالة ، ودليل المقابلة المتعمقة كأداة لجمع البيانات وأثارت تساؤلات أهمها ما هي أهم المتغيرات الاجتماعية الفاعلة لتشكيل حركات اجتماعية واحتجاجية ؟ وما هي طبيعة العلاقة بين هذه الحركات وبين الجماهير والسلطة ؟وتؤكد الدراسة على عدم قدرتنا على فهم الحركات الاجتماعية والاحتجاجية بمعزل عن الدولة ، وتفسير ظهور هذه الحركات في ضوء نموذج (م.ع.أ.ج) والذي يعكس قدرة الدولة على تحقيق وظائفها (المواطنة، العدالة ، الاستجابية ، الحماية) وتم تفسير علاقة هذه الحركات بالجماهير في ضوء نظرية الفرص و فرضياتها حول المتسابق الحر ، والركوب بالمجان ، والخبرات الجمعية .وكشفت نتائج الدراسة أن من أهم العوامل لظهور الحركات الاجتماعية والاحتجاجية يرجع إلى فشل الدولة الجسيم في أداء وظائفها المرتبطة بالمواطنة والعدالة والاستجابية والحماية ، وأن الوسائل والآليات التي استخدمتها الحركات كانت سلمية تماماً ولم تلجأ إلى العنف حتى لا تفقد شرعيتها وسط الجماهير .
دور برامج التوطين في توظيف المنتفعين من الضمان الاجتماعي في مجتمع الإمارات
Authors: Al-Raisi Fatima Khamis , Alothman Husein
Published: December 2022

استهدفت الدراسة التعرف على دور برامج التوطين التدريبية في توظيف المنتفعين من الضمان الاجتماعي , من وجهة نظر المتلحقين بالبرامج التدريبية من المنتفعين من الضمان الاجتماعي في مجتمع الإمارات , إذ تكونت عينة  الدراسة من 766 منتفع و منتفعه من الضمان الاجتماعي على مستوى دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة , و لتحقيق أهداف الدراسة قامت الباحثة باستخدام المنهج الوصفي  لتحليل بيانات أفراد عينة الدراسة , تم تحليل و تفسير البيانات و معالجتها إحصائيا باستخدام برنامج spss , و ذلك بالمسح الاجتماعي  بالاستعانة بأداة الدراسة الاستبيان للحصول على البيانات الكمية , أما البيانات النوعية فقد تم باستخدام المقابلة الشخصية مع مجموعة من مسؤولي وزراة تنمية المجتمع و وزارة الموارد البشرية و التوطين لجمع البيانات.

    وقد أظهرت نتائج الدراسة بوجود دلالة إحصائية بين متغيرات الدراسة الديمغرافية (العمر، المستوى التعليمي، الدخل، الإمارة) من جهة وبين المتغير التابع للدراسة وهي توظيف المنتفعين من الضمان الاجتماعي.
مراحل اتحاد العرشين الانكليزي والاسكتلندي (1603-1707)
Authors: Alzuhairi Rana Abdul Jabar H.
Published: December 2022

تهدف هذه الدراسة إِلى معرفة مراحل اتحاد العرشين الانكليزي – الاسكتلندي للمدة مابين(1603-1707)، أدى اتحاد العرشين عام (1603) مشكلة هيكلية في جسد مملكة انكلترا، اذ اصبحت مملكة واحدة تحكم ثلاثه ممالك منفصلة اسكتلندا وانكلترا وايرلندا، ان الاشكالية التي يعرضها البحث تتمثل بسؤال مركزي هو " هل كانت فكرة توحيد العرشين الانكليزي والاسكتلندي مسألة محورية نابعة من طبيعة الحاجة إِلى توحيد المؤسسات الدستورية بين المملكتين، ام هي مسألة اَنية طارئة وجدت لها داعمين في كلا الدولتين وانتهت باعلان الاتحاد عام 1707" ؟ اعتمدت الباحثة على منهج البحث التاريخي، قسم البحث على ثلاثة محاور، بحث المحور الأوَّل الجذور التاريخية للاتحاد الانكلو- اسكتلندي حتى عام(1685)، فيما ناقش المحور الثاني موقف البرلمان الاسكتلندي من ولاية العهد(1685-1702)  أمّا المحور الثالث فقد وضح الجهود السياسية لاتحاد العرشين الانكليزي والاسكتلندي.
كفاءة توزيع معامل إنتاج الغاز السائل في مدينة الصدر
Authors: Khalifa Sattar Jabbar
Published: December 2022

تعد منطقة الدراسة من المناطق التي تتميز بارتفاع معدل النمو السكاني مما يتطلب تخطيط يلائم هذا التزايد لاسيما فيما يتعلق بتوفير الخدمات اللازمة وخاصةً مصادر الطاقة ومنها توفير الغاز السائل لاستعماله في مجالات عدة، إذ وصل عدد السكان في مدينة الصدر عام 2020 إلى (1276249) نسمة، عدا سكان المناطق المضافة والعشوائية، حيث شكل هذا التزايد ضغطاً كبيراً على معامل تعبئة الغاز المتمثلة بمعمل تعبئة غاز حي طارق، ومعمل تعبئة غاز الحبيبية، حيث ان هذه المعامل لا تستطيع ان تغطي حصة الفرد السنوية وهي ثلاث اسطوانات حسب معيار وزارة النفط، إذ تصل حصة الفرد في مدينة الصدر الى اسطوانتان سنوياً فقط.
Evaluasi Sistem Informasi Kesehatan dengan Pendekatan Health Metrics Network di Dinas Kesehatan Kota Pagar Alam
Authors: W Widyaningsih , LS Lilis Suryani , H Heriziana
Published: December 2022

Data and information are strategic resources in health development and management. A health information system is considered effective if it can give information support in a decision making process through all levels. Health information system evaluation aims to ensure the efficiency of a health information system and its ability to provide quality information. The study aimed to determine description of health information system evaluation results in Pagar Alam Public Health Office. The study was carried on by using Health Metric Network (HMN) as tools. The study is a descriptive evaluative design with mixed method approach. The study subjects were 9 Health Information System workers in Pagar Alam Public Health Office. Study data was collected by doing interview and observation. Data analysis was done by using Health Metric Network (HMN) version 4.00. The result of health information system evaluation using six components within HMN instrument was within the range of 41-60% which means that the system exists but inadequate. The conclusion of this study is that health information system in Pagar Alam Public Health Office has been carried on well enough, but requires improvements in its data management
Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Patients With Chronic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors:   Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran., Sheybani Farshad , Dabaghi Parviz ,   Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Najafi Sharif ,   Clinical Biomechanics and Ergonomics Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Rajaeinejad Mohsen ,   AJA Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: December 2022

Objectives: This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on pain intensity, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic pain via randomized clinical trials. Methods: The study population consisted of all patients with chronic pain referred to Imam Reza Hospital. Of these patients, 50 cases who met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate in the study were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental (n=25) or control groups (n=25). After selecting the patients and randomly assigning them to the two groups, the research questionnaires were completed by the patients before and after the treatment. After obtaining a written consent letter from the research participants, the experimental group received MBSR therapy (8 weekly sessions) while the control group did not receive any intervention. The questionnaires included the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), the World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQOL) (WHOQOL-BREF), the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), and the Beck depression inventory-2nd edition (BDI-II). To comply with the ethical principles, after the end of the study, MBSR therapy was administered to the control group as well. The data were analyzed via analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of covariance in the SPSS software, v. 19. Results: The results of the analysis showed that MBSR therapy reduces pain severity, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic pain (P<0.05). The findings also showed that MBSR therapy improves the QoL of patients with chronic pain (P<0.05). Conclusion: Along with the common medications for chronic pain, MBSR therapy can be used to improve the QoL and reduce the severity of pain, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic pain.
Role of Project Manager in Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Sohail Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Today's fast-paced competition requires efficiency in all aspects of business. The identification of risks at the right stage and an effective mitigation plan are key factors for success, both financially and technically. The complex drug-development process from lab to launch includes management of several business processes, such as technical development using quality by design, regulatory strategy, clinical studies, and supply chain. These processes are affected not only by many circumstantial factors but also by each other. The inherent uncertainties during the evolution of any of these processes require constant change in plans. If the risks associated with the uncertainties are not managed in a timely and effective manner, the complexity of the situation increases dramatically and it subsequently becomes cost prohibitive for the developing industries to move forward. Although project management has been known to drive industrial success through effective risk management in other industries, it has only been introduced to the pharma industry in the last decade and is continuously evolving. This article identifies challenges in project management in the pharma industry. The analysis of critical factors, such as the roles of project managers and stakeholders, team communication, and key business processes, helps to identify strategies for addressing these challenges. This process can help put pharma companies on the road to success in launching a quality product that can improve quality of life.
Study of Dispersion Analysis for Various Microstrip Line Configurations Using Finite Difference Method
Authors: Santosh Bishwakarma  , Dr. Arvind Kumar  , Dr. K. B. Singh
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we studied about static analysis and losses of microwave isolated single stripline structure using conformal mapping method. Microstrip lines due to presence of two different dielectric boundaries does not support a pure TEM wave. It is assumed that only the fundamental mode will propagate, but the propagation constant, γ, is a non¬linear function of frequency. Due to the presence of two dif¬ferent dielectrics, the fringing fields experience an in-homogenous dielectric leading to a discontinuity on the field. A parameter called effective permittivity (ϵ_eff ) is introduced, which is always lesser than the permittivity of the substrate as the fields exists both in air and the substrate. Due to the non-TEM nature of the fields, the effective permittivity is dependent on the frequency. This is due to the fact that more field lines will penetrate the substrate with increasing frequency thus increasing the effective permittivity.
Perfis Social e Previdenciário: Influência na Qualidade de Vida dos Pacientes submetidos à Radioterapia
Authors: Rodrigues Stella Grigolette , Dias Lilian Chessa , Martins Marielza Regina Ismael
Published: December 2022

Introdução: O câncer está sendo diagnosticado cada vez com mais frequência em todo o mundo, e os avanços no tratamento radioterápico estão estendendo o tempo de sobrevivência para os pacientes acometidos, contudo, pouca atenção é dada à qualidade de vida e ao gerenciamento das emoções desencadeadas por sua condição social. Objetivo: Analisar os perfis social e previdenciário dos pacientes em tratamento radioterápico no Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto e correlacioná-los à sua qualidade de vida. Método: Estudo exploratório, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 60 pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer em tratamento radioterápico. Foram utilizados dois questionários avaliativos, o de perfil socioeconômico e previdenciário da Graciano & Lehfeld e o genérico de qualidade de vida Whoqol-bref. Resultados: Durante o tratamento, houve um efeito negativo significativo na qualidade de vida, nos domínios físico e psicológico, impactando as correlações positivas entre escolaridade versus qualidade de vida, e aposentadoria versus qualidade de vida, revelando que as questões sociais e previdenciárias tem consideráveis influencias nessas especificações. Conclusão: A importância do comportamento comunicativo da equipe multidisciplinar, realizado por meio de acolhimento, escuta qualificada e humanizada, e um atendimento abrangente avaliando a qualidade de vida podem minimizar os fatores que afetam o cotidiano e encorajá-los à adesão correta do tratamento.
Glucocorticoids in systemic lupus erythematosus: future of steroid-sparing therapy
Authors: Novikov P. , Moiseev S.
Published: December 2022

The isolation of glucocorticoids (GC) was a tremendous achievement in the history of medicine and had a clinical impact similar to that of the discovery of insulin or antibiotics. However, with the expansion of their use, multiple side effects have become evident even patients treated with low doses. GC remain one of the main agents in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The studies of genomic and nongenomic effects of GC justified their use in lower starting doses (e.g. 30 to 40 mg daily) even in patiens with lupus nephritis. Methylprednisolone pulses and early initiation of hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressive agents may allow more rapid tapering and discontinuation of GC in SLE patients. Development of novel steroid-sparing agents, e.g. anifrolumab, a monoclonal antibody to interferon I receptor, or voclosporin, an oral calcineurin inhibitor, may result in further improvement in the efficacy and safety of treatment.
A digitális fekete lyukak kialakulásától az Európai Unió irányelvein át a magyar szerzői jogi törvény módosításáig
Authors: Zsuzsanna Tószegi
Published: December 2022

Mit takar ez a furcsa kifejezés: „digitális fekete lyuk”? Hogyan alakult ki a XX. századi digitális fekete lyuk? Miért mutatkoznak hiányok az online hozzáférhető művek terén? Megakadályozható-e, visszafordítható-e ez a kedvezőtlen folyamat? Milyen intézkedéseket tett az Európai Unió az online tartalomhoz való hozzáférés bővítése érdekében? Hogyan tükröződnek az uniós elvek a magyar szerzői jogi törvényben?

A digitális fekete lyuk névvel illetett jelenség olyan hatalmas károkat okozott a kulturális örökség online elérésében, hogy arra már a legmagasabb döntéshozói szinten is reagálni kellett. Ebben a tanulmányban az Európai Unió új szerzői jogi irányelve alapján módosított magyar szerzői jogi szabályozás lényeges elemeit mutatjuk be. Ezen intézkedések hatására a digitális fekete lyuk már a közeljövőben jelentősen szűkülhet.
Critical study on the extraction of collagen from eggshell membrane by enzymatic hydrolysis reaction
Authors: Deng Xiangxuan , Liang Shan , Wan Kwing-san , Young Tsz-yat , Young Kam-yim , Shan Ming-yin , Tang Pak-kui , Chan Wai-lun
Published: December 2022

Eggshells and their membranes are classified as refuse, which is costly to be disposed of in landfills. But many people do not realise that they can actually offer valuable collagen, which is obtained through the enzymatic hydrolysis process. This study aims to address the effects of enzyme type, enzyme-to-membrane ratio and water-to-material ratio on collagen extraction rate. It is found that the processing condition with a pepsin-to-membrane ratio of 0.5 and a water-to-material ratio of 1:200 can achieve an extraction rate of 2.44%. This research has created an opportunity to turn eggshell membrane waste into one of the potential sources of extracting collagen, relieving the pressure on waste treatment.
Academic Trends in European Union Studies in Turkey within the Framework of Turkey-EU Relations
Authors: MERCAN Sezgin , ROMYA BİLGİN Kıvılcım , KARADAĞ Haluk , ONGUN Yelda
Published: December 2022

The relationship between academics and policymakers has a complex and multi-layered structure, and there are different views on how this relationship should be. While discussing the political processes in the context of Turkey’s membership, the interactions between academics and policymakers in the relations between Turkey and the EU have the potential to provide solutions in the steps that need to be taken. However, the academic tendency of EU studies in Turkey will be revealed by answering questions such as what subjects are preferred by academics working on the EU in Turkey to study in the knowledge-production process, which subjects they prioritize in EU studies, what the effects of the ups and downs in Turkey-EU relations are on the academy, and how the academy positions itself in the field of EU studies. It is considered that such a study will contribute to further studies on how the academy’s relations with policymakers are and how they should be in studying Turkey-EU relations.
The Relationship Nurses' Knowledge and Implementation of Early Warning Score (EWS) In Critical Patients at Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital
Authors: Handayani Nuning , Fauzi Achmad , Romaida Romaida , Murtiani Farida
Published: December 2022

Aims : To find out the relationship between nurses' knowledge of EWS and the implementation of EWS in critically ill patients.
Design : Quantitative research with cross sectional design
Methdos : The sample was taken using a total sampling technique of 109 nurses at Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital for the period of December 2021. Data collection used questionnaires and observation. Univariate analysis using frequency distribution, bivariate analysis using chi-square analysis.
Results : The results showed that of the 109 nurses, most of the knowledge about EWS had good knowledge about the Early Warning Score (EWS), namely 61 respondents (56%). Most of the EWS implementations are Early Warning Score (EWS) implementations in the appropriate category, namely 69 respondents (63.3%). There is a relationship between knowledge and the implementation of EWS in critical patients P value = 0.000.
Conclusions : The study recommends the need for policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for EWS and it is necessary to carry out socialization and training on EWS SOPs to all health workers on a regular basis accompanied by regular evaluations.
Design and synthesis of new thiazolidinone/uracil derivatives as antiproliferative agents targeting EGFR and/or BRAFV600E
Authors: Alshammari Mohammed B. , Aly Ashraf A. , Youssif Bahaa G. M. , Bräse Stefan , Ahmad Akil , Brown Alan B. , Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Mohamed Asmaa H.
Published: December 2022

Thiourea derivatives of uracil were efficiently synthesized via the reaction of 5-aminouracil with isothiocyanates. Then, we prepared uracil-containing thiazoles via condensation of thioureas with diethyl/dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylates. The structures of the products were confirmed by a combination of spectral techniques including infra-red (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS) and elemental analyses. A rationale for the formation of the products is presented. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against four cancer cell lines. The compounds tested showed promising antiproliferative activity, with GI50 values ranging from 1.10 µM to 10.00 µM. Compounds 3c, 5b, 5c, 5h, 5i, and 5j were the most potent derivatives, with GI50 values ranging from 1.10 µM to 1.80 µM. Compound 5b showed potent inhibitory activity against EGFR and BRAFV600E with IC50 of 91 ± 07 and 93 ± 08 nM, respectively, indicating that this compound could serve as a dual inhibitor of EGFR and BRAFV600E with promising antiproliferative properties. Docking computations revealed the great potency of compounds 5b and 5j towards EGFR and BRAFV600E with docking scores of −8.3 and −9.7 kcal/mol and −8.2 and −9.3 kcal/mol, respectively.
Underdevelopment of gut microbiota in failure to thrive infants of up to 12 months of age
Authors: Zhang Mei , Miao Dan , Ma Qi , Chen Tao , Wang Tuanmei , Yan Shuyuan , Zhu Wendan , Zhou Fan , He Jun , Kuang Xiaoni
Published: December 2022

Laboratory and clinical studies have revealed the importance of gut microbiota in children with severe pediatric pathological conditions such as severe acute malnutrition (SAM); however, under relatively milder conditions such as, failure to thrive (FTT), the role of the gut microbiota remains poorly characterized. Here, we analyzed stool samples from 54 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of failure to thrive (FTT), 49 preterm subjects with corrected normal growth (NFTT-pre), and 49 healthy subjects (NFTT) between 3-12 months of age using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We observed that the clinical condition of FTT, age, head circumference, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and feeding methods significantly affected gut microbiota. The microbiota age of subjects was significantly correlated with their anthropomorphic features, and the FTT subjects exhibited underdeveloped gut microbiota characterized by a significantly decreased microbiota-for-age Z-score (MAZ). The FTT and NFTT-pre groups exhibited an obvious disrupted developmental trajectory of gut microbiota across age, and the development of their alpha diversities and the observed OTU and Shannon indices were inadequate, particularly in subjects with FTT. Moreover, sequential colonization and enrichment of bacteria such as Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus and most age-discriminatory bacterial taxa and their microbial functions were disorganized in FTT compared to that in NFTT. Our results revealed an underdevelopment of the gut microbiota in infants with failure to thrive that possesses potential clinical and practical importance.
Patterns of livestock loss associated with a recolonizing wolf population in Germany
Authors: Kiffner Christian , Uthes Sandra , Ostermann-Miyashita Emu-Felicitas , Harms Verena , König Hannes J.
Published: December 2022

Predation on livestock presents a daunting challenge for human–carnivore coexistence in agricultural landscapes. In Germany, the recolonization of wolves is ongoing and its consequences are insufficiently understood. Knowledge about which livestock species are susceptible to wolf predation, which farm types are predisposed to attacks by wolves, and when predation on livestock occurs is valuable for mitigating stakeholder conflicts. To this end, we analyzed 14 years of monitoring data and assessed the livestock prey spectrum, identified correlates between predation on livestock, farm type and livestock category, and described temporal patterns of livestock loss caused by a recolonizing wolf population in the state of Brandenburg (Germany). Among a total of 1387 recorded cases, 42% were unequivocally attributed to wolves (SCALP criteria C1 and C2) and 12% of cases were not caused by wolves. The number of head of livestock killed during a single wolf attack was mediated by farm type and livestock species; losses per event were greater in full-time farms vs. other farm types and greater in sheep, farmed deer and other livestock species, compared to cattle. While sheep were the most commonly killed livestock species, the increase in wolf territories over the investigation period was associated with a widening of the domestic prey species spectrum. Count regression models provided evidence for the increasing frequency of predation events over the 14-year period, along with an exponential increase in wolf territories. Predation on livestock occurred throughout the year, yet seasonality of events was evident and differed across livestock categories. Predation on sheep peaked in the fall, coinciding with the post-weaning period of wolf offspring. Predation on cattle peaked in the spring, coinciding with the cattle calving period. These results call for renewed investment in the implementation of prevention methods for all susceptible domestic species, particularly during times of elevated predation risk.
Effect of cardiac shock wave therapy plus optimal medical therapy on rehospitalization in patients with severe coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Li Peng , Jia Na , Liu Bing , He Qing
Published: December 2022

Objective

Several small sample-sized clinical studies have demonstrated that cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) might reduce the risk of rehospitalization in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). However, other observational studies did not reported that clinical benefit of CSWT. Therefore, the effect of CSWT plus optimal medical therapy (OMT) on rehospitalization is still controversial.

Methods

We performed an updated meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies identified in systematic searches of Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane library, theClinicalTrials.govwebsite and Chinese SinoMed Database (up to December 2021). Primary endpoint was the rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs, the composite outcome of mortality, coronary artery revascularization, and rehospitalization). Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were used to identify possible contributors to between-study variances in the HDRS. Required information size (RIS) was calculated with trial sequential analysis (TSA).

Results

A total of 11 RCTs and 5 prospective cohort studies involving 1,149 patients with a mean follow-up of 10.3 months (range 3–72) months were included. Overall, CSWT plus OMT significantly decreased the rate of MACEs compared with the OMT group (RR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.29–0.53), which was mainly attributed to markedly lower risk of rehospitalization (RR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.27–0.51). Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled RRs for MACEs was significantly lower in studies enrolling patients with higher baseline Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class (≥2.2) (RR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.26–0.50) or studies with short follow-up period (followed ≤ 6 months, RR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.24–0.64; followed 7–12 months, RR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.26–0.54) or studies with HF with reduced ejection fraction (RR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13–0.72) or with preserved ejection fraction (RR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.29–0.56). TSA showed that The RIS for MACE was 935, and the accrued information size was 577.

Conclusion

Cardiac shock wave therapy plus OMT could decrease the rate of rehospitalization among patients with severe CAD. However, this result must be interpreted with caution, for the evidence supporting the use of CSWT for severe CAD is limited by the small sample size and short follow-up period of previous studies. Larger RCTs with longer follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings.

Systematic review registration

[https://inplasy.com/], identifier [INPLASY202210103].
Transfer learning for self-supervised, blind-spot seismic denoising
Authors: Birnie Claire , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: December 2022

Noise is ever present in seismic data and arises from numerous sources and is continually evolving, both spatially and temporally. The use of supervised deep learning procedures for denoising of seismic datasets often results in poor performance: this is due to the lack of noise-free field data to act as training targets and the large difference in characteristics between synthetic and field datasets. Self-supervised, blind-spot networks typically overcome these limitation by training directly on the raw, noisy data. However, such networks often rely on a random noise assumption, and their denoising capabilities quickly decrease in the presence of even minimally-correlated noise. Extending from blind-spots to blind-masks has been shown to efficiently suppress coherent noise along a specific direction, but it cannot adapt to the ever-changing properties of noise. To preempt the network’s ability to predict the signal and reduce its opportunity to learn the noise properties, we propose an initial, supervised training of the network on a frugally-generated synthetic dataset prior to fine-tuning in a self-supervised manner on the field dataset of interest. Considering the change in peak signal-to-noise ratio, as well as the volume of noise reduced and signal leakage observed, using a semi-synthetic example we illustrate the clear benefit in initialising the self-supervised network with the weights from a supervised base-training. This is further supported by a test on a field dataset where the fine-tuned network strikes the best balance between signal preservation and noise reduction. Finally, the use of the unrealistic, frugally-generated synthetic dataset for the supervised base-training includes a number of benefits: minimal prior geological knowledge is required, substantially reduced computational cost for the dataset generation, and a reduced requirement of re-training the network should recording conditions change, to name a few. Such benefits result in a robust denoising procedure suited for long term, passive seismic monitoring.
Comparison of novel markers of metabolic complications and cardiovascular risk factors between obese non-diabetic and obese type 1 diabetic children and young adults
Authors: Kącka Anna , Charemska Anna , Jarocka-Cyrta Elżbieta , Głowińska-Olszewska Barbara
Published: December 2022

Introduction

For the past years, the prevalence of obesity is growing in the general population of children, as well as among diabetic patients, resulting in increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and young adults, leading to decreased life quality and lifespan, with obesity being recognized recently as a major contributing factor to these health problems. The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the selected novel markers for metabolic complications of obesity and vascular risk factors between obese non-diabetic and obese T1DM children and young adults.

Methods

One hundred four subjects, aged between 10 and 24 years (31 with T1DM and excessive body weight, 41 with obesity without diabetes, and 32 with T1DM and normal weight), and 32 matched lean controls were included in the study. Clinical characteristics, blood pressure measurements, daily requirement for insulin, HbA1c%, plasma lipids, fetuin-A, E-selectin, and osteoprotegerin levels were compared with respect to body mass index (BMI), body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) of common carotid arteries.

Results

Patients with T1DM and excessive body weight compared to non-diabetic obese subjects had similar values of systolic blood pressure (125.6 ± 8.2 vs. 127.3 ± 12.9 mmHg, p = 0.515), diastolic blood pressure (78.19 ± 7.03 vs. 78.02 ± 8.01 mmHg, p = 0.918), cholesterol (175.26 ± 34.1 vs. 163.51 ± 26.08 mg/dl, p = 0.102), LDL (108.03 ± 32.55 vs. 112.22 ± 26.36 mg/dl, p = 0.548), and triglyceride levels (118.19 ± 71.20 vs. 117 ± 55.80 mg/dl, p = 0.937); all values were found to be higher compared to non-obese T1DM and healthy controls. HbA1c level and insulin resistance indices were significantly worse in T1DM obese vs. T1DM non-obese patients. Fetuin-A levels were higher among obese non-diabetic patients (p = 0.01), and E-selectin and osteoprotegerin levels were similar in both groups with obesity, but higher than in the reference group. There were no statistical differences in cIMT with T1DM with normal weight, excessive weight, and non-diabetic obese children; however, the cIMT value was higher compared to the reference group.

Discussion

Novel markers of metabolic complications of obesity are similar between obese T1DM and non-diabetic subjects. Obesity in patients with T1DM results in worse metabolic control, insulin resistance, and increased risk for vascular complications.
A model based on clinical data and multi-modal ultrasound for predicting cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma
Authors: Wang Bin , Cao Qing , Cui Xin-Wu , Dietrich Christoph F. , Yi Ai-jiao
Published: December 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore diagnostic performance based on clinical characteristics, conventional ultrasound, Angio PLUS (AP), shear wave elastography (SWE), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the preoperative evaluation of cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and to find a reliable predictive model for evaluating CLNM.

Materials and methods

A total of 206 thyroid nodules in 206 patients were included. AP, SWE, and CEUS were performed for all thyroid nodules. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to ascertain the independent risk factors. The sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) of independent risk factors and the diagnostic model were compared.

Results

Sex, age, nodule size, multifocality, contact extent with adjacent thyroid capsule, Emax, and capsule integrity at CEUS were independent risk predictors for CLNM in patients with PTC. A predictive model was established based on the following multivariate logistic regression: Logit (p) = −2.382 + 1.452 × Sex − 1.064 × Age + 1.338 × Size + 1.663 × multifocality + 1.606 × contact extent with adjacent thyroid capsule + 1.717 × Emax + 1.409 × capsule integrity at CEUS. The AUC of the predictive model was 0.887 (95% CI: 0.841–0.933), which was significantly higher than using independent risk predictors alone.

Conclusion

Our study found that male presence, age < 45 years, size ≥ 10 mm, multifocality, contact extent with adjacent thyroid capsule > 25%, Emax ≥ 48.4, and interrupted capsule at CEUS were independent risk predictors for CLNM in patients with PTC. We developed a diagnostic model for predicting CLNM, which could be a potentially useful and accurate method for clinicians; it might be beneficial to surgical decision-making and patient management and for improving prognosis.
Development and validation of the prognostic model based on autophagy-associated genes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Fan Guoqing , Liu Jingjing , Wu Zhen , Li Caiyu , Zhang Ying
Published: December 2022

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease. Many studies suggest that autophagy may be related to disease progression and prognosis in IPF. However, the mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

We incorporated 232 autophagy-associated genes (AAGs) and two datasets, GSE28042 and GSE27957, from the GEO database. Univariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to construct the autophagy-associated prognostic model. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to investigate the functions of these autophagy-associated genes. CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate the immune cell infiltration between patients in the high-risk score and low-risk score groups. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to explore the mRNA expression of five genes in the autophagy-associated risk model.

Results

We constructed a 5-autophagy-associated genes signature based on Univariate Cox analysis and LASSO regression. In our autophagy-associated risk model, IPF patients in the high-risk group demonstrated a poor overall survival rate compared to patients in the low-risk group. For 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates, the AUC predictive value of the AAG signature was 0.670, 0.787, and 0.864, respectively. These results were validated in the GSE27957 cohort, confirming the good prognostic effect of our model. GO and KEGG pathway analyses enriched immune-related pathways between the high-risk and low-risk groups. And there was also a significant difference in immune cell infiltration between two groups. And the results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of FOXO1, IRGM, MYC, and PRKCQ were significantly decreased in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) of IPF patient samples.

Conclusion

Our study constructed and validated an autophagy-associated risk model based on MYC, MAPK1, IRGM, PRKCQ, and FOXO1. And those five genes may influence the progression of IPF by regulating immune responses and immune cells.
Longevity of memory B cells and antibodies, as well as the polarization of effector memory helper T cells, are associated with disease severity in patients with COVID-19 in Bangladesh
Authors: Akhtar Marjahan , Basher Salima Raiyan , Nizam Nuder Nower , Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Khaton Fatema , Banna Hasan Al , Kaisar M Hasanul , Karmakar Polash Chandra , Hakim Al , Akter Afroza , Ahmed Tasnuva , Tauheed Imam , Islam Shaumik , Ahmmed Faisal , Mahamud Shakil , Hasnat Mohammad Abul , Sumon Mostafa Aziz , Rashed Asif , Ghosh Shuvro , Calderwood Stephen B. , Harris Jason B. , Charles Richelle C. , LaRocque Regina C. , Ryan Edward T. , Banu Sayera , Shirin Tahmina , Chowdhury Fahima , Bhuiyan Taufiqur Rahman , Qadri Firdausi
Published: December 2022

The longevity of immune responses induced by different degrees of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection provides information important to understanding protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we report the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) specific antibodies and memory B cells recognizing this antigen in sequential samples from patients in Bangladesh with asymptomatic, mild, moderate and severe COVID-19 out to six months following infection. Since the development of long-lived memory B cells, as well as antibody production, is likely to be dependent on T helper (Th) cells, we also investigated the phenotypic changes of Th cells in COVID-19 patients over time following infection. Our results show that patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 mounted significant levels of IgG antibodies out to six months following infection, while patients with asymptomatic or mild disease had significant levels of IgG antibodies out to 3 months following infection, but these then fell more rapidly at 6 months than in patients with higher disease severity. Patients from all severity groups developed circulating memory B cells (MBCs) specific to SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD by 3 months following infection, and these persisted until the last timepoint measured at 6 months. A T helper cell response with an effector memory phenotype was observed following infection in all symptomatic patients, while patients with asymptomatic infection had no significant increases in effector Th1, Th2 and Th17 effector memory cell responses. Our results suggest that the strength and magnitude of antibody and memory B cells induced following SARS-CoV-2 infection depend on the severity of the disease. Polarization of the Th cell response, with an increase in Th effector memory cells, occurs in symptomatic patients by day 7 following infection, with increases seen in Th1, Th2, Th17 and follicular helper T cell subsets.
The role behind the scenes of Tregs and Th17s in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Toward a pivotal role of FOXP3 and BACH2
Authors: Mazzieri Alessio , Montanucci Pia , Basta Giuseppe , Calafiore Riccardo
Published: December 2022

In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), the genetic bases play a central role in determining development of the disease. In particular, the most frequent genes involved in the onset of HT are the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). However, there are other genes and transcription factors in the autoimmune background of HT, both isolated and as part of autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes (APS). Recently more interest is being fueled toward BACH2 (BTB Domain and CNC Homolog 2), that promotes Tregs (T regulators lymphocytes) differentiation and enhances Treg-mediated immunity. The synergistic interaction between environmental agents and the aforementioned genes leads to the onset of autoimmunity and ultimately to damage of the thyroid gland. In this scenario, the role of Th17 (T helper-17 lymphocytes) and Treg cells is still less defined as compared to action of Th1 cells (T helper-1 lymphocytes) and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8 + T lymphocytes). Evidences show that an imbalance of Th17/Treg ratio represents a prognostic factor with respect to the gland damage. Moreover, the deficient ability of Treg to inhibit the proliferation of T cells against the self can break the immune balance. In light of these considerations, the use of genetic panels and the progress of immunotherapy could allow for better targeting treatment and preventive interventions in subjects with potential or early stage of HT.
Non-invasive estimation of coral polyp volume and surface area using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Jaffe Jules S. , Schull Shania , Kühl Michael , Wangpraseurt Daniel
Published: December 2022

The surface area (SA) and three-dimensional (3D) morphology of reef-building corals are central to their physiology. A challenge for the estimation of coral SA has been to meet the required spatial resolution as well as the capability to preserve the soft tissue in its native state during measurements. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has been used to quantify the 3D microstructure of coral tissues and skeletons with nearly micron-scale resolution. Here, we develop a non-invasive method to quantify surface area and volume of single coral polyps. A coral fragment with several coral polyps as well as calibration targets of known areal extent are scanned with an OCT system. This produces a 3D matrix of optical backscatter that is analyzed with computer algorithms to detect refractive index mismatches between physical boundaries between the coral and the immersed water. The algorithms make use of a normalization of the depth dependent scatter intensity and signal attenuation as well as region filling to depict the interface between the coral soft tissue and the water. Feasibility of results is judged by inspection as well as by applying algorithms to hard spheres and fish eggs whose volume and SA can be estimated analytically. The method produces surface area estimates in calibrated targets that are consistent with analytic estimates within 93%. The appearance of the coral polyp surfaces is consistent with visual inspection that permits standard programs to visualize both point clouds and 3-D meshes. The method produces the 3-D definition of coral tissue and skeleton at a resolution close to 10 µm, enabling robust quantification of polyp volume to surface area ratios.
Distribution characteristics and risk assessment of heavy metals in seawater, sediment and shellfish in the inner and outer Daya Bay, Guangdong
Authors: Yu Xiaodong , Sun Lianpeng , Zhu Xinzhe , Bian Guojian , Zhou Wen , Cao Qian , Hong Man
Published: December 2022

We investigated the distribution, sources, and ecological risks of heavy metals (As, Hg, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Cr) in seawater, sediments, and shellfish in the inner and outer waters of Daya Bay. 42 seawater quality survey sites, 21 sediment survey sites and 21 biological survey sites were set up in the study area. Our results showed that Daya Bay’s seawater is both clean and has a high Cu exceedance factor. The sediment heavy metal potential ecological hazard indices are all less than 40, which indicates a minimal degree of risk. ERI in the bay (mean value of ERIis 25.43) and that outside the bay (mean value of 23.56) is lower than 150, so the potential impact on the ecosystem is relatively low. In the Bay, Hg and Zn are primarily from fossil fuel and coal combustion, which enter the ocean via dry and wet deposition or surface runoff. Outside the Bay, Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb are derived the combustion waste gases of ships that enter the ocean via atmospheric deposition. Concerningly, arsenic and lead level in shellfish organisms appear to be above the standard values.However, because THQ and TTHQ are less than 1, there is no potential risk to human health. The weekly assessed intakes (EWIs) of Hg, AS, Pb, and Cd in shellfish inside and outside Daya Bay were 0.093 (0.058 outside the Bay), 0.594 (0.534), 1.115 (1.489), and 0.201 (0.190), respectively, all of these values were lower than the provisional PTWI for humans established by WHO. This indicates that the probability of carcinogenic risk to the population from heavy metals in shellfish are all below unacceptable levels.