bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of different methods of feeding with milk replacers on the production indicators of Simmental calves
Authors: Steiner Zvonimir , Babić Ivan , Benak Stipo , Novoselec Josip , Klir Šalavardić Željka , Prakatur Ivana , Ronta Mario
Published: December 2024

Kako postoje brojne formulacije mliječnih zamjenica, tako postoje i brojni načini hranidbe teladi mliječnim zamjenicama. Stoga je cilj istraživanja bio utvrditi utjecaj različitih načina hranidbe teladi mliječnim zamjenicama na proizvodne pokazatelje. Istraživanje je provedeno na 29 grla teladi simentalske pasmine podijeljenih u dvije skupine, kontrolnu (K) i pokusnu (P), u trajanju od 59 dana. Pokusna skupina hranjena je dvjema mliječnim zamjenicama različitih razina hranjivih tvari i energije u odnosu na kontrolnu, koja je cijelo vrijeme hranjena jednom mliječnom zamjenicom. Obje skupine imale su vodu, sijeno te peletiranu smjesu ponuđene ad libitum. Pojedinačna vaganja provedena su 1., 30. i 59. dana istraživanja. Praćeni su sljedeći pokazatelji: konzumacija mliječne zamjenice, tjelesna masa te prosječni dnevni prirast. Dobivene vrijednosti konzumacije mliječne zamjenice pokazale su statistički značajnu razliku p < 0,05 u korist kontrolne skupine. Unatoč većoj konzumaciji mliječne zamjenice, značajnih razlika u tjelesnoj masi i prosječnome dnevnom prirastu nije bilo. Na kraju istraživanja zaključak je da razlike u udjelima hranjivih tvari i energije mliječne zamjenice nisu značajno utjecale na proizvodne pokazatelje.
Queer Data Studies edited by Patrick Keilty (2024)
Authors: Wagner Travis
Published: December 2024

IJIDI Book Review, Volume 8, Issue (3/4), 2024.
PERCEPCIONES SOBRE FORMACIÓN POLÍTICA EN LA EDUCACIÓN INICIAL DOCENTE, DESDE LA PERSPECTIVA DEL BUEN VIVIR
Authors: Endara Sebastián
Published: December 2024

Este estudio explora la importancia de la formación política en la educación inicial docente, desde la perspectiva del Buen Vivir, un concepto fundamental en la Constitución del Ecuador, que prioriza la justicia social, la sostenibilidad y el respeto a la diversidad cultural. Se utiliza un enfoque cualitativo, se entrevistó a 21 expertos en educación, para identificar los desafíos y áreas de mejora en elproceso formativo actual. Los resultados muestran una carencia significativa de formación política, la cual ha sido marginada por el énfasis en aspectos técnico-administrativos del currículo. Los expertos coinciden en que es esencial integrar la formación política, de manera transversal, fomentando competencias ciudadanas críticas y comprometidas con los principios del Buen Vivir. Además, se subraya la necesidad de transformar el enfoque educativo hacia uno más reflexivo y participativo, que prepare a los docentes para actuar como agentes de cambio social. La investigación concluye que fortalecer la formación política en la educación inicial docentees fundamental para construir una ciudadanía democrática y consciente, capaz de enfrentar los desafíos contemporáneos y promover un modelo educativo alineado con los valores del Buen Vivir.
Palabras clave: Docencia, formación política, democracia, ciudadanía, educación y desarrollo, Buen Vivir.
AbstractThis study explores the importance of political training in Early Childhood Teacher education from the perspective of Good Living, a fundamental concept in the Ecuadorian Constitution that prioritizes social justice, sustainability, and respect for cultural diversity. Using a qualitative approach, twenty-one education experts were interviewed to identify challenges and areas for improvement in the current training process. The results highlight a significant lack of political education, which has been sidelined due to the curriculum’s emphasis on technical and administrative aspects. The experts agree that it is essential to integrate political education transversally, fostering critical citizenship competencies aligned with the principles of good Living. Additionally, the need to transform the educational approach towards a more reflective and participatory model is emphasized, aiming to prepare teachers as agents of social change. The research concludes that strengthening political education in initial teacher training is crucial for building a democratic and conscious citizenry capable of addressing contemporary challenges and promoting an educational model aligned with the values of Good Living.
Keywords: Teaching, political training, democracy, citizenship, education and development, Good Living
Profile analysis of digital literacy skills of biology education students
Authors: Andi Muhammad Miftah Farid  , Siti Zubaidah  , Munzil
Published: December 2024

Today's world of higher education emphasizes the importance of digital literacy skills that cannot be underestimated. This study aims to investigate the state of digital literacy among students enrolled in the Biology Education Study Program at Universitas Negeri Malang, focusing on their proficiency in utilizing digital tools and resources, critically evaluating information, and responsibly navigating online domains. The study was a quantitative approach. Questionnaires with a Likert scale consist of 36 statements designed. Data were collected in the even semester of the 2023/2024 academic year from a total of 147 students. The research instrument adapted from validated sources assessed six key indicators of digital literacy (finding, using multiple sources, selecting, evaluating, considering sources effects, and using original work). These quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive analysis technique. The results showed that although most students obtained a moderate level of digital literacy (61.54%), there was a certain number of students with low (1.92%) and very low (0.96%) levels of digital literacy. These results suggest that more attention is needed to digital literacy development in biology education at all levels. These findings emphasized the importance of further and holistic empowerment of digital literacy skills among biology education students, particularly in evaluating and considering the source/effect of messages. Improvements in these areas and studies are critical to preparing students for academic and professional success and fostering their engagement with society in an increasingly digitalized world. Future research efforts should focus on implementing targeted interventions to improve digital literacy in programs and comparing the level of digital literacy across different biology education courses in different institutions. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital literacy in higher education and underscores the need for adaptation and continuous improvement in educational strategies to meet the evolving demands of the digital age.
Consumer acceptance of processed telang BUTERI flower and BUSER KING coffee products
Authors: Elfi Anis Saati  , Titik Purwati  , Trio Ageng Prayitno  , Dian Fitri Argarini  , Mistianah  , Mika Ambarawati  , Dwi Budiono  , Alexander Herlambang
Published: December 2024

Processed telang flower and coffee products from Malang must be introduced to the public as typical Malang food tourism, such as processed telang BUTERI flower and BUSER KING coffee products. The purpose of the study was to determine consumer acceptance of processed telang BUTERI flower and BUSER KING coffee products through organoleptic tests. The type of research is quantitative descriptive research with organoleptic test methods through hedonic tests (likeability). The research sample was 40 researchers for processed telang BUTERI flower products and 50 panelists for processed BUSER KING coffee products. The research instrument was a hedonic test sheet with a scale of 1 to 5 (taste, aroma, appearance, texture, and overall). The research data are quantitative data of the percentage of preference and qualitative data in the form of information or panelist comments. The data analysis technique is quantitative descriptive. The results of the study indicate that consumer acceptance of processed telang BUTERI flower products from the taste aspect is 60.5%, aroma aspect is 61%, appearance aspect is 70%, texture aspect is 63.5%, and overall aspect is 67%. Meanwhile, consumer acceptance of processed BUSER KING coffee products from the taste aspect is 74.4%, aroma aspect is 79.6%, appearance aspect is 74.8%, texture aspect is 74.8%, and overall aspect is 82.4%. The study concludes that processed telang BUTERI flower and BUSER KING coffee products can be accepted by consumers. The public can consume telang BUTERI flower and BUSER KING coffee processed products because they have halal certificates, NIB, and PIRT certificates.
Power in sustainability transitions
Authors: Raj Guilherme , Avelino Flor , Brisbois Marie Claire
Published: December 2024

This chapter delves into the role of power in sustainability transitions, addressing the limited attention power dynamics have received in the field despite their centrality to lasting societal change. Drawing on theories of power from various disciplines, this chapter introduces two conceptual frameworks to analyse power: (1) “power to, over, and with”, which examines how and which power relations change over time, and (2) “three relations of power”, which focuses on how power relations are constituted and shape societal change. These frameworks are applied to a case study of community-supported agriculture (CSA) in Portugal, showcasing grassroots efforts to address socio-political and ecological challenges while striving for sustainable agri-food systems. The analysis reveals how power influences opportunities and barriers for transitions, emphasising the interplay between individual and collective agency, human and non-human interactions, and historical structures of social relationships. The chapter concludes by emphasising the need for more power-aware research that integrates diverse perspectives, including non-Western and Indigenous epistemologies, to deepen the understanding of power in sustainability transitions.
Increased in vitro antimicrobial resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae isolates obtained from children in Beijing, China, in 2023
Authors: Jia Xinyu , Chen Yujie , Gao Yagang , Ren Xue , Du Bing , Zhao Hanqing , Feng Yanling , Xue Guanhua , Cui Jinghua , Gan Lin , Feng Junxia , Fan Zheng , Fu Tongtong , Xu Ziying , Yu Zihui , Yang Yang , Zhao Shuo , Huang Lijuan , Ke Yuehua , Liu Chuanhe , Yan Chao , Yuan Jing
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae), a common pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia in school-age children and adolescents, can cause epidemics worldwide. In late 2023, the incidence of M. pneumoniae infection among children reached a high level.

Methods

We investigated the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of 62 M. pneumoniae isolates obtained from children with pneumonia in Beijing between 2021 and 2023, and analyzed the correlation of antimicrobial susceptibility with molecular characteristics of isolates and clinical manifestations of patients.

Results

The resistance rates of M. pneumoniae isolates against erythromycin and azithromycin were both 100% (62/62). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of acetylspiramycin (16-membered macrolides) was lower than that of erythromycin and azithromycin. The MIC of azithromycin in 2023 was notably higher compared to 2021 and 2022. No resistance to tetracycline and levofloxacin was observed. Genotypes P1 type 1 and P1 type 2 were identified in 74.2% and 25.8% of isolates, and M4-5-7-2 (61.3%) and M3-5-6-2 (22.6%) were predominant multi-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) types. The A2063G mutation was present in all isolates (100%). Among the patients, 45/59 cases (76.3%) had severe M. pneumoniae pneumonia, and 14/59 cases (23.7%) presented co-infection. The duration of fever was 12 days (1-30 days) and the fever duration after initiation of macrolide antibiotics treatment was 8 days (1-22 days).

Discussion

Our study showed that macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (MRMP) with high in vitro antimicrobial resistance level may be the causative factor of the M. pneumoniae epidemic in late 2023 in Beijing, China. It is urgent to pay more attention to MRMP and the antibiotics choose.
Multi-epitope vaccines: a promising strategy against viral diseases in swine
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Li Yongfeng , Wang Xiao
Published: December 2024

Viral infections in swine, such as African swine fever (ASF), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), have a significant impact on the swine industry. Despite the significant progress in the recent efforts to develop effective vaccines against viral diseases in swine, the search for new protective vaccination strategy remains a challenge. The antigenic epitope, acting as a fundamental unit, can initiate either a cellular or humoral immune response. Consequently, the combination of multi-epitopes expressing different stages of viral life cycle has become an optimal strategy for acquiring a potent, safe, and effective vaccine for preventing and treating viral diseases in swine. Recent progresses in immunoinformatic tools, coupled with an understanding of host immune responses and computational biology, have paved the way for innovative vaccine design disciplines that focus on computer-assisted, in-silico epitope prediction for the prevention of viral diseases in swine. The concept of multi-epitope vaccines driven by immunoinformatic methods has gained prominence in multiple studies, particularly in the development of vaccines targeting conserved epitopes in variable or rapidly mutating pathogens such as African swine fever virus (ASFV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In this review, we provide an overview of the in-silico design of the multi-epitope vaccines against viral diseases in swine, including the antigenicity, structural quality analysis, immune simulations, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Furthermore, we also enumerate several multi-epitope vaccine applications that have shown promise to be against viral diseases in swine.
Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) alkaloids ameliorate high-fat diet induced obesity in rats by modulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism
Authors: Shang Xin , Fu Yu , Wang Ying , Yan Shuxun
Published: December 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate the ability of Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) alkaloid tablets (SZ-A) to ameliorate obesity and lipid metabolism disorders in rats subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) through metagenomics, untargeted lipidomics, targeted metabolism of bile acid (BA), and BA pathways, providing a novel perspective on the management of metabolic disorders.

Methods

In this research, HFD-fed rats were concurrently administered SZ-A orally. We measured changes in body weight (BW), blood lipid profiles, and liver function to assess therapeutic effects. Liver lipid status was visualized through H&E and Oil Red O. Gut microbiota composition was elucidated using metagenomics. The LC-MS-targeted metabolomics approach was utilized to define the fecal BA profiles. Furthermore, the lipid metabolomics of adipose tissue samples was investigated using an LC-MS analysis platform. The expression levels of the BA receptor were determined by western blotting. Additionally, serum insulin (INS), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and inflammatory cytokines were quantified using an ELISA kit. The integrity of the colonic epithelial barrier was assessed using immunofluorescence.

Results

SZ-A notably decreased BW and blood lipid levels in obese rats while also alleviating liver injury. Additionally, SZ-A reduced the serum levels of leptin (LEP), INS, and GLP-1, indicating its potential to modulate key metabolic hormones. Most notably, SZ-A substantially improved gut microbiota composition. Specifically, it reshaped the gut microbiota structure in HFD-fed rats by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides, while decreasing the populations of potentially harmful bacteria, such as Dorea and Blautia. At the BA level, SZ-A decreased the levels of harmful BAs, including hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), 12-keto lithocholic acid (12-KLCA), lithocholic acid (LCA), and muricholic acid (MDCA). Between the model group and SZ-A, 258 differentially abundant metabolites were detected, with 72 upregulated and 186 downregulated. Furthermore, these BAs are implicated in the activation of the FXR-FGF15 and TGR5-GLP-1 pathways in the intestine. This activation helps to alleviate HFD-fed intestinal inflammation and restore intestinal barrier damage by modulating inflammatory cytokines and bolstering the intestinal barrier’s capabilities.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that SZ-A effectively modulates BW, serum lipid profiles, and liver function in HFD-fed rats. Moreover, SZ-A exerts a positive influence on inflammatory cytokines, thereby mitigating inflammation and promoting the restoration of the intestinal barrier. Significantly, our research indicates that adjusting the gut microbiome and BA levels could serve as an effective approach for both preventing and treating obesity and related metabolic dyslipidemia.
The impact of telemedicine on pediatric type 1 diabetes management: benefits, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Esposito Susanna , Sambati Vanessa , Fogliazza Federica , Street Maria Elisabeth , Principi Nicola
Published: December 2024

Telemedicine (TM) has emerged as a valuable tool in managing pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D), particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional in-person visits were limited. This narrative review examines the impact of TM on patient-provider relationships, glycemic control, and overall diabetes management in children and adolescents with T1D. Studies consistently demonstrate high levels of patient and provider satisfaction with TM, citing increased consultation frequency, reduced travel burdens, and lower associated costs. However, results regarding the effect of TM on glycemic control, as measured by HbA1c levels, are inconsistent. Some studies show significant reductions in HbA1c levels with TM use, while others report outcomes comparable to or less effective than traditional care. The effectiveness of TM also appears to be influenced by the concurrent use of advanced diabetes technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin delivery systems. Furthermore, TM’s impact on quality of life and other clinical outcomes beyond glucose management remains underexplored. Methodological limitations, including inconsistent randomization strategies and lack of long-term follow-up, hinder definitive conclusions. Despite these uncertainties, TM offers several advantages, such as improved accessibility and patient engagement, which may justify its broader implementation. Future research should focus on optimizing TM approaches to enhance glycemic control and quality of life, identifying the most effective strategies for specific patient groups, and addressing technological and economic barriers. This review highlights the need for comprehensive, long-term studies to fully understand TM’s potential in pediatric T1D management and its integration into standard care practices.
N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation, a new hallmark of metabolic reprogramming in the immune microenvironment
Authors: Li Xiaoyue , Peng Lin , Yang Xuelian , Luo Jing , Wang Jianmei , Mou Kelin , Zhou Huan , Luo Yuhao , Xiang Li
Published: December 2024

N6-methyladenosine is one of the most common and reversible post-transcriptional modifications in eukaryotes, and it is involved in alternative splicing and RNA transcription, degradation, and translation. It is well known that cancer cells acquire energy through metabolic reprogramming to exhibit various biological behaviors. Moreover, numerous studies have demonstrated that m6A induces cancer metabolic reprogramming by regulating the expression of core metabolic genes or by activating metabolic signaling pathways. Meanwhile, m6A modifications and related regulators are key targets in the regulation of immune effects. We further summarize how m6A modifications contribute to tumor metabolism, and how these events affect the tumor immune microenvironment, with a specific focus on different cell types. Finally, we focus on the specific applications of this field to tumor immunotherapy. We review the potential role of m6A in metabolic reprogramming of tumor immune microenvironment and its regulatory mechanism, with the aim of providing new targets for tumor metabolic regulation and immunotherapy.
Hg, Cd, As, and Pb in surface sediments from the tropical coastal lagoon Estero Salado, Gulf of Guayaquil-Ecuador
Authors: Ormaza-González Franklin I. , Castro-Rendón Rubén D. , Maridueña-Bravo Ana , Bobadilla-Cordova Nayiva , Ramos-Castañeda Ivanna , Statham Peter J.
Published: December 2024

The Gulf of Guayaquil (GG) is the most important tropical estuarine system of the eastern coast of South America, receiving an average water flow of about 1 650 m3 s-1 from a river basin of approximately 33 700 km2. The city of Guayaquil surrounds the inner coastal lagoon of the Estero Salado (ES) that empties into the GG. This coastal lagoon is of high social, food production, and environmental importance for the city and the GG. However, there is limited high quality data on metal pollution in this zone, no recent information on Hg, and the extent to which sediment metal pollution extends into the GG is presently unknown. As, Cd, Pb, and Hg were analysed in surface sediments from the urban zone and gave average concentrations of 32.3, 2.08, 41.9, and 0.12 mg kg-1 (dry weight), respectively. Additionally, data were obtained for the first time for the El Morro Channel, south of the ES in the GG, which is expected to be a relatively pristine zone; average As, Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations were 6.6, 0.22, 7.9 and 0.02 mg kg-1 (dry weight), well below concentrations seen in the urban ES zone. Estimates of the geo-accumulation index for metal pollution, using the El Morro data as background values, were 1.7 (As), 2.7 (Cd), 1.8 (Pb) and 2.0 (Hg), making the ES class II and a moderately polluted estuary for As, Hg and Pb, but class III and “moderately to heavily polluted” for Cd. If the lowest concentrations of the EM samples are taken the ES is class III for As, IV for Hg and Pb, and V for Cd; id est, the ES would classify as a heavily to extremely polluted estuary regarding these metals. These data show the metal concentrations increase significantly as the main conurbation of Guayaquil is approached from offshore, indicating a strong anthropogenic source of metals from the city, with anticipated negative environmental impacts.
The occurrence and biogeochemical cycling of quaternary, ternary and volatile amines in marine systems
Authors: Fitzsimons Mark F. , Airs Ruth , Chen Yin
Published: December 2024

This review provides a critical assessment of knowledge regarding the occurrence and behaviour of volatile, low molecular weight amines, particularly methylamines and quaternary amines, in marine aquatic systems. It provides an up-to-date evaluation of their presence within marine ecosystems, the processes likely to control their flux across the sea-air interface, and analytical techniques associated with their measurement. Interest in the occurrence and cycling of these groups of compounds in seawater has increased within the last 10–15 years, due to their potential role in climate regulation. As such, the need for wider measurements and mechanistic studies to elucidate their role within biological communities and, more widely, the nitrogen cycle and marine ecosystem models, is apparent. Finally, we make recommendations on what research questions are most suitable for future studies in this area.
Characterization of the hepatic flora and metabolome in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jiang Hua , Wang Hui , Guo Yangfan , Zhu Yankun , Dai Hui , Liang Chenchen , Gao Jianpeng
Published: December 2024

Background/aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the hepatic bacterial composition and metabolome characteristics of patients with NAFLD using 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics. The results of the study revealed substantial differences in hepatic bacterial composition and metabolites between the NAFLD group and the control group. These differences were used to identify potential biomarkers that could be employed to diagnose NAFLD.

Subjects/methods

Liver tissues from 13 patients in the NAFLD group and 12 patients in the control group were collected for microbiota examination.

Results

The bacterial DNA profiles of the liver were significantly different between NAFLD patients and controls. NAFLD patients exhibited an enrichment of Enterobacterales, Mycobacteriales, Pseudomonadales, Flavobacteriales and Xanthomonadales, Sphingomonadales, Lysobact, which was characterised by a lack of erales. At the genus level, the abundance values of Escherichia-Shigella, Rhodococcus, and Chryseobacterium in the NAFLD group were significantly elevated, while the abundance values of Stenotrophomonas, Lawsonella and Sphingobium were significantly reduced. A total of 402 distinct metabolites were identified between the two groups, with 78 metabolites that were up-regulated and 14 metabolites that were down-regulated. The enrichment of metabolic pathways indicated that linoleic acid metabolism was the most significant contributor to the metabolic differences, and lipid metabolism was substantially differentiated. The hepatic metabolite levels were substantially correlated with the changes in hepatic microflora, as demonstrated by the correlation analysis.

Conclusion

Differences in pathogenesis and host physiological function of NAFLD may be attributed to the hepatic flora and metabolomic characteristics. In the future, this presents new opportunities for the investigation of prospective diagnostic and therapeutic targets for NAFLD.
hvEEGNet: a novel deep learning model for high-fidelity EEG reconstruction
Authors: Cisotto Giulia , Zancanaro Alberto , Zoppis Italo F. , Manzoni Sara L.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Modeling multi-channel electroencephalographic (EEG) time-series is a challenging tasks, even for the most recent deep learning approaches. Particularly, in this work, we targeted our efforts to the high-fidelity reconstruction of this type of data, as this is of key relevance for several applications such as classification, anomaly detection, automatic labeling, and brain-computer interfaces.

Methods

We analyzed the most recent works finding that high-fidelity reconstruction is seriously challenged by the complex dynamics of the EEG signals and the large inter-subject variability. So far, previous works provided good results in either high-fidelity reconstruction of single-channel signals, or poor-quality reconstruction of multi-channel datasets. Therefore, in this paper, we present a novel deep learning model, called hvEEGNet, designed as a hierarchical variational autoencoder and trained with a new loss function. We tested it on the benchmark Dataset 2a (including 22-channel EEG data from 9 subjects).

Results

We show that it is able to reconstruct all EEG channels with high-fidelity, fastly (in a few tens of epochs), and with high consistency across different subjects. We also investigated the relationship between reconstruction fidelity and the training duration and, using hvEEGNet as an anomaly detector, we spotted some data in the benchmark dataset that are corrupted and never highlighted before.

Discussion

Thus, hvEEGNet could be very useful in several applications where automatic labeling of large EEG dataset is needed and time-consuming. At the same time, this work opens new fundamental research questions about (1) the effectiveness of deep learning models training (for EEG data) and (2) the need for a systematic characterization of the input EEG data to ensure robust modeling.
Myopenia and body fat distribution in hospitalized ulcerative colitis patients: correlations with clinical characteristics and response to vedolizumab
Authors: Wei Wei , Yan Pengguang , Zhang Yan , Wang Qiong , Kang Junren , Liu Pengju , Fu Jin , Li Jingnan , Yu Kang
Published: December 2024

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients often suffer from impaired nutritional conditions. However, there are few studies focused on muscle loss in UC patients as well as its impact on therapeutic response. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of myopenia in hospitalized patients with active UC, analyze the relationship between body composition including both skeletal muscle and fat with clinical characteristics, and explore the association between body composition and clinical response to vedolizumab.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in hospitalized patients with active UC in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2014 to October 2022. Computed tomography (CT) scans were used to measure skeletal muscle area, visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), and intramuscular fat infiltration at the third lumbar vertebrae (L3) level. These measurements were standardized by height (m) squared. Myopenia was defined as a skeletal muscle index (SMI) < 44.77 cm2/m2 for males and <32.50 cm2/m2 for females. The VFA/SFA ratio (VSR) served as an indicator of visceral obesity, while intramuscular fat infiltration was evaluated using the mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) value of the L3 skeletal muscle section.

Results

A total of 457 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of myopenia was 49.7% in this cohort. Female patients had significantly higher levels of subcutaneous fat and intramuscular fat but a lower level of visceral fat than male patients. SMI and mean HU showed positive correlations with serum albumin (ALB) and negative correlations with serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), whereas VSR showed the opposite trend. Among the 92 patients who received vedolizumab treatment, myopenia was significantly associated with a lower clinical response rate, and this association remained significant after adjusting for vedolizumab duration, ALB, and hsCRP (OR = 3.458, 95% CI 1.238–9.659, p = 0.018). Visceral obesity, defined as VSR ≥ 75th centile of gender-specific VSR, tended to diminish the clinical response rate but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

This study underscores the significance of assessing body composition in UC patients. Optimizing body composition should be considered an integral component of managing UC patients in the future.
Artificial intelligence model predicts M2 macrophage levels and HCC prognosis with only globally labeled pathological images
Authors: Tian Huiyuan , Tian Yongshao , Li Dujuan , Zhao Minfan , Luo Qiankun , Kong Lingfei , Qin Tao
Published: December 2024

Background and aims

The levels of M2 macrophages are significantly associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, current detection methods in clinical settings remain challenging. Our study aims to develop a weakly supervised artificial intelligence model using globally labeled histological images, to predict M2 macrophage levels and forecast the prognosis of HCC patients by integrating clinical features.

Methods

CIBERSORTx was used to calculate M2 macrophage abundance. We developed a slide-level, weakly-supervised clustering method for Whole Slide Images (WSIs) by integrating Masked Autoencoders (MAE) with ResNet-32t to predict M2 macrophage abundance.

Results

We developed an MAE-ResNet model to predict M2 macrophage levels using WSIs. In the testing dataset, the area under the curve (AUC) (95% CI) was 0.73 (0.59-0.87). We constructed a Cox regression model showing that the predicted probabilities of M2 macrophage abundance were negatively associated with the prognosis of HCC (HR=1.89, p=0.031). Furthermore, we incorporated clinical data, screened variables using Lasso regression, and built the comprehensive prediction model that better predicted prognosis. (HR=2.359, p=0.001).

Conclusion

Our models effectively predicted M2 macrophage levels and HCC prognosis. The findings suggest that our models offer a novel method for determining biomarker levels and forecasting prognosis, eliminating additional clinical tests, thereby delivering substantial clinical benefits.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of first-line combination chemotherapy regimens for metastatic pancreatic cancer and evidence-based pricing strategy of liposomal irinotecan in China
Authors: Xiang Zuojuan , Ma Ling , Li Zhengxiong , Fu Yingzhou , Pan Yong
Published: December 2024

Background

The phase III NAPOLI-3 trial, which upgraded FOLFIRINOX (leucovorin, fluorouracil, irinotecan and oxaliplatin) to NALIRIFOX (liposomal irinotecan, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil), demonstrated the superiority of NALIRIFOX over GEMNABP (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) as the first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of NALIRIFOX, FOLFIRINOX, and GEMNABP, and to simulate the price of liposomal irinotecan at which NALIRIFOX could achieve cost-effectiveness.

Methods

A partitioned survival model was performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of NALIRIFOX, FOLFIRINOX and GEMNABP from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Survival data was obtained from a recently published network meta-analysis (NMA). Drug prices were collected from the database of the Hunan Province Drug and Medical Consumables Procurement Management Subsystem. Other cost and utility values were sourced from established literature. Cumulative costs, LYs (life-years), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), net monetary benefits (NMBs) and incremental net monetary benefits (INMBs) were the main outputs. Furthermore, the variations in ICER were analyzed as the price of liposomal irinotecan gradually decreased when comparing NALIRIFOX with FOLFIRINOX or GEMNABP. The robustness of the model was assessed by sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis.

Results

At the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $38,223.34, GEMNABP was the favored treatment. NALIRIFOX was associated with the highest LYs, QALYs, and cost. The cost-effectiveness of NALIRIFOX would be obtained if the price of liposomal irinotecan was less than $3.36/mg and $2.08/mg compared to FOLFIRINOX and GEMNABP, respectively, without considering the patient assistance program (PAP). Sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis revealed that the results of the model were stable.

Conclusion

From an economic standpoint, GEMNABP represents the favored choice in the prevailing market conditions among these three first-line combination chemotherapy regimens. The price simulation of liposomal irinotecan conducted in this study could provide valuable evidence for healthcare decision-making. Further evidence regarding the budget impact is still needed.
Factors influencing the quality of life among women with cancer in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Huyen Thi Hoa , Giap Tinh Thi Thanh , Tran Tran Ngoc , Nguyen Anh Chau , Truong Trung Quang , Bui Linh Khanh , Tran Quang Duc , Anderson Debra J.
Published: December 2024

Background

Cancer and its treatments significantly affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients. This remains understudied among Vietnamese women with cancer.

Objectives

This study explored the QoL of Vietnamese women with cancer and identified key influencing factors.

Method

In 2022, this study analyzed 214 Vietnamese women with cancer from four hospitals, assessing pain levels (Visualized Pain Scale), functional capacity (Karnofsky Performance Status Scale), and QoL (SF12). Analyses used SPSS 26.0, including t-tests, ANOVA, and hierarchical linear regression models.

Results

SF12-PCS and SF12-MCS scores were 46.61 ± 9.70 and 46.96 ± 9.06. Pain score (β = −0.304, p < 0.001) and symptoms number (β = −0.311, p < 0.001) were key predictors of physical health. For mental health, functional status (β = 0.259, p < 0.001) and symptoms number (β = −0.311, p < 0.001) were significant. PCS was negatively correlated with age (r = −0.165, p = 0.016), number of symptoms (r = −0.220, p = 0.001), and pain (r = −0.444, p < 0.001). Mental health (MCS) was negatively correlated with the length of cancer diagnosis (r = −0.156, p = 0.036) and the number of symptoms (r = −0.362, p < 0.001). Both PCS and MCS positively correlated with functional status (r = 0.222, p = 0.001) and (r = 0.281, p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Culturally sensitive care, pain management, and tailored support programs addressing physical, psychological, spiritual, and social aspects can enhance QoL for these women.
Unfolded Algorithms for Deep Phase Retrieval
Authors: Naimipour Naveed , Khobahi Shahin , Soltanalian Mojtaba , Safavi Haleh , Shaw Harry C.
Published: December 2024

Exploring the idea of phase retrieval has been intriguing researchers for decades due to its appearance in a wide range of applications. The task of a phase retrieval algorithm is typically to recover a signal from linear phase-less measurements. In this paper, we approach the problem by proposing a hybrid model-based, data-driven deep architecture referred to as Unfolded Phase Retrieval (UPR), which exhibits significant potential in improving the performance of state-of-the-art data-driven and model-based phase retrieval algorithms. The proposed method benefits from the versatility and interpretability of well-established model-based algorithms while simultaneously benefiting from the expressive power of deep neural networks. In particular, our proposed model-based deep architecture is applied to the conventional phase retrieval problem (via the incremental reshaped Wirtinger flow algorithm) and the sparse phase retrieval problem (via the sparse truncated amplitude flow algorithm), showing immense promise in both cases. Furthermore, we consider a joint design of the sensing matrix and the signal processing algorithm and utilize the deep unfolding technique in the process. Our numerical results illustrate the effectiveness of such hybrid model-based and data-driven frameworks and showcase the untapped potential of data-aided methodologies to enhance existing phase retrieval algorithms.
Intelligent Fault Diagnosis for Rotating Mechanical Systems: An Improved Multiscale Fuzzy Entropy and Support Vector Machine Algorithm
Authors: Pan Yuxin , Chen Yinsheng , Fei Xihong , Wang Kang , Fang Tian , Wang Jing
Published: December 2024

Rotating mechanical systems (RMSs) are widely applied in various industrial fields. Intelligent fault diagnosis technology plays a significant role in improving the reliability and safety of industrial equipment. A new algorithm based on improved multiscale fuzzy entropy and support vector machine (IMFE-SVM) is proposed for the automatic diagnosis of various fault types in elevator rotating mechanical systems. First, the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method is utilized to construct a decomposition model of the vibration data for the extraction of relevant parameters related to the fault feature. Secondly, the improved multiscale fuzzy entropy (IMFE) model is employed, where the scale factor of the multiscale fuzzy entropy (MFE) is extended to multiple subsequences to resolve the problem of insufficient coarse granularity in the traditional MFE. Subsequently, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is applied to reduce the dimensionality of the extracted features in order to overcome the problem of feature redundancy. Finally, a support vector machine (SVM) model is utilized to construct the optimal hyperplane for the diagnosis of fault types. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in the fault diagnosis of elevator systems.
(Dis)embodiment: Danielle Abrams’s Quadroon and the Destabilization of Visual Identities
Authors: Schwartz Stacy
Published: December 2024

Danielle Abrams’s performance art critically engages with late twentieth-century debates on race, queerness, and identity, positioning her as a vital figure in challenging monolithic and heteronormative structures of identity. Her early work Quadroon (1998), a live performance and four-channel video installation blending music, costume, gesture, and speech, compounds impassioned debates within the art world and beyond around the impact of multiculturalism on identity-based art, the invisibility of Jews of color and other marginalized members of the Jewish community, and the state of Black/Jewish relations in the United States following the Crown Heights riots of 1991. Abrams’s pieces frequently negotiate the tensions and intersections between her Black and Jewish familial heritage and her lesbian identity through the embodiment of semi-fictional personae grounded in family lore, self-perceptions, and cultural stereotypes. This paper explores how Abrams destabilizes the readability of “authentic” identities on the surface of the body in Quadroon via her adoption of personifications of her Black grandmother, her Jewish great grandmother, her identification as a butch lesbian, and her (unsuccessful) teenage attempt at passing for Greek. Pairing video recordings of each character with interludes from an unpublished performance script, I consider the anxieties of passing expressed in the personas of Dew Drop and Janie Bell, and through the lens of Abrams’s diaries, pose Butch in the Kitchen’s potential as an indefinite body to queer socially imposed constructions of monolithic and essentialist identity.
Reversal of Endothelial Cell Anergy by T Cell-Engaging Bispecific Antibodies
Authors: Gonçalves Márcia , Warwas Karsten M. , Meyer Marten , Schwartz-Albiez Reinhard , Bulbuc Nadja , Zörnig Inka , Jäger Dirk , Momburg Frank
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Reduced expression of adhesion molecules in tumor vasculature can limit infiltration of effector T cells. To improve T cell adhesion to tumor endothelial cell (EC) antigens and enhance transendothelial migration, we developed bispecific, T-cell engaging antibodies (bsAb) that activate T cells after cross-linking with EC cell surface antigens. Methods: Recombinant T-cell stimulatory anti-VEGFR2–anti-CD3 and costimulatory anti-TIE2–anti-CD28 or anti-PD-L1–anti-CD28 bsAb were engineered and expressed. Primary lines of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) that constitutively express VEGFR2 and TIE2 growth factor receptors and PD-L1, but very low levels of adhesion molecules, served as models for anergic tumor EC. Results: In cocultures with HUVEC, anti-VEGFR2–anti-CD3 bsAb increased T cell binding and elicited rapid T cell activation. The release of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 was greatly augmented by the addition of anti-TIE2–anti-CD28 or anti-PD-L1–anti-CD28 costimulatory bsAb. Concomitantly, T cell-released cytokines upregulated E-selectin, ICAM1, and VCAM1 adhesion molecules on HUVEC. HUVEC cultured in breast cancer cell-conditioned medium to mimic the influence of tumor-secreted factors were similarly activated by T cell-engaging bsAb. Migration of T cells in transwell assays was significantly increased by anti-VEGFR2–anti-CD3 bsAb. The combination with costimulatory anti-TIE2–anti-CD28 bsAb augmented activation and proliferation of migrated T cells and their cytotoxic capacity against spheroids of the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line seeded in the lower transwell chamber. Conclusions: T cells activated by anti-VEGFR2–anti-CD3 and costimulatory EC-targeting bsAb can reverse the energy of quiescent EC in vitro, resulting in improved T cell migration through an EC layer.
Effect of Zr, Zn, and Cu on Corrosion Resistance of As-Extruded Mg-3Sn-1Ca Alloy
Authors: Jia Zheng , Du Sichao , Niu Xiaowei
Published: December 2024

TX31 (Mg-3Sn-1Ca) is an alloy with promising future applications. This study enhances the corrosion resistance of the TX31 alloy through the addition of Zr and Zn and compares the effects of individual Cu addition and Zn/Cu composite addition on the corrosion resistance of the TX31 alloy. This study investigates the corrosion properties of TX31 alloys, focusing on the effects of the grain size, second phase, corrosion product film, and texture intensity. The addition of Zr and Zn changed the second-phase area fraction, while Cu introduced a new Mg2Cu phase. The TXZ311 alloy (Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Zn) exhibited the best corrosion resistance, with a corrosion rate as low as 1.68 mm·year−1, a significant reduction compared to other alloys. This improvement is attributed to its higher fraction of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) and the enhanced stability of the corrosion product film. The TXK311 alloy (Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Zr) showed superior corrosion resistance, with a rate of 2.97 mm·year−1, due to its uniform and fine grain structure. In contrast, the TX31 alloy had the poorest corrosion resistance, with a corrosion rate of 3.66 mm·year−1, due to its bimodal microstructure. The addition of Cu in the TXC311 (Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Cu) and TXCZ3111 (Mg-3Sn-1Ca-1Cu-1Zn) alloys resulted in micro-galvanic corrosion between α-Mg and Mg2Cu, which decreased the corrosion resistance.
A Planning Method for Charging Station Based on Long-Term Charging Load Forecasting of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Xiang Boyu , Zhou Zhengyang , Gao Shukun , Lei Guoping , Tan Zefu
Published: December 2024

During the planning and construction of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs), consideration of the long-term operating revenue loss for investors is often lacking. To address this issue, this study proposes an EVCS planning method that takes into account the potential loss of long-term operating revenues associated with charging facilities. First, the method combines the Bass model with electric vehicle (EV) user travel characteristics to generate a charging load dataset. Then, the cost of profit loss—which represents the EVCS utilization rate—is incorporated into the construction of the objective function. Additionally, a parallel computing method is introduced into the solution algorithm to generate the EVCS planning scheme. Finally, the cost-to-profit ratio of the EVCSs is used as a filtering condition to obtain the optimal EVCS planning scheme. The results show that the EVCS planning scheme considering the profit loss reduces the annual comprehensive cost by 24.25% and 16.93%, and increases the net profit by 22.14% and 24.49%, respectively, when compared to the traditional planning scheme under high and low oil prices. In particular, the charging station strategy proposed in this study has the best effect in the case of high oil prices.