bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSMENT OF BETAWI DANCE PRACTICE LEARNING E-ASSESSMENT BASED
Authors: Triana Dinny Devi Triana , Soewardjo B. Kristiono , Adhi Bambang P , Budiman Agus , Taryana Tatang
Published: June 2024

“Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka” (MBKM) is a policy that prepares students ready for use in various joints of life, thus demanding the competence of students and educators in using and utilizing technology in learning. One of MBKM's policies is a student exchange that is converted to 20 credits. Students are given the authority to take courses at various colleges relevant to the field of science and graduate access. Under this policy, a number of courses that have been converted to the MBKM requirement are of concern, especially in the process of learning and assessment. E-assessment used in assessing the learning process of dance practice courses can be a solution, so that students are monitored and evaluated in their learning progress. E-assessment is applied in Betawi dance courses taught at UNJ and UPI Bandung. Research methods use R&D at the system development stage to obtain input so that the evaluation system on e-assessment can be used easily and measurably. The use of e-assessment is expected to make it easier for lecturers to monitor learning outcomes and convert the values acquired by students.
Fire Safety Status and Evacuation of Medical Facility Considering Elevated Oxygen Concentrations
Authors: Sheikh Mohsin Ali , Karim Rehmat , Daniel Nashiru Mumuni , Khan Mujeeb Ali
Published: June 2024

The prevalence of infectious diseases and rapid population expansion has increased the number of medical facilities. Due to the patients' limited mobility, these hospitals are more susceptible to fire disasters. Both Pathfinder and Fire Dynamic simulators were used to calculate the required safe evacuation time (RSET), heat release rate, visibility, temperature, CO, and oxygen effects on temperature, and available safe evacuation time (ASET). The safety egress of the medical hospital was then evaluated by comparing the available safe evacuation time (ASET) and required safe evacuation time (RSET). The simulation findings showed that the egress guides depend on delay time when delay time increases the egress guides drop. We also studied the importance of egress route decisions and suggested that at least 20 to 30 egress guides be on duty in the medical facility. The safety criteria for the medical facility have been proposed based on the delay time with the normalized egress guides. The high oxygen concentration in a hospital can put the medical staff and patients in danger and limit the required safe egress time to less than 150s. The proposed measures can be used to assess the evacuation safety of a typical medical hospital in use relatively quickly and efficiently
Survey and Distribution of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Infecting Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Jhansi, (India)
Authors: Sengar Manvendra Singh , Sachan Abha , Pandey Rajesh K , Kumar Shailendra , Kashyap Neelam
Published: June 2024

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is an important high-value vegetable crop and acts as a natural medicine that alleviates the risk of a condition such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Plant parasitic nematodes are obligate biotrophic feeders that cause the most devastating phytoeconomic damage to tomato cultivation across the globe. Their infection may lead to a spectrum of disorders like stunting, necrosis, and wilting followed by lessening production. The present investigation embraces an extensive survey work (from October to December 2021) of three tomato crop production sites at Baruasagar in Jhansi and throws light on the occurrence, distribution, and genera diversity of parasitic nematodes in soil and root samples. The morphological identification of six genera Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Hoplolaimus, Helicotylenchus, Rotylenchulus,and Criconema was also undertaken in the study. The Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne genus) and lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus genus) were the most abundant PPNs in tomato crops. The study also highlighted the varying physicochemical properties of soil played a significant role in the abundance of nematode genera.
Design Modelling and Simulation of Roundabout in Selected Intersection of Urban Road as Per IRC Guidelines and Recommendations
Authors: L Gunashree K , G Anusha , Nagaveni  , Vishwas J S
Published: June 2024

Intersections are the major part of road networks as they connect various parts of the city situated in different directions. Designing the intersections plays a vital role in the development of roadways specially in urban areas. This paper mainly concentrates on designing the selected intersection by designing it as a Roundabout using IRC guidelines. In reference to the 2D model of the existing intersection, a 3D model of the designed roundabout for the study area is done using Auto CAD software. The traffic capacity of the designed roundabout is determined by using highest peak hour traffic count. In order to ensure pedestrian safety, a pedestrian delay time survey is conducted and the average pedestrian delay time is determined. As per the designed roundabout, a software modelling is done using the PTV VISSIM student version and traffic simulation is carried out.
Plant-based food supply requires transformation to fulfil micronutrient needs in China
Authors: Werf Wopke van der , Li Yijun , Gerdessen Johanna C. , Stomph Tjeerd Jan , Kuijsten Anneleen , de Leeuw Sander , Chang Zhiyao , Fan Shenggen , Cong Wen-Feng
Published: June 2024

Plant-based foods can supply most of the required dietary nutrients globally, but weaknesses in nutrition security persist. Here, we assess the role of plant-based food supply (PFS) in fulfilling dietary needs for energy and 17 nutrients in China from 1997 to 2016. We estimate per nutrient the coverage (supply/demand) and source diversity (exponentiated Shannon entropy of sources). Coverage was insufficient (supply/demand<1) for selenium, calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin A. Source diversity was below 4 for vitamins A and C. From 1997 to 2016, coverage and source diversity improved little for these nutrients. Transformations like reducing avoidable nutrient losses, repurposing feed to food consumption via reducing red meat intake, and reallocating domestic crop use increased coverage by at least 18%, but hardly improved source diversity. The above PFS transformations enable the fulfilment of all nutrient needs except selenium, providing opportunities for more sustainable and healthy diets in China.
High MICAL-L2 promotes cancer progression and drug resistance of renal clear cell carcinoma cell via stabilization of ACTN4 and following vimentin expression
Authors: Du Jun , Zhao Weizhen , Qi Chenxiang , Mao Yixin , Ye Fengwen , Xia Tianxiang , Zhao MingYu , Min Pengxiang , Zhang Yujie , Du Jun
Published: June 2024

Kidney clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) continues to be a substantial contributor to cancer-associated fatalities nowadays. Targeted therapies persist as the conventional method of KIRC treatment. Nevertheless, the development of resistance to those drug emerges as a significant impediment to renal cancer management. MICALL2, a member of the molecules that interact with the CasL family (MICALs), plays pivotal roles in cytoskeleton rearrangement. This study sought to elucidate the clinical relevance of MICAL-L2 in KIRC and its regulatory mechanism in cancer progression and resistance to therapy. The Cancer Genome Atlas data mining was utilized to assess the expression of MICAL-L2 in KIRC tissues. Statistical analysis of immunohistochemistry and the Kaplan–Meier Plotter database were employed to investigate the clinical significance of MICALL2. A series of in vitro experiments, encompassing assays for CCK-8, EDU staining, wound healing and transwell migration, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, co-immunoprecipitation analysis were conducted to demonstrate the effects of MICAL-L2 on the drug sensitivity of KIRC cells and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. MICAL-L2 is overexpressed in KIRC tissues. Elevated MICAL-L2 levels correlate with reduced survival rate and a diminished response to drug therapy in KIRC patients. MICAL-L2 overexpression stimulates cell proliferation, migration and renders KIRC cells insensitive to Sunitinib and Everolimus, two traditional therapeutics for KIRC. Furthermore, MICAL-L2 promotes progression and resistance to therapy in KIRC cells by interacting with its downstream regulator Alpha-actinin-4 (ACTN4) in a Rab13-dependent manner, then reducing ACTN4 degradation, and thereby leading to augmented vimentin expression in KIRC cells. These findings indicate that MICAL-L2 plays a critical role in the progression of KIRC and suggest that MICAL-L2 may function as a therapeutic target in KIRC patients.
Examining emotions in English and translated Chinese children’s literature: a bilingual emotion detection model based on LLMs
Authors: Liu Yanjin , Lee Sophia Yat Mei , Li Dechao
Published: June 2024

The study of emotions within the language sciences has been an area of scholarly interest since the 1880s. Emotion analysis in this field primarily examines the expression of emotions in various texts, encompassing a broad spectrum from online commentary to classical literature. Recent years have seen an increased emphasis on the detection and analysis of emotions within children's literature. This burgeoning interest is motivated by the recognition that a deeper understanding of the emotional layers embedded in children's stories can greatly enhance the insights of educators and caregivers into the emotional development and experiences conveyed through these narratives. While the majority of research in this field has concentrated on the analysis of emotion in monolingual datasets, efforts to explore emotion within bilingual contexts, such as in translated children’s literature, are relatively rare. To address this gap, this paper firstly compiles a bilingual Chinese-English dataset of emotions from a parallel Chinese-English classical children’s literature corpus. Then, the dataset is fine-tuned and evaluated on different Large Language Models (LLMs). The fine-tuning results indicate that the GPT-3.5-turbo model surpasses other language models, reaching its best performance with an F1 of 0.869. This performance denotes not only the feasibility of Chinese-English bilingual emotion detection, but also the applicability of this modelled dataset for future Chinese-English emotion detection tasks.
Bidirectional relationship between epigenetic age and brain health events
Authors: Rivier Cyprien , Szejko Natalia , Renedo Daniela , Clocchiatti-tuozzo Santiago , Huo Shufan , de Havenon Adam , Zhao Hongyu , Gill Thomas , Sheth Kevin , Falcone Guido
Published: June 2024

Chronological age offers an imperfect estimate of the molecular changes that occur with aging. Epigenetic age, which is derived from DNA methylation data, provides a more nuanced representation of aging-related biological processes. This study examines the bidirectional relationship between epigenetic age and the occurrence of brain health events (stroke, dementia, and late-life depression). Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we analyzed blood samples from over 4,000 participants to determine how epigenetic age relates to past and future brain health events. Study participants with a prior brain health event prior to blood collection were 4% epigenetically older (beta 0.04, SE 0.01), suggesting that these conditions are associated with faster aging than that captured by chronological age. Furthermore, a one standard deviation increase in epigenetic age was associated with 70% higher odds of experiencing a brain health event in the next four years after blood collection (OR 1.70, 95%CI 1.16-2.50), indicating that epigenetic age is not just a consequence but also a predictor of poor brain health. Both results were replicated through Mendelian Randomization analyses, supporting their causal nature. Our findings support the utilization of epigenetic age as a useful biomarker to evaluate the role of interventions aimed at preventing and promoting recovery after a brain health event.
Urban development growth strategies and societal well-being
Authors: Rios-Ocampo Juan , Gary Michael
Published: June 2024

Cities have advanced in terms of economic and social status over the last five decades, improving the living conditions of hundreds of millions of people. However, population growth and urban expansion have put pressure on social and environmental conditions. This study examines the relationship between urban development and societal well-being over time. We analyze 500 pages from published urban plans of Greater Sydney between 1968 and 2018 and code the text into causal maps. The findings show that policymakers adopted a dominant urban development strategy over the last fifty years to pursue economic and public infrastructure growth. This growth strategy resulted in unintended, negative consequences for social and environmental dimensions of societal well-being. Although policymakers eventually recognized the seriousness of these social and environmental consequences, they never attempted to fundamentally change the dominant growth strategy. Instead, policymakers sought to address the consequences (i.e., symptoms) by responding to each issue piecemeal.
Social Determinants of Health as Primary Risk Factors of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Goedecke Patricia , Nakahara Angela , Pope Spencer , Madlock-Brown Charisse , Sen Saunak , Singarella Irma , Mari Giancarlo , Mockus Audris
Published: June 2024

Public health researchers have raised the question of whether social determinants of health (SDOH) are a primary risk driver for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), as opposed to clinical factors including race risk. This retrospective cohort study was performed using known demographic and geospatial risk factors to clarify effects of SDOH on HDP to create performance models comparing SDOH with clinical factors including race risk. Of 5156 pregnancies identified, 7.8% were affected by HDP. 54 factors were compared for their ability to distinguish HDP pregnancies; the top six were aspects of housing. In multivariable logistic models, SDOH demonstrated better model performance (66.1%) than clinical factors and race risk combined (63.0%) as measured by area under receiver operator curve (AUROC). The three categories together demonstrated 71.4% model performance. These models suggest that some incidence of HDP currently predicted by clinical factors including race risk may be better explained by SDOH.
B cells modulate lung antiviral inflammatory responses via the
neurotransmitter acetylcholine
Authors: Baumgarth Nicole , Prieto Antonio Cembellin , Luo Zheng , Kulaga Heather
Published: June 2024

The rapid onset of innate immune defenses is critical for early control of viral replication in an infected host, yet it can also lead to irreversible tissue damage, especially in the respiratory tract. Intricate regulatory mechanisms must exist that modulate inflammation, while controlling the infection. Here, B cells expressing choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), an enzyme required for production of the metabolite and neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) are identified as such regulators of the immediate early response to influenza A virus. Lung tissue ChAT + B cells are shown to interact with a7 nicotinic Ach receptor-expressing lung interstitial macrophages in mice within 24h of infection to control their production of TNFa, shifting the balance towards reduced inflammation at the cost of enhanced viral replication. Thus, innate-stimulated B cells are key participants of an immediate-early regulatory cascade that controls lung tissue damage after viral infection.
Dualism of intraplate and subduction-related volcanism in the Palaeozoic of the Rhenish Massif (Central Europe) and its plate tectonic relevance
Authors: Nesbor Heinz-Dieter
Published: June 2024

Palaeozoic volcanic rocks are widely distributed within the sedimentary rock sequence of the Rhenish Massif. A total of 185 new geochemical analyses of these have been evaluated, allowing a distinction based on indicative trace elements and rare earth elements between intraplate volcanism and subduction-related volcanism. The latter began in the Silurian and continued through the entire Devonian and likely into the early Carboniferous. The trigger for the volcanic activities was the subduction of the Rheic Ocean northward beneath the southern margin of Avalonia. A magmatic arc had developed above the subduction zone, where explosive eruptions occurred throughout the entire timespan. To the north the Rhenohercynian back-arc basin opened from the Lower Devonian onwards, whereby Avalonia was spited into a northern and a southern part. As a result of the increasing rifting of the thinned continental crust of the southern Avalonian shelf area, intense bimodal intraplate volcanism began in the Givetian, parallel to the subduction-related volcanism, persisting until the early Frasnian. The first volcanic cycle ended, after a long interruption in the deeper Upper Devonian, with the eruption of primitive basaltic magma in the highest Famennian. Due to the retreat of the subduction zone (roll back), Southern Avalonia migrated increasingly southward with simultaneous expansion of the back-arc basin. A new volcanic cycle began in the Early Carboniferous, which is characterized by an evolution from tholeiitic to alkaline basaltic magma. The products of both volcanic cycles occupy large areas in the Lahn-Dill region, the Kellerwald, and the Waldeck region. Subvolcanic intrusions and feeder dykes in the Northern Taunus and Sauerland evidence the widespread distribution of volcanism beyond the present-day limits imposed by erosion.
A Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Evaluation of Serum Creatinine as a Biomarker in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Zhao Xin , Gong Zhenxiang , Luo Han , Li Zehui , Gao Rong , Yang Kangqin , Deng Wenhua , Peng Sirui , Ba Li , Liu Yang , Zhang Min
Published: June 2024

Objective
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by proximal muscle weakness and atrophy. The proliferation of disease-modifying therapy has prompted the development of biomarkers to facilitate clinical observations. We explored the association between disease severity and serum creatinine (Crn) levels in patients with SMA over an up to 2-year treatment period with nusinersen.
Methods
We measured serum Crn and assessed function performance using Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE), Medical Research Council Scale (MRC), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), ulnar Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in a cohort of 28 adolescent and adult patients with SMA. We investigated the association between Crn and disease severity by partial rank correlation and linear mixed model after correction for age, gender, and BMI. The prediction of functional performance was analyzed using linear models.
Results
28 SMA patients with 185 visits and 28 gender- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included. Compared with HCs, SMA patients had significantly lower Crn values ​​(67.4 ± 14 vs 23.7 ± 14.8 umol/L, p<0.0001). Crn has a positive correlation with HFMSE (p<0.0001, r = 0.884), MRC (p<0.0001, r = 0.827), FVC (p = 0.002, r = 0.730), and ulnar CMAP (p<0.0001, r = 0.807) after correction for age, sex, and BMI. The Crn level in patients with SMN2 copy number ≥ 4 is nearly twice (34.1 ± 3.75 vs 17.2 ± 2.52 umol/L, p = 0.00145) as high as that in patients with SMN2 copy number < 4. The Crn level in the ambulants is more than twice (32 ± 2.33 vs 12.9 ± 2.38 umol/L, p<0.0001) as high as that in the non-ambulants. Crn could explain up to 83.5% of the variance of functional performance of the HFMSE, MRC, and 6MWT, which is significantly higher than that of traditional biomarkers.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that Crn can reflect the disease severity in adolescents and adults with SMA, making it a promising candidate biomarker for SMA.
Informed Consent Practices Among Emergency Staff for Patients Undergoing Emergency Surgery in the Emergency Surgical Units of Two Tertiary Teaching Hospitals in Uganda: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kituuka Olivia , Munabi Ian , Galukande Moses , Twimukye Adelline , Mwaka Erisa
Published: June 2024

Background
Staff in low resourced emergency units of a low-income country face the challenge of obtaining informed consent for incapacitated patients or their next of kin in a time-constrained situation often in an overcrowded environment. Therefore, we aimed to establish the informed consent practices for emergency surgical care among healthcare professional at two emergency surgical units at two tertiary teaching hospitals in Uganda.
Methods
In October 2022 – February 2023we conducted key informant interviews in Uganda and purposively selected 16 staff in surgical emergency units at two tertiary teaching hospitals and directly observed the informed consent practices. Data was managed and analyzed inductively using NVivo version 12.
Results
Six themes emerged from key informant interviews including knowledge and perspectives no informed consent; processes, procedures, and practices regarding informed consent; communication strategies for informed consent; ethical considerations; benefits of informed consent during surgery; and challenges to emergency informed consent. Staff had adequate knowledge about informed consent but faced several challenges during the consent process due to lack of guiding institutional policies. Overall, the informed consent process was inadequate at both institutions with greeting of patients, disclosure of risks and assessment of understanding poorly done. Consent was conducted in a noisy environment at both institutions and there was no privacy in the public hospital.
Conclusion
Although knowledge about consent practices by emergency staff at both institutions was good, in practice there was inadequate disclosure of risks, inadequate knowledge about the surgical procedure, risks, and benefits. Emergency staff identified the need for procedure specific consent documents which capture the information that is given to the patient and guiding policies on consent for incapacitated patients who have no surrogates.
Mortality Risk Assessment Using the REVEAL 2.0 Score in Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Left Heart Disease
Authors: Sharp-Dimitri Demetrio , Pourriahi Mahyar , Zhou Christine , Jandarov Roman , Kay Dana , Jose Arun , Cook Jennifer , Elwing Jean , Gomez-Arroyo Jose
Published: June 2024

Background
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) frequently complicates the course of patients with left heart disease (PH-LHD) and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Mortality calculators for PH-LHD are lacking, and it is unclear whether any risk prediction tools originally derived from other forms of PH can accurately predict outcomes in patients with PH-LHD.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from 161 patients diagnosed with PH-LHD referred to our pulmonary hypertension center from 2016 to 2022. We calculated the Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL 2.0) risk score and categorized patients as low, intermediate, or high-risk. We assessed survival at 1 and 3 years using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards, as well as classification performance using a concordance index.
Results
At the first outpatient visit, 15% of patients were stratified as low-risk, 27% as intermediate, and 57% as high-risk. Cumulative 1-year survival rates were 100%, 94%, and 91% for the low, intermediate, and high-risk strata, respectively. Cumulative 3-year survival rates were 96%, 89%, and 70% for the low, intermediate, and high-risk strata, respectively. We found no difference in outcomes at 1 year between risk groups. High-risk patients had an increased risk of death at 3 years using REVEAL 2.0 (HR 5.32, p < 0.001). However, while REVEAL 2.0 accurately discriminated high-risk patients, the hazard ratio was not statistically different between patients classified as intermediate-risk compared to low-risk.
Conclusion
REVEAL 2.0 accurately predicted 3-year survival in PH-LHD patients with high-risk features. However, the mortality risk between patients classified as intermediate-risk was not different from the low-risk stratum, suggesting inaccurate classification for this group of patients.
The outcomes of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization after fertility-sparing treatment for atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer: 10-year experience
Authors: Tao Tao , Wang Hanbi , Zhen Jingran , Sun Zhengyi , Yu Qi , Wang Xue , Pan Lingya , Cao Dongyan , Zhou Yuanzheng , Deng Chengyan
Published: June 2024

Objective

To summarize the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) after fertility-sparing treatment for atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer (AH/EC), and to analyze the factors influencing reproductive outcomes and disease recurrence.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 125 women who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) after fertility-sparing treatment of AH/EC in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2013 to March 2023. Data of clinical features, reproductive outcomes, and recurrence were collected. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy and live birth. The secondary outcome was disease recurrence.

Results

A total of 125 patients were involved in the study. The average age to start IVF cycle was 33.66±3.56 years.109 patients underwent at least one embryo transfer. The clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate per ET were 35.80% and 17.70%, respectively. The cumulative pregnancy rate was 74.31%. The total recurrence rate during IVF was 8%. The younger onset age of AH/EC and controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) were the two factors that were negatively correlated with live birth. COS with LNG-IUS and a history of recurrence before IVF were significantly correlated with the risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

IVF was noted as an effective method to achieve pregnancy in a relatively short period of time, and reproductive outcomes for AH/EC patients were satisfied. Repeated AH/EC treatment was feasible, while recurrence might affect subsequent fertility outcomes. COS with LNG-IUS did not exhibit to have negative effects on obtaining embryos. However, the effects of LNG-IUS on recurrence and endometrial receptivity are still remain unknown, and deserve further assessment.
Diagnostic performance of machine-learning-based screening methods for skin disease
Authors: Zhang Daojun , Jiang Xia , Qian Tian , Song Tingting , Chen Haixing , Yu Fubing , Hao Fei
Published: June 2024

The timely identification of skin diseases is of utmost importance, as it affects around 420 million individuals globally. In order to ensure prompt treatment, it is crucial to make a precise diagnosis. To aid in this process, machine learning (ML) techniques offer dependable screening approaches. Two researchers, operating independently, extensively investigated reputable studies sourced from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Their objective was to assess the efficacy of various ML methods and determine the suitability of a screening system for skin disease diagnosis. The analysis also considered factors such as parameters, dataset characteristics, and settings.
Latent profiles of physical behaviour and their impact on physical fitness and function of Portuguese older adults
Authors: Zymbal Vera , Magalhães João P. , Baptista Fátima , Cruz Eduardo B. , Rosa Gil B. , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: June 2024

Exploring individuals’ patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour can reveal profiles that could differently impact health outcomes and benefit targeted interventions. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of physical behaviour in older adults and examine their association with physical fitness and function outcomes. The sample included 1095 participants (765 females) from the Portuguese physical activity and sports monitoring system. Latent profiles of physical behaviour were identified based on the percentage of waking time spent in sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) assessed by accelerometery. Physical fitness was assessed by Senior Fitness Test Battery, and physical function was evaluated through the 12-item Composite Physical Function questionnaire. Associations between the profiles of physical behaviour and physical fitness and function outcomes were examined using generalized linear models adjusted for age. Three profiles of physical behaviour were identified: "active", "intermediate", and "sedentary" for both sexes. Participants with “active" or "intermediate" profiles exhibited the most favourable physical fitness and functional outcomes, while those with a "sedentary" profile showed the poorest results. Our findings suggest that a more balanced behaviour between physical activity and sedentary behaviour throughout the waking day appears to provide physical fitness and functional benefits, even if MVPA are not fully met. This is important for older adults who may struggle to comply fully with MVPA guidelines but could maintain or improve their physical fitness and function with a more active behaviour through the reduction of sedentary behaviour and inclusion of light physical activity.
Correlations of Blood and Brain NMR Metabolomics with Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Models
Authors: Cheng Leo , Knörnschild Franz , Zhang Ella , Biswas Rajshree Ghosh , Kobus Marta , Chen Jiashang , Zhou Jonathan , Sun Joseph , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Wei , Muti Isabella , Habbel Piet , Nowak Johannes , Xie Zhongcong , Zhang Yiying
Published: June 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, impacting millions of geriatric patients globally. Unfortunately, AD can only be diagnosed post-mortem, through analysis of autopsied brain tissue in human patients. This renders early detection and countering disease progression difficult. As AD progresses, the metabolomic profile of the brain and other organs can change. These alterations can be detected in peripheral systems (i.e., blood) such that biomarkers of the disease can be identified and monitored with minimal invasion. In this work, High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HRMAS) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is used to correlate biochemical changes in mouse brain tissues, from the cortex and hippocampus to blood plasma. 10 µg of each brain tissue and 10 µL of blood plasma were obtained from 5XFAD Tg AD mice models (n=15, 8 female, 7 male) and female C57/BL6 wild-type mice (n=8). 51 spectral regions-of-interest (ROI) were identified, and 121 potential metabolites were assigned using the Human Metabolome Database and tabulated according to their trends (increase/decrease, false discovery rate significance). This work identified several metabolites that impact glucose oxidation (lactic acid, pyruvate, glucose-6-phosphate), allude to oxidative stress resulting in brain dysfuncton(L-cysteine, galactitol, propionic acid), as well as those interacting with other neural pathways (taurine, dimethylamine). This work also suggests correlated metabolomic changes within blood plasma, proposing an avenue for biomarker detection, ideally leading to improved patient diagnosis and prognosis in the future.
FaceNet-Based CNN Architecture for Enhanced Attendance Monitoring System
Authors: Srinivasa P. , Racha Ganesh , Yavvari Naveen , A Sravanthi P , Kamatam Yedukondalu
Published: June 2024

In the present days, the domain of image classification has seen notable progress, particularly with the rise of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) as a formidable tool in this area. The CNNs excel in detecting intricate patterns and features within images like human eye detection pattern system. The CNN architecture is designed by using convolutional layers, pooling layers, and fully connected layers, enables automatic feature extraction and abstraction, leading to more accurate image classification. By employing machine learning techniques, CNNs continuously improve their ability to classify various images with high precision through training on labelled datasets. In practical scenarios, CNNs find application in image classification for automating attendance tracking of groups. Utilizing facial recognition capabilities, the CNN system accurately identifies and records the attendance of individual persons in real-time, eliminating the necessity of manual tracking. To ensure ease of use, a user-friendly web interface is developed, providing a centralized platform for displaying all attendance records. This integrated solution not only streamlines attendance monitoring but also showcases the seamless integration of advanced image classification techniques and web development, offering an efficient approach to attendance management.
MECOM promotes leukemia progression and inhibits mast cell differentiation through functional competition with GATA2
Authors: Goyama Susumu , Iida Kohei , Nakanishi Mayuko , Nakahara Jakushin , Asada Shuhei , Isobe Tomoya , Yabushita Tomohiro , Ozawa Manabu , Yamada Yasuhiro , Kitamura Toshio , Yamamoto Keita
Published: June 2024

MECOM is a nuclear transcription factor essential for the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and myeloid leukemia cells. MECOM contains N- and C-terminal zinc finger domains (ZFDs) and binding motifs for the corepressor CtBP to regulate gene expression. Recent studies have shown that germline MECOM variants are associated with thrombocytopenia, radioulnar synostosis, and bone marrow failure, collectively termed MECOM-associated syndromes. Although the mutations are clustered in the C-terminal ZFD, how these mutations affect MECOM function has remained unclear. In addition, the individual genes and pathways regulated by MECOM are less well understood. In this study, we showed that the C-terminal ZFD is a major DNA-binding domain of MECOM and that the disease-associated mutations abolish the DNA-binding ability. We also found that MECOM functionally antagonizes GATA2 through the C-terminal ZFD-mediated DNA binding and CtBP interaction, thereby promoting myeloid leukemogenesis while inhibiting mast cell differentiation. Furthermore, we generated mutant MECOM knockin mice harboring a C-terminal ZFD mutation that recapitulate several features of MECOM-associated syndromes, including HSC and B-cell reduction. Our study demonstrates that C-terminal ZFD mutations are loss-of-function mutations with reduced DNA-binding ability, reveals the critical role of MECOM in inhibiting GATA2, and provides a novel mouse model for MECOM-associated syndromes.
Objective Monitoring of Motor Symptom Severity and their Progression in Parkinson’s Disease Using a Digital Gait Device
Authors: Raschka Tamara , To Jackrite , Hähnel Tom , Sapienza Stefano , Ibrahim Alzhraa , Glaab Enrico , Gaßner Heiko , Steidl Ralph , Winkler Jürgen , Corvol Jean-Christophe , Klucken Jochen , Fröhlich Holger
Published: June 2024

Digital technologies for monitoring motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) have underwent a strong evolution during the past years. Although it has been shown for several devices that derived digital gait features can reliably discriminate between healthy controls and people with PD, the specific gait tasks best suited for monitoring motor symptoms and especially their progression, remain unclear. Furthermore, the potential benefit as endpoint in a clinical trial context has not been investigated so far. In this study we employed a digital gait device manufactured by Portabiles HCT, which has been used by 339 patients within the LuxPark cohort (n = 161, Luxembourg) as well as within routine clinical care visits at the University Medical Center Erlangen (n = 178, Erlangen, Germany). Linear (mixed) models were used to assess the association of task-specific digital gait features with disease progression and motor symptom severity measured by several clinical scores. Furthermore, we employed machine learning to evaluate whether digital gait assessments were prognostic for patient-level motor symptom progression. Overall, digital gait features derived from Portabiles digital gait device were found to effectively monitor motor symptoms and their longitudinal progression. At the same time the prognostic performance of digital gait features was limited. However, we could show a strong reduction in required sample size, if digital gait features were employed as surrogates for traditional endpoints in a clinical trial context. Thus, Portabiles digital gait device provides an effective way to objectively monitor motor symptoms and their progression in PD. Furthermore, the digital gait device bears strong potential as an alternative and easily assessable endpoint predictor in a clinical trial context.
The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Dosage and Sleep in People Suffering from Opioids Dependence Under Methadone-Maintenance Therapy
Authors: Amini Zahra , HeidariFarsani Ebrahim
Published: June 2024

Objectives
Zinc deficiency has been shown to affect the central nervous system, according to animal and human studies. In people under methadone-maintenance therapy (MMT), zinc deficiency is accompanied by various consequences. This study intended to evaluate the impact of zinc supplementation on dosage and sleep in people suffering from opioid dependence under MMT.
Methods
Following a clinical trial design, a total of 68 cases referring to outpatient MMT centers in Isfahan province in 2021 were recruited using the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a demographic questionnaire form, and a methadone dose form, which was performed before providing the intervention, and one and three months later. Data analysis was administered using SPSS version 23.
Results
some sleep quality subcomponents, including the score of sleep efficiency (p = 0.001), sleep disturbances (p < 0.001), and use of sleep medication (p < 0.001) were decreased for those in the intervention group, which was statistically significant. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the control group. Regarding components of subjective sleep quality (p = 0.04) and daily functional impairment (p = 0.01), the overall mean difference (before and after the intervention) between the intervention and control groups was statistically significant. However, There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups concerning total sleep quality (p = 0.002); however, such difference was not found for methadone consumption (p = 0.73).
Conclusion
Zinc supplementation showed a positive effect on some subcomponents of sleep quality in people under MMT. However, it did not affect the dose of methadone.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Preliminary Efficacy, Pharmacodynamics, and Immunogenicity of QX002N, an Anti-IL-17A Monoclonal Antibody, after Short-term Treatment of Active Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Wu Min , Li Qianqian , Fang Min , Chen Hong , Zhang Hong , Mai Jiajia , Li Xiaojiao , Ding Yanhua
Published: June 2024

Objectives
To investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics, preliminary efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity of QX002N, an interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, in Chinese patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Methods
In this phase 1b, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending dose study, eligible patients with active AS were randomized into three dose (40, 80, or 160 mg) cohorts, with a 4:1 ratio in each cohort to subcutaneously receive either QX002N or a placebo once every 2 weeks with six doses in total. All patients were followed for 14 weeks (98 days) after the last dose. The primary endpoints were the safety and pharmacokinetics of QX002N, and the secondary endpoints included its preliminary efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity.
Results
Thirty patients (n = 10 in each cohort) were included, with 24 receiving QX002N and 6 receiving a placebo. A total of 85 adverse drug reactions, predominantly Grade 1–2, were identified in 20 out of 24 patients (83.3%) who took QX002N. The exposure to QX002N increased proportionally with the dose escalating from 40 mg to 160 mg. Patients taking 160 mg QX002N achieved higher response rates (ASAS20: 87.6% at Week 8 [Day 56]); ASAS40: 50.0% at Week 12 [Day 78]), than those taking 40-mg or 80-mg QX002N. An increase in interleukin-17A and a decrease in interleukin-6 levels in the serum, with decreases in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, were observed. Anti-drug antibodies were detected in only one of 24 patients taking QX002N.
Conclusions
Subcutaneous administration of QX002N demonstrates a favorable safety profile, with linear PK characteristics. Promising clinical responses in pharmacodynamics and preliminary efficacy have been observed. Immunogenicity does not appear to be a concern.
Trial Registration
This study was registered with Chinadrugtrials.org.cn (CTR20201277)
Association between Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Nephrolithiasis: A Cohort Study
Authors: Sun Xiaoping , Wang Minzhen , Wang Zhiping
Published: June 2024

Objectives: Kidney stones are a common urological disease with increasing incidence in numerous countries every year, and its risk factors and prevention are significant public health issues. This study examined the association of metabolic syndrome with incident kidney stones.
Methods: This study included 36 811 adults from the health checkup population (2018–2023). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to elucidate the relationship between metabolic syndrome, the number of metabolic components, metabolic syndrome components, and the risk of nephrolithiasis. This essay used stratified analyses to identify participants with higher incidence risk.
Results: During 93 965.97 person-years of follow-up, 573 participants developed nephrolithiasis. Participants with metabolic syndrome had a higher risk of nephrolithiasis than those without metabolic syndrome. Increasing odds of nephrolithiasis with increasing number of metabolic syndrometraits. Obesity and hypertension were significantly associated with the risk of nephrolithiasis. However, we did not find that it was nonlinearly associated with higher risks of nephrolithiasis among participants with obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Compared with participants without metabolic syndrome, those with metabolic syndrome had a 60.5% higher risk of nephrolithiasis (hazard ratio 1.605, 95% confidence interval 1.275,2.021). Metabolic syndrome, number of metabolic components, and metabolic syndrome composition were independent risk factors for kidney stones in males, whereas these variables were not associated with kidney stones in females.
Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome, the number of metabolic components, obesity, and hypertension were positively associated with increased risk for nephrolithiasis, which were only observed among men.
Associations of the Dietary Inflammatory Index with Sarcopenia among Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018
Authors: Ma Miao , Jiang Ting , Li Bin , Liu XiaoXia
Published: June 2024

Objective
To explore the relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and sarcopenia in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Materials and Methods
This study included population data from the 2013–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The data were screened and organized based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The included population was divided into four groups (Q1-Q4) from low to high according to the quartile method of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and ASM: BMI was calculated to assess sarcopenia. Multivariate logistic regression models, Model 1 and Model 2, with different adjustment factors were established to evaluate the relationship between the DII and sarcopenia.
Results
A total of 2019 subjects were included in the study, with an average age of 49.23 ± 5.67 years. ASM: BMI showed a decreasing trend among the DII Q1-Q4 groups, with statistically significant differences between groups (P < 0.001). According to multivariate logistic regression Model 1 and Model 2, higher DIIs were associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia (Model 1: OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.35, 3.04], P < 0.001; Model 2: OR = 2.29, 95% CI [1.51, 3.53], P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that the DII had a greater impact on individuals with a BMI < 30 than on those with a BMI ≥ 30, with ORs of 3.24 (95% CI: 1.43–7.33) and 1.85 (95% CI: 1.12–3.04), respectively.
Conclusion
The prevalence of sarcopenia increases with increasing DII. Diet significantly affects muscle mass in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. A diet with a low DII is effective in reducing the occurrence of sarcopenia, especially in menopausal and nonobese women.
CT Texture Analysis of Pediatric Teratomas—Associations with Identification and Grading of Immature Teratoma
Authors: Qi Xinxin , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhao Wen , Teng Songyu , Zhou Guanglun , Zeng Hongwu
Published: June 2024

Background
Teratomas are categorized into mature teratomas (MT) and immature teratomas (IT) of I-III grades according to content of immature tissues. The existing diagnostic methods are not comprehensive and objective enough. This study aims to utilize computed tomography texture analysis (CTTA) to examine intratumoral components and improve preoperative identification and grading of IT.
Methods
We analyzed the CT features and texture features of intratumoral components in teratomas(MT = 26, IT = 26). To assess intratumoral components' efficacy, logistic regression models were formulated for both MT and IT intergroups, as well as different grades within IT intragroups.
Results
Texture features showed 22, 30, and 43 differential texture features for fat, calcification, and solid components between IT and MT group, respectively (p < 0.05). Within those, neighborhood gray tone difference_ busyness (NGLCM_busyness) feature for solid components in IT group was obviously higher than MT (p = 0.000), with the value being higher in grade II than grade I (p = 0.020). Logistic regression analysis indicated that IT identification efficacy of fat, calcifications, and solid components models were 0.778, 0.774, and 0.976, respectively.
Conclusion
CTTA is an effective method for IT identification and grading, with NGTDM features holding unique value. Among tumor components, the diagnostic value of solid components is the highest.
Navigating genitourinary tuberculosis: lessons from a 2023 case
Authors: Ospina Natalia Ramos , Tello Sofia Alexandra Montes , Vélez John Harold Suarez , Goez José Fernando García
Published: June 2024

Background: Genitourinary tuberculosis (GU-TB), an extrapulmonary manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, often presents insidiously, posing diagnostic challenges and leading to progressive tissue destruction, chronic kidney disease, and urogenital dysfunction.
Case presentation: We report a case of a patient initially diagnosed with endometriosis due to dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain. Despite multiple surgical interventions, symptoms worsened. Misdiagnoses of urinary infections resulted in ineffective treatments. Subsequent testing revealed Mtb, prompting a six-month regimen of four-drug therapy (2HRZE/4HR), leading to significant improvement.
Conclusion – take away lesson(s): This case underscores the importance of considering GU-TB in patients with persistent urogenital symptoms, even with initial negative tests. It emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach and consideration of uncommon conditions for successful outcomes in complex scenarios.