bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFEKTIVITAS PENDIDIKAN KESEHATAN MENGGUNAKAN AUDIOVISUAL DAN POWER POINT PRESENTATION TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN REMAJA PUTRI TENTANG VULVA HYGIENE
Authors: Luno Darna Skolastika
Published: November 2024

Latar Belakang : Remaja putri yang sudah memasuki masa menstruasi penting untuk menerapkan vulva hygiene. Vulva hygiene adalah perilaku memelihara alat kelamin bagian luar (vulva) guna mempertahankan kebersihan dan kesehatan alat kelamin, serta untuk mencegah terjadinya infeksi. Pythagoras (2017) mengemukakan berdasarkan Survei Demografi dan Kesehatan Indonesia pengetahuan remaja putri mengenai vulva hygiene didapatkan hasil belum memadai, Akibat dari minimnya informasi mengenai vulva hygiene masalah yang dihadapi remaja putri ialah mereka tidak bisa menjaga kebersihan saat menstruasi. Kebersihan vulva hygiene selama masa menstruasi ini sangat penting, karena bila penanganan selama haid tidak benar atau tidak bersih maka dapat mengakibatkan gangguan alat reproduksi. Tujuan : untuk mengetahui efevktivitas pendidikan kesehatan menggunakan audiovisual dan Power Point Presentation terhadap pengetahuan remaja putri tentang vulva hygiene di Pesantren Syaicona Cholil. Metode : penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimental dengan desain (pre-post test), yang dilakukan pada 16 mei 2023 dengan jumlah sampel 70 responden. Pengukuran variabel dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner. Hasil : Ada pengaruh pemberian power point dan audiovisual terhadap tingkat pengetahuan remaja putri tentang vulva hygiene. Kesimpulan : dengan menggunakan media audiovisual lebih efektiv meningkatkan pengetahuan remaja putri tentang vulva hygiene dibandingan menggunakan media power point.
İşgücü Piyasasında Kadın Yönetici İstihdamı: Hanehalkı İşgücü Anketi Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: Şenel Dilek
Published: November 2024

Araştırmanın amacı, toplumun kadına biçtiği toplumsal cinsiyet rollerin çalışma yaşamına nasıl yansıdığını kadın yöneticiler üzerinden tespit ederek kadın yöneticilerin çalışma koşulları ve sosyo-ekonomik özelliklerini ortaya çıkarmaktır. Nicel araştırma yöntemi kullanılarak elde edilen bulgular, Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu 2020 yılı Hanehalkı İşgücü Anketi Mikro Veri Seti aracılığı ile tespit edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda, Türkiye’de yaklaşık bir buçuk milyon yönetici olduğu saptanmıştır. Bunların sadece %18,2’si kadındır. İstihdamdaki kadınların %3,3’ü yöneticiyken erkeklerde bu oran (%6,6) iki kat daha fazladır. Kadın yöneticilerin ortalama gelirleri erkek yöneticilerin gelirlerinden daha düşüktür. Kadın yöneticilerin kamu sektöründe elde ettikleri gelir, özel sektörde elde ettikleri gelirden yüksek iken erkek yöneticilerin özel sektörde elde ettikleri gelirleri daha yüksektir. Kadın yöneticilerde kayıt dışı çalışma oranı düşük ancak yarı zamanlı çalışma oranı yüksektir. Ailedeki bakıma muhtaç yetişkinlerin tamamına çocukların ise %92,3’üne kadın yönetici bakmaktadır. Kadın yöneticilerin %54’ü, erkek yöneticilerin %42,5’i lisans mezunuyken kadın yöneticilerin %16,8’i, erkek yöneticilerin ise %8,3’ü lisansüstü eğitimini tamamlamıştır. Araştırmada ayrıca 2010 yılında yaklaşık %10 olan kadın yönetici oranının, 2020 yılında yaklaşık %18’e yükseldiği ancak bu yükselişin Türkiye’yi dünya sıralamasında üst seviyelere taşımaya yetmediği belirlenmiştir. Nitekim Türkiye 2020 yılı itibari ile kadın yönetici oranı bakımından, otuz dört OECD ülkesi arasında otuz üçüncü sırada yer almaktadır.
La búsqueda de objetos robados (Doce Tablas, tab. I. 20; VIII. 15 A). Contexto etnológico, histórico y jurídico de un misterio.
Authors: Coello Joaquín Muñiz
Published: November 2024

El contenido de las Doce Tablas, de mediados el siglo V a. de C.,  constituye un texto muy inseguro, defectuoso y de valor muy desigual, como documento jurídico que fue reflejo de la Roma de ese período y anterior. Por la escasa y ambigua información que nos ha llegado, el asunto del robo y sobretodo, la búsqueda de los objetos robados, apenas resumido en los dos términos que sobre ello nos ha llegado, - lance et licio ,- fue ya un enigma para la sociedad romana posterior, y ha seguido generando abundante controversia y bibliografía desde hace más de un siglo. Creemos que analizar los problemas de transmisión y ampliar el contexto histórico, geográfico y cultural, a otras culturas tanto antiguas como primitivas actuales, puede servir para obtener una visión más aproximada del significado de aquel mandato arcaico.
Las esculturas y los obeliscos de Constantinopla. Spolia arqueológica al servicio de la grandeza de la Nueva Roma
Authors: Verdugo Santos Javier
Published: November 2024

El objetivo del trabajo es analizar el traslado de esculturas y obeliscos a Constantinopla y a su hipódromo como acto de spolia al servicio de la grandeza de la ciudad fundada por Constantino, realizando un examen de las diversas teorías científicas al respecto que nos permita establecer un estado de la cuestión sobre la intencionalidad del traslado.
Status Imunisasi sebagai Determinan Utama Infeksi Saluran Pernafasan Akut di Rumah Sakit Islam Gondanglegi Malang
Authors: Wulandari Endah Sri , Agustina Maria
Published: November 2024

 Acute respiratory tract infections are among the 10 most common diseases and are one of the main health problems often experienced by toddlers in Indonesia. This disease has a serious impact on toddlers' health, ranging from decreased quality of life to death. The purpose of this study was to analyze the causative factors of acute respiratory tract infections in the pediatric ward of Gondanglegi Islamic Hospital, Malang. This study was a cross-sectional study, involving 62 respondents. Data were collected by filling out a questionnaire, then analyzed using the Chi-square test. The results of the analysis showed that the p value for each factor was: immunization status = 0.012, exclusive breastfeeding = 0.041, birth weight = 0.034, housing density = 0.032, family members smoking = 0.041; so it could be interpreted that these five factors influence the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections. The conclusion of this study showed that immunization status, exclusive breastfeeding, birth weight, housing density and the presence of family members who smoke were determinants of the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections in children at Gondanglegi Islamic Hospital, Malang.

Keywords: acute respiratory tract infections; toddler; risk factors; immunization

 

ABSTRAK

 

Infeksi saluran pernapasan akut termasuk dalam 10 penyakit terbanyak dan merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan utama yang sering dialami oleh balita di Indonesia. Penyakit ini berdampak serius terhadap kesehatan balita, mulai dari penurunan kualitas hidup hingga kematian. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor penyebab dari infeksi saluran pernapasan akut di ruang perawatan anak Rumah Sakit Islam Gondanglegi Malang. Penelitian ini merupakan studi cross-sectional, dengan keterlibatan 62 responden. Data dikumpulkan melalui pengisian kuesioner, lalu dianalisis dengan uji Chi-square. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa nilai p untuk masing-masing faktor adalah: status imunisasi = 0,012, air susu ibu eksklusif = 0,041, berat badan lahir = 0,034, kepadatan hunian = 0,032, anggota keluarga merokok = 0,041; sehingga dapat diinterpretasikan bahwa kelima faktor tersebut berpengaruh terhadap kejadian infeksi saluran pernapasan akut. Kesimpulan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa status imunisasi, air susu ibu eksklusif, berat badan lahir, kepadatan hunian dan keberadaan anggota keluarga yang merokok merupakan determinan kejadian infeksi saluran pernapasan akut pada anak di Rumah Sakit Islam Gondanglegi Malang.

Kata kunci: infeksi saluran pernafasan akut; balita; faktor risiko; imunisasi

 
Biomechanical analysis of limits of stability using computerized posturography: correlations with functional mobility in elderly individuals with hip osteoarthritis – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alahmari Khalid A. , Reddy Ravi Shankar
Published: November 2024

Background

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that predominantly affects the elderly, causing significant morbidity due to joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function. This study aimed to assess the limits of stability (LOS) using computerized posturography and evaluate the correlations with functional mobility in elderly individuals with hip OA.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included elderly individuals aged 65 years and above with a clinical diagnosis of hip OA and age-matched asymptomatic controls. The LOS was measured using a computerized dynamic posturography system, which quantified the maximum distance and angle participants could shift their center of gravity without losing balance. Functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, which measures the time taken for participants to stand up, walk 3 m, turn around, walk back, and sit down.

Results

The study included 86 elderly individuals with hip OA and 86 age-matched asymptomatic controls. LOS assessments showed that individuals with hip OA had significantly lower stability scores across all directions compared to controls (p < 0.001). TUG test times were significantly slower for the OA group (10.50 ± 2.20 s) compared to controls (8.70 ± 2.00 s, p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between LOS and functional mobility (r = 0.50, p = 0.009). Moderation analysis revealed that age and duration of OA significantly influenced the relationship between stability and mobility.

Conclusion

Hip OA significantly impacts stability and functional mobility in elderly individuals. Enhanced stability is associated with improved mobility, and demographic and clinical variables such as age and duration of OA play crucial roles in these relationships. These findings underscore the importance of targeted therapeutic interventions to improve stability and mobility in this population.
Estimation of gait parameters in healthy and hemiplegic individuals using Azure Kinect: a comparative study with the optoelectronic system
Authors: Cerfoglio Serena , Ferraris Claudia , Vismara Luca , Amprimo Gianluca , Priano Lorenzo , Bigoni Matteo , Galli Manuela , Mauro Alessandro , Cimolin Veronica
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Walking ability is essential for maintaining functional independence, but it can be impaired by conditions like hemiplegia resulting from a stroke event. In post-stroke populations, accurately assessing gait anomalies is crucial for rehabilitation to promote functional recovery, and to prevent falls or injuries.

Methods

The aim of this study is to evaluate gait-related parameters using a solution based on a single RGB-D camera, specifically Microsoft Azure Kinect DK (MAK), on a short walkway in both healthy (n= 27) and post-stroke individuals with hemiplegia (n= 20). The spatio-temporal and center of mass (CoM) parameters estimated by this approach were compared with those obtained from a gold standard motion capture (MoCap) system for instrumented 3D gait analysis.

Results

The overall findings demonstrated high levels of accuracy (> 93%), and strong correlations (r > 0.9) between the parameters estimated by the two systems for both healthy and hemiplegic gait. In particular, some spatio-temporal parameters showed excellent agreement in both groups, while CoM displacements exhibited slightly lower correlation values in healthy individuals.

Discussion

The results of the study suggest that a solution based on a single optical sensor could serve as an effective intermediate tool for gait analysis, not only in clinical settings or controlled environments but also in those contexts where gold standard systems are not feasible.
Predicting survival in patients with SARS-CoV-2 based on cytokines and soluble immune checkpoint regulators
Authors: Lee Nuri , Jeon Kibum , Park Min-Jeong , Song Wonkeun , Jeong Seri
Published: November 2024

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been widespread for over four years and has progressed to an endemic stage. Accordingly, the evaluation of host immunity in infected patients and the development of markers for prognostic prediction in the early stages have been emphasized. Soluble immune checkpoints (sICs), which regulate T cell activity, have been reported as promising biomarkers of viral infections.

Methods

In this study, quantitative values of 17 sICs and 16 cytokines (CKs) were measured using the Luminex multiplex assay. A total of 148 serum samples from 100 patients with COVID-19 were collected and the levels were compared between survivors vs. non-survivors and pneumonic vs. non-pneumonic conditions groups. The impact of these markers on overall survival were analyzed using a machine learning algorithm.

Results

sICs, including sCD27, sCD40, herpes virus entry mediator (sHVEM), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (sTIM-3), and Toll-like receptor 2 (sTLR-2) and CKs, including chemokine CC motif ligand 2 (CCL2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), were statistically significantly increased in the non-survivors compared to those of in the survivors. IL-6 showed the highest area under the receiver-operating curve (0.844, 95% CI = 0.751–0.913) to discriminate non-survival, with a sensitivity of 78.9% and specificity of 82.4%. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with procalcitonin over 0.25 ng/mL, C-reactive protein (CRP) over 41.0 mg/dL, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio over 18.97, sCD27 over 3828.8 pg/mL, sCD40 over 1283.6 pg/mL, and IL-6 over 21.6 pg/mL showed poor survival (log-rank test). In the decision tree analysis, IL-6, sTIM-3, and sCD40 levels had a strong impact on survival. Moreover, IL-6, CD40, and CRP levels were important to predict the probability of 90-d mortality using the SHapley Additive exPlanations method.

Conclusion

sICs and CKs, especially IL-6, sCD27, sCD40, and sTIM-3 are expected to be useful in predicting patient outcomes when used in combination with existing markers.
Galectin-3 plays a key role in controlling infection by Toxoplasma gondii in human trophoblast cells and human villous explants
Authors: Luz Luana Carvalho , Ribeiro Mayara , Teixeira Samuel Cota , de Souza Guilherme , Paschoalino Marina , Sousa Daniel Pereira , Rosini Alessandra Monteiro , dos Santos Natalia Carine Lima , de Oliveira Rafael Martins , de Lima Júnior Joed Pires , Damasceno Izadora Santos , Almeida Marcos Paulo Oliveira , Barbosa Matheus Carvalho , Alves Celene Maria de Oliveira Simões , da Silva Claudio Vieira , Barbosa Bellisa Freitas , Ferro Eloisa Amália Vieira
Published: November 2024

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside-binding lectin expressed in cells of the placental microenvironment. This lectin is involved in various biological processes, such as modulation of the immune system and control of parasitic illness. Toxoplasma gondii infection can lead to congenital transmission and cause miscarriages, prematurity and fetal anomalies. However, little is known about the role of Gal-3 in T. gondii infection in the placental microenvironment. This study aimed to unravel the underlying mechanisms of Gal-3 during T. gondii infection. For this purpose, we promoted the knockdown of Gal-3 expression by using RNA interference (RNAi) in BeWo cells or by using a synthetic inhibitor (GB1107) in human villous explants. We showed that the decreased Gal-3 expression in BeWo cells and human villous explants increases the invasion and proliferation of T. gondii probably by downregulating MIF and IL6 levels, highlighting thus the role of this lectin in modulating the immune response. Collectively, our study reveals Gal-3 as a promising target protein during congenital toxoplasmosis.
Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study of atrial fibrillation and breast cancer
Authors: Ding Fan , Chen Chen , Wang Yuling , Zhu Tingting , Jiao Linke , Shen Zihuan , Zhang Zhiwei , Lv Lifei , Cui Xiangning , Lu Yingdong
Published: November 2024

Background

Observational studies have shown an association between Breast Cancer (BC) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF). However, due to confounding factors and reverse causality, the causal role between BC and AF remains unclear. In this study, bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) combined with meta-analysis was used to evaluate the causal association between BC and AF.

Methods

Based on the Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) summary data sets, the Inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main method, the weighted median method and MR-Egger method were used for Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization, and the Egger intercept test was used to detect horizontal pleiotropy. Heterogeneity was tested by Cochran's Q test, and sensitivity analysis was performed by “leave-one-out”. GWAS data for AF and BC were obtained from three separate databases (FinnGen, UKBiobank, GWAScatalog) for European individuals. Finally, meta-analysis was performed on the MR Analysis results from different databases.

Results

The pooled IVW results showed no evidence of an effect of BC on the risk of AF (IVW: OR = 0.9994; 95% CI = 0.9967–1.0022). There was also no evidence of an effect of AF on BC risk (IVW: OR = 0.9970; 95% CI = 0.9154–1.0859).

Conclusion

The results of the Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization study show that there is no causal relationship between BC and AF.
Ethanol marshall bundle elimination, pulmonary vein isolation, and linear ablation for atrial fibrillation with or without heart failure
Authors: Chen Hongxu , Li Huahua , Chen Dan , Xiong Xiong , Li Xi , Chen Yanhong , Zhang Jinlin
Published: November 2024

Background

In medical practice, atrial fibrillation (AF) is intricately associated with heart failure (HF). Currently, ethanol infusion of vein of Marshall (EIVOM) for AF ablation in HF patients remains significantly limited.

Method

This was a non-randomized, single-center, retrospective observational study. AF patients received 4-step ablation composed of EIVOM, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and linear ablation. The primary composite endpoint was defined as recurrence of atrial tachycardia over 30 s. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce selection bias.

Results

From April 2020 to May 2022, 362 patients were included, comprising of 182 HF patients and 180 non-HF patients. EIVOM success rate was lower in HF patients than non-HF patients (86.8% vs. 93.9%). Cardiac effusion was more common in HF patients (44.0% vs. 37.2%), and 2 cases of atrial-esophageal fistula were observed in the HF group. During a median follow-up of 12 months, no significant difference in the primary endpoint was observed between HF and non-HF group. Different HF subgroups had similar AF recurrence. After PSM, AF recurrence rate remained statistically equivalent between the HF and non-HF groups.

Conclusion

EVIOM combining catheter ablation can be completed with comparable success rate in AF patients with or without HF. However, peri-procedural safety is a concern for HF patients undergoing EIVOM combing AF catheter ablation. During the follow-up, HF status before ablation is not related with increased AF recurrence.
Focused review on artificial intelligence for disease detection in infants
Authors: Bartl-Pokorny Katrin D. , Zitta Claudia , Beirit Markus , Vogrinec Gunter , Schuller Björn W. , Pokorny Florian B.
Published: November 2024

Over the last years, studies using artificial intelligence (AI) for the detection and prediction of diseases have increased and also concentrated more and more on vulnerable groups of individuals, such as infants. The release of ChatGPT demonstrated the potential of large language models (LLMs) and heralded a new era of AI with manifold application possibilities. However, the impact of this new technology on medical research cannot be fully estimated yet. In this work, we therefore aimed to summarise the most recent pre-ChatGPT developments in the field of automated detection and prediction of diseases and disease status in infants, i.e., within the first 12 months of life. For this, we systematically searched the scientific databases PubMed and IEEE Xplore for original articles published within the last five years preceding the release of ChatGPT (2018–2022). The search revealed 927 articles; a final number of 154 articles was included for review. First of all, we examined research activity over time. Then, we analysed the articles from 2022 for medical conditions, data types, tasks, AI approaches, and reported model performance. A clear trend of increasing research activity over time could be observed. The most recently published articles focused on medical conditions of twelve different ICD-11 categories; “certain conditions originating in the perinatal period” was the most frequently addressed disease category. AI models were trained with a variety of data types, among which clinical and demographic information and laboratory data were most frequently exploited. The most frequently performed tasks aimed to detect present diseases, followed by the prediction of diseases and disease status at a later point in development. Deep neural networks turned out as the most popular AI approach, even though traditional methods, such as random forests and support vector machines, still play a role—presumably due to their explainability or better suitability when the amount of data is limited. Finally, the reported performances in many of the reviewed articles suggest that AI has the potential to assist in diagnostic procedures for infants in the near future. LLMs will boost developments in this field in the upcoming years.
Thermal and burial history of the axial Arcabuco-Floresta segment, Eastern Cordillera basin, Colombia: evidence from low-temperature thermochronology and numerical modelling
Authors: Sandoval-Espinel John Jairo , Sandoval-Espinel Leidy Carolina , Bermúdez Mauricio A. , Bernet Matthias , Kohn Barry , Amaya Sergio , Villamizar-Escalante Nicolas , Zuluaga Carlos
Published: November 2024

The axial Arcabuco-Floresta segment of the Eastern Cordillera basin, Colombia exhibits a complex geological history characterized by both along and across strike variations in deformation and exhumation, as well as magmatic activity, all of which provide valuable insights into the broader tectono-thermal evolution of the Andean region. In this study, we combine existing thermochronological data, with 16 new zircons (U-Th)/He and 9 new fission-track dates, and numerical modeling to investigate the thermal history in response to such anomalies across the axial Arcabuco-Floresta segment. Single grain ZHe data from Devonian to Lower Cretaceous strata range from 74 to 20 Ma. ZFT data from the same samples show a broader age distribution ranging from 200 to 70 Ma. The integration of different inverse modeling approaches suggests that cooling, here interpreted as exhumation, occurred in three distinct episodes which can each be linked to different regional tectonic interactions since the Late Cretaceous. Over this time, exhumation commenced in the northern and western parts of the basin and extended progressively through to the eastern and southern parts. The first episode, from the Late Cretaceous to Eocene is related to the accretion of different oceanic terranes related to Farallon Plate. The second, from the Oligocene to Middle Miocene, is interpreted as a probable compressional response to accretion of the Panamá-Chocó Arc, Nazca Plate and the Gorgona Terrane. The third, extending from the Middle Miocene to Pleistocene, may be associated with exhumation driven by far-field deformation resulting from the final collision phase of the Panamá-Chocó block with South America and its interaction with the Nazca and Caribbean plates. This last phase led to the complete emergence of the Eastern Cordillera and its development as an orographic barrier. No evidence was found suggesting any possible influence of thermal overprinting on the thermochronological data in the basin.
The interaction of BDNF with estrogen in the development of hypertension and obesity, particularly during menopause
Authors: Zhang Zhongming , He Ziyi , Pan Jing , Yuan Minghui , Lang Yini , Wei Xiaomeng , Zhang Chaoyun
Published: November 2024

The expression of BDNF in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells is influenced by various stimuli, including prenatal developmental factors and postnatal conditions such as estrogens, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors like obesity, blood pressure, and aging. Central BDNF plays a crucial role in modulating how target tissues respond to these stimuli, influencing the pathogenesis of hypertension, mitigating obesity, and protecting neurons from aging. Thus, BDNF serves as a dynamic mediator of environmental influences, reflecting an individual's unique history of exposure. Estrogens, on the other hand, regulate various processes to maintain overall physiological well-being. Through nuclear estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ) and the membrane estrogen receptor (GPER1), estrogens modulate transcriptional processes and signaling events that regulate the expression of target genes, such as ERα, components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and hormone-sensitive lipase. Estrogens are instrumental in maintaining the set point for blood pressure and energy balance. BDNF and estrogens work cooperatively to prevent obesity by favoring lipolysis, and counteractively regulate blood pressure to adapt to the environment. Estrogen deficiency leads to menopause in women with low central BDNF level. This review delves into the complex mechanisms involving BDNF and estrogen, especially in the context of hypertension and obesity, particularly among postmenopausal women. The insights gained aim to inform the development of comprehensive therapeutic strategies for these prevalent syndromes affecting approximately 68% of adults.
A novel simulation and supervised machine learning-based prediction framework to predict the total transportation and energy costs for single-family households
Authors: Gonela Vinay , Srinivasan Raghavan , Osmani Atif
Published: November 2024

This paper focuses on predicting the total transportation and energy costs (TTEC) for single-family households. A system boundary consisting of grid-powered electricity (GE) and solar-powered electricity (SE) as energy inputs and transportation vehicles that include Gasoline Vehicles (GV) and Electric Vehicles (EV) as transportation methods for energy outputs is studied. A novel three-stage evaluation framework is proposed to predict the TTEC under varying single-family household parameters. In the first stage, an energy balance simulation model is proposed to estimate the TTEC for an individual household. In the second stage, the simulation model is run several times under varying parameters to develop synthetic data that is used as input for the third stage supervised machine learning (SML) models. In the third stage, numerous SML models are trained and tested to determine the best SML model that enables us to predict the TTEC with high accuracy. This best SML model can be used as a substitute for simulation model, thereby reducing the computation burden of running the simulation model for each new single-family household. A case study of single-family households in Central Texas in the US is used as an application of the framework. The results indicate that regression SML models are best in predicting the total costs with an adjusted R-squared of 99.13% and 98.88% on training and testing datasets, respectively. In addition, the parameter analysis of regression SML models suggests that the house size, number of GVs, number of EVs, EV and GV ownership costs, and solar implementation at households are the most important parameters to predict TTEC for single-family households. Counterintuitively, number of residents, GV and EV mileage, solar system size, battery capacity and peak solar hours are not significant parameters that contribute to TTEC prediction.
Fluoride emission rate analysis in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer cells
Authors: Kuhnert Eveline , Heidinger Mathias , Bernroitner Anna , Kiziltan Özge , Berger Erwin , Hacker Viktor , Bodner Merit
Published: November 2024

The assessment of PEM water electrolyzer (PEMWE) degradation is essential for understanding their long-term durability and performance under real-world conditions. This research focuses on the fluoride emission rate (FER) as a crucial parameter during PEMWE operation. Two different FER analysis methods were evaluated, considering their feasibility and ease of integration into a PEMWE system. Various stressors were examined to gain insights into membrane degradation and explore potential mitigation strategies. The utilization of a photometric detection method allowed for the quantification of FER in each test. Results highlight a noteworthy correlation between applied stressors and FER, with variations depending on specific test conditions. An accelerated stress test conducted for 100 hours revealed a high FER at the anode of 0.83 μg h−1 cm−2 during the initial phase. Correspondingly, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping showed a reduction in Nafion™ content on the catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) surfaces, likely impacting proton conductivity and performance. Electrochemical results further support these findings, indicating performance changes corresponding to the observed membrane degradation.
Development of an input-output CGE model for collaborative management of water pollution reduction and carbon mitigation
Authors: Wang Jia , Li Jun , Fu Yupeng , Sun Jie , Yang Yueqing , Su Shuai , Zhai Mengyu
Published: November 2024

Achieving the dual goals of improving water quality and reducing carbon emissions requires a systematic study of the combined effects of economic and environmental policies on industrial systems. A CGE-IWCR model is developed to examine the long-term evolution of industrial economic and environmental responses in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) under varying levels of carbon and water pollution taxes. The CGE-IWCE model offers several advantages: i) under the dual tax (carbon and water pollution tax) interventions, it can effectively forecast industrial CO2 and water pollution emissions driven by both macro and local factors from 2025 to 2060; ii) it quantitatively captures the interactions between various policy interventions, thereby providing guidance for comprehensive regional policy formulation. It is discovered that in the double-tax scenario, various combinations of carbon and water pollution taxes significantly impact direct carbon emissions and direct water pollution emissions, and from local consumption, imports, and exports in industrial sectors. Among them, the dual pressure of high carbon and water pollution taxes, which significantly raise production costs. In addition, increasing the carbon tax from 10 ¥/tonne to 50 ¥/tonne, the water pollution equivalent (WPE) reduction rate rises from 20.79% to 52.67% with the increase in the carbon tax from 2050 to 2060, when the water pollution tax is low. Between 2025 and 2060, the carbon tax plays a significant role in influencing the total industrial output change rate in YREB. from 2025 to 2060, the water pollution tax will play a more significant role in CO2 reduction in YREB’s industrial sector. The results will offer decision-making support for water pollution reduction and carbon mitigation in the YREB’s industrial sector, quantitatively identify the interactions between the dual taxes, and provide new insights for analyzing the impacts of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation policies.
Structural characteristics and mechanism of collaborative environmental governance network of urban agglomerations: perspective of multilevel network
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Zhang Xiangwei , Lu Zhengnan , Zhu Dongdan
Published: November 2024

Collaborative environmental governance (CEG) is increasingly advocated to address the environmental risk issues in the integrated development of urban agglomerations. Constructing an effective CEG network from the perspective of interdependent multilevel network plays a vital role in promoting the environmental governance of urban agglomerations. To investigate the structure characteristics and formation mechanism of CEG network, this paper takes the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration as the research area, and employes the social network analysis and Exponential Random Graph Model (ERGM) methods to analyze the CEG network, which consists of the collaborative network of cities, relationship network of topics, and affiliation network connecting cities to topics. Research results show that the CEG level in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration continues to improve, while the CEG network is still not in a tightly connected state. For the collaborative network of cities, it presents the small world characteristics and forms a cooperative trend of “central-subcentral-peripheral city.“For the relationship network of topics, the evolution of environmental governance topics is characterized by “from aspect to point.” For the affiliation network connecting cities to topics, as the diversity of environmental governance topics increases among cities, cities within the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration tend to share the similar topics. In addition, the interactive triangular structures, star structures, open triangular structures and closed triangular structures in the network can promote the formation of new cooperative relationships in CEG network.
Local government intervention and energy utilization efficiency: evidence from China’s NEDC policy
Authors: Wu Saijun , Jiang Tianhong , Hong Min
Published: November 2024

Improving energy utilization efficiency is an essential way to save energy and reduce emissions. This article collects data from 3,164 samples in China and uses the SBM-DEA method to calculate energy utilization efficiency. Then, we construct the DID model based on China’s New-Energy-Demonstration-City (NEDC) policy to test the impacts of local government intervention on energy utilization efficiency (EUE). The following conclusions can be drawn. Firstly, the NEDC policy can still significantly improve EUE. Secondly, heterogeneity analysis shows that the NEDC policy is beneficial for enhancing urban EUE, whether for traditional industrial bases or non-traditional industrial bases. The impact on non-traditional industrial bases is greater. The NEDC policy can significantly promote EUE in the eastern cities and high economic development areas. In contrast, its impact on EUE in the central and western cities or low economic development areas is insignificant. Finally, mechanism analysis shows that NEDC policy can promote energy utilization efficiency through industrial structure adjustment and green innovation.
Exploring osteosarcoma based on the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wu Ao , Yang Zhi-kai , Kong Peng , Yu Peng , Li You-tong , Xu Jia-le , Bian Si-shan , Teng Jia-wen
Published: November 2024

Osteosarcoma is a cancerous bone tumor that develops from mesenchymal cells and is characterized by early metastasis, easy drug resistance, high disability, and mortality. Immunological characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have attracted attention for the prognosis and treatment of osteosarcoma, and there is a need to explore a signature with high sensitivity for prognosis. In the present study, a total of 84 samples of osteosarcoma were acquired from the UCSC Xena database, analyzed for immune infiltration and classified into two categories depending on their immune properties, and then screened for DEGs between the two groups and analyzed for enrichment, with the majority of DEGs enriched in the immune domain. To further analyze their immune characteristics, the immune-related genes were obtained from the TIMER database. We performed an intersection analysis to identify immune-related differentially expressed genes (IR-DEGs), which were analyzed using a univariate COX regression, and LASSO analysis was used to obtain the ideal genes to construct the risk model, and to uncover the prognostic distinctions between high-risk scoring group and low-risk scoring group, a survival analysis was conducted. The risk assessment model developed in this study revealed a notable variation in survival analysis outcomes between the high-risk and low-risk scoring groups, and the conclusions reached by the model are consistent with the findings of previous scholars. They also yield meaningful results when analyzing immune checkpoints. The risk assessment model developed in this study is precise and dependable for forecasting outcomes and analyzing characteristics of osteosarcoma.
Unraveling impact and potential mechanisms of baseline pain on efficacy of immunotherapy in lung cancer patients: a retrospective and bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Zhang Zexin , Zhao Wenjie , Lv Chang , Wu Zexia , Liu Wenhao , Chang Xuesong , Yu Yaya , Xiao Zhenzhen , He Yihan , Zhang Haibo
Published: November 2024

Objective

Pain is a prevalent discomfort symptom associated with cancer, yet the correlations and potential mechanisms between pain and the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy remain uncertain.

Methods

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the inpatient department of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, were retrospectively enrolled. Through cox regression analysis, prognostic factors and independent prognostic factors affecting the efficacy of ICIs were identified, and a nomogram model was constructed. Hub cancer-related pain genes (CRPGs) were identified through bioinformatic analysis. Finally, the expression levels of hub CRPGs were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Before PSM, a total of 222 patients were enrolled in this study. Univariate and multivariate cox analysis indicated that bone metastasis and NRS scores were independent prognostic factors for the efficacy of ICIs. After PSM, a total of 94 people were enrolled in this study. Univariate cox analysis and multivariate cox analysis indicated that age, platelets, Dnlr, liver metastasis, bone metastasis, and NRS scores were independent prognostic factors for the efficacy of ICIs. A nomogram was constructed based on 6 independent prognostic factors with AUC values of 0.80 for 1-year, 0.73 for 2-year, and 0.80 for 3-year survival. ELISA assay results indicated that the level of CXCL12 significantly decreased compared to baseline after pain was relieved.

Conclusion

Baseline pain is an independent prognostic factor affecting the efficacy of ICIs in lung cancer, potentially through CXCL12-mediated inflammation promotion and immunosuppression.
Immunophenotyping characteristics and clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients treated with azvudine during the Omicron surge
Authors: Qiu Meihua , Song Xiaogang , Zhang Qianqian , Zou Shenchun , Pang Lingling , Nian Xueyuan
Published: November 2024

Background

Little is known about immunophenotyping characteristics and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients treated with azvudine during the Omicron variant surge.

Methods

This study enrolled patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from December 2022 to February 2023. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality, along with a composite outcome reflecting disease progression. The enrolled patients were followed for a period of 60 days from their admission.

Results

A total of 268 COVID-19 patients treated with azvudine were enrolled in this retrospective study. The study found that the counts of lymphocyte subsets were significantly reduced in the composite outcome and all-cause mortality groups compared to the non-composite outcome and discharge groups (all p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a negative association between lymphocyte subsets cell counts and inflammatory markers levels. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified low CD4+ T cell count as the most significant predictor of disease progression and all-cause mortality among the various lymphocyte subsets. Additionally, both the Kaplan-Meier curve and multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that low CD4+ T cell count level (< 156.00 cells/μl) was closely associated with all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients treated with azvudine.

Conclusions

A low CD4+ T cell count may serve as a significant predictive indicator for identifying COVID-19 patients receiving azvudine treatment who are at an elevated risk of experiencing adverse outcomes. These findings may offer valuable insights for physicians in optimizing the administration of azvudine.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of benmelstobart, anlotinib, and chemotherapy in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer
Authors: You Maojin , Luo Lingling , Lu Tingting , Chen Shaofang , He Ying
Published: November 2024

Background

The ETER701 trial assessed the efficacy and safety of benmelstobart combined with anlotinib plus etoposide/cisplatin (BEN-AL-EC) as a first-line therapy for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Results indicated that BEN-AL-EC, when compared with placebo in combination with etoposide/cisplatin (PLB-EC), significantly enhanced both progression-free and overall survival rates, while demonstrating an acceptable safety profile among patients with ES-SCLC. However, BEN-AL-EC is expensive, necessitating its cost-effectiveness analysis.

Methods

A Markov model with three health states was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of BEN-AL-EC, AL-EC and PLB-EC for the treatment of ES-SCLC from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Drug costs were derived from national tender prices, whereas other costs and utility values were derived from published literature. The key outcomes assessed included total costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Sensitivity analyses, including one-way and probabilistic analyses, were performed to assess the robustness of the model.

Results

The total cost of BEN-AL-EC was $55,117.42, yielding 1.09 QALYs, whereas that of PLB-EC was $15,238.15, yielding 0.71 QALYs. The ICER of BEN-AL-EC compared with PLB-EC was $106,249.42 per QALY gained. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $38,133 per QALY, BEN-AL-EC had a 0% probability of being cost-effective relative to PLB-EC. The key parameters influencing these outcomes included utility values for PFS, the cost of benmelstobart, and the discount rate.

Conclusion

From the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, BEN-AL-EC as a first-line treatment for ES-SCLC is unlikely to be cost-effective when compared with PLB-EC.
Integrating multi-omics techniques and in vitro experiments reveals that GLRX3 regulates the immune microenvironment and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion through iron metabolism pathways
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Yuan , Zhang Yang , Fang Yunsheng , Wu Ling , Zhao Ying , Wang Danqiong , Qiao Xiaoyuan
Published: November 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide, and its development is closely related to abnormalities in iron metabolism. This study aims to systematically analyze changes in iron metabolism in the tumor microenvironment of HCC using single-cell sequencing technology, and investigate the potential mechanisms by which iron metabolism regulation affects the survival of liver cancer patients.

Materials and methods

Single-cell sequencing data from hepatocellular carcinoma patients were obtained from the GEO database. By iron metabolism genomic scoring, we assessed differences in iron metabolism levels in hepatocellular carcinoma samples. By cell communication analysis as well as GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, we determined the functional role of iron metabolism in different cell types. We used survival analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves to assess the impact of iron metabolism levels on patient prognosis. In addition, we identified and analyzed the expression profile of the GLRX3 gene, investigated its key regulatory role in iron metabolism, and validated its clinical value as a prognostic marker. Finally, we explored the effect of GLRX3 on hepatocellular carcinoma phenotype by in vitro experiments such as PCR, transwell, CCK8, and wound healing assay.

Results

Bioinformatics results and experimental validation confirmed the dysregulation of iron metabolism in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, revealing iron’s regulatory influence across various cell types. Additionally, GLRX3 was identified as a key regulatory factor in iron metabolism, and the mechanism by which GLRX3 regulates tumor cell proliferation and immune evasion was determined. Furthermore, experiments verified GLRX3’s role in facilitating tumor cell proliferation and invasion.

Conclusion

This study highlights the critical role of iron metabolism in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly the regulatory mechanism of the GLRX3 gene in tumor cell proliferation and immune evasion. Iron metabolism abnormalities are not only drivers of liver cancer development but also key indicators of patient prognosis.
Crop, semi-natural, and water features of the cotton agroecosystem as indicators of risk of infestation of two plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) pests
Authors: Brewer Michael J.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This study considers concepts and tools of landscape ecology and geographic information systems (GIS) to prioritize insect monitoring in large-scale crops, using the cotton agroecosystem of the Texas Gulf Coast and two plant bug species (Creontiades signatus Distant and Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter) [Hemiptera: Miridae]) as a case study. The two species differed in host plants and time span as cotton pests.

Methods

C. signatus and P. seriatus abundance in early growth of cotton were regressed on landscape metrics. Comparisons of three approaches to select landscape variables in stepwise multiple regressions were made across spatial scales and two weeks of insect data extracted from monitoring of 21 cotton fields, years 2010 through 2013.

Results and discussion

The spatial variation of plant bug abundance and the landscape features were substantial, aiding the regression approach. For full stepwise regression models using 18 landscape variables, regression model fit using C. signatus data was modestly better in week one of sampling when C. signatus adults and young nymphs were detected (R2 range of 0.56 to 0.82), as compared with model fit at week two (R2 range of 0.49 to 0.77). The smallest scale (2.5 km radius) models had the greatest number of variables selected and highest R2, while two broader scales (5 and 10 km) and truncating the models to three variables produced a narrower range of R2s (0.49 to 0.62) and more consistent entry of variables. Wetland composition had a consistent positive association with C. signatus abundance, supporting its association with seepweeds which are common in coastal wetlands. When selected, the composition of cotton and grassland/shrubland/pasture also had a positive association with C. signatus abundance. Aggregation metrics were also relevant, but composition metrics in the models were arguably more easily utilized in prioritizing insect monitoring. In contrast, there were few significant regressions using P. seriatus data, possibly due to the widespread distribution of its weedy host plants and lower abundance. Overall, selected landscape features served as indicators of C. signatus infestation potential in cotton particularly grown near coastal wetlands, but landscape features were not useful for P. seriatus infestation potential in cotton.