bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secretion of glucagon, GLP-1 and GIP may be affected by circadian rhythm in healthy males
Authors: Zilstorff Dorte B. , Richter Michael M. , Hannibal Jens , Jørgensen Henrik L. , Sennels Henriette P. , Albrechtsen Nicolai J. Wewer
Published: December 2023

Background
Glucagon is secreted from pancreatic alpha cells in response to low blood glucose and increases hepatic glucose production. Furthermore, it enhances hepatic protein and lipid metabolism during a mixed meal. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are secreted from gut endocrine cells during meals and control glucose homeostasis by potentiating insulin secretion and inhibits food intake.
Both glucose control and food intake have been reported to be affected by circadian rhythms and vice versa. In this study, we investigated whether the secretion of glucagon, GLP-1 and GIP was affected by circadian rhythms.
Methods
A total of 24 healthy men with regular sleep schedules were examined for 24 hours at the hospital ward with 15 hours of wakefulness and 9 hours of sleep. Food intake was standardized, and blood samples were obtained every third hour. Plasma concentrations of glucagon, GLP-1 and GIP were measured, and data were analyzed by rhythmometric statistical methods. Available data on plasma glucose and plasma C-peptide were also included.
Results
Plasma concentrations of glucagon, GLP-1, GIP, C-peptide and glucose fluctuated with a diurnal 24-hour rhythm, with the highest levels during the day and the lowest levels during the night: glucagon (p<0.0001, peak time 18:26h), GLP-1 (p<0.0001, peak time 17:28h), GIP (p<0.0001, peak time 18:01h), C-peptide (p<0.0001, peak time 17.59h), and glucose (p<0.0001, peak time 23:26h). As expected, we found significant correlations between the levels of C-peptide and GLP-1 and GIP, but not between glucagon, GLP-1 and GIP and glucose.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that plasma levels of glucagon, GLP-1 and GIP follow a diurnal, most likely circadian rhythm in young healthy males that appear independent of food intake. These findings underpin disturbed circadian rhythm as a potential risk factor for diabetes and obesity.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06166368. Registered 12 December 2023.
Prevalence of familial BRCA1/2 mutation in four cancer types in the United Arab Emirates and of Arab Nationals
Authors: Al-Ali Abeer Arif Abdulla Abutalib , Ali Moza Mohamed Ali Alechleh Al , El-Shourbagy Dalia Mahmoud Abdel-Hamid , Tirmazy Syed Hammad Hassan , Latif Muhammad Farooq , Yasaei Hemad
Published: December 2023

Background/Objectives: The presence of BRCA1/2 gene mutation significantly impacts the current and future management of patients. Germline BRCA1/2 mutations are associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome with significant lifetime risk. These mutations can put patients at risk of other malignancies, such as prostate, pancreatic, and male breast cancer. Hence, screening of gBRCA1/2 variants in high-risk populations is recommended. Mutations in BRCA1/2 are increasingly used in patients' treatment decisions for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. PARP inhibitors have shown significant improvements in the outcome of these patients. Here, we aim to estimate the incidence and characteristics of gBRCA1/2 variants, including variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in the UAE population.
Methods: A total of 443 patients (n=306 cancers and n=137 for screening) underwent gBRCA1/2 testing through whole gene sequencing on the Illumina NextSeq500 system from 2017 until December 2022. Dubai Scientific Research Ethics authorized access to patient clinical and genetic data.
Results: A total of 23 pathogenic and likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants were identified in BRCA1/2 genes from 306 (7.5%) cancer patients with 17 VUS (4.9%). Another five P/LP variants were reported from the family screening cohort of 131 (3.6%), including nine VUS (6.6%). Most VUS variants were identified in the BRCA2 gene.
Conclusion: The prevalence of germline BRCA1/2 mutation in four cancer types in the UAE was 7.5% and 3.6% among non-cancer patients. Genetic testing influences the treatment plan for cancer patients, and family screening could be utilized as a tool for genetic risk assessment and prevention. By providing a landscape of BRCA1/2 variants in the UAE, clinical management can be improved for the UAE population.
Optimization of Storage Allocation of Mobile Racks Based on Demand Forecast
Authors: wang xinyu , ji chengjun
Published: December 2023

The complexity of a single multi-product order structure of retail e-commerce enterprises. There is a difficult situation of time-consuming step-by-step picking and a heavy load of rack handling. The product fails to take advantage of the flexibility of the mobile racks. Matching with the shelves according to the sales rules results in a long pick-and-walk distance. The general classification storage strategy in the warehouse makes it difficult to deal with fragmented picking. Given this, the optimization of the storage position of mobile racks in the warehouse of retail e-commerce enterprises is studied. A combination optimization model is established to minimize the length of the pick road. The first stage is the introduction of complex network abstraction of each commodity for the nodes to establish the correlation network, mining within the order of the commodity demand correlation for clustering; In the second stage, a subset of (1, N) Grey-Prediction model related factor series is used to distribute racks for the first stage of clustered commodity portfolio using single parent evolutionary genetic algorithm under elite strategy based on short-term sales prediction. The evaluation of the experimental data shows that compared to the current storage strategy of the enterprise, the optimized model yields a better-quality solution. Robustness perturbed by order size. At least a 2.85% reduction in pick length at large parameters. Rack handling is reduced by at least 5.62%. The result of a short distance and a small number of picks is realized.
Pure-high-even-order dispersion bound solitons complexes in ultra-fast fiber lasers
Authors: Gao Bo , Han Ying , Wen Honglin , Ma Chunyang , Huo Jiayu , Li Yingying , Zhou Luyao , Wu Ge , Liu Lie
Published: December 2023

Temporal solitons have been the focus of much research due to their fascinating physical properties. These solitons can form bound states, which are fundamentally crucial modes in fiber laser and present striking analogies with their matter molecules counterparts, which means they have potential applications in large-capacity transmission and all-optical information storage. Although traditionally, second-order dispersion has been the dominant dispersion for conventional solitons, recent experimental and theoretical research has shown that pure-high-even-order dispersion (PHEOD) solitons with energy-width scaling can arise from the interaction of arbitrary negative-even-order dispersion and Kerr nonlinearity. Despite these advancements, research on the bound states of PHEOD solitons is currently non-existent. In this study, we obtained PHEOD bound solitons in a fiber laser using an intra-cavity spectral pulse shaper for high-order dispersion management. Specifically, we experimentally demonstrate the existence of PHEOD solitons and PHEOD bound solitons with pure-quartic, -sextic, -octic, and -decic dispersion. Numerical simulations corroborate these experimental observations. Furthermore, vibrating phase PHEOD bound soliton pairs, sliding phase PHEOD bound soliton pairs, and hybrid phase PHEOD bound tri-soliton are discovered and characterized. These results broaden the fundamental understanding of solitons and show the universality of multi-soliton patterns.
Comparative Study of Water Supply Indicators for a Highly-Regulated Urbanized Basin
Authors: Ishak Ahmad Fakhri , Lee Wei Koon , Lim Foo Hoat , Ishak Asnor Muizan , Ahmad@Hasan Asmadi
Published: December 2023

As water scarcity intensifies in the face of climate change, water resources decision-making process requires the selection of appropriate indices which are subjected to accurate interpretation. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of three water resources indices: the Falkenmark Indicator (FI), Water Stress Index (WSI) and Water Resources Index (WRI). These indices are useful to assess water resource availability but each using different methodology and thus giving different insights to the basin water resource condition. We consider Klang River basin in Malaysia, a highly-regulated and urbanized basin with escalating water demand and competition between sectorial users. The indicator/ indices are derived from water allocation modelling based on historical data between year 2016 to 2018. Results show that consideration of basin storage (WRI) and water abstraction (WSI) offers more realistic representation of the basin water availability. The WRI offers further advantage in terms of temporal resolution over the course of the calendar year. It is concluded that decision-makers and stakeholders stand to benefit from effective water resource management strategies derived based on reliable analysis using the most relevant index.
Knowing the Psychological Risks of Anti-epidemic Rescue Teams for COVID-19 by Simplified Risk Probability Scale
Authors: Bo Yan , Liu Hengyan , Zhang Minghui , He Jianxun , Miao Chuhan , Sha Ren , Yu Haodong
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to anti-epidemic rescue teams composed ofnon-medical professionals, such as security guards and volunteers. Our study aims to address how the Simplified Risk Probability Scale (SRPS), such as the Self-Assessed Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Assessed Depression Scale (SDS), can be used to assess the psychological risks of anti-epidemic rescue teams when facing COVID-19 and how to implement appropriate interventions for high-risk groups.
Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional study and collected data through an online survey. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling and were provided with informed consent. The survey included a COVID-19 self-made survey scale, as well as the SAS and SDS questionnaires to assess depression and anxiety symptoms. The study followed ethical standards and included 566 respondents from Lanzhou, China.
Results: 43.8% of anti-epidemic rescue team members experienced depression symptoms, while 33.3% experienced anxiety. The severity of depression and anxiety symptoms was positively correlated with the duration of work and the frequency of contact with COVID-19 patients. Female participants and those with lower education levels were more likely to experience thesesymptoms.
Conclusions: Our research has found that the psychological risks of rescue teams when facing COVID-19 come from anxiety and depression, and compelling psychological intervention can significantly reduce these risks. Overall, this study provides important insights into the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anti-epidemic rescue teams and underscores the need for ongoing support and resources to protect the mental health of these essential workers.
A multistage stochastic programming approach for short-term scheduling of batch processes under type II endogenous uncertainty
Authors: Menon Kavitha , Fukasawa Ricardo , Ricardez-Sandoval Luis
Published: December 2023

In this study, we present a novel multistage stochastic programming approach for scheduling of batch operations under type II endogenous uncertainty (where time of uncertainty realization is model dependent). The proposed multistage framework follows a node-based formulation and enforces non-anticipativity implicitly. The key novelty of this approach is that it does not require any auxiliary binary variables or explicit non-anticipativity constraints (NACs). The proposed framework is validated using three different case studies: two case studies adapted from the literature and an actual large-scale industrial case study. Computational studies were conducted and VSS (value of stochastic solution) was estimated for all case studies. It was observed that with an increase in number of stages, the VSS also increases ranging from 4.4% to 11% for the industrial case study. We conducted a comparison study of the proposed approach with an approach involving binary variables to define NACs as most studies available in the literature use auxiliary binary variables to define NACs when type II uncertainties are involved. The results shows up to 85% reduction in the computational time while using the proposed node-based approach in comparison to using an approach that requires binary variables to define the NACs.
Trends in nutritional status and factors affecting prognostic nutritional index in ovarian cancer patients during chemotherapy: A prospective longitudinal study based on generalized estimating equations
Authors: Zhang Mengqin , He Yalin , Liu Xing , Liu Ya , Tian Yalin , Dan Xin , Ren Jianhua
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Numerous studies have investigated the relationships between nutritional status and the prognosis of ovarian cancer (OC). However, the majority of these studies have focused on pre-chemotherapy malnutrition, with limited attention given to dynamic changes in nutritional status during chemotherapy and the associated risk factors affecting the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in OC women. This study aims to explore the variation trend in the nutritional status of OC women over time during chemotherapy and assess its predictive factors.
Methods
A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from January 2021 to August 2023. Body Mass Index (BMI), PNI, Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) 2002, serum albumin, and prealbumin measurements were utilized to assess the nutritional status of OC women. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews before initial chemotherapy (T0) and during the first (T1), third (T2), and fifth (T3) cycles of chemotherapy. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were employed for the analysis of potential predictive factors.
Results
A total of 525 OC women undergoing chemotherapy completed the study. Significantly varied levels of BMI, PNI, and serum concentrations of hemoglobin, albumin, prealbumin, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium were observed in these patients (P༜0.05). The prevalence of nutritional risk decreased over time during chemotherapy (P༜0.05). Nutritional parameters, including BMI, PNI, and the serum concentrations of albumin and prealbumin, exhibited an upward trend in nutritional status throughout the chemotherapy cycles (P༜0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that higher levels of BMI, serum albumin, prealbumin, absolute lymphocyte count, and hemoglobin ≥ 110g/L at admission were associated with elevated PNI after chemotherapy (β = 0.092, p = 0.011; β = 0.318, p < 0.001; β = 0.008, p = 0.002; β = 1.278, p < 0.001; β = 0.617, p = 0.009).
Conclusion
Patients consistently demonstrated improvements in nutritional risk and status from the initiation to the completion of chemotherapy cycles. Nutritional monitoring of OC women, particularly those exhibiting abnormalities at the commencement of chemotherapy, is crucial. Targeted nutritional support programs should be developed to enhance the prognosis of OC women.
An Improved Cigarette Defect Detection Algorithm Based on YOLOX
Authors: Weiya Shi , Shiqiang Zhang , Shaowen Zhang
Published: December 2023

Surface defect detection has always been a difficult challenge. Aiming at the detection of surface defects in cigarettes, an improved YOLOX-S model is proposed. Firstly, an improved attention mechanism named MS-GCT (Multi-Spectral Gaussian Context Transformer) is introduced in the backbone network to enhance the model’s ability to capture the global context information in the image and improve its understanding of semantic feature information; secondly, a DMG (Dynamic convolution and MS-GCT) module is proposed and combined with the C2f (CSPLayer with 2 convolutions) module to construct the C2f-DMG module,which is introduced into the model to enhance feature interaction, improve specific feature extraction ability, and strengthen long-distance dependency ability of global features; finally, the loss function is replaced with SIoU to improve model performance and accelerate model convergence. The effectiveness of the model is verified on both the self-made cigarette dataset and the public dataset. The experimental results show that the improved model not only ensures the lightweight of the model, but also improves the model mAP by 2.02, while achieving a detection speed of 73.17 frames− 1. The proposed algorithm also meets the real-time detection requirements for cigarette appearance defects.
Effects of Horticultural Therapy Combined with Intradermal Needle Therapy on Generalised Anxiety, Cortical Excitability and HPA-related Hormones in an Isolated Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhu Jiaxin , Cai Dongmei , Yan Jiayi , Chen Jiamin , Yan Luda , Li Jingjing , Mei Pengyu , Su Guang
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel, highly infectious disease that is a severe danger to human life and has spawned a worldwide public health emergency. Most countries have implemented measures of isolation to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but related studies have shown that isolation increases the risk of anxiety, thereby affecting an individual’s physical and mental health. Simple and effective therapies for anxiety among quarantined populations need to be further explored. Horticultural activities can divert people's attention and alleviate negative emotions. Acupuncture is a conventional alternative therapy that has demonstrated efficacy in mood stabilization. The current study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of combined Chinese and Western medicine therapies in alleviating anxiety among quarantined individuals during a pandemic.
Methods
In this prospective, randomised controlled trial (RCT), 150 patients with generalised anxiety disorder will be recruited from the Seventh Clinical College affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Eligible subjects will be randomly divided into the horticultural group (n = 50), intradermal acupuncture group (n = 50) and combined treatment group (n = 50). The horticulture group will engage in horticultural activity after basic treatment; the intradermal needle group will undergo intradermal needling after basic treatment; and the combined group will engage in horticultural activity and undergo intradermal needling after basic treatment. The treatments will be provided once a week for 8 weeks. The main outcome will be scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA); secondary outcomes will include scores on the Self-Assessment Scale for Anxiety (SAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale (PSQI), serum indexes, and cortical excitability. All scales will be evaluated at baseline, at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment, and at follow-up; serological indicators and cortical excitability will be assessed at baseline and during week eight of treatment.
Discussion
The result of the experiment will help to clarify the therapeutic effects of horticultural therapy combined with intradermal needling on anxiety among isolated individuals and to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of this combined treatment among patients with anxiety. The purpose of this research is to eventually incorporate this combination approach into a treatment programme for anxiety, thereby significantly reducing the burden of mood disorders in the general population during public health emergencies.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR2200066321. Registered on December 1, 2022
Survival Benefits of Primary Tumor Surgery in Diverse Cancer Types with Synchronous Bone Metastases: A Retrospective Real-World Analysis Using Propensity Score Matching from a 3P Medicine Perspective
Authors: Shi Bochong , Xu Peihang , Xu Lun , Cheng Mo , Wang Shuoer , Liang Chao , Huang Wending , Cai Weiluo , Yan Wangjun
Published: December 2023

Background: Bone metastasis (BM) is a common occurrence significantly impacting their quality of life and overall survival, and the role of primary site surgery (PTS) is also mentioned. However, the specific diagnostic and treatment model for PTS needs to be elucidated in order to transition from reactive medicine toward a step-by-step approach to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM). This study aims to investigate the potential survival advantages associated with PTS in patients with varying cancer types presenting concurrent BMs.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on patients exhibiting exclusive BM, encompassing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database spanning 2010 to 2019. Specifically, we focused on BMs originating from multiple cancers, and patients were categorized into PTS group or its absence (No PTS). Employing propensity score matching (PSM), we meticulously compared the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates between these two cohorts. Additionally, we examined survival outcomes after patients experienced diverse surgical and treatment modalities. Furthermore, we conducted subgroup analysis to explore target populations suitable for PTS.
Results: 53,015 patients were encompassed within this study. Breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and lung cancer patients with BM were more inclined to undergo PTS. Across different cancer types, the choice of surgical approach and extent of resection exhibited heterogeneity in survival prognosis. Substantial enhancement in survival was observed in patients presenting early-stage and lower-grade metastases upon undergoing PTS.
Converging Survival Trends in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With and Without Brain Metastasis Receiving State-of-the-Art Treatment
Authors: Averbuch Itamar , Tschernichovsky Roi , Yust-Katz Shlomit , Rotem Ofer , Limon Dror , Kurman Noga , Icht Oded , Reinhorn Daniel , Moskovitz Mor , Hanovich Ekaterina , Benouaich-Amiel Alexandra , Siegal Tali , Zer Alona , Gal Omer
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Historically, patients with brain metastasis (BM) have been excluded from clinical trials investigating treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to their unfavorable prognosis. Advanced treatments have increased survival prospects for NSCLC patients with BM. This study evaluated the life expectancy of NSCLC patients with and without BM in the context of contemporary treatments.
Methods: Outcome data were collected for patients with advanced NSCLC attending a tertiary medical center between 2015-2020. Patients were stratified according to BM status and compared for overall survival (OS) using log-rank and Cox regression analyses.
Results: The cohort included 360 patients with NSCLC of whom 134 (37.2%) had BM. Most (95%) of cases of BM developed within the first two years: 63% at diagnosis, 18% during the first year, 14% during the second year. There was no significant difference in OS between patients without BM and those with BM (median 23.7 vs. 22.3 months, HR=0.97, p=0.82); patients with BM and a targetable or non-targetable mutation (40.2 vs. 31.4 months, HR=0.93, p=0.84, and 20.7 vs. 19.87 months, HR=0.95, p=0.75, respectively); and patients with symptomatic BM (23.7 vs. 19.8 months, HR=0.95, p=0.78). Treatment for BM (95% of patients) consisted of stereotactic radiosurgery or tyrosine kinase inhibitors, with corresponding intracranial control rates of 90% and 86%.
Conclusion: The results imply that the presence of BM has no impact on the prognosis of NSCLC. The practice of excluding NSCLC patients with BM from clinical trials warrants reconsideration.
Identification of Key Genes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus through integrated bioinformatics
Authors: Yan Haiying , Zhang Zhongyi , Zheng Anmei , Jiang Huanyu
Published: December 2023

Background：Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with unclear mechanisms, limiting treatment options. Our study identifies potential core genes of SLE and their clinical applicability.
Method：Using differential expression and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified novel susceptibility modules and associated core genes. Examination of these genes through KEGG and GO analyses revealed their roles. Diagnostic performance of the core genes was evaluated using column line plot models and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. We also assessed the correlation between core genes and immune infiltration and used Mendelian randomization to determine the causal effect of GYPB on SLE.
Results：The gene co-expression network constructed through WGCNA identified 144 key genes associated with SLE. The column line graph model demonstrated strong predictive power for SLE risk, with its diagnostic effectiveness validated by the ROC curve. A causal relationship was established between the top five core genes and immune cell infiltration in SLE. A negative correlation was observed between the gene GYPB and SLE, suggesting that GYPB might serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Conclusion：This investigation provides new insights into SLE molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic avenues.
Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis and Brain Metastases in Gastroesophageal Carcinoma: a real-world analysis of Clinical and Pathologic Characteristics and Outcomes
Authors: Megid Thais Baccili Cury , Baskurt Zeynep , Ma Lucy X. , Barron Carly Christine , Farooq Abdul Rehman , Saltiel Marie Philippe , Wang Xin , Bach Yvonne , Ayoama Hiroko , Jang Raymond , Chen Eric , Veit-Haibach Patrick , Wang Ben , Kalimuthu Sangeetha , Cotton James , Wong Rebecca , Mesci Aruz , Elimova Elena
Published: December 2023

Background: Brain metastasis (BrM) and Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis (LMC) are uncommon complications in gastroesophageal carcinoma (GEC) patients. These patients have a poor prognosis and are challenging to treat. We described the clinicopathologic features and outcomes in the largest cohort of Central Nervous System (CNS) metastasis in GEC patients.
Methods: single-center retrospective study of GEC treated from 2007 to 2021. Clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment modalities were reviewed. Survival was calculated from the date of CNS diagnosis until date of death/last follow-up using the Kaplan-Meier method. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was used.
Results: Of 3283 GEC patients, 100 (3.04%) were diagnosed with BrM and 20 with LMC (0.61%). Patients with known human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status (N= 48), 60% were HER2 positive (defined as IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/FISH+). Among LMC patients most were signet-ring subtype (85%), and only 15% (2/13) were HER2 positive. Median survival was 0.8; 3.8; and 7.7 months in BrM patients treated with best supportive care, radiation, and surgery, respectively (p< 0.001). In LMC, median survival was 0.7 month in patients who had best supportive care (7/20) and 2.8 months for those who had whole brain radiation therapy (p=0.008). Multivariate analysis showed worse outcomes in ECOG ≥2 (p=0.02), number of BrM ≥4 (p<0.001) and number of metastatic sites (p=0.004).
Conclusion: HER2 expression were enriched in patients with BrM, while it is uncommon in LMC. Patients treated with surgery followed by radiation had an improved OS in BrM and WBRT benefited patients with LMC.
Pharmaceutical company payments to Japanese breast cancer practice guideline
Authors: Murayama Anju , Higuchi Kenichi , Reddy Keerthana , Hinari Kugo , Senoo Yuki
Published: December 2023

Background:
The creation of breast cancer practice guidelines requires careful management of conflicts of interest (COIs). However, limited evidence is available regarding the specific landscape and fraction of financial relationships between pharmaceutical companies and the authors of The Japanese Breast Cancer Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Breast Cancer,edition 2022 (JBCS2022).
Methods:
Using payment data publicly disclosed by major pharmaceutical companies in Japan, this study analysed the personal payments made to the authors of JBCS2022 between 2016 and 2020. We performed descriptive analyses on the payment data.
Results:
Of 149 JBCS2022 authors, 115 (77.2%) received at least one personal payment from pharmaceutical companies totaling $3,828,455 between 2016 and 2020. The average and median payment amounts per author were $25,772 (SD: $58,197) and $2,761 (IQR: $322‒$15,828), respectively. The total annual payments per JBCS2022 authors between 2016 and 2019 increased from $588,054 in 2016 to $967,802 in 2019. The JBCS2022 chairperson and vice-chairperson received $246,936 (4th highest) and $216,744 (5th highest) over the five years. More than 60% of personal payments to the JBCS2022 authors were not declared by the authors as they were below the declaration threshold set by the Japanese Breast Cancer Society. However, nine authors undeclared personal payments summing $594,615 even though these payments were higher than the thresholds.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that the majority of the Japanese breast cancer guideline authors received personal payments from the pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, the majority of payments were not declared due to the less transparency COI policy.
Development of a dual cryogenic detection system for the forbidden non-unique β-decay spectrum study
Authors: Kim H.L. , Kim H.J. , Kim W.T. , Kim Y.D. , Kim Y.H. , Kim M.H. , Lee Y.C. , Nagorny S.S. , Shlegel V.N. , So J.
Published: December 2023

We present the development of a dual-detector system designed for investigating the spectral shape of forbidden non-unique beta decays. Two PbMoO4 scintillating crystals were carefully prepared for heat and light detection at milli-Kelvin (mK) temperatures. Notably, one crystal was synthesized using archaeological lead, while the other was composed of natural modern lead. The significance of employing two crystals lies in their identical dimensions and proximity, resulting in similar environmental background exposure. Their distinct internal radioactivities, particularly associated with 210Pb, introduce a distinguishing factor between the spectra measured in the two detectors. Our detection method includes achieving clear particle identification through the relative amplitudes of light and heat signals for both crystals. This report compares the electron-induced spectra within energy regions both below and above the endpoint of 210Bi beta decay. This comparative study provides valuable insights into an exact measurement of the 210Bi decay spectrum, forbidden non-unique beta decay.
Levosimendan ameliorates the scopolamine induced cognitive impairment via modulating pCREB/BDNF expression, cholinergic neurotransmission and neuroinflammation
Authors: Kolusu Aravinda Sai , Ganesh Grandhi Sandeep , Nagabhairava Manogna , Madhana Rajaram Mohan Rao , Konduri Prasad , Nemmani Kumar V.S , Samudrala Pavan Kumar
Published: December 2023

Levosimendan, an inotropic drug that potentiates ATP-dependent K+ channel and sensitise troponin-C for calcium. It has positive effects in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and mild septic encephalopathy. However, its effect on Alzheimer's disease remains unclear. Hence, in this study, we have investigated the effect of levosimendan against scopolamine induced cognitive impairment in rats via behavioural tests (Y maze, water maze and novel object recognition test), cholinesterase enzymes, oxidative stress markers, amyloid-β plaques, inflammatory mediators, and neurotrophic factors analysis. In this study, rats were divided into five groups. The first and second groups were given with vehicle or levosimendan (100 µg/kg/day i.p.) throughout the study. The remaining groups were pre-treated with vehicle/Donepezil (3mg/kg/day i.p.)/Levosimendan (100 µg/kg/day i.p.) respectively. From day – 8 these groups were given with their respective drugs and Scopolamine (3 mg/kg., i.p.) with 1 hour time interval. Behavioral analysis was carried out to assess the learning and memory functions of rats after 30 min of scopolamine administration from day 8 to day 17. Levosimendan treated group significantly improves in number of spontaneous alterations and recognition ability in Y-maze and NOR test respectively. In addition, levosimendan inhibited scopolamine induced pathological changes such as increased levels of cholinesterase enzymes, Aβ accumulation, neuro inflammation and reduced levels of BDNF. In summary, these findings indicate that pre-treatment with levosimendan mitigates the scopolamine induced behavioural and biochemical changes.
Editorial: Nachhaltige Lehre – Nachhaltige Bildungsinstitution Hochschule
Authors: Deibl Ines , Tulis Maria , Warto Patrick
Published: December 2023

Nachhaltige Entwicklung, sowohl in privaten als auch beruflichen Bereichen, ist eine zentrale Herausforderung unserer Gesellschaft. Bildungsinstitutionen kommt hier eine besondere Rolle bei der Forschung und insbesondere der Lehre zu, um Konzepte und Ideen hinsichtlich der Bewältigung dieser Herausforderung beizusteuern und weiterzuvermitteln. Es bedarf somit auch Veränderungen sowohl auf Makro-, Meso- und auch Mikroebene einer Hochschule. Dabei gilt es, sich auf den unterschiedlichsten Ebenen mit u.a. folgenden Fragen auseinanderzusetzen: Wie kann Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung auf institutioneller Ebene verankert und in weiterer Folge auch überprüft werden? Welche Möglichkeiten und Notwendigkeiten hinsichtlich der Lehrgestaltung und Lehrentwicklung ergeben sich und sind geeignet? Welcher Kompetenzen bedarf es sowohl aufseiten der Studierenden als auch der Lehrenden? Welche Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten benötigen Lehrende? Die hier präsentierte Ausgabe widmet sich diesen Fragen und präsentiert Konzepte und Bestrebungen, wie eine Aus-, Fort- und Weiterbildung und deren Umsetzung bezugnehmend zu einer Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung an Hochschulen aussehen kann.
Monitoring the integration of Sustainable Development into higher education teaching: a collaborative learning approach
Authors: Lewis Anna Lena , Trechsel Lilian Julia , Zimmermann Anne Barbara
Published: December 2023

Driven by intrinsic and extrinsic commitment to sustainable development (SD) since 2009, the University of Bern has pursued the integration of SD into research, operations, and teaching. In the latter, it has set itself the objective of integration throughout all study programmes. We present how monitoring this integration has been re-conceived to enable greater adoption of SD by lecturers and faculties, while respecting the principle of academic freedom. This has been possible through efficient use of the macro, meso, and micro levels of action and responsibility, and by offering safe spaces for collaborative learning.
Hochschulzusammenarbeit als Treiber für Nachhaltigkeit in der Lehre
Authors: Röwert Ronny , Schütt-Sayed Sören , Panke Jana , Knutzen Sönke
Published: December 2023

Die Bewältigung globaler Zukunftsherausforderungen ist komplex. Um z. B. Klimaveränderungen, Hunger und Umweltschutz mit menschlicher Innovationskraft begegnen zu können, steigt der Bedarf an interdisziplinären Kompetenzen von Hochschulabsolvent:innen zunehmend. Es hat sich herausgestellt, dass zur Gestaltung entsprechender Lernangebote, die thematisch vielfältig und fachlich fundiert sind sowie didaktisch ansprechend interdisziplinäre Nachhaltigkeitskompetenzen fördern, eine hochschulübergreifende Zusammenarbeit von zentraler Bedeutung ist. Der vorliegende Beitrag strukturiert in diesem Sinne Handlungsoptionen für eine kooperative Hochschulentwicklung im Kontext von Nachhaltigkeit und konkretisiert diese exemplarisch am Beispiel des T-Shape-orientierten Entwicklungsprojekts SDG-Campus.
Transdisziplinäre Wege zu BNE an Pädagogischen Hochschulen: Ansätze an der PH Luzern
Authors: Hermann Michelle , Wilhelm Markus
Published: December 2023

Pädagogische Hochschulen sollen künftige Generationen von Lehrpersonen dazu befähigen, nachhaltige Entwicklung und lebensweltrelevante Bildung in nachhaltiger Entwicklung (BNE) in ihre Berufspraxis zu integrieren. Das laufende Projekt „Nachhaltige Entwicklung an der PH Luzern“ setzt sich vor diesem Hintergrund unter anderem das Ziel, in transdisziplinären Erfahrungsräumen fachdidaktische und pädagogische Grundlagen für BNE in Forschung und Lehre zu erarbeiten. Ausgehend davon sollen Aus- und Weiterbildungsangebote in allen Fächern geschaffen werden. Der Beitrag stellt das Projekt vor und zeigt anhand von Beispielen auf, wie die gesetzten Ziele erreicht werden sollen.
Verantwortungsvolles Entrepreneurship durch Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung stärken
Authors: Merlin Bettina , Buschler Saskia , Gebhardt Carolyn
Published: December 2023

Entrepreneurinnen und Entrepreneure, die umwelt- und sozialverträgliches Denken in ihr Handeln einbeziehen, können mit ihrem wirtschaftlichen Wirken eine nachhal-tige Entwicklung unterstützen. Der Masterstudiengang Entrepreneurship der Hoch-schule Heilbronn möchte die Studierenden möglichst gut auf die Herausforderungen einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung vorbereiten. Hierfür wurde ein Konzept entwickelt, um Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung, insbesondere die Sustainable Development Goals, und Entrepreneurship Education miteinander zu verzahnen. Das hier vorgestellte integrative Konzept bietet eine erste Annäherung an das Thema und wird im Folgenden mit ausgewählten Ergebnissen vorgestellt.
The Kinetic Behaviour of Mn+7/H+ Ions Towards Mannose Molecule
Authors:   Northern Border University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 91451-2251, Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdelmageed Abualreish Mustafa Jaip Allah
Published: December 2023

The spectrophotometric method monitored the uncatalysed redox reaction between Mn+7/H+ ions and mannose sugar molecules kinetically at constant ionic strength maintained using potassium nitrate (KNO3). The kinetic study showed that the reaction was pseudo-first order concerning Mn+7 and mannose, and the rate of reaction increases by increasing the concentration of Mn+7, mannose and H+ and increasing temperature. The reaction rate was enhanced by 3 × 10–4m of Mn+7 concentration, and the oxidation with Mn+7 was faster using 2 × 10–2m of mannose and 5 × 10–1m of H+. The temperature dependence was carried out under fixed experimental conditions, from which the activation energy of the reaction (Ea) in KJ.mol–1 was found to be 61.1, and the frequency factor (A) in sec–1 was 10.52 × 105 other physical functions, namely, the free energy change (∆G) in KJ.mol–1 and the entropy change (∆S) in J.K –1 were also calculated at different temperatures. Qualitative analysis of the reaction products revealed the formation of formic acid. A rate law was derived from the proposed mechanism, which agreed well with experimental kinetics.
Acidity’s Impact on Yield, Morphological Structure, and Surface Functionalities of Polyaniline Synthesised via Oxidative Polymerisation
Authors:   Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ahmat Dounia Ousmane , Jawad Zeinab Abbas ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar, Khosravi Vahid ,   Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,   UCSI-Cheras Low Carbon Innovation Hub Research Consortium, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Yeap Swee Pin ,   Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,   UCSI-Cheras Low Carbon Innovation Hub Research Consortium, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: December 2023

This research aimed to examine how varying the acidity levels during the chemical oxidative polymerisation (COP) of aniline affects the colour, yield, morphology, and surface functionalities of polyaniline (PANI). In the COP method, aniline monomer was first dissolved in hydrochloric acid (HCl) medium; the solution was then drop added with ammonium persulfate to initiate the polymerisation process. To answer the research objective, the medium acidity was manipulated using different concentrations of HCl (i.e., 0 M, 0.01 M, 0.1 M, 1 M and 10 M). The as-synthesised PANIs were then purified and characterised for their physicochemical properties. The findings revealed that reducing the medium pH from 2.35 (in distilled water) to 0.80 (in 10 M HCl) resulted in a colour change from light brownish to dark green, indicating the formation of emeraldine PANI. Furthermore, it was observed that the amount of PANI yield is inversely related to the medium pH. A decrease in medium pH from 2.35 to 0.80 remarkably increased the PANI yield by 3.2 times. Regarding morphological structure, higher medium acidity produced PANI with well-defined globule shapes, while lower HCl concentrations resulted in a mixed morphology including globules, tubes, and plate-like structures. In addition, it was found that the diameter of globule-like PANI has increased from ~266.67 nm to ~508.33 nm, when the HCl concentration was changed from 0 M to 10 M. Apparently, increasing the acidity of the COP medium promotes enlargement of the PANI size. Despite that, there is not much change in the surface functional groups of the formed PANI. Overall, this study offers insights into manipulating PANI properties by adjusting the medium acidity during the COP process. While the impacts of medium acidity on yield, morphology, and functionalities of PANI were revealed, further investigation is required to evaluate the effect on electrical properties.
Purification procedures used for the detection of gender DIF: Item bias in a foreign language test
Authors: BÜYÜKKIDIK Serap
Published: December 2023

Differential item functioning (DIF) detection was handled based on “Mantel-Haenszel (MH)”, “Simultaneous item bias test (SIBTEST)”, “Lord's chi-square”, “Raju's area” methods when item purification was performed or item purification was not performed using real data in current study. After detecting gender-related DIF, expert opinions were taken for bias study. It is important to conduct the gender bias research in the English test when purification is performed and when purification is not performed, as there were DIF studies, but there were not completely similar bias studies in the literature. The sample of the research consists of 7389 students who took the “Transition from Primary to Secondary Education Exam (TPSEE, referred to as “TEOG” in Turkey)” administered in April 2017. When gender-related DIF analysis was performed with the four methods, the results were found to differ partially. DIF analysis results differed in the different conditions item purification was performed or not. Detection of DIF was indicative of possible bias. In the second stage of the study, the opinions of seven experts were taken for item 11, for which DIF was detected at least at B level based on MH, SIBTEST. As a result of expert opinion, it was found that there was no item bias according to gender in any item in the English test. It is recommended that similar bias studies can be conducted for test developers to be aware of the features that may lead to item bias and to construct unbiased items.
TEACHING AND PRACTICING OF PREBIOTIC POTENTIAL TEST OF LOCAL FUNCTIONAL FOOD AT 7 STATE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Authors: Ariestanti Catarina , Nugroho Wahyu Setyo , Kristiawan Yoga Angkawijaya , Purba Laurentia Henrieta Permita Sari , Restiani Ratih
Published: December 2023

Application of Biotechnology in Indonesia has been found in many sectors especially in food sector. One of the benefits is that it can be used to increase the nutritional value of food product so that it can be beneficial for health and decrease the risk of disease. The introduction of Biotechnology in utilizing local food product will increase students’ sensitivity about natural materials and their utilization. The purpose of this program was to introduce the role of Biotechnology in utilizing and processing agriculture by-product into beneficial edible end-product. This activity was divided into three stages: preparation, implementation, and reporting the activity. Preparation was done by contacting 7 State Senior High School as a partner. Implementation was conducted in partner’s Laboratory of Biology by delivering the teaching materials, continued with producing banana corm cookies and checked its prebiotik capability. Banana corm cookies were successfully produced. In vitro study showed that Lactobacillus plantarum FNCC-0265 were able to grow in banana corm cookies substituted media. The students showed a positive response during the activity, and it was shown by creation of the cookies and their ability to use drop plate technique for bacterial enumeration in vitro.
TASEPy: A Python-based package to iteratively solve the inhomogeneous exclusion process
Authors: Ciandrini Luca , Crisostomo Richmond L. , Szavits-Nossan Juraj
Published: December 2023

The totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP) is a paradigmatic lattice model for one-dimensional particle transport subject to excluded-volume interactions. Solving the inhomogeneous TASEP in which particles’ hopping rate vary across the lattice is a long-standing problem. In recent years, a power series approximation (PSA) has been developed to tackle this problem, however no computer algorithm currently exists that implements this approximation. This paper addresses this issue by providing a Python-based package TASEPy that finds the steady state solution of the inhomogeneous TASEP for any set of hopping rates using the PSA truncated at a user-defined order.
Bolsa Família e (in)segurança alimentar em município mineiro: Estudo com crianças até sete anos
Authors: Alvarenga  Ana Pereira , Bernardes Milena Serenini , Verissimo Marina de Oliveira , Maís Laís Amaral , Bernardes Renan Serenini , Teixeira Lílian Gonçalves , Longo-Silva Giovana , Toloni Maysa Helena de Aguiar
Published: December 2023

O Programa Bolsa Família tem sido objeto de estudos que mostram o impacto na redução da extrema pobreza e na redução da insegurança alimentar e nutricional (IAN). Objetivo: investigar a prevalência de IAN e fatores associados entre famílias com crianças menores de sete anos participantes do Programa Bolsa Família, residentes em um município do sul do estado de Minas Gerais. Métodos: Estudo transversal quantitativo realizado com 145 famílias e 206 crianças menores de sete anos. Resultados: A prevalência de IAN foi de 77,9% e de insegurança grave de 15,9%. A associação entre INF e renda familiar (p = 0,024), alimentação após o benefício (p = 0,006), consumo de feijão (p = 0,016) e salgadinhos (p = 0,006) foi encontrada entre crianças de dois anos. a sete anos. Além disso, a anemia ferropriva foi associada à introdução de biscoito recheado (p = 0,023), salgadinho de pacote (p = 0,044) e queijo petit suisse (p = 0,014) antes dos dois anos. Conclusão: Espera-se, portanto, que esta pesquisa contribua para a geração de evidências científicas que serão utilizadas na tomada de decisão para melhorar a eficiência da gestão por meio da redefinição de prioridades e qualificação dos profissionais envolvidos no programa.