bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategi Badan Pendapatan Pengelolaan Keuangan dan Aset Daerah dalam Pengelolaan Pajak Reklame Tehadap Pendapatan Pendapatan Asli Daerah di Kota Surakarta Jawa Tengah
Authors: Sururama Rahmawati , Johannes Ayu Widowati , Pratama Andhika Yoga
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Regional taxes are one source of Regional Original Income (PAD), one of which is Advertisement Tax which is collected by the district/city level government. The city of Surakarta is an autonomous region with city status under Central Java Province which regulates its own regional income. However, the realization of existing advertisement tax revenues is fluctuating if we look at 2016-2019, the realization of advertisement taxes always fluctuates and even in 2017, the realization of advertisement tax revenues was below the previously planned budget with a difference of 1,065,738,850.00 and only in 2018 -2019 experienced an increase from the target that had been set. Based on the problem description above, the aim of this research is to find out the strategy of the Revenue Agency for Regional Financial and Asset Management in Managing Advertisement Taxes on Original Regional Income in the City of Surakarta, Central Java Province. This research will use a qualitative descriptive method with an inductive approach. Data collection techniques using observation, documentation, interviews (Creswell, 2014).. Data analysis techniques using data reduction, data display/data presentation, drawing conclusions/verification.. From the analysis of research results it is known that from the Internal Environmental Analysis Aspect, especially from Human Resources indicators are still lacking in terms of quantity but in terms of quality they are adequate, from the Fund Sources aspect it is still inadequate in terms of equipment maintenance costs, from the Social Aspect it is found that there is still a lack of public awareness as taxpayers to pay taxes on time and also report the active status of the advertisement and there are still individuals who place advertisements illegally and do not comply with applicable regulations.

Keywords: Management, Tax,
SÖZEL BASMAKALIP DAVRANIŞLARA TEPKİYİ YARIDA KESME VE YENİDEN YÖNLENDİRME YÖNTEMİNİN ETKİSİ
Authors: KILIÇ Kevser , KARACA M. Abdulbaki , ÇIKILI Yahya
Published: January 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı tepkiyi yarıda kesme ve yeniden yönlendirme (TYKY) yönteminin Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu (OSB) tanısı olan bireylerde görülen sözel basmakalıp davranışların ortaya çıkma sıklığını azaltma üzerindeki etkisini incelemektir. Araştırmada tek denekli araştırma modellerinden ABAB deseni kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın bağımlı değişkeni OSB tanısı olan öğrencilerde görülen sözel basmakalıp davranışlar, bağımsız değişkeni ise uygulanan tepkiyi yarıda kesme ve yeniden yönlendirme yöntemidir. Bulgulara bakıldığında TYKY yönteminin OSB tanısı olan bireylerde görülen sözel basmakalıp davranışların ortaya çıkma sıklığını azalttığı, bu nedenle olumlu etkisinin olduğu, bu olumlu etkinin kalıcı olduğu görülmüştür. Ek olarak annelerin yöntem ile ilgili görüşlerinin olumlu olduğu bilgisine ulaşılmıştır. Geçmiş araştırma bulguları da yöntemin OSB tanısı olan bireylerde görülen sözel basmakalıp davranışların ortaya çıkma sıklığını önemli ölçüde azalttığını, bu olumlu etkinin kalıcı olduğunu göstermekte ve yöntemin ebeveynler tarafından tercih edildiği görülmektedir. OSB tanısı olan bireylerde yoğun görülebilen sözel basmakalıp davranışının ortaya çıkma sıklığını azaltmak için, TYKY yönteminin etkili, kalıcı ve uygulanabilir bir yöntem olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
The Grand Unified Theory of Nuclear Terrorism Response
Authors: Kleinert Schäfer
Published: January 2024

The Grand Unified Theory of Nuclear Terrorism Response is a set of principles designed to help government, counterterrorism, and civil society understand and respond to the threat of nuclear terrorism. It achieves this goal by providing a simple framework for the reliable and transparent use of force and coordinating several parallel theories used in thinking about and responding to nuclear terrorism. This theory and its accompanying principles are intended to increase public awareness of the threat of nuclear terrorism and to promote a public dialogue about what should be done in response. Ultimately, it seeks to provide a foundation for everyday people, scholars, and practitioners of international relations who want to understand what concerns they should have about nuclear terrorism, and give them the basis to determine which governmental actions are acceptable and which are not, providing a way for people to knowledgeably support their governments or hold them accountable.
Variations on the Equations of Energy-Work Relation
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: January 2024

In classical mechanics, the energy of an object in motion is the form of energy that quantifies the work performed by the object due to its motion and mass. The energy is also transformed into sound energy, thermal energy including heat and light, and material deformation. This paper presents the variations of equations pertaining to the energy-work relationship.
Improvisação idiomática sobre harmonia anamórfica
Authors: De Almeida Braga César
Published: January 2024

Neste artigo relatam-se procedimentos de improvisação idiomática em que houve aplicações de timelines retiradas das Séries Rítmicas de José Eduardo Gramani e processos de defasagem rítmica desenvolvidos por Steve Reich, Michael Udow e Cesar Traldi mediante técnicas de live looping. A improvisação idiomática, neste contexto, subordina-se às mudanças harmônicas engendradas pelo aspecto rítmico. Realizaram-se laboratórios com técnicas de live looping por meio da DAW Reaper para lidar com o material sonoro, submetendo timelines retiradas das Séries à defasagem rítmica por processo aditivo, para estabelecer uma base de acompanhamento. Gerou-se a criação e performance de um produto artístico audiovisual e sua análise. Fez-se tangência com a arte visual anamórfica de Patrik Proško, fruto de uma pesquisa de mestrado em que se adotou metodologia própria do campo da Pesquisa em Artes. O programa Sonic Visualiser foi utilizado para a análise da peça engendrada na fase de laboratórios. Por fim, considerou-se que o aspecto rítmico passou a ser elemento catalisador da harmonia e improvisação, gerando anamorfismo harmônico. O fator inovador está na combinação de conceitos rítmicos e técnicas de live looping, engendrando um novo constructo artístico.
Andanças improvisatórias
Authors: Fridman Ana Luisa
Published: January 2024

Neste artigo traçamos uma linha temporal abarcando pesquisas, relatos e experiências nas quais a prática da improvisação na composição, na performance e em propostas para a graduação em Música se encontram. Neste percurso são trazidos estudos das áreas de Educação, da Etnomusicologia e da Cognição Musical com o intuito de contribuir para ampliar as ideias de improvisação a partir de experiências corporificadas, imersivas e espacializadas em processos criativos pessoais e seus desdobramentos. Conceitualmente, partimos da ideia da corporeidade como via cognitiva para o estudo de fenômenos rítmicos em propostas que conectam o movimento à performance no instrumento, traçando paralelos entre vivências em processos composicionais que se utilizam da improvisação e sua aplicação direta em contextos formativos de Música. Ao final deste percurso, sugerimos que as interações com o meio a partir de iniciativas de improvisação contribuam para a formação de espaços coletivos de memória, em um contexto onde o percurso artístico encontra-se com o percurso didático em situações poéticas, dinâmicas e corporificadas.
Role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in chronic brucellosis
Authors: Hou Shuiping , Kong Fandong , Li Xintong , Xu Yanwen , Chen Shouyi , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Ling , Li Tingting , Fu Yongshui , Li Chengyao , Wang Wenjing
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Human brucellosis, a Brucella infection caused most common zoonosis in the world, remains a serious public health burden in China. Brucella chronic infection always causes immunosuppressive status and results in severe organ or tissue damages. The aim of this work was to study the role of the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in human chronic brucellosis.

Methods

Fifty cases of chronic brucellosis and 40 healthy individual controls were enrolled in this study. We analyzed the frequency and subsets of MDSCs in PBMC between the chronic brucellosis and healthy control groups by flow cytometry. Furthermore, we also measured the inflammatory-related cytokines in serum samples and the MDSCs inhibition ability to the proliferation of T cells in vitro.

Results

We found that the frequency of MDSCs in peripheral blood and the level of IL-6 and IL-10 Th2 cytokines and Arginase-1 were significantly increased in chronic brucellosis patients. In addition, we also found that the T cell function was suppressed in vitro by co-culturing with MDSCs from brucellosis patients.

Conclusion

Our study described an increase of immunosuppressive MDSCs in peripheral blood of chronic brucellosis patients. These results contribute to the understanding of Brucella persistent infection, which may provide an insight for effective treatment of chronic brucellosis patients in clinical practice.
Interviewing K-12 education experts and elites
Authors: Trinidad Jose Eos
Published: January 2024

Understanding education experts and elites is crucial in the context of their larger influence on education and the public’s greater skepticism and criticism of their work. This paper distinguishes between traditional and expert/elite interviews (EEIs), and highlights strategies for conducting them. Experts and elites have relatively broader influence, more synthesized but less situated knowledge, more embedded professional networks, and less anonymity than the lay public—and interviews need to adjust to these differences. To do so, researchers should consider strategies for (1) access, (2) trust, (3) preparation for interviews, and (4) asking sensitive and awkward questions in contexts of significant power disparities. The article ends with caveats and novel possibilities with using EEIs with traditional interviews, quantitative methods, and network data.
Roles of IL-11 in the regulation of bone metabolism
Authors: Han Yijing , Gao Hui , Gan Xinling , Liu Jingying , Bao Chuncha , He Chengqi
Published: January 2024

Bone metabolism is the basis for maintaining the normal physiological state of bone, and imbalance of bone metabolism can lead to a series of metabolic bone diseases. As a member of the IL-6 family, IL-11 acts primarily through the classical signaling pathway IL-11/Receptors, IL-11 (IL-11R)/Glycoprotein 130 (gp130). The regulatory role of IL-11 in bone metabolism has been found earlier, but mainly focuses on the effects on osteogenesis and osteoclasis. In recent years, more studies have focused on IL-11’s roles and related mechanisms in different bone metabolism activities. IL-11 regulates osteoblasts, osteoclasts, BM stromal cells, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and chondrocytes. It’s involved in bone homeostasis, including osteogenesis, osteolysis, bone marrow (BM) hematopoiesis, BM adipogenesis, and bone metastasis. This review exams IL-11’s role in pathology and bone tissue, the cytokines and pathways that regulate IL-11 expression, and the feedback regulations of these pathways.
Endometrial transcriptome profiling of patients with recurrent implantation failure during hormone replacement therapy cycles
Authors: Zhang Wen-bi , Li Jue , Li Qing , Lu Xiang , Chen Jun-ling , Li Lu , Chen Hua , Fu Wei , Chen Jiu-cheng , Lu Bing-jie , Wu Han , Sun Xiao-xi
Published: January 2024

Background

The molecular mechanisms underlying window of implantation (WOI) displacement in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) remain unclear. This study aims to explore the transcriptomic signatures of endometrium with normal and displaced WOIs and to identify the causes of endometrial receptivity (ER) abnormalities and WOI displacement in RIF patients.

Methods

In this study, 40 RIF patients were recruited and underwent personalized embryo transfer (pET) guided by the predicted results of endometrial receptivity diagnosis (ERD) model. Transcriptome analysis of endometrium from patients with clinical pregnancies after pET was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with WOI displacement. Gene expression data from HRT and natural cycle endometrium were compared to identify specific gene expression patterns of ER-related genes during WOI.

Results

The ERD results indicated that 67.5% of RIF patients (27/40) were non-receptive in the conventional WOI (P+5) of the HRT cycle. The clinical pregnancy rate in RIF patients improved to 65% (26/40) after ERD-guided pET, indicating the effectiveness of transcriptome-based WOI prediction. Among the 26 patients with clinical pregnancy, the gene expression profiles of P+5 endometrium from advanced (n=6), normal (n=10) and delayed (n=10) WOI groups were significantly different from each other. Furthermore, 10 DEGs identified among P+5 endometrium of 3 groups were involved in immunomodulation, transmembrane transport and tissue regeneration, which could accurately classify the endometrium with different WOIs. Additionally, a large number of ER-related genes showed significant correlation and similar gene expression patterns in P+3, P+5, and P+7 endometrium from HRT cycles and LH+5, LH+7, and LH+9 endometrium from natural cycles.

Conclusion

Our study shows that ER-related genes share similar gene expression patterns during WOI in both natural and HRT cycles, and their aberrant expression is associated with WOI displacements. The improvement of pregnancy outcomes in RIF patients by adjusting ET timing according to ERD results demonstrates the importance of transcriptome-based endometrial receptivity assessment and the clinical efficiency of ERD model.
A comparative analysis of core needle biopsy and repeat fine needle aspiration in patients with inconclusive initial cytology of thyroid nodules
Authors: Su Xuejiao , Yue Can , Yang Wanting , Ma Buyun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To assess and compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) in comparison to repeat fine-needle aspiration(rFNA) for thyroid nodules that yield inconclusive results following the initial fine-needle aspiration (FNA).

Methods

A cohort of 471 patients who received an inconclusive cytological diagnosis following the initial FNA were included in this study. These patients subsequently underwent either CNB (n=242) or rFNA (n=229). The inconclusive FNA results encompassed categories I, III, and IV of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology(TBSRTC), as well as the ultrasound images indicating malignancy despite FNA results falling under TBSRTC category II. This study assessed the sampling satisfaction rate, diagnostic efficacy, and complications associated with CNB compared to rFNA. Additionally, the impact of repeat puncture time and nodule size on diagnostic efficacy was analyzed.

Results

Following repeat punctures, the satisfaction rate of the CNB sampling was found to be significantly higher than that of rFNA (83.9% vs 66.8%). The diagnostic rate in the CNB group was significantly greater compared to that of the rFNA group (70.7% vs 35.8%). In patients with nodule maximum diameters ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm, the diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher in the CNB group compared to that in the rFNA group. In patients with intervals less than 90 days, between 90 days and one year, the diagnostic rate in the CNB group was found to be higher compared to that in the rFNA group. In CNB, not immediately adjacent to the capsule was a risk factor for nodular puncture bleeding (37.0% vs 22.7%.)

Conclusion

CNB demonstrated higher rates of satisfaction and diagnosis compared to the rFNA. The diagnostic effectiveness of CNB was not influenced by the time interval or the size of the thyroid nodule. Therefore, in cases where the initial FNA diagnosis of thyroid nodules is inconclusive, CNB should be considered as a viable option for re-puncture.
Selection of vaccine-candidate peptides from Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis by in silico prediction, in vitro T-cell line proliferation, and in vivo immunogenicity
Authors: Lybeck Kari , Tollefsen Stig , Mikkelsen Heidi , Sjurseth Siri Kulberg , Lundegaard Claus , Aagaard Claus , Olsen Ingrid , Jungersen Gregers
Published: January 2024

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a global concern in modern livestock production worldwide. The available vaccines against paratuberculosis do not offer optimal protection and interfere with the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to identify immunogenic MAP-specific peptides that do not interfere with the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. Initially, 119 peptides were selected by either (1) identifying unique MAP peptides that were predicted to bind to bovine major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-predicted peptides) or (2) selecting hydrophobic peptides unique to MAP within proteins previously shown to be immunogenic (hydrophobic peptides). Subsequent testing of peptide-specific CD4+ T-cell lines from MAP-infected, adult goats vaccinated with peptides in cationic liposome adjuvant pointed to 23 peptides as being most immunogenic. These peptides were included in a second vaccine trial where three groups of eight healthy goat kids were vaccinated with 14 MHC-predicted peptides, nine hydrophobic peptides, or no peptides in o/w emulsion adjuvant. The majority of the MHC-predicted (93%) and hydrophobic peptides (67%) induced interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) responses in at least one animal. Similarly, 86% of the MHC-predicted and 89% of the hydrophobic peptides induced antibody responses in at least one goat. The immunization of eight healthy heifers with all 119 peptides formulated in emulsion adjuvant identified more peptides as immunogenic, as peptide specific IFN-γ and antibody responses in at least one heifer was found toward 84% and 24% of the peptides, respectively. No peptide-induced reactivity was found with commercial ELISAs for detecting antibodies against Mycobacterium bovis or MAP or when performing tuberculin skin testing for bovine tuberculosis. The vaccinated animals experienced adverse reactions at the injection site; thus, it is recommend that future studies make improvements to the vaccine formulation. In conclusion, immunogenic MAP-specific peptides that appeared promising for use in a vaccine against paratuberculosis without interfering with surveillance and trade tests for bovine tuberculosis were identified by in silico analysis and ex vivo generation of CD4+ T-cell lines and validated by the immunization of goats and cattle. Future studies should test different peptide combinations in challenge trials to determine their protective effect and identify the most MHC-promiscuous vaccine candidates.
Design of a targeted blood transcriptional panel for monitoring immunological changes accompanying pregnancy
Authors: Brummaier Tobias , Rinchai Darawan , Toufiq Mohammed , Karim Mohammed Y. , Habib Tanwir , Utzinger Jürg , Paris Daniel H. , McGready Rose , Marr Alexandra K. , Kino Tomoshige , Terranegra Annalisa , Al Khodor Souhaila , Chaussabel Damien , Syed Ahamed Kabeer Basirudeen
Published: January 2024

Background

Immunomodulatory processes exert steering functions throughout pregnancy. Detecting diversions from this physiologic immune clock may help identify pregnant women at risk for pregnancy-associated complications. We present results from a data-driven selection process to develop a targeted panel of mRNAs that may prove effective in detecting pregnancies diverting from the norm.

Methods

Based on a de novo dataset from a resource-constrained setting and a dataset from a resource-rich area readily available in the public domain, whole blood gene expression profiles of uneventful pregnancies were captured at multiple time points during pregnancy. BloodGen3, a fixed blood transcriptional module repertoire, was employed to analyze and visualize gene expression patterns in the two datasets. Differentially expressed genes were identified by comparing their abundance to non-pregnant postpartum controls. The selection process for a targeted gene panel considered (i) transcript abundance in whole blood; (ii) degree of correlation with the BloodGen3 module; and (iii) pregnancy biology.

Results

We identified 176 transcripts that were complemented with eight housekeeping genes. Changes in transcript abundance were seen in the early stages of pregnancy and similar patterns were observed in both datasets. Functional gene annotation suggested significant changes in the lymphoid, prostaglandin and inflammation-associated compartments, when compared to the postpartum controls.

Conclusion

The gene panel presented here holds promise for the development of predictive, targeted, transcriptional profiling assays. Such assays might become useful for monitoring of pregnant women, specifically to detect potential adverse events early. Prospective validation of this targeted assay, in-depth investigation of functional annotations of differentially expressed genes, and assessment of common pregnancy-associated complications with the aim to identify these early in pregnancy to improve pregnancy outcomes are the next steps.
Research progress of targeted therapy regulating Th17/Treg balance in bone immune diseases
Authors: Wang Xiaxia , Sun Bai , Wang Yujie , Gao Peng , Song Jiayi , Chang Weirong , Xiao Zhipan , Xi Yongbin , Li Zhonghong , An Fangyu , Yan Chunlu
Published: January 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) are common bone-immune diseases. The imbalance between helper (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) produced during differentiation of CD4+ T cells plays a key regulatory role in bone remodelling disorders in RA and PMOP. However, the specific regulatory mechanism of this imbalance in bone remodelling in RA and PMOP has not been clarified. Identifying the regulatory mechanism underlying the Th17/Treg imbalance in RA and PMOP during bone remodelling represents a key factor in the research and development of new drugs for bone immune diseases. In this review, the potential roles of Th17, Treg, and Th17/Treg imbalance in regulating bone remodelling in RA and PMOP have been summarised, and the potential mechanisms by which probiotics, traditional Chinese medicine compounds, and monomers maintain bone remodelling by regulating the Th17/Treg balance are expounded. The maintenance of Th17/Treg balance could be considered as an therapeutic alternative for the treatment of RA and PMOP. This study also summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of conventional treatments and the quality of life and rehabilitation of patients with RA and PMOP. The findings presented her will provide a better understanding of the close relationship between bone immunity and bone remodelling in chronic bone diseases and new ideas for future research, prevention, and treatment of bone immune diseases.
Hematological and inflammatory markers in Han Chinese patients with drug-free schizophrenia: relationship with symptom severity
Authors: Yang Cheng , Tian Yinghan , Yang Xiaoxue , Liu Lewei , Ling Chen , Xia Lei , Liu Huanzhong
Published: January 2024

Background

There is a growing amount of evidence suggesting that immunity and inflammation play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between hematological and inflammatory markers with symptom severity in Han Chinese patients with drug-free schizophrenia.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University and data were extracted from the electronic medical record system over a 5-year period (May 2017 to April 2022), including participants’ general and clinical information as well as Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores and hematological parameters.

Results

A total of 2,899 patients with schizophrenia were identified through the initial search. After screening, 91 patients and 141 healthy controls (HCs) were included. The patients had a higher value of neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) than HCs (all P < 0.001). MLR was positively correlated with BPRS total score (r = 0.337, P = 0.001) and resistance subscale score (r = 0.350, P = 0.001). Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that severely ill was significantly associated with being male and a higher value of MLR (Natural Logaruthm, Ln) (all P < 0.05), and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed good performance of a regression model with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.787.

Conclusion

Patients with drug-free schizophrenia have an unbalanced distribution of peripheral blood granulocytes, and elevated NLR, MLR and PLR. Patients with higher value of MLR tend to have more psychotic symptoms, especially those symptoms of hostility, uncooperativeness, and suspiciousness. Our study gives a preliminary indication that MLR is a potential predictor of disease severity in patients with drug-free schizophrenia.
Plasticity and crosstalk of mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages in immunomodulation in sepsis
Authors: Tao Xingyu , Wang Jialian , Liu Bin , Cheng Peifeng , Mu Dan , Du Huimin , Niu Bailin
Published: January 2024

Sepsis is a multisystem disease characterized by dysregulation of the host immune response to infection. Immune response kinetics play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of sepsis. Macrophages, which are known for their heterogeneity and plasticity, actively participate in the immune response during sepsis. These cells are influenced by the ever-changing immune microenvironment and exhibit two-sided immune regulation. Recently, the immunomodulatory function of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in sepsis has garnered significant attention. The immune microenvironment can profoundly impact MSCs, prompting them to exhibit dual immunomodulatory functions akin to a double-edged sword. This discovery holds great importance for understanding sepsis progression and devising effective treatment strategies. Importantly, there is a close interrelationship between macrophages and MSCs, characterized by the fact that during sepsis, these two cell types interact and cooperate to regulate inflammatory processes. This review summarizes the plasticity of macrophages and MSCs within the immune microenvironment during sepsis, as well as the intricate crosstalk between them. This remains an important concern for the future use of these cells for immunomodulatory treatments in the clinic.
A machine learning approach using 18F-FDG PET and enhanced CT scan-based radiomics combined with clinical model to predict pathological complete response in ESCC patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and anti-PD-1 inhibitors
Authors: Qi Wei-Xiang , Li Shuyan , Xiao Jifeng , Li Huan , Chen Jiayi , Zhao Shengguang
Published: January 2024

Background

We aim to evaluate the value of an integrated multimodal radiomics with machine learning model to predict the pathological complete response (pCR) of primary tumor in a prospective cohort of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and anti-PD-1 inhibitors.

Materials and methods

Clinical information of 126 ESCC patients were included for analysis. Radiomics features were extracted from 18F-FDG PET and enhanced plan CT images. Four machine learning algorithms, including SVM (Support Vector Machine), Random Forest (RF), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) and logistic regression (LR), were applied using k-fold cross-validation to predict pCR after nCRT. The predictive ability of the models was assessed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

A total of 842 features were extracted. Among the four machine learning algorithms, SVM achieved the most promising performance on the test set for PET(AUC:0.775), CT (AUC:0.710) and clinical model (AUC:0.722). For all combinations of various modalities-based models, the combination model of 18 F-FDG PET, CT and clinical features with SVM machine learning had the highest AUC of 0.852 in the test set when compared to single-modality models in various algorithms. The other combined models had AUC ranged 0.716 to 0.775.

Conclusion

Machine learning models utilizing radiomics features from 18F-FDG PET and enhanced plan CT exhibit promising performance in predicting pCR in ESCC after nCRT and anti-PD-1 inhibitors. The fusion of features from multiple modalities radiomics and clinical features enhances the better predictive performance compared to using a single modality alone.
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction—current research progress
Authors: Zhao Qi , Wan Hui , Pan Hui , Xu Yiquan
Published: January 2024

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) commonly occurs after surgery, particularly in elderly individuals. It is characterized by a notable decline in cognitive performance, encompassing memory, attention, coordination, orientation, verbal fluency, and executive function. This reduction in cognitive abilities contributes to extended hospital stays and heightened mortality. The prevalence of POCD can reach 40% within 1 week following cardiovascular surgery and remains as high as 17% 3 months post-surgery. Furthermore, POCD exacerbates the long-term risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As a result, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying POCD and potential preventive strategies. This article provides a review of the research progress on POCD.
Transcriptional consequences of trisomy 21 on neural induction
Authors: Martinez José L. , Piciw Jennifer G. , Crockett Madeline , Sorci Isabella A. , Makwana Nikunj , Sirois Carissa L. , Giffin-Rao Yathindar , Bhattacharyya Anita
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Down syndrome, caused by trisomy 21, is a complex developmental disorder associated with intellectual disability and reduced growth of multiple organs. Structural pathologies are present at birth, reflecting embryonic origins. A fundamental unanswered question is how an extra copy of human chromosome 21 contributes to organ-specific pathologies that characterize individuals with Down syndrome, and, relevant to the hallmark intellectual disability in Down syndrome, how trisomy 21 affects neural development. We tested the hypothesis that trisomy 21 exerts effects on human neural development as early as neural induction.

Methods

Bulk RNA sequencing was performed on isogenic trisomy 21 and euploid human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) at successive stages of neural induction: embryoid bodies at Day 6, early neuroectoderm at Day 10, and differentiated neuroectoderm at Day 17.

Results

Gene expression analysis revealed over 1,300 differentially expressed genes in trisomy 21 cells along the differentiation pathway compared to euploid controls. Less than 5% of the gene expression changes included upregulated chromosome 21 encoded genes at every timepoint. Genes involved in specific growth factor signaling pathways (WNT and Notch), metabolism (including oxidative stress), and extracellular matrix were altered in trisomy 21 cells. Further analysis uncovered heterochronic expression of genes.

Conclusion

Trisomy 21 impacts discrete developmental pathways at the earliest stages of neural development. The results suggest that metabolic dysfunction arises early in embryogenesis in trisomy 21 and may affect development and function more broadly.
How accurate are coordinate systems being used for transcranial magnetic stimulation?
Authors: Uehara Maria Anabel , Jacobson Natasha , Moussavi Zahra
Published: January 2024

When applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the brain, it is desired to be as precise as possible to reach a target area in the brain. For that, neuronavigational system using individuals’ MRI scans were developed to guide TMS pulses delivery. All neuronavigational systems need coordinates of the target area to guide the TMS coil. Talairach coordinate system, which uses the Talairach-Tournoux atlas, is the most common system used with TMS pulses. In this study we investigated how an average Talairach coordinate from 50 healthy individuals is close to the actual location of the hand area of the primary motor cortex to investigate if that elicit a motor response in the hand; thus, investigating the fitness and accuracy of the Talairach coordinate system. We performed this experiment on six individuals (ages 61–82). When applying TMS single pulses to hand area with the given Talairach coordinate system adjusted with the MRI of each participant, three participants had involuntary twitch and three participants had no consistent physical response, as corroborated by electromyography of the abductor pollicis brevis and first dorsal interosseous muscles at the resting motor threshold intensity. Subsequently, by trial-and-error, the hand area was successfully stimulated on those three non-responder participants. The largest deviation from the Talairach coordinates was found to be 19.5 mm, measured on the surface of the cranium, between the true hand area and the mean Talairach coordinate. This finding implies that using generalized coordinates might be misleading when choosing the optimal location for brain stimulation.
Extreme oncoplasty: past, present and future
Authors: Vieira René Aloisio da Costa , Paulinelli Regis Resende , de Oliveira-Junior Idam
Published: January 2024

Breast surgery has evolved from mastectomy to breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Breast oncoplastic surgery later emerged with the inclusion and development of techniques used in plastic surgery for breast neoplasms. Recently, a new paradigm has been considered for mastectomy candidates with large multifocal and multicentric tumours, designated extreme oncoplasty (EO), which has allowed new techniques to be applied to tumours that would have been ineligible for BCS before. There are few publications and no uniform descriptions grouping all the technical possibilities and new indications together. We performed this a review with the objective of evaluating the indications and surgeries performed in the EO context, representing a new perspective for BCS. We observed new indications as extensive microcalcifications, locally advanced breast carcinoma with partial response to chemotherapy, small to moderate-sized non-ptotic central tumours and extreme ptosis. Small breasts are able for EO since the presence of ptosis. New surgeries are reported as disguised geometric compensation, perforators flaps, local/regional flaps, latissimus dorsi miniflap and partial breast amputation. It is important to decrease barriers to oncoplastic surgery if we want to increase the use of EO and BCS rates.
Ideological differences in COVID-19 vaccine intention: the effects of trust in the healthcare system, in complementary and alternative medicine, and perceived threat from the disease
Authors: Lamot Monika , Kerman Katja , Kirbiš Andrej
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Politically left-leaning individuals are more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19, although little is known about the mechanisms underlying the ideological differences in vaccination intentions. Understanding the extent to which trust in the healthcare system, in complementary and alternative medicine, and the perceived threat from the disease contribute to these disparities is crucial, as it could inform targeted interventions to address vaccine hesitancy across the political spectrum.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study conducted among adults living in Slovenia (n = 858) examined the mediating role of trust in the healthcare system, trust in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and the perceived threat from the virus on COVID-19 vaccination intention.

Results

We found that leftist ideology and trust in the healthcare system positively predicted vaccination intention, whereas CAM negatively predicted this intention. In addition, left-leaning individuals expressed greater trust in the healthcare system and lower trust in CAM, resulting in higher levels of COVID-19 vaccination intention. The serial mediation model confirmed that trust in CAM was a negative predictor, while trust in the healthcare system positively predicted perceived threat.

Discussion

When dealing with vaccine hesitancy among right-oriented individuals, strategies should focus on enhancing trust in the healthcare system and critically evaluating the reliance on CAM.
Psychological, cognitive, and physiological impact of hazards casualties' trainings on first responders: the example of a chemical and radiological training. An exploratory study
Authors: Giaume Louise , Le Roy Barbara , Daniel Yann , Lauga Cami Heloise , Jost Daniel , Travers Stéphane , Trousselard Marion
Published: January 2024

Background

First responders are among the first to respond to hazards casualties. They might operate in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. While they have underlined the need to improve their knowledge and training to face these environments, there are few data regarding the stress induced by these trainings. Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards casualties' trainings seem to be a good model of “in vivo” stress. First responders must operate in a hostile and encountered environment with a CBRN protective equipment that places demand on their psychological, cognitive, and physiological capacities. Current research recognizes that the activity of the parasympathetic system (PSS) can be used as an objective marker of stress adaptation, measured as heart rate variability (HRV).

Objectives

To compare between baseline and simulation the evolution of the parasympathetic activity (primary outcome), anxiety, emotions, cognitive load, and body posture awareness (secondary outcomes).

Methods

A total of 28 first responders attended to three simulated scenarios requiring CBRN management of casualties. One day before simulation, we collected HRV data (baseline). The simulations' day (pre-, post-simulation) we collected anxiety score (STAI-Y B), emotions (SPANE), cognitive load (NASA TLX), body posture awareness (PAS) and HRV. The morning after we collected the PAS score (recovery). We compare data' evolution between different times of the simulation.

Results

(i) A high level of anxiety at baseline [Median 51 (46; 56)] which decreased between pre- and post-simulation (p = 0.04; F = 2.93); (ii) a post-simulation decrease in negative feelings (p = 0.03); (iii) a decrease in body awareness after simulation which returned to the initial level at recovery (p = 0.03; F = 3.48); (iv) a decrease in mean RR between baseline, pre- and post-simulation (p = 0.009; F = 5.11). There were no significant difference between times on others analysis of HRV.

Conclusion

Prior to simulation, participants experienced anticipatory anxiety. Simulations training practiced regularly could be one way to combat anticipatory anxiety.
An Adaptive Moving Window Kriging Based on K-Means Clustering for Spatial Interpolation
Authors: Supajaidee Nattakan , Chutsagulprom Nawinda , Moonchai Sompop
Published: January 2024

Ordinary kriging (OK) is a popular interpolation method for its ability to simultaneously minimize error variance and deliver statistically optimal and unbiased predictions. In this work, the adaptive moving window kriging with K-means clustering (AMWKK) technique is developed to improve the estimation obtained from the moving window kriging based on the K-means clustering proposed by Abedini et al. This technique specifically addresses the challenge of selecting appropriate windows for target points located near the borders, which can potentially be the source of errors. The AMWKK algorithm introduces a dynamic clustering approach within the moving window kriging, where each target site sequentially serves as a cluster centroid. The OK is then applied within the cluster encompassing the target point, ensuring localized and adaptive interpolation. The proposed method is compared with ordinary kriging and other moving window kriging variant approaches to estimate Thailand’s mean annual pressure and humidity in 2018. The results indicate superior estimation capabilities of the AMWKK approach in terms of distinct quantitative performance statistics. The advantage of using the AMWKK method for spatial interpolation can be attributed to the fact that it facilitates the automatic tuning of the window size at any estimation point. The algorithm is particularly effective when observations in the same cluster as target points are sparse.
Excavation of Genes Response to Heat Resistance by Transcriptome Analysis in Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.)
Authors: Wang Min , Liu Wenrui , Peng Qingwu , Shi Shaoqi , Wang Ying , Cao Liqin , Jiang Biao , Lin Yu’e , Zhao Tianyue , Cui Xiaojuan , Yang Songguang
Published: January 2024

Heat stress, as a negative factor, severely threatens the quality and production of bottle gourd, which prefers to grow in a warm environment. To understand which genes are involved in the resistance to heat stress in bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.), we analyzed the characteristics of two genetic bottle gourd varieties, “Mei feng”-MF (heat resistant) and “Lv long”-LL (heat sensitive). Under heat stress, MF plants exhibited a higher survival rate, lower relative electrolytic leakage, and decreased stomatal aperture compared with LL. In addition, RNA-Seq was carried out on the two varieties under normal conditions and heat stress. The results revealed a total of 1485 up-regulated and 946 down-regulated genes under normal conditions, while 602 genes were up-regulated and 1212 genes were down-regulated under heat stress. Among these genes, several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway and members of bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) transcription factors showed significant up- or down-regulation after heat stress. Next, to validate these findings, we conducted quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, which confirmed the expression patterns of the genes detected through RNA-Seq. Collectively, the DEGs between the two contrasting cultivars identified in our study provide novel insight into excavating helpful candidate genes associated with heat tolerance in bottle gourd.
Comparing and Evaluating the Oil Composition of Olive Oil of 85 Olive Varieties in the Liangshan Region, China
Authors: Zhang Zhuoya , Tong Zhaoguo , Shao Yuanyuan , Su Guangcan , Li Kaikai , Li Chunmei
Published: January 2024

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and select the best varieties from 85 olive varieties in the Liangshan region, China, from the perspective of oil content, fatty acid, and triacylglycerol compositions. Although 85 varieties of olive oil showed no difference in the type of fatty acid composition and the distribution of triglycerides, they varied greatly in the oil content, the relative proportion of fatty acids, and triglycerides. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster and heatmap analysis clearly divided the 85 samples into three groups. Group A included 36 varieties and was characterized by high oleic acid, mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), eicosenoic acid, OOO (glyceryl trioleate), and OOL (1-oleic acid-2-oleic acid-3-linoleic acid glycerides) contents, but rare palmitoleic acid, SFA (saturated fatty acid), and POP (1-palmitic acid-2-oleic acid-3-palmitic acid glycerides) levels. Group B contained 9 varieties of olive, with the main characteristics of high oleic acid, linolenic acid, MUFA, MUFA/PUFA, SFA, and OLnO (1-oleic acid-2-linolenic acid-3-oleic acid glycerides) content, but low in linoleic acid, PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid), PLL levels and ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Group C comprised 40 varieties, identified by high linoleic acid and PUFA levels but low ratios of oleic acid, MUFA, OOO, MUFA/PUFA, and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Combined with the oil content (FW) (%) of 85 varieties, we suggested four distinguished varieties in Group A, namely Lechín, Coratina, Koroneiki, and Arbosana; three distinguished varieties in Group B, namely Picual, Ezhi, Cornicabra; two distinguished varieties in Group C namely Frantoio and Arbequina as the objects of large-scale cultivation by Chinese cultivators. More importantly, the obtained data also demonstrated that some locally bred specific varieties, such as Zhongze-3 and Yuntai, had interesting unsaturated fatty acids and had cultivation and popularization value in China.
Supporting Screening of New Plant Protection Products through a Multispectral Photogrammetric Approach Integrated with AI
Authors: Bumbaca Samuele , Borgogno-Mondino Enrico
Published: January 2024

This work was aimed at developing a prototype system based on multispectral digital photogrammetry to support tests required by international regulations for new Plant Protection Products (PPPs). In particular, the goal was to provide a system addressing the challenges of a new PPP evaluation with a higher degree of objectivity with respect to the current one, which relies on expert evaluations. The system uses Digital Photogrammetry, which is applied to multispectral acquisitions and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The goal of this paper is also to simplify the present screening process, moving it towards more objective and quantitative scores about phytotoxicity. The implementation of an opportunely trained AI model for phytotoxicity prediction aims to convert ordinary human visual observations, which are presently provided with a discrete scale (forbidding a variance analysis), into a continuous variable. The technical design addresses the need for a reduced dataset for training the AI model and relating discrete observations, as usually performed, to some proxy variables derived from the photogrammetric multispectral 3D model. To achieve this task, an appropriate photogrammetric multispectral system was designed. The system operates in multi-nadiral-view mode over a bench within a greenhouse exploiting an active system for lighting providing uniform and diffuse illumination. The whole system is intended to reduce the environmental variability of acquisitions tending to a standard situation. The methodology combines advanced image processing, image radiometric calibration, and machine learning techniques to predict the General Phytotoxicity percentage index (PHYGEN), a crucial measure of phytotoxicity. Results show that the system can generate reliable estimates of PHYGEN, compliant with existing accuracy standards (even from previous PPPs symptom severity models), using limited training datasets. The proposed solution addressing this challenge is the adoption of the Logistic Function with LASSO model regularization that has been shown to overcome the limitations of a small sample size (typical of new PPP trials). Additionally, it provides the estimate of a numerical continuous index (a percentage), which makes it possible to tackle the objectivity problem related to human visual evaluation that is presently based on an ordinal discrete scale. In our opinion, the proposed prototype system could have significant potential in improving the screening process for new PPPs. In fact, it works specifically for new PPPs screening and, despite this, it has an accuracy consistent with the one ordinarily accepted for human visual approaches. Additionally, it provides a higher degree of objectivity and repeatability.