bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical Discourse Analysis of Student Testimonials of an Erasmus International Exchange Programme
Authors: Hui Sein Yue Elim Emily
Published: April 2024

Given the increased provision of international exchange programmes in higher education, this paper examines students’ perceptions of their learning process in one Erasmus+ programme in Food Innovation and Product Design. Using evaluation model of international exchange programme and triple helix model as the analytical framework, students’ testimonials from 2015–2021 were analysed using a critical discourse analysis. EU and non-EU students had similar perceptions of learning outcomes related to knowledge of the food innovation industry, but non-EU students had a stronger sense of awareness of both the international context and multicultural interaction.
Ascertaining Genetics of β—Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Using Machine Learning Heuristics
Authors: P Aswathi , SR Anjana , Kumar Somesh , Singh Goldy , Kapoor Seema , Gupta Sangeeta , Valadi Jayaraman K , Rao R Shyama Prasad , Polipalli Sunil Kumar , Suravajhala Prashanth
Published: April 2024

Hemoglobinopathies are a group of disorders in which the hemoglobin molecule has abnormal production or structure. The hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells (RBC) are impacted by the blood disease known as sickle cell disease (SCD), and Thalassemia is one of the major monogenic disorders that reduces hemoglobin production( Kohne et al ., 2011). This disorder results in a large number of red blood cells being destroyed, leading to anemia. India bears a huge burden of hemoglobinopathies; thalassemia is the most prevalent (Mondal SK et al., 2016). A key component of thalassemia prevention is a successful screening procedure to identify Thalassemia carriers. Effective screening programs have numerous obstacles, especially in environments with limited resources. Machine learning (ML) has been used to solve technical and domain-specific problems in a variety of prognostic and diagnostic medical jobs. In this work, we aimed to identify and analyze the most common mutation of β--thalassemia and sickle cell disease from the north Indian population by employing Machine learning-based algorithms. To accurately predict the carrier state from a simple blood test, and to predict pathogenic hemoglobin variants in a group of individuals, these results demonstrate the application of integrated bioinformatics and machine learning approaches. This study contributes to the validation of the models based on data from several individuals and hemoglobinopathies.
The Impact of Expert Pathology Review and Molecular Diagnostics on the Management of Sarcoma Patients: A Prospective Study of the Hellenic Group of Sarcomas and Rare Cancers
Authors: Kokkali Stefania , Boukovinas Ioannis , De Bree Eelco , Koumarianou Anna , Georgoulias Vasilis , Kyriazoglou Anastasios , Tsoukalas Nikolaos , Memos Nikolaos , Papanastassiou Ioannis D. , Stergioula Anastasia , Tsapakidis Konstantinos , Loga Konstantia , Duran-Moreno Jose , Papanastasopoulos Panagiotis , Vassos Nikolaos , Kontogeorgakos Vasileios , Athanasiadis Ilias , Mahaira Luiza , Dimitriadis Efthymios , Papachristou Dionysios J. , Agrogiannis Georgios
Published: April 2024

Precise classification of sarcomas is crucial to drive optimal clinical management. In this prospective, multicenter, observational study within the Hellenic Group of Sarcoma and Rare Cancers (HGSRC) we assessed the effect of expert pathology review, coupled with the application of molecular diagnostics, on diagnosis and management of sarcoma patients. Newly diagnosed sarcoma patients were addressed by their physicians to one of the two sarcoma pathologists of HGSRC for histopathological diagnostic assessment. RNA next-generation sequencing was per-formed to all samples, using a platform targeting 86 sarcoma gene fusions. Additional molecular methods were performed on the opinion of the expert pathologist. Therefore, the expert pathologist provided a final diagnosis based on the histopathological findings and, when necessary on molecular tests. In total, 128 specimens from 122 patients were assessed. Among the 119 cases in which there was a preliminary diagnosis by a non-sarcoma pathologist, there were 37 modifications in diagnosis (31.1%) by the sarcoma pathologist, resulting in 17 (14.2%) modifications in management. Among the 110 cases in which molecular tests were performed, there were 29 modifications in diagnosis (26.4%) through the genomic results, resulting in 12 (10.9%) modifications in management. Our study confirms that expert pathology review is of utmost importance for the optimal sarcoma diagnosis and management and should be assisted by molecular methods in selected cases.
Kajian Tampilan Arsitektur Simbolik pada Taman Budaya Jawa Timur
Authors: Firmansyah Muhammad Alfian , Arfianti Ami
Published: April 2024

The cultural center is a place used to accommodate all arts and culture activities. The East Java Cultural Park is a building complex designed to promote and preserve East Javanese culture. In appearance, the East Java Cultural Park at first glance applies the Javanese architectural style. However, in this building it is not yet known to what extent the Javanese architectural appearance was used. This research was conducted to identify the Javanese architectural appearance of the TBJT building. Qualitative research using a descriptive critical method approach was applied to this research. Data was collected through direct observation, interviews and analysis of literature related to the application of Javanese architectural symbolism in TBJT. The results of this research are that TBJT has a symbolic meaning in Javanese architecture which can be seen from the appearance of the TBJT building. However, this application does not fully follow the rules of Javanese architectural appearance because there is an amalgamation of other styles, namely colonial architecture. It is hoped that this research can provide a deeper understanding of the application of Javanese architectural symbolism to the appearance of the East Java Cultural Park.
Effectiveness of Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine in General Anesthesia for Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Authors: Caverina Sarah Lorenza , Rindiati Fanda Ayyu , Respati F.X. Andhi Haris
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Appendicitis is an inflammation of vermiform appendix organ. It is a medical emergency case and one of the most common acute abdominal cases. The removal of acute appendix with minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic procedure, is associated with shortened recovery time and length of stay in hospital, reduced risk of postoperative wound infections, also improved cosmetic outcomes. Anesthesia procedure for laparoscopic in Indonesia is usually performed under general anesthesia (GA) which has effective and safe form of sedation. One local anesthesia agent that often used in laparoscopic procedure is bupivacaine. Studies have shown that intraperitoneal bupivacaine as analgesia after laparoscopy can reduce postoperative pain, such as visceral pain associated with tissue injury and the stretching of nerve endings in the peritoneal cavity, parietal pain related to the incisional trauma at the port sites, and shoulder pain referred by stretching of the diaphragm.

Case report: Mr. TA, 27 years old, his lower right abdomen hurt and he was diagnosed with acute appendicitis ASA II. Patients performed with laparoscopic procedure under general anesthesia. Fentanyl 2 mcg/kg, propofol 2 mg/kg, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg, and sevoflurane 1 MAC, 50% FiO2 : 50% water, 4 lpm flow were administered. After 90 minutes of surgery, 40 cc of 0.5% intraperitoneal bupivacaine was administered. Patient was assessed for the NRS score within 30 minutes after laparoscopic procedure. The NRS score was 0.

Conclusion: It has been reported a patient underwent laparoscopic appendicitis procedure received intraperitoneal bupivacaine as a postoperative analgesia which provided quicker recovery and good improvement of pain control without any significant negative consequences.
SEIZURE CONTROL IN PATIENTS WITH ANTI-NMDAR ENCEPHALITIS : CASE SERIES
Authors: Wijaya Indriyani , Wisudarti Calcarina Fitriani , Adiyanto Bowo
Published: April 2024

Background: Anti N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor (anti-NMDAR)  encephalitis is a rare, yet has had increasing number of cases. Patients often require airway protection, mechanical ventilation and intensive care because the patients’ complex symptoms accompanied by seizures that are difficult to control. Here, we present two related case reports that discuss intensive care management and focus on the administered sedation/anesthesia methods and their outcomes.

Case illustration: Male patients, 19 and 21 years old, presented with neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizures, dyskinesia. Both require airway protection and mechanical ventilation as well as Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care. Radiodiagnostic head Computed Tomography (CT) scan and head Magnetic Resonance Imagng (MRI) showed no cerebral abnormalities. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) examination showed positive NMDAR antibodies. First patient had failed to improve clinically even with multiple anti-convulsants, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Second patient clinically improved with benzodiazepine (midazolam) and propofol as anti-convulsants followed by plasma exchange immunotherapy. The two cases had different outcomes. The first case deceased from septic shock, while the second case was treated by outpatient procedure.
Conclusion : Our presented cases suggest that midazolam, propofol, dextemedetomidine, ketamine do not provide satisfying results for seizure control in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, unless immunotherapy is carried out as early as possible and optimally.
 

 
Improving the Quality of Education Through Environmentally Based Learning
Authors: Zahrah Syarifah , Susanto Teguh Trianung Djoko , Pratama M. Zulfakar , Aisyah Jihan , Kurniawan Andi
Published: April 2024

Environmental education is education that helps individuals become more familiar with their environment, develop responsible behavior and environmental skills to improve the quality of the environment. One effort that can be made to improve the quality of the environment is to provide environmental education from an early age through the education process. This paper aims to analyze improving the quality of environmentally based education and examine studies of environmentally based education in improving the quality of education. Increasing insight into improving the quality of environment-based education based on a literature review shows that to produce quality graduates there are several factors that need to be achieved, such as teacher quality, curriculum, educational facilities and educational management which are determining factors in achieving good goals. education quality. The development of an environment-based learning model is identified as an important step to improve students' learning skills and experiences
Strategy For Fulfilling Resources and Managing Education Financing in Primary Schools
Authors: Wuryandoko Santoso , Purwati Sri , Sugiyarto Sugiyarto , Nurkolis Nurkolis
Published: April 2024

One of the important problems in educational development in almost every country in the world is education financing. Education financing is an activity related to obtaining the funds received and how these funds are used to finance all educational programs that have been determined. This research aims to determine the sources of education financing and how elementary school education financing is managed in Blora Regency. The method used in this research is qualitative method. The research was conducted in three elementary schools in Blora Regency. The data collection method in this research was carried out in three ways, namely: interviews, observation, and documentation. The research results are: (1) Fulfillment of funding sources for primary school education in Blora Regency comes from three main sources, namely: central government, regional government, and the community; (2) Management of primary school education financing in Blora Regency has been carried out in three stages, namely: planning education financing, implementing education financing and evaluating education financing.
Reseña Bibliográfica. Movimientos estudiantiles en América Latina. Interrogantes para su historia, presente y futuro
Authors: Flores Uribe John-André
Published: April 2024

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Bio-Efficacy of Solanum torvum (Sw.) and Molecular Docking Insights for Sustainable Pest Control against Spodoptera litura (Fab.)
Authors: Murugesan R , Vasuki K , Kaleeswaran B
Published: April 2024

The antifeedant, larvicidal and histological effects of Solanum torvum leaf extracts were investigated against Spodoptera litura. The study found that the S. torvum ethyl acetate leaf extract showed a significant antifeedant effect against S. litura of (86.16%) at 5%. Ethyl acetate extract showed a larvicidal activity against S. litura of 88.21% and the LC50 value was 2.05%. Exposure of larvae to ethyl acetate leaf extract resulted in significant histological damage, particularly affecting epithelial, goblet and digestive cells. The molecular docking observation of insect chitin protein was noted in campesterin resulting in -7.8 kcal/mole energy. The results suggest that the inclusion of these plant extracts in integrated pest management approaches can promote sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control methods in agriculture.
Innovative Approaches to Enhancing Oocyte Competence in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A Microfluidic Study with the Impact of FF-MAS on Rescued In Vitro Oocyte Maturation
Authors: torkashvand Hossein , Shabani Ronak , Artimani Tayebe , Pilehvari Shamim , Moghimi Mahdi , mehdizadeh mehdi
Published: April 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women, often results in infertility due to anovulation, increased immature oocytes, and reduced oocyte quality. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), specifically in vitro maturation (IVM), offers potential solutions. This study explores in vitro oocyte maturation using a novel microfluidic device. We investigate the impact of Follicular fluid meiosis-activating sterol (FF-MAS) under dynamic and static conditions to enhance oocyte competence. 406 immature germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes from PCOS patients were divided into five groups. Group 1: GV oocytes cultured in standard medium. Group 2: same as Group 1 In addition 10 µM FF-MAS supplement. Group 3 experienced dynamic microfluidic culture for 24 hours. Groups 4 and 5 also utilized dynamic microfluidic culture, but in Group 4, FF-MAS was provided to the oocytes for the first 2 hours, and in Group 5, it was provided for the entire 24 h. Groups 4 and 5 showed significantly improved maturation, fertilization, and high-quality embryo development. Gene expression analysis revealed differences in BRCA1, TP53, PADI6, and TLE6 genes. Ultrastructural features indicated cortical granule distribution and cytoplasmic observations in mature oocytes. Dynamic microfluidic culture and FF-MAS supplementation enhance developmental competency compared to static conditions.
The Role of Curtain Wall Design on Reducing Thermal Bridges and Energy Consumption in Building Located in Hot Arid Climate
Authors: Talal Bassma , Mahmoud Ayman Hassan , Moussa Rania Rushdy
Published: April 2024

Heat transport is facilitated by thermal bridges, which raises air conditioning demands. The influence of thermal bridges and their detrimental effects on building energy efficiency are the main scope of this study. This study intends to identify and present the most effective design for curtain wall facades located in hot arid climate to reduce thermal bridge and enhance energy consumption. Based on previous studies, the five main variables affecting the percentage of thermal bridges in building facades are window wall ratio, glazing type, frame U-value, thermal Break, window wall ratio and system joint thermal insulation. In this study five scenarios using different curtain wall facades design for the five parameters were applied and simulated using design builder software for an existing office building located in Egypt as an example for hot arid climate. Results showed that scenario four is the most effective design for curtain wall facade which reduced thermal bridge up to 50% in hot arid climate. The design of case scenario four consists of double low-e glazing, frame made of aluminum with a thermal break, and 40% is the window to wall ratio, which reduced the energy consumption by 19247.96 kwh/month.
Cold Atmospheric Plasma as a Potential Chordoma Treatment
Authors: Peeters Sophie , Armellini Amber , Kim Wi Jin , Haist Blake , Chen Zhitong , Obenchain Richard , Ge Weihong , Bhaduri Aparna , Sabiston Graeme , Prins Robert M. , Wirz Richard , Wang Anthony C.
Published: April 2024

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) uses high voltages and helium or argon feed gases to generate and deliver atmospheric reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. Over the past decade, there has been an increasing number of successful demonstrations of CAP in oncology with anti-tumor effects demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, including in glioma. Chordomas remain one of the most difficult-to-treat of the skull base tumors. The best chance of survival and cure to date is with radical surgical resection, followed by adjuvant radiation therapy. Oftentimes, tumor infiltration into functionally critical, or difficult-to-access areas, precludes radical resection. CAP has been shown to increase sensitivity to chemoradiation and could therefore be a useful tool in improving chordoma recurrence rates as an intraoperative adjuvant therapy to the current standard of care. To date, there are no studies in the literature examining the effect of CAP on chordomas. We treated UM-Chor1 chordoma cells with a plasma jet and measured cell viability and intracellular ROS production. Our experiments show a dose-dependent increase in intracellular ROS and cell death with direct CAP exposure in vitro. Further studies are needed to better determine the mechanisms of cell death and factors contributing to chordoma sensitivity to CAP.
Chemical characteristics and health risk assessment of fine particulate matter from typical emission source in Xi'an, Northwestern China
Authors: Meng Ziqi , Xing Yan , Zhang Xin , Niu Shaomin , Tian Weihua , Zhang Qian
Published: April 2024

To establish and complete the source profile of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in a Chinese megacity- Xi’an, the morphology, chemical characteristics and health risks of PM2.5 emitted from different sources were explored. In this study, scanning electron microscope, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, ion chromatograph and carbon analyzer were utilized to analyze and determine the source emission PM2.5 samples. The results showed that PM2.5 emitted from stationary source was mostly regular spherical, while the dust including soil wind dust and urban dust was practically irregular and with large size. PM2.5 of mobile source was aggregated porous carbonaceous particles, and of biomass burning was floc or lamellar. Si was regarded as the marker of soil wind dust PM2.5. Si and SO42− accounted for a relatively high proportion in urban dust PM2.5 (52.2% and 27.9%). Ca could be used as the tracer of construction cement dust due to its high mass fraction. Compared to other sources, mobile source showed higher NO3− proportion while biomass burning was dominated by Na and K. Attributed to relatively higher OC/EC in Xi'an than other cities, the secondary pollution was more serious. The health risk assessment results showed that the risk of Cr through inhalation route was 10− 6~10− 4 for a stationary source, which was over the threshold. In particular, the non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenic risk of children were all higher than adults.
Age- and sex-dependent reference intervals of inhibin B in Chinese children on chemiluminescence analyzer
Authors: Zhou Bin , Luo Jinjun , Dai Xiang , He Xuelian , Yao Hui
Published: April 2024

Backgroud: Inhibin B (INHB) is an emerging biomarker of sexual function diseases, but its clinical use in children is hindered due to the lacking reference intervals (RIs) based on age sex.Methods: A total of 622 healthy Chinese children were included and serum INHB and six conventional sex hormones were measured. INHB was partitioned by four age groups (<1y, 1~5y, 5~10y, 10~18y) and the corresponding RIs were determined with quantile. The effect of age on INHB was assessed using five models including linear, quadratic, cubic, S, and logarithmic. Spearman correlation was used to examine the associations between INHB and sex hormones.Results: Compared to the boys, girls had lower median concentrations and variability in INHB across four age groups. The optimal models for the effect of age on INHB were cubic (R2=0.440 for boys). The INHB concentration in the first and oldest age groups was more high than other groups (P≤0.001). Spearman’s correlation analysis showed sex-dependent association between INHB and conventional sex hormones (e.g. a positive association with PRL in boys).Conclusions: INHB level is influenced by age and gender, and our results provide specific RIs to facilitate to screen sexual function diseases in Chinese children.
Clinical application of percutaneous vertebral-intervertebral plasty in very severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: A new technique
Authors: Wang Tong-Hao , Yang Guo-Yue , Liu Yin , Han Li-Qiang , Wu Kai-Nan , Tian Yong-Gang , Liu Zhi , Guo Shu-Zhang
Published: April 2024

Safe and effective minimally invasive treatments are lacking for very severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (vsOVCF) , especially in patients with upper and lower endplate fractures or nonunion of old fractures.This study introduces a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of vsOVCF and introduces a new concept called functional spinal unit height (FSUH) to assess biomechanical stability of the spine after surgery. From January 2020 to January 2022,forty patients with vsOVCF who received percutaneous vertebral-intervertebral plasty (PVIP) were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical and radiological assessments were reviewed. One patients had adjacent vertebral fractures(AVF) due to a trauma after the operation (rate of AVF, 2.9%).The mean course of patients was 56.2±40.3 d, bone mineral density (T-Score) was -3.6±-0.6, mean operation time was 81.8±12.1 min, mean blood loss was 42.5+12.9 mL, and mean hospital stay was 5.6±2.2 d. The average VAS, ODI, and TLK scores before operation were 6.9±0.8, (74.0±6.3)%, and (29.0±7.6)°, decreasing to 2.6±1.1, (32.3±3.9)%, and (21.8±4.1)° 1 week after operation, to 2.1±0.8，(28.1±4.0)%, and (19.9±3.7)° 6 months after operation, and further decreased to 1.0±0.7，(24.4±3.9)%, and (20.0±4.1)° at the last follow-up. Differences in VAS, ODI, and TLK scores were statistically significant postoperatively.The average FSUH increased from (64.1±7.6) mm before surgery to (75.1±7.8) mm 1 week after surgery, and no significant change in height at 6 months or at the final follow-up was observed, which was still statistically different from that before the surgery. PVIP is a minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of vsOVCF that can increase FSUH, improve partial kyphotic deformity, maintain spinal biomechanical stability, and reduce the occurrence of AVF.
Symbolic Self-Construction in Chinese University English Learners: A Longitudinal Exploration of Psychological States and Personal Development
Authors: Fu Bei
Published: April 2024

This study adopts the theoretical framework of symbolic self to explore the process of self-construction among Chinese university English learners and develops a mechanism for symbolic self-construction. Five non-English major college students' English learning experiences are selected as case studies, and long-term tracking research is conducted using methods such as interviews, participant observation, and journals. The study identifies seven different internal psychological states that emerge during the university English learning process, including neglect and unconsciousness, conflict transfer, conflict postponement, conflict confirmation, conflict intensification, conflict mitigation, and highly internal solidarity relationships. However, these states are by no means in linear order The study also reveals the impact of Chinese EFL Learners’ symbolic Self-Construction on their personal behavioral abilities (time management, emotional regulation, interpersonal skills). Furthermore, it further influences aspects of their personal development and growth such as identity, life goals, and values. To effectively intervene in the symbolic self of university English learners, English educators could actively understand the psychological world of foreign language learners, create a positive and supportive environment, and avoid the development of extremely negative self-concepts in foreign language learning.
Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and RGB-imaging: a comparative study of non-invasive haemoglobin assessment
Authors: Yakimov Boris , Buiankin Kirill , Denisenko Georgy , Shitova Yuliya , Shkoda Andrey , Shirshin Evgeny
Published: April 2024

Non-invasive assessment of haemoglobin (Hb) level in blood is a hot spot in point-of-care biomedical diagnostics. Several optical methods are suggested as a solution, some of them being approved for clinical use. Still, there is no consensus on the accuracy of optical techniques, the quality of Hb assessment on different tissue sites, and whether a combined use of several optical techniques can improve the quality of Hb level prediction. In this work we examined the capabilities of two optical techniques — diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and RGB-imaging of the skin and fingernails areas — for detection of low blood Hb level. The test sample consisted of 240 adult volunteers with 70 volunteers exhibiting Hb level lower than 120 g/L. We show that using simple descriptors of the diffuse reflectance spectrum of the forearm skin and fingernails, it is possible to accurately predict a decrease in blood Hb concentration (ROC-AUC = 0.84 ± 0.08), while RGB-imaging shows similar performance when applied to the fingernail regions (ROC-AUC = 0.83 ± 0.07). The joint use of predictions from two optical methods increases the accuracy of non-invasive determination of the Hb level determination. The obtained results suggest that implementation of multimodal optical techniques is prospective for clinical use and screening purposes.
Acute Concurrent Exercise Improves Inhibitory Control and Its Non-Mediation Role of Lactate: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Li Ruei-Hong , Chen Tai-Rui , Gilson Nicholas D. , Brazaitis Marius , Cheng Yi-Ting , Wu Hui-Fang , Lee Ji-Hang , Chang Yu-Kai
Published: April 2024

Background: Concurrent exercise (CE), an emerging exercise modality characterized by sequential bouts of aerobic (AE) and resistance exercise (RE), has demonstrated acute benefits on executive functions (EFs) and neuroelectric P3 amplitudes. However, the effect of acute CE on inhibitory control, a sub-component of EFs, and P3 amplitudes remains inconclusive. Moreover, exploring the mechanisms underlying the effects of acute exercise on EFs contributes to scientific comprehension, with lactate recognized as a crucial candidate positively correlated with EFs. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of acute CE on inhibitory control via behavioral and event-related potential approaches and to examine its potential mediational role on lactate.
Methods: Seventy-eight adults (Mage = 22.95, SD = 1.75 years) were randomly assigned to either a CE, AE, or control (CON) group. Participants in the CE group engaged in 12-minutes of AE (40%–59% of heart rate reserve [HRR]) coupled with 13-minutes of RE (1 set, with 75% of 10-repetition maximum, and 12 repetitions of 8 movements). The AE group participated in 25 minutes of AE (40%–59% HRR). Prior to and following exercise onset, participants in both the CE and AE groups completed a 5-minute warm-up and cool-down. Participants in the CON group read books for 35 minutes. Lactate concentrations were measured at timepoint of 0-, 17-, and 30-minutes relative to the treatment onset. Response time (RT) and accuracy in the Stroop test, as well as P3 amplitudes, were assessed before and after the treatment.
Results: The results revealed that both the CE and AE groups had significantly shorter RTs compared to the CON group, with no significant differences in accuracy among groups. A decrease in P3 amplitudes was observed for the CE group compared to the AE and CON groups. The mediating effects of lactate between acute exercise and inhibitory control were insignificant.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that both CE and AE improve inhibitory control and CE potentially enhances the efficient allocation of attention resources. The lack of a significant mediating effect of lactate warrants further investigation.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06370286. Registered 12 April 2024 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06370286.
Definitive orbital control on the origin and preservation of Lofer cyclicity in the Late Triassic Dachstein platform
Authors: Vallner Zsolt , Haas János , Pálfy József
Published: April 2024

The Upper Triassic Dachstein Limestone is an archetypal example of platform carbonate formation that consists of peritidal-subtidal Lofer cycles. However, despite a long history of study, their allocyclic vs autocyclic origin remains controversial. Using modern cyclostratigraphic methodology, here we revisit the archive data of the Dachstein Limestone in core Po-89 from the Transdanubian Range, Hungary. Analysis of high-resolution time series of the Lofer facies types, colour, greyscale, and lithology revealed several spectral peaks that are identified with the Milankovitch cycles. The Lofer cycles correspond to a robust peak with a period of 3.6 m that is the expression of precession cycles with a period 21.65 kyr. The sedimentary rate is 16.5 cm/kyr, thus the studied core section represents 2.5 Myr. Our model of cyclic carbonate deposition suggests that aquifer- and limno-eustasy were the most likely drivers of cyclic sea level changes. Differences in the depositional processes and preservation of the Lofer cycles led to variations in their completeness that is also orbitally controlled and responds primarily to long eccentricity forcing. We detected several sub-Milankovitch cycles, of which the 13.5, 7, 5, 3.4, 2.4, and 1.48 kyr cycles are the most prominent. Our results are in good agreement with other studies of Upper Triassic Lofer cyclic successions. The similarities in the thickness of individual Lofer cycles, the periods of all identified cycles, and the sedimentary rates suggest common allocyclic processes. Our findings provide definitive evidence for the orbital forcing of carbonate sedimentation in the Late Triassic Dachstein platform system.
Vitamin K2 status in children with chronic kidney diseases
Authors: Sawires Happy , Abdalla Shrouk , Ramadan Mohamed , Abdel-Halim Radwa , Ramadan Yasmin
Published: April 2024

Background: We aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin K2 status, as measured by uOC, and bone health assessed through a bone turnover marker (bone alkaline phosphatase- BAP) in children with CKD taking in consideration the impact of eGFR.
Methods: We enrolled 75 patients classified into 3 groups: group A; CKD without KRT, group B; CKD on regular HD and group C; renal transplant recipients. Another 25 healthy individuals were involved as a control group. Under carboxylated osteocalcin (uOC) (as a sensitive indicator of vitamin K2 level) and BAP were measured in all patients. 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess vitamin k2, calcium, and phosphorus intake. Vitamin and mineral intake was calculated as a percent of target requirements of age and sex-matched healthy children.
Results: uOC was found significantly higher in the patient groups in comparison to the control group (p <0.001). The highest level of uOC was detected in the HD group. In all groups, robust negative correlations were observed between uOC and vitamin K intake (%) levels. There was a statistically significant difference in uOC (p < 0.001) between those with history of bone fractures (No.= 7) compared to those without fractures (No.= 93). By logistic regression analysis, patients with a history of fractures were more likely to have a higher uOC (p = 0.012).
Conclusion: elevated uOC levels were observed in children with CKD and demonstrated a correlation with eGFR. Additionally, they exhibited a notable association with heightened bone turnover status, as indicated by BAP levels.
Cough recognition in pneumoconiosis patients based on a flexible patch with an embedded ACC sensor for remote monitoring
Authors: Wang Jiawen , Min Chunyan , Yu Feng , Chen Kai , Mao Ling
Published: April 2024

This study introduces an automated, non-intrusive method for detecting cough events in clinical settings, using a flexible chest patch with tri-axial acceleration sensors. It aims to achieve remote and automatic identification of coughing in patients with respiratory system diseases, providing clinicians with a tool for the remote and objective recording and recognition of changes in patients' cough patterns. Twenty-five young and healthy persons (hereinafter referred to as healthy adults) and twenty-five clinical diagnosed pneumoconiosis patients (hereinafter referred to as patients) participated in the experiment by wearing a flexible chest patch with an embedded ACC sensor. The top 56% of the higher scoring features were then combined using several feature selection algorithm to perform the cough classification task. The Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method was used to select the classifier with the highest scores. The optimized classifier proposed in this paper achieved Accuracy of 87.1%, Precision of 95%, Recall of 79.1%, F1 score of 86.4%, and AUC of 95.4% for recognizing coughs in healthy adults, and Accuracy of 96.1%, Precision of 95%, Recall of 97.4%, F1 score of 96.2%, and AUC of 98.7% for recognizing coughs in patients; and an overall Accuracy of 92% for distinguishing coughs in the combined group of healthy adults and patients. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of an automated cough recognition system in both pneumoconiosis patients and healthy adults. This approach facilitates daily remote monitoring of cough occurrences in individuals with pneumoconiosis, potentially enhancing the ability of physicians to evaluate the clinical status.
Reliability and consistency of the Japanese version of the Primary Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale
Authors: Yanagihashi Masaru , Hirayama Takehisa , Shibukawa Mari , Nagasawa Junpei , Fujita Koji , Izumi Yuishin , Morita Mitsuya , Bokuda Kota , Takahashi Kazushi , Kanai Kazuaki , Atsuta Naoki , Iguchi Yohei , Katsuno Masahisa , Murakami Yoshitaka , Mitsumoto Hiroshi , Kano Osamu
Published: April 2024

Background
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is an extremely rare condition; therefore, to date no clinical studies have been conducted. The Primary Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (PLSFRS) was developed in the United States of America. The PLSFRS is a crucial assessment scale for international collaborative research and future clinical trials for PLS. It is useful for evaluating medical conditions through face-to-face assessments and telephone interviews such as when a face-to-face assessment is not possible due to disasters or the burden of hospital visits. This study assessed the reliability and consistency of in-person and telephone interviews using the Japanese version of the PLSFRS.
Methods
We enrolled 19 Japanese patients who met the specific criteria for inclusion at the six collaborating institutions. The PLSFRS assessments were performed by two evaluators at defined time points and analyzed for intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and consistency between the in-person and telephone interviews.
Results
The Japanese version of the PLSFRS was developed by a specialized company and translator, and modified to consider the Japanese lifestyle through a consensus among motor neuron specialists. The quadratic-weighted kappa coefficients for the intra-rater and the inter-rater agreement were substantial (intra-rater: 0.691-1.000, inter-rater: 0.634-1.000). Moreover, the intraclass correlation coefficient for the PLSFRS total score was 0.997 (95% confidence interval, 0.992–0.999).
Conclusions
This study provides results regarding the Japanese version of the PLSFRS intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and consistency between in-person and telephone interviews.
Tocilizumab for cystoid macular edema secondary to retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Abramowicz Stéphane , Semeu Prochore Kamgang , Nubourgh Isabelle , Postelmans Laurence , Willermain François
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To describe the effect of tocilizumab (TCZ) on cystoid macular edema (CME) and retinal vascular leakage (RVL) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
Methods: Retrospective case series.
Results: We present 2 cases of RP with marked inflammatory features in the form of CME and RVL. There was initial diagnostic uncertainty with posterior uveitis. Both patients were treated with corticosteroids, conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs), and biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) for the inflammatory features with partial and inconsistent treatment response. When treatment was switched to intravenous (IV) TCZ, dramatic reduction in CME and RVL were observed in both patients. Diagnosis of RP was eventually made based on findings of ancillary tests (macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, visual fields, full-field electroretinogram). Genetic testing led to a molecular diagnosis of EYS-related autosomal recessive RP in patient 1, while patient 2 had negative gene panel results.
Conclusions: IV TCZ can be an effective treatment option in RP-related CME and RVL. Whether this treatment strategy has an effect on prognosis remains to be established, but it is possible considering chronic CME-related retinal damage is a major driver of central vision loss in RP.
The Fingerprints of Fetal Hormones: Investigating Tic Disorder's Origins through 2D:4D Digit Ratio Analysis
Authors: Şahin Berkan , Önal Bedia Sultan , Hoşoğlu Esra
Published: April 2024

The high prevalence of tic disorders in males may be related to androgenic steroids during the intrauterine period. During the critical period of fetal development, the release of high levels of gonadal androgens may contribute to the etiology of tic disorders. To investigate the possible association, the ratio of two to four digits (2D:4D) was used as a measure of fetal hormone exposure. Eighty children aged 7–17 years, including 40 children diagnosed with tic disorder and 40 healthy controls, were included in a cross-sectional study. All participants had a psychopathology assessment and their 2D:4D ratio was measured digitally. The 2D:4D ratio in the left hand was significantly higher in the controls than in the cases (p = 0.003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also supported that low left 2D:4D ratio was independently associated with tic disorder (p = 0.011). Girls showed a positive correlation between right 2D:4D ratio and vocal tic scores (r = 0.715, p = 0.013). However, the 2D:4D ratio did not appear to be significantly associated with comorbidities, age at diagnosis, age at onset of motor tic, vocal tic, or sensory phenomena. The results suggest that fetal hormones exposure may play a role in the development of tic disorders. This study showed that children and young people with tic disorders had a different 2D:4D ratio to healthy controls. A correlation between the ratio and the severity of the symptoms was also found. These novel findings provide a solid basis for further research in this area.
Intractable hypotension caused by acute superior vena cava obstruction after lung cancer surgery: a case report
Authors: Li Qing , Ding Xianqiang , Luo Jungang , Guo Peng , Wang Xianglin
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this case report is to inform other anesthesiologists about the identification, judgment, and management of sudden severe refractory hypotension in resuscitation after right pneumonectomy. We present a patient who underwent right lung and mediastinal lymph node resection. When the patient recovered from anesthesia, due to the change of position, the mediastinal free tissue entered the space and pressed on the superior vena cava (SVC), resulting in complete obstruction of the SVC and causing severe intractable hypotension. A 48-year-old man with bronchial lung cancer developed severe hypotension while preparing to recover from open-chest surgery under general anesthesia combined with intraspinal anesthesia. There was no response to rapid dilatation, fluid replacement, or treatment with drugs that could raise blood pressure (such as ephedrine, norepinephrine, and deoxyadrenalin). Since early symptoms of acute SVC syndrome in general combined epidural anesthesia were similar to those of severe anaphylaxis, general spinal anesthesia, hemorrhagic shock, pulmonary embolism, and pericardial tamponade, it was difficult to make judgments. A second thoracic operation was performed to remove the remaining tissue that caused the compression, ultimately making a successful recovery. Severe hypotension induced by acute SVC obstruction may trigger and aggravate brain edema and other complications if we cannot quickly identify the patient or administer traditional treatment (upper limb or internal jugular vein dilation and fluid replacement). Given the risk of disease deterioration, immediate identification of the cause of intractable hypotension is crucial.
Impact of low-voltage Atmospheric Cold Plasma (ACP) on food-grade papain
Authors: Potkule Jayashree B. , Kahar Suraj P. , Kumar Manoj , Annapure Uday S.
Published: April 2024

The influence of pin-to-plate atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) on the enzyme activity and conformation of papain was investigated from 170 V- 230 V for 5–20 min. The maximum activity was obtained at pH 8, 85°C after 60 min by using 3% substrate concentration for both untreated and treated papain. A decrease in residual activity, Vmax, and Km of treated papain in comparison with untread papain was mainly due to the effect of reactive plasma species generated during the exposure of low-voltage ACP. The decrease in the intensity of the amide I, II, and III group of treated papain was observed in Raman spectra, FTIR spectra with increasing voltages. The decrease in α-helix, turns, random coils and an increase in β-sheet alters the secondary structural elements. The change in intrinsic fluorescence and a slight decrease in the surface hydrophobicity of treated papain were mainly due to the oxidation of amino acids leading to breakage of hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic bonds, ionic interaction, electrostatic interactions, and Van der Waal forces by exposure to plasma. In addition, a decrease in the free sulfhydryl group and S-S vibrations of the disulfide bond leads to partial denaturation and misfolding. A low-voltage ACP negatively influences the conformation of papain resulting in loss of activity.
WPS-Dataset: A benchmark for wood plate segmentation in bark removal processing
Authors: Wang Rijun , Zhang Guanghao , Liang Fulong , WANG Bo , Mou Xiangwei , Chen Yesheng , Sun Peng , Wang Canjin
Published: April 2024

Using deep learning methods is a promising approach to improving bark removal efficiency and enhancing the quality of wood products. However, the lack of publicly available datasets for wood plate segmentation in bark removal processing poses challenges for researchers in this field. To address this issue, a benchmark for wood plate segmentation in bark removal processing named WPS-dataset is proposed in this study, which consists of 4863 images. We designed an image acquisition device and assembled it on a bark removal equipment to capture images in real industrial settings. We evaluated the WPS-dataset using six typical segmentation models. The models effectively learn and understand the WPS-dataset characteristics during training, resulting in high performance and accuracy in wood plate segmentation tasks. We believe that our dataset can lay a solid foundation for future research in bark removal processing and contribute to advancements in this field.
Identification and Validation of Hub Differential Genes in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Authors: Yao Qian , Min Keting , Zhao Mengmeng , Chen Xianqiu , Zhou Ying
Published: April 2024

Peripheral blood measurement based on tissue biopsy confirmation may facilitate the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic biological markers for pulmonary sarcoidosis. The gene expression levels of mediastinal lymph nodes were estimated by RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing. Biopsy samples from three pulmonary sarcoidosis patients were retrieved by mediastinoscopy or thoracoscopy surgery in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital and three biopsy samples from patients with in situ lung carcinoma were utilized as normal controls. The public transcriptomic dataset GSE34608 was leveraged, in which whole blood gene expression from 18 pulmonary sarcoidosis patients and 18 healthy controls was available. The genes changing in the same direction in two kinds of samples were recognized as common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Bioinformatics analysis was applied to identify the hub DEGs and to explore the potential mechanism. Ultimately, the validation of hub DEGs’ expression levels was conducted in PBMC samples from 9 patients diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis and a control group consisting of 7 healthy individuals. A total of 138 common DEGs were screened from mediastinal lymph nodes and peripheral whole blood. Among them, 6 hub DEGs including CTSS, CYBB, FPR2, MNDA, TLR1 and TLR8 were identified by PPI network and further verified by qRT-PCR using PBMC samples. The most significant functional pathways were immune response, inflammatory response, plasma membrane and extracellular exosome, with 6 hub genes distributing along these pathways. In conclusion, CTSS, CYBB, FPR2, MNDA, TLR1, and TLR8 could be conducive to improving the diagnostic process and understanding the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
Targeting NRAS Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth and Enhances Paclitaxel Sensitivity in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mo Taoming , Zhang Shuang , Wei Qishuang , Zhang Yali , Tong Li , Wang Sichu , Tang Lijuan , Bian Tingting , Liu Ryan , Zhu Jun , Zhang Jianguo , Liu Yifei , Lu Shaolei
Published: April 2024

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)poses substantial therapeutic complexities due to its resistance to first-line chemotherapic agents such as paclitaxel. This study investigated the involvement of NRAS in the development of paclitaxel resistance in LUAD. We integrated transcriptome data from TCGA and other databases while conducting in vitro experiments We also used GSEA to identify NRAS-related genes and pathways. Our findings revealed a significant up-regulation of NRAS in LUAD tissue, with higher NRAS expression correlating with adverse patient outcomes and decreased sensitivity to paclitaxel. Pathway enrichment analysis further revealed that NRAS-related genes significantly contributed to cell cycle dysregulation and impaired DNA damage repair mechanisms. Additionally, our experiments demonstrated that NRAS knockdown in LUAD cell lines exhibited increased sensitivity to paclitaxel, suggesting its potential as a viable therapeutic target. Targeting NRAS has the potential to enhance the efficacy of paclitaxel treatment in LUAD patients, offering a hopeful avenue for enhancing patient prognosis.