bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demonstration of annual/quarterly assessments and description of the production system
Authors: Lips Urmas , Samlas Oliver , Korabel Vasily , She Jun , Stoicescu Stella-Theresa , Cusack Caroline
Published: November 2022

This task set out to increase communication between the ocean monitoring and modelling communities in the Baltic Sea area. Through these improved communications, the goal was to advance and improve the HELCOM marine environmental assessments. To gain confidence in the numerical model outputs, an effort was undertaken to ensure ocean observing in-situ data, collected by multiple nations in the Baltic Sea, was assimilated into a numerical model. Here, we report on the development of indicators, as requested by our stakeholders, and we discuss if the Baltic Sea numerical modelling efforts are ready to augment regional environmental status reports, and can our results help guide environmental management in the region.
An error-locating signature analyzer to identify faulty units in digital systems
Authors: Geurkov Vadim , Dynkin Vladimir , Sedaghat Reza
Published: November 2022

In traditional signature analysis, faulty units are identified by mismatch between the actual and reference signatures. The amount of reference signatures can be quite large in complex systems, which complicates the error-detection procedure. We show how under certain restrictions this amount can be reduced preserving the diagnosis resolution and the aliasing rate. As a result, we construct a signature analyzer that slightly differs from the traditional one, but it is also capable of locating faulty units. If the analyzer is implemented in the external automated test equipment, the throughput of the latter may be significantly increased. 
Designing of an Algebraic Signature Analyzer for Mixed-Signal Systems
Authors: Geurkov Vadim , Kirischian Lev
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to designing an algebraic signature analyzer that can be employed for mixed-signal systems testing. Due to its algebraic nature, the analyzer does not contain carry propagating circuitry. This helps to improve its error immunity, as well as performance. The proposed scheme can also be used in arithmetic/algebraic error-control coding and cryptography.
ROBOT PEMINDAH BENDA DENGAN KENDALI JOYSTICK PS2 WIRELESS BERBASIS WEMOS
Authors: Haris Tri Saputra  , Abdi Muhaimin
Published: November 2022

Robot adalah seperangkat alat mekanik yang bisa melakukan tugas fisik, baik dengan pengawasan dan kontrol manusia, ataupun menggunakan program yang telah didefinisikan terlebih dahulu (kecerdasan buatan). Robot yang  dibuat pada penelitian ini berfungsi untuk memindahkan benda dengan objek berbentuk koin persegi yang terbuat dari Styrofoam dengan kendali menggunakan Joystick PS2 Wireless. Robot ini dibuat menggunakan komponen-komponen seperti Motor DC, Wemos D1 R1, Motor Servo, dan Joystick PS2 Wireless. Hasil dari penelitian ini diharapkan dapat mempermudah pekerjaan manusia dalam memindahkan benda.
Trastornos de la función tiroidea en pacientes de consulta externa del Hospital IESS-Macas período 2021
Authors: García Mejía Jackeline , Estevez Montalvo Edmundo
Published: November 2022

Introducción. Las tiroideopatías  continúan siendo patologías muy frecuentes en la población a nivel mundial, constituyen un gran impacto en los sistemas de salud lo que se traduce en grandes rubros destinados para el tratamiento de la misma. Objetivo. Caracterizar las patologías de Hipotiroidismo e Hipertiroidismo a partir de su prevalencia en pacientes que acuden al Área de Consulta Externa del Centro Clínico Quirúrgico Ambulatorio HD-IESS Macas período 2021. Método. Investigación de tipo descriptiva, transversal, retrospectivo durante el período de Enero–Diciembre de 2021.La muestra correspondió a 620 registros de pacientes. Resultados. Se presentó una frecuencia del 41,8% de alteraciones de la función tiroidea, además dentro de las principales características de los pacientes se incluyeron la edad (entre 30 y 64 años) con 66,0%, Sexo (Femenino 83,4%). Solamente el 2,7 % de los pacientes presentaron valores bajos de TSH considerándolos pacientes Hipertiroideos, en contraste con valores altos de TSH en 39,1% de pacientes Hipotiroideos y el 58,2% de los pacientes presentaron valores normales de TSH, representando este porcentaje a pacientes sanos o Eutiroideos. Conclusión. Se determinó que el sexo femenino presentó mayor frecuencia de casos asociados a trastornos de la función tiroidea con mayor énfasis en hipotiroidismo.  El grupo etario que prevaleció fue el de los adultos mayores.
The development of individual counseling guidelines for assertive training techniques to improve student assertiveness in state senior high schools in Yogyakarta
Authors: Erganila Tiara , Astuti Budi , Nhung Le Ngoc Ai
Published: November 2022

This study aims to produce an individual counselling guide for assertive training techniques in State Senior High Schools in Yogyakarta. This research is research and development using the Borg & Gall development model, which was conducted through seven stages: preliminary research and data collection, planning, initial product development, early-stage trial, revision of early-stage trial, field trial, and field trial revision. Data collection methods used a questionnaire on the feasibility of assessing material experts, media experts, guidance and counselling teachers, and students' assertive behaviour scale. The data analysis technique used in this research is descriptive quantitative. This study resulted in (1) individual counselling guidelines, which consisted of an introduction, behavioristic approach, assertive nature, assertive training, implementation of assertive training techniques, conclusions, references, and attachments. (2) Assertive training technique guidebook can be categorized as “very good” with a final percentage value of 84.6%, 78% by material experts, and 88,3% by media experts. (3) The results of the field trial of three guidance and counselling teachers got a percentage value of 85.3%, which included the “very good” category, and the results of the main field trial of ten guidance and counselling teachers got a percentage value of 87.1% in “very good” category.
O QUE DIZEM COORDENADORES/AS DE GRUPOS DE PESQUISA SOBRE FORMAÇÃO HUMANA E DIDÁTICA NA PERSPECTIVA DA COMPLEXIDADE?
Authors: Rodrigues de Oliveira Franco Taynnara , Vanessa Rosa Suanno Marilza
Published: November 2022

O presente artigo objetiva analisar quatro lives do Youtube com coordenadores de grupos de estudos e pesquisas consolidados que assumem uma abordagem complexa e transdisciplinar, sendo eles: 1) Live ‘100 anos de Edgar Morin: Um pensamento complexo e atual’ com Maria Conceição de Almeida - GRECOM (Grupo de Estudos da Complexidade); 2) Live ‘Desafios da globalização em tempos de incertezas’ com Edgard de Assis Carvalho - COMPLEXUS (Núcleo de Estudos da Complexidade); 3) Live ‘Pensamento Complexo na Educação: Inspirações em Edgar Morin’ com Izabel Petraglia - GEPEC (Grupo de Estudo e Pesquisa em Complexidade) e 4) Live ‘Didática Complexa e Transdisciplinar’ com Maria Cândida Moraes ECOTRANSD (Grupo de Pesquisa Ecologia de Saberes e Transdisciplinaridade). Metodologicamente, procedeu-se a seleção, transcrição e analise de aspectos educacionais, formativos e didáticos. Compreendeu-se que a Didática Complexa e Transdisciplinar abre caminhos para novos modos de pensar, organiza conhecimentos, o processo de aprendizagem e formação (auto-eco-hetero formação), a fim de ampliar a compreensão, consciência e emancipação dos sujeitos cognoscentes.

Palavras chave: Didática. Complexidade. Transdisciplinaridade.

 

ABSTRACT

This article aims to analyze four YouTube lives with coordinators of consolidated study and research groups that take a complex and transdisciplinary approach, namely: 1) Live '100 years of Edgar Morin: A complex and current thought' with Maria Conceição de Almeida - GRECOM (Complexity Study Group); 2) Live 'Challenges of globalization in times of uncertainty' with Edgard de Assis Carvalho - COMPLEXUS (Center for Complexity Studies); 3) Live 'Complex Thought in Education: Inspirations in Edgar Morin' with Izabel Petraglia - GEPEC (Complexity Study and Research Group) and 4) Live 'Complex and Transdisciplinary Didactics' with Maria Cândida Moraes ECOTRANSD (Ecology of Knowledge Research Group) and Transdisciplinarity). Methodologically, the selection, transcreation and analysis of educational, training and didactic aspects were carried out. It was understood that Complex and Transdisciplinary Didactics opens paths for new ways of thinking, organizes knowledge, the learning process, and formation (self-eco-hetero-formation), in order to expand the understanding, awareness and emancipation of the knowing subjects

Keywords: Didactics. Complexity. Transdisciplinarity.
INSERÇÃO E USO DE TECNOLOGIA NA POLÍTICA PÚBLICA DE EDUCAÇÃO NOS ANOS 1990: A INFLUÊNCIA DOS ORGANISMOS MULTILATERAIS NA MANUTENÇÃO DA ORDEM ECONÔMICA MUNDIAL VIGENTE
Authors: Campos Nori Rodrigues Marina , Da Costa Britto Pereira Lima Daniela
Published: November 2022

O artigo apresenta análise teórica e documental sobre o papel dos organismos multilaterais no estabelecimento de políticas públicas no Brasil, pós anos 1990, a concepção de tecnologia presente nos documentos emitidos pela Unesco. O objetivo deste artigo é evidenciar os impactos dessa concepção no estabelecimento das orientações de uso e inserção de tecnologia na educação brasileira. O estudo realizado traz como conclusão que as orientações estabelecidas nos documentos da Unesco, centralizam na tecnologia a possibilidade de inovação e qualidade no ensino, desvalorizando o papel da ação e formação docente no processo de ensino-aprendizagem, cristalizando na política pública brasileira uma concepção tecnicista e determinista para o uso da tecnologia na educação.

Palavras-chaves: Política pública. Tecnologia. Organismos multilaterais. Neoliberalismo. Determinismo tecnológico.

 

ABSTRACT 

The article presents a theoretical and documental analysis on the role of multilateral organizations in the establishment of public policies in Brazil, after the 1990s, the concept of technology present in documents, issued by Unesco. The purpose of this article is to highlight the impacts of this conception in the establishment of guidelines for the use and insertion of technology in Brazilian education. The study carried out concludes that the guidelines established in the Unesco documents, focus on technology the possibility of innovation and quality in teaching, devaluing the role of action and teacher training in the teaching-learning process, crystallizing a technicist conception in Brazilian public policy and deterministic for the use of technology in education.

Keywords: Public policy. Technology. Multilateral organisms. Neoliberalism. Technological determinism.
Employing the exp $(-\varphi(z))$ - Expansion Method to Find Analytical Solutions for a (2+1)-dimensional Combined KdV-mKdV Equation
Authors: CHEN Baixin , GU Yongyi
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we obtain exact solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional combined KdV-mKdV equation by using a symbol calculation approach. First, we give some background on the equation. Second, the exp$(-\varphi(z))$-expansion method will be introduced to solve the equation. After, using the exp$(-\varphi(z))$-expansion method to solve the equation, we can get four types of exact solutions, which are hyperbolic, trigonometric, exponential, and rational function solutions. Finally, we can observe the characteristics of the exact solutions via computer simulation more easily.
The Church and the Settlement: Church and Settlement Interaction in Medieval Pezinok
Authors: Rábik Vladimír , Franko Michal
Published: November 2022

The development of many settlements was not only determined by regional and economic factors, but could rely on a quite different motivation, when it was firmly tied to an important magnate family, for whom the town would become a residential and memorial environment. This was, of course, linked not only to the construction of a representative family residence, but also to the appertaining ecclesiastical centre, which usually functioned in the already existing, older local church. Therefore, in our study we will take a closer look not only at the settlement of Pezinok itself and its military guard, toll and market functions, but also at the formation of its ecclesiastical centre – the parish and the Parish Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary – because the factor of the magnate’s residence gave it a distinct position in the territory of the Bratislava Provostry. Pezinok was already of considerable importance in Great Moravian times, as it was a settlement situated in the immediate vicinity of a strategic pass through the Little Carpathians. It was this location that resulted in the fact that even after the establishment of the Kingdom of Hungary, its importance was preserved and by the eleventh century at the latest, a Hungarian guard garrison settled here, in the vicinity of an older Slavic settlement with a market and toll function. The settlement situation and archaeological findings make it possible to express the opinion that there must have been a sacral building here already at this time, which survived until the major rebuilding in the fourteenth century. From 1207 Pezinok became the property of the noble Hont-Poznan family, the ancestors of the local counts. After being settled by a German population, it developed towards urban agglomeration, as a result of which it has been called a town since the fifteenth century. Throughout the period, its parish church was an important centre of the settlement.
An Enduring Connection: The Irish in Scotland
Authors: Devine T. M. , Rosie Michael
Published: November 2022

This contribution to the theme of ‘Scotland and the Two Irelands’ takes the form of a discussion between Michael Rosie, editor of Scottish Affairs, and Professor Sir Tom Devine, the pre-eminent scholar of modern connections between Scotland and Ireland. In the discussion Devine unfolds the migrant autobiographies of the Devine and Martin families, from rural Ulster, through industrial Lanarkshire, and into Scotland’s professional classes. The account sheds light both on the migrant experience, and on the centrality of secondary education for twentieth century Scottish social mobility.
PROFILE OF LIPID FRACTION IN MENOPAUSEE WOMEN
Authors:   Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Patimura, Ambon., ABBAS MUTMAINNAH , THASLIFA  ,   Program Studi D III TeknologiLaboratoriumMedis, FakultasTeknologi Kesehatan, Universitas Megarezky, Indonesia., RAHIM ALFYAN ,   Program Studi Pendidikan ProfesiNers, Fakultas Keperawatan dan Kebidanan, Universitas Megarezky.
Published: November 2022

Backgrounds: Menopause occurs in women around 50th years old. Reproductive phenomena occur due to hormonal changes during menopause, one of which is a decrease in the production of the hormone estrogen. The hormone estrogen is a steroid hormone and comes from cholesterol produced in the ovaries and plays a role in lipid metabolism which can increase triacylglycerol and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels, as well as reduce blood cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Objectives: To determine the profile of lipid fraction as a preventive measure for the incidence of dyslipidemia in menopausal women, which over time will develop into a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Methods: This study was an analytic observational study on a population of menopausal women aged 45-60 years in RT 02 / RW 06 of Antang district. Moh. Paleo 3/B with normal BMI was obtained through a purposive sampling technique from August-September 2020. Results: Results of research on 36 study subjects of menopausal women, the results of the lipid fraction profile of TG, LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol in menopausal women were the average levels of 121.5mg /dL, 166mg /dL, 48mg/ dL, and 218.5mg/dL. Conclusion: The profile of lipid fractions in menopausal women, namely levels of TG, LDL, and total cholesterol has increased and HDL levels have decreased. This suggests that menopausal women are at risk for dyslipidemia.
A Study on Factors Influencing Agriculture of Modern India .
Authors:   Associate Professor, Late Dr S. S. College, Kalamnuri, Hingoli, Maharashtra, India, Musale Ramkisan
Published: November 2022

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. However, it is going through the struggling phase marking sluggish or no growth for several decades. The Indian economy has been shifting its paradigm from core agriculture-based to service-oriented in the last few decades. It is influenced by global trends, market dynamics, government policies, and stakeholder expectations. After signing General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in 1991, India accepted the ‘Open Door Policy.’ It further led to major reforms in the Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) model. It positively impacts sectors like information technology, banking, finance, education, e-commerce, retail, insurance, and other service sectors. However, agriculture has remained detached from developments even after 70 years of independence.
RISK ANALYSIS OF STUNTING INCIDENCE OF TODDLERS IN MAJENE REGENCY, WEST SULAWESI
Authors:   Faculty of Health, Universitas Mega Buana Palopo., RYADINENCY RESTY , MISNAWATI ANDI ,   Faculty of Health, Universitas Mega Buana Palopo
Published: November 2022

Background: Stunting is a condition of failure to grow in toddlers due to chronic malnutrition, especially during the first 1,000 days of life. Less protein and zinc intake, history of low birth weight, and maternal height are predictors of stunting in <2 years toddlers. Objective: To analyze the stunting risk factors in toddlers in Majene Regency, West Sulawesi. Method: The case-control research design was employed for 58 cases and 58 control samples. The measurement of protein and zinc intake was completed by using a 24-hour food recall form, and the birth weight and height of the mother were obtained by using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using odd ratio and logistic regression. Result: Those with less protein intake have a 3.34 times higher risk of stunting, while those with less zinc intake have a 34.46 times higher risk of stunting. Those with LBW history have a 2.12 higher risk of stunting but are not significant. Those whose mothers with short maternal height history have a 1.85 times higher risk of stunting but are not significant. Based on multivariate analysis, zinc intake is a risk factor for stunting (OR = 0.029 95% CI: 0.006-0.130). Conclusion: Protein intake, zinc intake, low birth weight, and maternal height history are risk factors for stunting occurrences.
Changing the climate risk trajectory for coral reefs
Authors: Condie Scott A.
Published: November 2022

Coral reefs are extremely vulnerable to climate change and their recent degradation will continue unless we can instigate strong global climate action with effective regional interventions. Many types of intervention have been proposed and some aspects of their deployment are now being tested. However, their long-term efficacy under climate change can only be evaluated using complex biophysical models applied over a range of plausible socio-economic pathways. The associated uncertainties in climate trajectories, ecological responses, and the mitigating effects of interventions, necessitate the use of a risk-based approach to evaluating model results. I show that ensemble modeling can be used to develop rigorous risk assessments suitable for comparing intervention strategies. A major strength of this approach is that all the key elements required for risk assessment (exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and impacts) can be generated by the model in a dynamically consistent form. This is a major advance on semi-quantitative climate change vulnerability risk assessments that estimate these quantities independently and then combine them under additional assumptions. Applying ensemble modeling risk assessment to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) suggests that regional intervention strategies, such as solar radiation management (SRM) and control of coral predators, can slow the increase in risk and potentially avoid extreme risks predicted for the second half of the century. Model results further suggest that deployments focused within the northern and central GBR will be most effective due to underlying patterns of reef connectivity.
Beyond influence: Contextualization and optimization for new narrative techniques and story-formats. Perspective paper
Authors: Petrovic Milica , Liedgren Johan , Gaggioli Andrea
Published: November 2022

In a society where advances and innovations occur on a daily basis, outreach and meaningful engagement with the general public become more challenging. The amount of information produced and repackaged surpasses existing systems in place to ensure truthful and factual engagement with the public, especially with complex matters regarding health science. This perspective paper discusses the value of contextualization and optimization for creating transparent and engaging content. We reflect on the innovative Transformative Storytelling Technique as a new category creating hybrid content to guide the experience of audiences, starting with the case of informal caregivers helping individuals living with neurological conditions. Moreover, we share our perspective on the important considerations for current and future development of highly targeted content using this technique. We include reflexions around the risks and ethical principles needed in the utilization and dissemination of “guided” content for the general public.
Sex-related differences in self-reported treatment burden in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mihajlovic Miroslav , Simic Jelena , Marinkovic Milan , Kovacevic Vladan , Kocijancic Aleksandar , Mujovic Nebojsa , Potpara Tatjana S.
Published: November 2022

Background

Treatment burden (TB) is defined as the patient’s workload of healthcare and its impact on patient functioning and wellbeing. High TB can lead to non-adherence, a higher risk of adverse outcomes and lower quality of life (QoL). We have previously reported a higher TB in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) vs. those with other chronic conditions. In this analysis, we explored sex-related differences in self-reported TB in AF patients.

Materials and methods

A single-center, prospective study included consecutive patients with AF under drug treatment for at least 6 months before enrollment from April to June 2019. Patients were asked to voluntarily and anonymously answer the Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ). All patients signed the written consent for participation.

Results

Of 331 patients (mean age 65.4 ± 10.3 years, mean total AF history 6.41 ± 6.62 years), 127 (38.4%) were females. The mean TB was significantly higher in females compared to males (53.7 vs. 42.6 out of 170 points, p < 0.001), and females more frequently reported TB ≥ 59 points than males (37.8% vs. 20.6%, p = 0.001). In females, on multivariable analysis of the highest TB quartile (TB ≥ 59), non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant (NOAC) use [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.319; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.12–0.83, P = 0.019], while in males, catheter ablation and/or ECV of AF (OR 0.383; 95% CI 0.18–0.81, P = 0.012) were negatively associated with the highest TB quartile.

Conclusion

Our study was the first to explore the sex-specific determinants of TB in AF patients. Females had significantly higher TB compared with males. Approximately 2 in 5 females and 1 in 5 males reported TB ≥ 59 points, previously shown to be an unacceptable burden of treatment for patients. Using a NOAC rather than vitamin K antagonist (VKA) in females and a rhythm control strategy in males could decrease TB to acceptable values.
Adverse effect signature extraction and prediction for drugs treating COVID-19
Authors: Wang Han , Wang Xin , Li Teng , Lai Daoyuan , Zhang Yan Dora
Published: November 2022

Given the considerable cost of drug discovery, drug repurposing is becoming attractive as it can effectively shorten the development timeline and reduce the development cost. However, most existing drug-repurposing methods omitted the heterogeneous health conditions of different COVID-19 patients. In this study, we evaluated the adverse effect (AE) profiles of 106 COVID-19 drugs. We extracted four AE signatures to characterize the AE distribution of 106 COVID-19 drugs by non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). By integrating the information from four distinct databases (AE, bioassay, chemical structure, and gene expression information), we predicted the AE profiles of 91 drugs with inadequate AE feedback. For each of the drug clusters, discriminant genes accounting for mechanisms of different AE signatures were identified by sparse linear discriminant analysis. Our findings can be divided into three parts. First, drugs abundant with AE-signature 1 (for example, remdesivir) should be taken with caution for patients with poor liver, renal, or cardiac functions, where the functional genes accumulate in the RHO GTPases Activate NADPH Oxidases pathway. Second, drugs featuring AE-signature 2 (for example, hydroxychloroquine) are unsuitable for patients with vascular disorders, with relevant genes enriched in signal transduction pathways. Third, drugs characterized by AE signatures 3 and 4 have relatively mild AEs. Our study showed that NMF and network-based frameworks contribute to more precise drug recommendations.
The BBIBP-CorV inactivated COVID-19 vaccine induces robust and persistent humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid, besides spike protein in healthy adults
Authors: Wang Qinjin , Ning Jie , Chen Ying , Li Bin , Shi Liang , He Taojun , Zhang Fang , Chen Xingchi , Zhai Aixia , Wu Chao
Published: November 2022

Vaccination is one of the best ways to control the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic. Among the various SARS-CoV-2 vaccines approved for use, the BBIBP-CorV inactivated vaccine has been widely used in 93 countries. In order to understand deeply the protective mechanism of inactivated vaccine, which retains all antigenic components of live virus, the analysis of humoral responses triggered by multiple proteins is necessary. In this research, antibody responses were generated with 6 selected recombinant proteins and 68 overlapping peptides that completely covered SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein in 254 healthy volunteers vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV. As a result, antibody responses to the receptor binding domain (RBD), N, and non-structural protein 8 (NSP8) were induced following immunization by BBIBP-CorV. The antibody responses detected in donors after the 2nd dose vaccination can be maintained for about 6 months. Moreover, specific antibody levels can be restored after the boosting vaccination measured by ELISA. Furthermore, the level of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG response is independent of age and gender. Moreover, N391-408 was identified as a dominant peptide after vaccination of BBIBP-CorV through peptide screening. Understanding the overview of humoral reactivity of the vaccine will contribute to further research on the protective mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine and provide potential biomarkers for the related application of inactivated vaccine.
Assessment of shelf-life and metabolic viability of a multi-strain synbiotic using standard and innovative enumeration technologies
Authors: Visciglia Annalisa , Allesina Serena , Amoruso Angela , De Prisco Annachiara , Dhir Raja , Bron Peter A. , Pane Marco
Published: November 2022

The number of live bacterial cells is the most used parameter to assess the quality of finished probiotic products. Plate counting (PC) is the standard method in industry to enumerate cells. Application of PC implies critical aspects related to the selection of optimal nutrient media and growth conditions and underestimation of viable but not cultivable (VBNC) cells. Flow-cytometry (FC) is a culture-independent methodology having the potential to selectively enumerate live, damaged, and dead cells representing a powerful tool for in-depth monitoring of probiotic products. We monitored the shelf life of a clinical batch of a synbiotic composition PDS-08 targeting the pediatric population by means of PC and FC according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) pharma guidelines testing the Arrhenius model as predictive tool; PC enumeration revealed higher destruction rate than FC suggesting a faster reduction in cultivability than membrane integrity and thus a possible shift of the bacteria into a VBNC status. PDS-08 maintained acidification capability over time, when re-suspended in nutrient medium, even in samples tested sub-optimally for CFU detection (below 1 billion cells/dose). Due to similar kinetics described by the study of metabolic activity and membrane integrity, FC might be suggested as a valid tool for the study of functional stability of a probiotic product.
Radiomics features of DSC-PWI in time dimension may provide a new chance to identify ischemic stroke
Authors: Guo Yingwei , Yang Yingjian , Cao Fengqiu , Liu Yang , Li Wei , Yang Chaoran , Feng Mengting , Luo Yu , Cheng Lei , Li Qiang , Zeng Xueqiang , Miao Xiaoqiang , Li Longyu , Qiu Weiyan , Kang Yan
Published: November 2022

Ischemic stroke has become a severe disease endangering human life. However, few studies have analyzed the radiomics features that are of great clinical significance for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke. Due to sufficient cerebral blood flow information in dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion-weighted imaging (DSC-PWI) images, this study aims to find the critical features hidden in DSC-PWI images to characterize hypoperfusion areas (HA) and normal areas (NA). This study retrospectively analyzed 80 DSC-PWI data of 56 patients with ischemic stroke from 2013 to 2016. For exploring features in HA and NA,13 feature sets (Fmethod) were obtained from different feature selection algorithms. Furthermore, these 13 Fmethod were validated in identifying HA and NA and distinguishing the proportion of ischemic lesions in brain tissue. In identifying HA and NA, the composite score (CS) of the 13 Fmethod ranged from 0.624 to 0.925. FLasso in the 13 Fmethod achieved the best performance with mAcc of 0.958, mPre of 0.96, mAuc of 0.982, mF1 of 0.959, and mRecall of 0.96. As to classifying the proportion of the ischemic region, the best CS was 0.786, with Acc of 0.888 and Pre of 0.863. The classification ability was relatively stable when the reference threshold (RT) was <0.25. Otherwise, when RT was >0.25, the performance will gradually decrease as its increases. These results showed that radiomics features extracted from the Lasso algorithms could accurately reflect cerebral blood flow changes and classify HA and NA. Besides, In the event of ischemic stroke, the ability of radiomics features to distinguish the proportion of ischemic areas needs to be improved. Further research should be conducted on feature engineering, model optimization, and the universality of the algorithms in the future.
Mapping relational links between motor imagery, action observation, action-related language, and action execution
Authors: O’Shea Helen
Published: November 2022

Actions can be physically executed, observed, imagined, or simply thought about. Unifying mental processes, such as simulation, emulation, or predictive processing, are thought to underlie different action types, whether they are mental states, as in the case of motor imagery and action observation, or involve physical execution. While overlapping brain activity is typically observed across different actions which indicates commonalities, research interest is also concerned with investigating the distinct functional components of these action types. Unfortunately, untangling subtleties associated with the neurocognitive bases of different action types is a complex endeavour due to the high dimensional nature of their neural substrate (e.g., any action process is likely to activate multiple brain regions thereby having multiple dimensions to consider when comparing across them). This has impeded progress in action-related theorising and application. The present study addresses this challenge by using the novel approach of multidimensional modeling to reduce the high-dimensional neural substrate of four action-related behaviours (motor imagery, action observation, action-related language, and action execution), find the least number of dimensions that distinguish or relate these action types, and characterise their neurocognitive relational links. Data for the model comprised brain activations for action types from whole-brain analyses reported in 53 published articles. Eighty-two dimensions (i.e., 82 brain regions) for the action types were reduced to a three-dimensional model, that mapped action types in ordination space where the greater the distance between the action types, the more dissimilar they are. A series of one-way ANOVAs and post-hoc comparisons performed on the mean coordinates for each action type in the model showed that across all action types, action execution and concurrent action observation (AO)-motor imagery (MI) were most neurocognitively similar, while action execution and AO were most dissimilar. Most action types were similar on at least one neurocognitive dimension, the exception to this being action-related language. The import of the findings are discussed in terms of future research and implications for application.
Online hard example mining vs. fixed oversampling strategy for segmentation of new multiple sclerosis lesions from longitudinal FLAIR MRI
Authors: Schmidt-Mengin Marius , Soulier Théodore , Hamzaoui Mariem , Yazdan-Panah Arya , Bodini Benedetta , Ayache Nicholas , Stankoff Bruno , Colliot Olivier
Published: November 2022

Detecting new lesions is a key aspect of the radiological follow-up of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), leading to eventual changes in their therapeutics. This paper presents our contribution to the MSSEG-2 MICCAI 2021 challenge. The challenge is focused on the segmentation of new MS lesions using two consecutive Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In other words, considering longitudinal data composed of two time points as input, the aim is to segment the lesional areas, which are present only in the follow-up scan and not in the baseline. The backbone of our segmentation method is a 3D UNet applied patch-wise to the images, and in which, to take into account both time points, we simply concatenate the baseline and follow-up images along the channel axis before passing them to the 3D UNet. Our key methodological contribution is the use of online hard example mining to address the challenge of class imbalance. Indeed, there are very few voxels belonging to new lesions which makes training deep-learning models difficult. Instead of using handcrafted priors like brain masks or multi-stage methods, we experiment with a novel modification to online hard example mining (OHEM), where we use an exponential moving average (i.e., its weights are updated with momentum) of the 3D UNet to mine hard examples. Using a moving average instead of the raw model should allow smoothing of its predictions and allow it to give more consistent feedback for OHEM.
Efficacy and safety of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind controlled clinical trials
Authors: Chen Ting , Huang Junyue , Dong Hui , Xu Lili , Chen Caihe , Tang Yu , Huang Wenhui
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of roxadustat in the treatment of anemia in non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) patients.

Materials and methods

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of anemia in NDD-CKD patients to assess the efficacy and safety of roxadustat. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a hemoglobin (Hb) response. Secondary efficacy endpoints were hepcidin, serum iron, serum ferritin (SF), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TAST), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In addition, adverse events (AEs) were compared. Meta-analyses were performed using Revman 5.4 software. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This study was conducted under a pre-established protocol registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021252331).

Results

Seven studies enrolled 4,764 patients, of whom 2,730 received roxadustat and 2,034 received placebo. The results of this meta-analysis showed that roxadustat increased Hb levels [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.68, P < 0.001, I2 = 95%], and Hb response [relative ratio (RR) = 8.12, 95% CI: 5.80 to 11.37, P < 0.001, I2 = 61%]. In addition, roxadustat significantly increased transferrin TAST. During the treatment period in patients with anemia, the AEs of roxadustat compared with placebo was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Roxadustat can improve anemia in NDD-CKD patients by increasing Hb levels and regulating iron metabolism, but does not increase the incidence of AEs.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021252331].
Yogurt and curd cheese as alternative ingredients to improve the gluten-free breadmaking
Authors: Graça Carla , Raymundo Anabela , Sousa Isabel
Published: November 2022

Gluten-free products are on today’s agenda since they represent the most hastily growing segments in the market, representing an opportunity for food companies. Nevertheless, it is well-known that gluten is a crucial network structure in the wheat dough systems, which accounts for the overall desired technological features of the final bakery goods. Therefore, the absence of gluten negatively affects the characteristics of gluten-free bread, triggering a technological challenge in the manufacturing of products with resembled characteristics of wheat-derived counterparts. The search for new protein sources has been studied as an approach to circumvent the technological drawbacks of gluten removal. Dairy proteins are functional molecules that can likely be capable of building up a protein-network structure so that it would improve the technological properties of gluten-free products. In the present work, different levels of dairy product addition (10 and 20%, w/w) were used to supplement the gluten-free bread formulas, and the impact on dough rheology properties was well correlated to the bread technological quality parameters obtained. Linear correlations (R2 > 0.904) between steady shear (viscosity) and oscillatory (elastic and viscous moduli) values of the dough rheology with bread quality parameters (volume and firmness) were obtained, suggesting that the bread quality improvements are proportional to the levels of dairies added. Likewise, strong linear correlations (R2 > −0.910) between pasting properties parameters and bread staling rate supported the hypothesis that the dairies tested have a high potential to generate bread with a low staling rate, which is an advantage to extending the shelf-life. In short, results confirmed that the addition of both dairy products, as bakery ingredients, can constitute a technological advantage to improve the overall gluten-free bread quality.
A novel DNA damage repair-related signature for predicting prognositc and treatment response in non-small lung cancer
Authors: Li Ling , Zou Bao-jia , Zhao Juan-zhi , Liang Jia-bi , She Zi-yue , Zhou Wen-ying , Lin Si-xiao , Tian Lin , Luo Wen-ji , He Fa-zhong
Published: November 2022

DNA damage repair (DDR) is essential for maintaining genome integrity and modulating cancer risk, progression, and therapeutic response. DDR defects are common among non-small lung cancer (NSCLC), resulting in new challenge and promise for NSCLC treatment. Thus, a thorough understanding of the molecular characteristics of DDR in NSCLC is helpful for NSCLC treatment and management. Here, we systematically analyzed the relationship between DDR alterations and NSCLC prognosis, and successfully established and validated a six-DDR gene prognostic model via LASSO Cox regression analysis based on the expression of prognostic related DDR genes, CDC25C, NEIL3, H2AFX, NBN, XRCC5, RAD1. According to this model, NSCLC patients were classified into high-risk subtype and low-risk subtype, each of which has significant differences between the two subtypes in clinical features, molecular features, immune cell components, gene mutations, DDR pathway activation status and clinical outcomes. The high-risk patients was characterized with worse prognosis, lower proportion and number of DDR mutations, unique immune profile and responsive to immunetherapy. And the low-risk patients tend to have superior survival, while being less responsive to immunotherapy and more sensitive to treatment with DNA-damaging chemotherapy drugs. Overall, this molecular classification based on DDR expression profile enables hierarchical management of patients and personalized clinical treatment, and provides potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC.
Case report: Lingering post-concussive symptoms in a pediatric patient with presumed Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Curry Tala Maris , Esfandiarei Mitra , Thomas Theresa Currier , Rastogi Reena Gogia
Published: November 2022

Background

Connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can affect collagen and elastin content and structure, including weakening of tissues and vasculature, thus contributing to multiple systemic manifestations. Prior research has successfully focused on peripheral life-threatening manifestations resulting in increased life expectancy, yet clinical observations have warranted investigation of neurological vulnerability, where little is known. Compromised brain tissues and cerebrovasculature could leave these patients vulnerable to mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), with increased severity and duration of post-concussive symptoms and delayed recovery. Clinical reports in adults indicate that higher severity of symptoms after a mild TBI, such as a concussion, can unmask connective tissues disorders leading toward diagnosis. This clinical case report is an example of a pediatric patient with presumed Ehlers-Danlos syndrome who demonstrates increased vulnerability to mild TBI/concussion.

Patient

A pediatric female patient presents with unexplained lingering post-concussive symptoms, including trouble sleeping, nausea, frontal headaches, dizziness, visual changes, fatigue, and left-sided weakness more than 6 months post-mild concussion. Patient history of hypermobility, joint derangement, soft tissue mobility, and bruising suggests a potential diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which may explain symptom severity and length of recovery.

Discussion

This case is the first documented instance of increased vulnerability to TBI in a pediatric patient with presumed Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. It highlights the need for awareness and prevention of injury in this vulnerable patient population, suggests more targeted therapeutic intervention for recovery, and demonstrates the need for preclinical research evaluating the influence of genetic mutations associated with connective tissue disorders on the central nervous system.
Mutual regulation of lactate dehydrogenase and redox robustness
Authors: Lin Yijun , Wang Yan , Li Pei-feng
Published: November 2022

The nature of redox is electron transfer; in this way, energy metabolism brings redox stress. Lactate production is associated with NAD regeneration, which is now recognized to play a role in maintaining redox homeostasis. The cellular lactate/pyruvate ratio could be described as a proxy for the cytosolic NADH/NAD ratio, meaning lactate metabolism is the key to redox regulation. Here, we review the role of lactate dehydrogenases in cellular redox regulation, which play the role of the direct regulator of lactate–pyruvate transforming. Lactate dehydrogenases (LDHs) are found in almost all animal tissues; while LDHA catalyzed pyruvate to lactate, LDHB catalyzed the reverse reaction . LDH enzyme activity affects cell oxidative stress with NAD/NADH regulation, especially LDHA recently is also thought as an ROS sensor. We focus on the mutual regulation of LDHA and redox robustness. ROS accumulation regulates the transcription of LDHA. Conversely, diverse post-translational modifications of LDHA, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, play important roles in enzyme activity on ROS elimination, emphasizing the potential role of the ROS sensor and regulator of LDHA.
Relationship between children’s skills in school subject learning and athletic ability
Authors: Ito Syuro
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose

Japanese elementary school children are trained in arts and crafts, music, arithmetic, the Japanese language, life environment studies, physical education, and so on. Children must learn through doing as they develop physically, because the range of activities in their daily lives is still narrow. Subject learning is inseparable from daily life. Teachers should plan lessons with an awareness of the physicality of activities. Therefore, this study clarified the relationship between the ability for skillful and quick physical movement and subject learning among Japanese elementary school students.

Methods

For the second to fourth grades of elementary school, the measurement results and subject evaluation (skill) were compared at the individual level. Students were divided into a group with high grades in subject learning and one with middle and lower grades, and a t-test was conducted to observe if there was a significant difference in the records of two physical activities: repeated side jump and softball throw.

Main findings

Significant difference was found for repeated side jumps depending on whether the arts and crafts grades were high for all children in grades 2–4. Additionally, there was a significant difference in softball throwing records between the second and third graders, depending on whether the children’s performance in arts and crafts was high. Conversely, there was no significant difference between the second to fourth grade children’s musical scores and repeated side jump records. There was a negative correlation between sophomore and senior year music performances and the softball throwing record. Thus, the development of children’s dexterity is related to subject learning.

Conclusion

Considering that elementary school teachers spend sufficient time with children on a daily basis teaching subjects such as physical education and music, it may be beneficial for them to be aware of dexterity’s importance across multiple subjects. Furthermore, it allows for an approach that engages children in physical activities from early childhood which can help in preparing them for learning a variety of subjects in school.