bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Urban Water Bodies: A Study of Rivers and Lakes in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Abida , Islam Md Mazharul , Shoeb Mohammad , Mamun Md Iqbal Rouf , Nahar Nilufar
Published: September 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose significant environmental and health risks due to their toxic properties,making their assessment in urban water bodies crucial. This study aims to evaluate the presence of three notable PAHs—anthracene, fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene—in the surface water of three rivers (Buriganga, Meghna, and Turag) andtwo lakes (Hatirjheel and Gulshan) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. High-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescencedetector (HPLC-FD) was employed and validated for PAH determination, using solid phase extraction (SPE) withpreconditioned C-18 SPE cartridge for sample extraction. Calibration showed excellent linearity with correlation coefficient (R²) ≥ 0.999. The limits of detection (LODs) were 200 ng/L for anthracene and 0.63 ng/L for both fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene, with corresponding limits of quantification (LOQs) of 660 ng/L and 2.08 ng/L, respectively. Percent recovery was 91.38% for anthracene, 85.49% for fluoranthene, and 95.72% for benzo[a]pyrene, with relative standard deviations (RSD) of 5.27, 17.55 and 2.84%, respectively. Most water samples had PAH levels below detection limits (bdl) such as anthracene (bdl-1789.57 ng/L), fluoranthene (bdl-1309.23 ng/L), and benzo[a]pyrene (bdl-25.17 ng/L), and the detected concentrations were significantly lower than WHO and USEPA guideline values. This indicates a relatively low level of PAHs contamination in the studied water bodies.
Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 72(2): 75-83, 2024 (July)
Frequency and Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Complications of Chronic Pulmonary Disease in Chud-B/A From 2016 To 2022.
Authors: Hugues Mahougnon Dohou Serge , Serge Ade Sènan , Fidèle Bonou Mêkonoudé , Nicolas Amegan Hamondji , Olaniran Alphonse Biaou Chabi , Léopold Codjo Houétondji , Martin Houenassi Dedonougbo
Published: September 2024

Background: Cardiovascular complications are a frequent cause of death or disability in patients with chronic lung disease (CLD). The aim of this study was to investigate cardiovascular complications in patients with CLD followed at CHUD-B/A. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The medical records of patients aged ≥ 18 years, followed in pulmonology between January 2016 and October 2022 for CLD, were consulted. They were then contacted for a cardiovascular examination, electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound. The presence of at least one cardiovascular complication was the dependent variable; the other variables studied were the clinical and etiological features of CLD, cardiovascular risk factors and other comorbidities. Data were collected using KoboCollect and analyzed using SPSS 21 software. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Of the 895 patients consulted in pneumology during the study period, 337 (37.6%) had CLD. The main CLD diagnosed were asthma (28.3%), sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis (2.2%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD (2.1%). Of these patients, 129 met the study's selection criteria. Their mean age was 45.2±16.3 years, and they were predominantly female (60.5%). Cardiovascular complications included pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, 9.3%), chronic pulmonary heart disease (CPC, 4.7%), supraventricular arrhythmia (1.6%) and right heart failure (0.8%). Factors associated with the presence of cardiovascular complications were age (OR = 1.7 [1.02-1.12]; p= 0.003), level of education (OR= 8,26[2,34-2,86] ; p=0,001) place of residence (OR = 5.15 [1.78-1.50]; p= 0.001), smoking (OR= 6.00[1.51-23.84]; p=0.020), asthma (OR = 0.13[0.04-0.46]; p=0.002) and COPD (OR=82.86[8.49-808.87]; p<0.001). Conclusion: PAH and CPC are the most Cardiovascular complications of COPD in patients followed at CHUDB/A.
Mülteci Gerçeği ve Genç İşsizlik Sorunu: Türkiye için Toda-Yamamoto Nedensellik Analizi
Authors: Gürbüz Süleyman
Published: September 2024

Göçler, gerek doğal gerekse de insanoğlunun neden olduğu sebeplerle gerçekleşmektedir ve son yıllarda küresel anlamda problem olarak görülmeye başlamıştır. Avrupa ve Asya’yı birbirine bağlayan bir noktada bulunması ve son zamanlarda komşu ülkelerinde yaşanan çatışmalar nedeniyle Türkiye bu göç dalgasından en fazla etkilenen ülkelerden birisi olmuştur. Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’de yaşayan mültecilerin göç etmelerinin ekonomik sebepleri ve sonuçları konusunda inceleme gerçekleştirilmektedir. 1991-2022 yılları arasında Türkiye’ye gelen mülteciler, genç işsizlik oranı, enflasyon ve asgari ücret değişkenleri kullanılarak, yapısal kırılmalı birim kök ve eşbütünleşme testleri yapılmıştır. Daha sonra da Toda-Yamamoto nedensellik analizi uygulanmıştır. Analiz sonuçlarına göre, genç işsizlik oranından enflasyona doğru tek yönlü, diğer değişkenler arasında ise çift yönlü nedensellik ilişkisi tespit edilmiştir.
Nutritional Status and Cardiometabolic Markers to Determine Athlete’s Achievement: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Syihab Syifa , Novan Novrizal Achmad , Mulyana Mulyana , Nuryadi Nuryadi , Pramono Adriyan , Jan B. Jan Mohammed Hamid
Published: September 2024

The health, physiological, and nutritional status of an athlete is a top priority in achieving success and career sustainability. Information about an athlete's health, such as blood biochemistry, anthropometry, and adequate nutritional intake, might indicate their ability to perform exceptionally well in different levels of competition. Objective: This research objective is to examine the correlation between athletes' sports achievements in Bandung and their anthropometric traits, nutritional status, and blood biochemical indicators. Methods: This study utilised a cross-sectional design and incidental data collection techniques. Participants: The study comprised 84 athletes from 27 different sports who received achievement allowances from KONI Bandung City. Instruments: n this study, we employed reliable and validated techniques to assess anthropometrics, body composition, somatotype, blood biochemistry, nutritional intake adequacy, and energy adequacy. Data analysis: Both the bivariate and multivariate analyses used logistic regression. Results: The findings of the analysis indicate a significant relationship between athlete performance and two variables: blood pressure (p=0.026) and dietary diversity (p=0.048). The findings from the multivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between blood pressure and dietary variety, which influences the achievement of athletes. The calculation of the odds ratio (OR) revealed that among all the variables examined, the athlete's blood pressure exhibited strongest correlation with their performance. Conclusion: Blood pressure is a physiological measurement that can serve as an indicator of cardiac function and overall well-being. As a result, it is critical to regularly assess the physical well-being of athletes in Bandung to ensure their consistent optimal performance.
Long-term observations of a sponge in situ reveal a rich repertoire of contractile behaviors, including winter dormancy
Authors: Harrison DE , Diluvio MS , Matveev E , Corrêa PVF , De Leo FC , Leys SP
Published: September 2024

Sponges are remarkably active animals with a range of behaviors that are broadly termed sneezes. Little is known about what triggers sneezes or how sneezes propagate in an animal that lacks either muscular or nervous systems. We explored the triggers of sponge behavior in situ in the demosponge Suberites concinnus. The placement of this tennis ball-sized sponge at the focal point of a camera array on an instrument platform in Barkley Sound, BC, Canada, provided a unique opportunity for our investigation. The observatory has a suite of environmental sensors measuring parameters such as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), oxygen, turbidity, salinity, pressure, current speed, and temperature. An array of 8 cameras designed for 3D imaging was used to capture hourly images. Our findings revealed both long-term (annual) and short-term (daily) behaviors in S. concinnus. The sponge contracted for 2 mo each winter. In February, it gradually expanded and became very active with short-term full-body contractions each lasting 11 h through the summer. A meta-analysis of contraction behaviors in other species of sponge showed that contraction duration is a factor of sponge size and that all sponges contract faster than they expand. Invertebrates and fish were frequently in contact with the sponge, but no single interaction was found to correlate with patterns of sponge behavior. However, significant correlations between sponge behaviors and chlorophyll and turbidity were found using generalized additive mixed models. Our study underscores the dynamic nature of these sessile filter feeders and their responses to their environment.
Low light exacerbates effects of marine heatwaves on seaweeds
Authors: Wernberg T , Straub SC
Published: September 2024

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are becoming more frequent and intense. At the same time, diverse human activities are causing coastal darkening: increased turbidity and reduced light at the seafloor. Since both temperature and light are critical to the physiological and ecological performance of seaweeds—important habitat-formers and primary producers—these co-occurring stressors could have knock-on effects in coastal ecosystems. We tested the effects of MHWs under different irradiance levels on 3 brown seaweeds: the kelp Ecklonia radiata and 2 common understorey species, Zonaria turneriana and Lobophora variegata. The seaweeds were subjected to 15 d MHWs of different maximum intensities (25° and 28°C) at 2 reduced light levels (~40 and ~10 µmol m-2 s-1). Effects on cover of bleached tissue, biomass, maximum quantum yield and pigment concentrations were assessed. Temperature was the main cause of observed changes in seaweed condition, with strong negative effects of the most intense MHW (28°C) especially for tissue bleaching and maximum quantum yield. Low light had a minor effect at 19°C (background temperature) and in the moderate MHW treatment (25°C). However, at extreme temperatures (28°C), low light enhanced the negative effects on virtually all seaweed condition metrics. For all species, the negative effects of the most severe MHW persisted during the recovery period, during which temperatures were returned to background conditions. The compounding effect of high temperature and reduced light highlights the need to assess the interactive nature of multiple stressors with respect to the emerging threat of MHWs to reef ecosystems.
Parameterized Graph Problems: Counting, the Tutte Polynomial and Logarithmic Space
Authors:   , Mannens Isja Maria Emiel
Published: September 2024

In this thesis we study the computational complexity of various parameterized graph problems. The complexity of a problem measures the difficulty of a problem as the amount of time it costs to solve it. A parameterized problem includes some extra measure of the complexity of the instance, referred to as a parameter. Many of the problems we consider are counting problems, which can be thought of as asking for the number of solutions to some problem, rather than just a single solution.

In the first part we study the Tutte polynomial, whose coefficients depend on some given graph. The Tutte polynomial generalizes a number of well known counting problems. We study a number of these in more detail, including graph colorings, connected edgesets and spanning forests. We give a classification of the parameterized complexity of computing the Tutte polynomial on integer points, for the parameters pathwidth, treewidth and cutwidth.

In the second part we discuss the complexity classes XNLP and XALP, as well as introducing the counting variants #XLP and #XALP of these classes. A complexity class can be thought of as a large collection of algorithmic problems, that share some upper bound on their computational complexity. We give complete problems for all four of these classes, which is to say we show for some problems in the classes that they are at least as hard as any other problem in that class.
Exploring the Artisanal Heritage and Sustainable Practices: An In-Depth Investigation into the Traditional Craftsmanship and Contemporary Significance of Bhujodi Weaves
Authors: Tiwari Shruti
Published: September 2024

According to the 4th All India Handloom Census (2019-20), there are 26,73,891 handloom weavers and 8,48,621 allied workers in the country. Following map shows the state wise number of weavers (Figure 1).

This research paper presents a comprehensive study of the production method of Bhujodi fabric. A thorough study was done to examine the production process, focusing on the traditional weaving practices in the village of Bhujodi, Gujarat. The project involved a month-long immersive experience, living and interacting with the craftsmen to understand the design aspects and production techniques. The paper focuses on the unique characteristics of the Bhujodi weaving, from raw material sourcing, preparation, to the finished products, and the traditional practices preserved within the households of the village.
Improving Islamic Religious Education Teachers' Performance Through Effective School Leadership
Authors: Zaini Abdul Wahid , Sanjani M Aqil Fahmi
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on the role of school leadership in enhancing the performance of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers at Madrasah Tsanawiyah. The primary objective of this research is to examine how effective leadership practices by the school principal can influence the professional development and teaching quality of PAI teachers. A qualitative approach with a case study method was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamics within the school environment. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis, and were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that consistent and supportive leadership significantly contributes to the improvement of teacher performance, particularly through professional development, classroom observation, and performance evaluation. The study underscores the importance of structured leadership strategies in fostering an educational environment conducive to both teacher growth and student success. The implications suggest that school leaders should adopt more systematic and frequent evaluation practices to sustain and enhance teacher performance.
The Role of Islamic Religious Education Curriculum in Shaping Students' Morals and Ethics at Junior High School
Authors: Aimah Siti
Published: September 2024

This study aims to evaluate the role of the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) curriculum in shaping students' morals and ethics in Junior High Schools (SMP). The background of this study focuses on the importance of integrating religious values in education for the development of students' character amidst the challenges of globalization and social change. The research method used is a qualitative approach with in-depth interview techniques and curriculum document analysis. The results of the study indicate that the PAI curriculum significantly contributes to the formation of students' morals and ethics, with the integration of moral values in each PAI subject strengthening positive behavior and building students' character. The main contribution of this finding is to provide a basis for the development of a more effective PAI curriculum in facilitating the development of students' character and offering guidance for policy makers and educators in improving the quality of religious education in schools.
Характеристика результата экологического моделирования с использованием инструментария ГИС загрязнения компонентов окружающей среды
Authors: Флеенко Антон Сергеевич
Published: September 2024

Закономерным развитием эколого-картографического моделирования, основным результатом которого выступает визуализация экологической информации, является расширение количества применяемых при этом инструментов и стремление к автоматизации. Для оптимизации процессов экологических исследований предполагается построение пространственных моделей загрязнения компонентов окружающей среды с использованием геоинформационных систем. В представленной работе с использованием системного подхода выполнена характеристика проектируемого инструмента, объединяющего в себе экологическое моделирование, достижения картографии и преимущества геоинформационных систем. Выделены ключевые входные и выходные параметры для двух типов моделей, представляющих депонирующие и подвижные среды, а также представлена графическая интерпретация результатов с использованием систем «черного ящика». Использование инструментов геоинформационных систем для решения экологических задач может существенно расширить возможности исследователей, в связи с чем обоснована возможность проектирования эколого-картографического инструмента ГИС.
Картографический метод оценки показателей антропогенной нагрузки муниципальных образований (на примере Республики Тыва)
Authors: Чупикова Светлана Алексеевна , Ойдуп Тана Михайловна
Published: September 2024

В статье приведены результаты картографического метода оценки антропогенной нагрузки муниципальных образований Республики Тыва. Метод основан на использовании характерных показателей воздействия на окружающую среду. Цель работы – оценка параметров антропогенной нагрузки районов по основным данным, таким как загрязнение атмосферы, плотность промышленного производства, распаханность территории, плотность поголовья скота на единицу площади сельхозугодий, плотность автомобильных дорог общего пользования. В геоинформационной среде созданы картосхемы антропогенной нагрузки по отдельным показателям, итоговая картосхема. Выявлено, что антропогенная нагрузка распределена по территории Республики Тыва неравномерно. Низкие значения антропогенной нагрузки имеют отдаленные районы, высокие – расположенные в западной и центральной части территории исследования. Предложены некоторые рекомендации, позволяющие снизить антропогенную нагрузку в муниципальных образованиях и уменьшить влияние человеческой деятельности на окружающую среду.
О применении индикаторов риска нарушения обязательных требований при осуществлении федерального государственного геологического контроля
Authors: Карташова Ксения Петровна , Дубровский Алексей Викторович , Москвин Виктор Николаевич
Published: September 2024

В статье рассматривается нормативно-правовое определение индикаторов риска нарушений обязательных требований в области недропользования, используемых при проведении государственного геологического контроля (надзора). Данs характеристика и описание индикаторов риска нарушений, а также рекомендации по их применению при осуществлении контрольно-надзорных мероприятий. Рассмотрен практический пример выявления нарушения по результатам контрольно-надзорных мероприятий на территории Селемджинского района Амурской области. Приведено описание выявленных нарушений использования участка недр. Предложена технологическая блок-схема этапов работ реализации риск-ориентированного подхода в системе управления рисками в рамках геологического контроля. Дана характеристика этапов работ при реализации риск-ориентированного подхода в системе управления рисками в рамках геологического контроля. В качестве дополнительных мер по повышению оперативности и эффективности проведения геологического контроля предлагается: применение геоинформационных систем при инвентаризации и мониторинге территорий недропользования. В рамках обсуждения результатов исследования приведены статистические данные по применению индикаторов риска органами Росприроднадзора. Также даны рекомендации по профилактике нарушений недропользования и ужесточению мер административного воздействия на хозяйствующих, с нарушением норм законодательства, субъектов. Кроме того, предлагается усилить оценку региональной специфики участка недропользования, в том числе и с применением геоинформационных технологий и пространственных баз данных по территориям, на которых осуществляется хозяйственная деятельность по добыче полезных ископаемых.
Анализ мирового опыта ввода полудинамических систем координат и территориальных реализаций систем координат
Authors: Карпик Александр Петрович , Дорогова Инна Евгеньевна
Published: September 2024

В последние годы отмечается мировая тенденция перехода от государственных статических систем координат к национальным полудинамическим системам отсчета. Для корректного осуществления такого перехода государствами разрабатывается ряд мер и программное обеспечение для пересчета координат между различными системами отсчета. Такое программное обеспечение обычно включает математические модели учета геодинамических процессов для территории государства и алгоритмы их учета при определении координат в заданной системе отсчета. Государственные территории нередко относятся к нескольким литосферным плитам, в таких ситуациях смещения земной поверхности их регионов, а также координатной основы требуют разработки более сложной математической модели. В статье рассмотрен опыт решения этой задачи другими государствами, в заключительной части представлены возможные варианты решения задачи для территории Российской Федерации и государственной геодезической системы координат 2011 года (ГСК-2011).
Опыт корректировки планового положения пунктов геодезической сети с использованием спутниковых определений и переводом координат на эллипсоид Кларка
Authors: Мустафин Мурат Газизович , Насруллах Мохамад
Published: September 2024

Использование глобальной навигационной спутниковой системы (ГНСС) в значительной степени преобразило геодезические работы и, безусловно, повысило их точность. Важной задачей при этом является корректирование местных систем координат (МСК), которое постоянно проводится в нашей стране. Кроме того, выполняются работы по уточнению государственных геодезических сетей. В этой связи интерес представляет описание методики преобразования координат в Ливанской Республике. При анализе существующих геодезических сетей обнаружилось, что по данным спутниковых определений координат точек сетей первого и второго порядка и их переводе с применением принятых параметров преобразования Гельмерта в национальную систему координат. позиционные ошибки (СКП относительно исходных пунктов) получились от 20 см до 75 см. Несмотря на то, что геодезическая сеть в Ливане была создана около 100 лет назад методом триангуляции, такие ошибки, конечно, не приемлемы. В статье дан анализ текущего состояния ливанской стереографической системы координат (эллипсоид Кларка 1880). Приведена методика корректирования координат пунктов МСК путем использования данных спутниковых определений, их обработки в Международной наземной системе отсчета (ITRF2014) и уравнивания с использованием программного обеспечения Topcon Magnet Tools. Параметры конвертации данных различаются в южном и северном регионах, поэтому рассмотрены отдельно.
Способ определения крена дымовой трубы с помощью беспилотной авиационной системы
Authors: Астапов Андрей Михайлович
Published: September 2024

Целью исследования является разработка способа определения крена дымовых труб с помощью беспилотной авиационной системы (БАС). В статье рассматривается технологическая схема определения крена промышленных труб с помощью БАС и её апробация на дымовой трубе котельной высотой 60 м. Значения кренов дымовой трубы, полученные способом БАС и координатным способом, различаются в пределах 8–10 мм, значения составляющих кренов – в пределах 25–30 мм. Максимальная разность плановых координат сечений не превышает 20 мм. Значения радиусов сечений различаются в пределах 7–10 мм. Фактическая ошибка построения модели – 52 мм, что соответствует допустимой погрешности измерений 60 мм. Данный способ можно применить для определения крена железобетонных градирен, имеющих высоту 170–180 м.
ANALISIS MANAJEMEN RISIKO PADA PERCETAKAN CV. ARPRO178 DENGAN METODE ISO 31000
Authors: Jannah Nur Faisatul , Praningtyas Elisabeth Ria Viana
Published: September 2024

Usaha percetakan terus tumbuh sejalan dengan perubahan dan variasi kebutuhan pasar. Namun, sebagaimana halnya dalam industri lain, perusahaan percetakan juga dihadapkan pada berbagai risiko yang kompleks dan bervariasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi, menganalisis dan mengelola risiko, serta menilai tingkat risiko pada tahapan operasional pada Percetakan CV. ARPRO178 di Kota Probolinggo. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif, yang menguraikan peran Enterprise Risk Management dalam mengelola risiko di Percetakan CV. ARPRO178 Kota Probolinggo dengan menerapkan metode ISO 31000:2018. Dari hasil penelitian terdapat 13 kemungkinan risiko yang terjadi, diantaranya adalah kualitas bahan baku buruk, keterlambatan pasokan bahan baku, gangguan teknologi yang mengakibatkan hilangnya data, kerusakan mesin dan alat cetak, pemadaman listrik konslet dan gangguan signal wifi, pencurian inventory oleh karyawan, risiko kecelakaan kerja,  risiko kehilangan pelanggan akibat digitalisasi, keterlambatan pengiriman ke customer, kualitas warna (pudar) pada produk cetak, kesalahan dalam penulisan huruf, ukuran kurang pas pada produk cetak, bahan baku terbuang saat kesalahan proses cetak.
THE EFFECT OF TALENT MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION ON THE INCOME OF PDAM TIRTA HANDAYANI
Authors: Tina Sinta Agus , Delasmi Jayanti Sri
Published: September 2024

This study aims to analyze the influence of talent management and employee compensation on the revenue of Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum (PDAM) Tirta Handayani Gunung Kidul, Bribin Branch. The research employs a quantitative descriptive approach where the data is numerical. The study was conducted at PDAM Tirta Handayani Gunungkidul, Bribin Branch, surveying 36 respondents during the survey period from February to April 2024. The sampling technique used in this study is the probability sampling method. The data analysis method utilized is multiple linear regression analysis.
Based on the analysis results, it was found that talent management has a significant impact on the company's revenue. It was discovered that talent development strategies, recruitment, and employee retention positively contribute to increasing the company's revenue. Additionally, employee compensation also has a significant impact on the company's revenue. Employees who feel that they are being compensated fairly and in accordance with their contributions tend to be more motivated to improve their performance, which in turn will positively affect the company's revenue. In this context, the management of PDAM Tirta Handayani Gunung Kidul, Bribin Branch, is advised to pay more attention to talent management and the employee compensation system. Investing in talent development and providing fair compensation can be an effective strategy to improve employee performance and overall company revenue.
Determination of the internal loads experienced by proximal phalanx fracture fixations during rehabilitation exercises
Authors: Schwarzenberg Peter , Colding-Rasmussen Thomas , Hutchinson Daniel J. , San Jacinto Garcia Jorge , Granskog Viktor , Mørk Petersen Michael , Pastor Tatjana , Weis Tine , Malkoch Michael , Nai En Tierp-Wong Christian , Varga Peter
Published: September 2024

Phalangeal fractures are common, particularly in younger patients, leading to a large economic burden due to higher incident rates among patients of working age. In traumatic cases where the fracture may be unstable, plate fixation has grown in popularity due to its greater construct rigidity. However, these metal plates have increased reoperation rates due to inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue. To overcome these challenges, a novel osteosynthesis platform, AdhFix, has been developed. This method uses a light-curable polymer that can be shaped in situ around traditional metal screws to create a plate-like structure that has been shown to not induce soft tissue adhesions. However, to effectively evaluate any novel osteosynthesis device, the biomechanical environment must first be understood. In this study, the internal loads in a phalangeal plate osteosynthesis were measured under simulated rehabilitation exercises. In a human hand cadaver study, a plastic plate with known biomechanical properties was used to fix a 3 mm osteotomy and each finger was fully flexed to mimic traditional rehabilitation exercises. The displacements of the bone fragments were tracked with a stereographic camera system and coupled with specimen specific finite element (FE) models to calculate the internal loads in the osteosynthesis. Following this, AdhFix patches were created and monotonically tested under similar conditions to determine survival of the novel technique. The internal bending moment in the osteosynthesis was 6.78 ± 1.62 Nmm and none of the AdhFix patches failed under the monotonic rehabilitation exercises. This study demonstrates a method to calculate the internal loads on an osteosynthesis device during non-load bearing exercises and that the novel AdhFix solution did not fail under traditional rehabilitation protocols in this controlled setting. Further studies are required prior to clinical application.
Novel insights from human induced pluripotent stem cells on origins and roles of fibro/adipogenic progenitors as heterotopic ossification precursors
Authors: Zhao Chengzhu , Ikeya Makoto
Published: September 2024

Fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) that reside in muscle tissue are crucial for muscular homeostasis and regeneration as they secrete signaling molecules and components of the extracellular matrix. During injury or disease, FAPs differentiate into different cell types and significantly modulate muscular function. Recent advances in lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptomics have proven that FAPs are heterogeneous both in resting and post-injury or disease states. Their heterogeneity may be owing to the varied tissue microenvironments and their diverse developmental origins. Therefore, understanding FAPs’ developmental origins can help predict their characteristics and behaviors under different conditions. FAPs are thought to be the major cell populations in the muscle connective tissue (MCT). During embryogenesis, the MCT directs muscular development throughout the body and serves as a prepattern for muscular morphogenesis. The developmental origins of FAPs as stromal cells in the MCT were studied previously. In adult tissues, FAPs are important precursors for heterotopic ossification, especially in the context of the rare genetic disorder fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. A new developmental origin for FAPs have been suggested that differs from conventional developmental perspectives. In this review, we summarize the developmental origins and functions of FAPs as stromal cells of the MCT and present novel insights obtained by using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and mouse models of heterotopic ossification. This review broadens the current understanding of FAPs and suggests potential avenues for further investigation.
Computational identification and analysis of CNP0269688 as a natural product inhibitor disrupting the interaction between the HIV matrix domain and tRNA
Authors: Xu Chengjie , Wu Songtao , Liu Pengju , Huang Yao , Chen Yuchao , Ding Guoping , Jia Shengnan
Published: September 2024

Our research is dedicated to combating HIV by targeting its Matrix (MA) domain, which is crucial for viral assembly and replication. This strategy specifically aims to interrupt early-stage infection and deter drug resistance by focusing on this essential domain. Due to the MA domain’s conservation across different HIV strains, our approach promises broad-spectrum efficacy, which is particularly crucial in regions marked by significant genetic diversity and resistance issues. In our study, we introduce CNP0269688, a natural product that exhibits high affinity for the HIV-1 Matrix. Through detailed molecular dynamics simulations, we have assessed the compound’s structural stability and interaction dynamics, particularly its potential to hinder Protein-tRNA interactions. This analysis lays the groundwork for future experimental investigations. Our efforts are steps toward enhancing HIV treatment, reducing viral transmission, and curbing drug resistance, with the ultimate aim of controlling and eradicating the pandemic, thereby contributing significantly to public health and scientific advancement.
Fusobacterium nucleatum induces invasive growth and angiogenic responses in malignant oral keratinocytes that are cell line- and bacterial strain-specific
Authors: Selvaraj Ajith , McManus Gavin , Healy Claire M. , Moran Gary P.
Published: September 2024

Fusobacterium nucleatum is an anaerobic commensal of the oral cavity recently reported to be associated with cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this study, we investigate the impact on oral keratinocytes of infection with a genetically diverse set of strains of F. nucleatum subsp. polymorphum recovered from patients with oral dysplasia (n=6). We employed H357 oral keratinocytes derived from a stage 1 OSCC and H376 cells derived from a stage 3 OSCC. Adhesion phenotypes were strain specific, with 3/6 clinical isolates examined exhibiting higher adherence to the stage 3 H376 cell line. Conversely, intracellular invasion was greatest in the H357 cells and was associated with specific transcriptional responses including autophagy and keratinization. Infection of both H357 and H376 cell lines induced transcriptional and cytokine responses linked to cancer cell migration and angiogenesis. F. nucleatum infection induced greater levels of MMP9 secretion in the H376 cell line which was associated with enhanced motility and invasion phenotypes. Additionally, the degree of F. nucleatum induced invasive growth by H376 cells varied between different clinical isolates of F. nucleatum subsp. polymorphum. Blockage of CCL5 signalling using the inhibitor metCCL5 resulted in reduced keratinocyte invasion. F. nucleatum infection also induced expression of the pro-angiogenic chemokine MCP-1 and the angiogenic growth factor VEGF-A resulting in increased capillary-like tube formation in HUVEC cells, most significantly in H376 cells. Treatment of HUVEC cells with resveratrol, a VEGF-A signalling inhibitor, significantly attenuated F. nucleatum induced tube formation. Our data indicate that the outcomes of F. nucleatum-oral cell interactions can vary greatly depending on the bacterial genotype and the malignant phenotype of the host cell.
Data assimilation by combining ABAQUS with ensemble Kalman filter and its application to geotechnical engineering
Authors: Wang Ding , Wang Chang , Pu Xiaogang , Song Hui , Wan Jiaqi , Cao Zhonghui
Published: September 2024

Geological parameters of soil exhibit spatial variability. Inverse analysis allows the acquisition of accurate spatial distributions of key geological parameters, which is crucial for structural safety assessment. In this study, an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is employed in the context of data assimilation. Random fields are used as the initial input ensembles for the algorithm. The present study effectively integrates the ensemble Kalman filter with the numerical simulation software ABAQUS, enabling the inversion of parameter fields under various operating conditions. An in-house Python code script is developed to control ABAQUS for finite element computations and to obtain observations at target points. During the stepwise computation process, the algorithm can utilize newly acquired observations to accelerate the convergence of the parameter field to the true field. The effectiveness of the algorithm is validated, and the method is applied to a case study of double-tunnel excavation and a stepwise excavation analysis of a three-layered slope. The impact of the number of ensemble members and the ratio of the horizontal correlation scale to the vertical correlation scale of random fields on the effectiveness of updating the parameter field have also been investigated.
Changes in nonfunctional adrenal incidentaloma after COVID-19 infection and a model for predicting benign and malignant adrenal incidentaloma
Authors: Chen Danlei , Zeng Sheng , Liu Qian
Published: September 2024

Aims

To compare nonfunctional adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI) in individuals with and without a history of COVID-19 infection, while also establishing predictive models for distinguishing between benign and malignant adrenal incidentalomas (AI).

Methods

A retrospective collection of data from patients with AI who underwent surgery and were verified in our hospital between April 2022 and June 2023 was conducted. A total of 121 patients were included in the study. Demographic information, tumor characteristics, functional indicators, and complications were compared among the patients. Statistical analyses utilized the t-test for continuous variables and Pearson chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables.

Results

Patients with COVID-19 exhibited a higher prevalence of obesity (84.2% vs. 63.3%, P=0.048) and elevated direct bilirubin (DBIL) levels (44.1% vs. 19.2%, P=0.043) compared to those without COVID-19. Moreover, patients with Malignant AI, in contrast to Benign AI, showed higher normal total protein (TP) levels (28.8% vs. 57.1%, P=0.016) and larger tumor sizes (20 vs. 32.5mm, P=0.009). Univariate analysis identified low TP (OR=0.303, 95% CI=0.111-0.825, P=0.020) and tumor size (OR=1.045, 95% CI=1.011-1.080, P=0.009) as potential risk factors for multivariate analysis. A predictive model comprising clinical risk factors (tumor size and low TP) demonstrated an AUC of 0.754 (95% CI, 0.603-0.904) with a sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.775. The calibration curve revealed a bias-corrected AUC of 0.77.

Conclusion

No discernible differences in the clinical manifestations of adrenal incidentalomas were observed between cases with and without a history of COVID-19 infection. However, AI with larger tumor diameters and lower than normal levels of total protein exhibited a more pronounced malignant potential.
Efficacy and safety of denosumab and teriparatide versus oral bisphosphonates to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Jia , Guo Xiaobo , Cui Zhongning , Guo Huikang , Dong Jia-Nan
Published: September 2024

Study Design

A systematic review and Meta-analysis

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of denosumab and teriparatide versus oral bisphosphonates to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Summary of Background Data

While bisphosphonates have historically been the cornerstone of pharmacological management for bone protection in patients, emerging evidence suggests that teriparatide and denosumab warrant further investigation as potential first-line treatments. The optimal choice among denosumab, teriparatide, and oral bisphosphonates for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis remains a subject of ongoing debate and controversy within the scientific community.

Methods

This systematic review adhered meticulously to the rigorous standards outlined by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines as well as the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Additionally, it employed the AMSTAR (Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews) criteria to ensure methodological robustness and enhance the credibility of the findings. A systematic electronic search was conducted across Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library databases from their inception dates up to February 2024.

Results

In this meta-analysis of studies, our findings suggest that compared to bisphosphonates, both teriparatide and denosumab demonstrated notable increases in percentage changes in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) among postmenopausal osteoporosis patients. Furthermore, denosumab exhibited superiority over teriparatide and oral bisphosphonates in enhancing percentage changes in both femoral neck and total hip BMD, indicating its potential as a more efficacious option. Regarding safety outcomes, no significant differences were observed in the incidence of serious adverse events among patients treated with teriparatide, denosumab, and bisphosphonates. However, teriparatide showed superiority over oral bisphosphonates in terms of a lower risk of general adverse events, suggesting a favorable safety profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study suggests that teriparatide and denosumab demonstrate comparable or potentially superior efficacy and safety profiles compared to oral bisphosphonates for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024508382.
A Critical Flow Model for Supercritical Pressures
Authors: Lv Yufeng , Zhao Minfu , Du Kaiwen
Published: September 2024

The investigation of critical flow model for supercritical pressure condition is relatively rare. Based on isentropic flow and thermal equilibrium assumptions, a model is derived to calculate discharge flow rate and critical pressure. Considering the influence of friction and local resistance, a correction coefficient is added which can be calculated from CFX analysis software. The model avoids the calculation of quality and is applicable to wide range which covering the subcooled water, two-phase mixture, steam critical flow under subcritical pressure and supercritical pressure. Reasonable agreement is shown between model predicted results and experiment data, illustrating the accuracy of the proposed model.
Research of the calculation formula for working clearance leakage flow of the hydrogen circulation pump
Authors: Zhai Huanle , Li Wei , Chu Xiaomeng , Mu Honggang , Xu Yuanfeng
Published: September 2024

The hydrogen circulation pump (HCP), a device for recovering unconsumed hydrogen gas in fuel cell systems to improve efficiency, is an important equipment in fuel cell systems. Efficient calculation of the output flow rate of the HCP is crucial for accelerating the product development process, but there is a lack of an effective calculation formula for the working clearance leakage. In this paper, a series of HCP models with different working clearances are established and calculated using an overlapping grid simulation method, verifying that the traditional Roots blower leakage flow formula is feasible for HCP, although the maximum calculation error reaches 10.71%. Further study the pressure distribution law inside the HCP chamber, and revise the traditional calculation formula accordingly, so that the average calculation error of the series models is reduced from 5.75% to 3.82%, and the maximum error is also reduced to 7.73%. Compared with the prototype test data, though the flow values obtained from the two calculation formulas are slightly higher, the calculation error of the correction formula is relatively smaller. The research results indicate that the correction formula can more accurately predict the flow rate of HCP and has important application value.
Lipids, lipid-lowering drugs and lateral epicondylitis of the humerus: a drug-targeted Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Meng-Meng , Chen Xiang , Bao Xiao-Hang , Huang Bao-Hua
Published: September 2024

Background

Clinical observations indicate that blood lipids may be risk factors for lateral epicondylitis (LE) of the humerus, and lipid-lowering drugs are also used for the prevention and treatment of tendon diseases, but these lack high-quality clinical trial evidence and remain inconclusive. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses can overcome biases in traditional observational studies and offer more accurate inference of causal relationships. Therefore, we employed this approach to investigate whether blood lipids are risk factors for LE and if lipid-lowering drugs can prevent it.

Methods

Genetic variations associated with lipid traits, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC), were obtained from the UK Biobank and the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium (GLGC). Data on genetic variation in LE were sourced from FinnGen, including 24,061 patients and 275,212 controls. Subsequently, MR analyses were conducted to assess the potential correlation between lipid traits and LE. Additionally, drug-target Mendelian randomization analyses were performed on 10 drug targets relevant to LE. For those drug targets that yielded significant results, further analysis was conducted using colocalization techniques.

Results

No correlation was found between three blood lipid traits and LE. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) enhancement is significantly associated with a decreased risk of LE (OR = 0.76, [95% CI, 0.65–0.90], p = 0.001). The expression of LPL in the blood is associated with LE and shares a single causal variant (12.07%), greatly exceeding the probability of different causal variations (1.93%), with a colocalization probability of 86.2%.

Conclusion

The three lipid traits are not risk factors for lateral epicondylitis. LPL is a potential drug target for the prevention and treatment of LE.
Single molecule measurements of microRNAs in the serum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Wu Zhuhua , Tan Qiuchan , Jia Xiaojuan , Wu Huizhong , Liang Jing , Wen Wenpei , Wang Xuezhi , Zhang Chenchen , Zhao Yuchuan , Chen Yuhui , Luo Tingrong , Liu Wenjun , Chen Xunxun
Published: September 2024

Background

microRNAs (miRNAs) were recognized as a promising source of diagnostic biomarker. Herein, we aim to evaluate the performance of an ultrasensitive method for detecting serum miRNAs using single molecule arrays (Simoa).

Methods

In this study, candidate miRNAs were trained and tested by RT-qPCR in a cohort of PTB patients. Besides that, ultrasensitive serum miRNA detection were developed using the Single Molecule Array (Simoa) platform. In this ultra-sensitive sandwich assay, two target-specific LNA-modified oligonucleotide probes can be simply designed to be complementary to the half-sequence of the target miRNA respectively. We characterized its analytical performance and measured miRNAs in the serum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and healthy individuals.

Results

We identified a five signature including three upregulated (miR-101, miR-196b, miR-29a) and two downregulated (miR-320b, miR-99b) miRNAs for distinguishing PTB patients from HCs, and validated in our 104 PTB patients. On the basis of Simoa technology, we developed a novel, fully automated digital analyser, which can be used to directly detect miRNAs in serum samples without pre-amplification. We successfully detected miRNAs at femtomolar concentrations (with limits of detection [LODs] ranging from 0.449 to 1.889 fM). Simoa-determined serum miR-29a and miR-99b concentrations in patients with PTB ((median 6.06 fM [range 0.00–75.22]), (median 2.53 fM [range 0.00–24.95]), respectively) were significantly higher than those in HCs ((median 2.42 fM [range 0.00–28.64]) (P < 0.05), (median 0.54 fM [range 0.00–9.12] (P < 0.0001), respectively). Serum levels of miR-320b were significantly reduced in patients with PTB (median 2.11 fM [range 0.00–39.30]) compared with those in the HCs (median 4.76 fM [range 0.00–25.10]) (P < 0.001). A combination of three miRNAs (miR-29a, miR-99b, and miR-320b) exhibited a good capacity to distinguish PTB from HCs, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.818 (sensitivity: 83.9%; specificity: 79.7%).

Conclusions

This study benchmarks the role of Simoa as a promising tool for monitoring miRNAs in serum and offers considerable potential as a non-invasive platform for the early diagnosis of PTB.