bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful treatment of fungal central thrombophlebitis by surgical thrombectomy in Korea: a case report
Authors: Lee Eun Ji , Kim Jihoon T.
Published: September 2023

Fungal thrombophlebitis of the central vein is a rare, life-threatening disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It requires immediate central venous catheter removal and intravenous antifungal therapy, combined in some cases with either anticoagulation or aggressive surgical debridement. A 70-year-old male patient injured by a falling object weighing 1,000 kg was transferred to our hospital. A contained rupture of the abdominal aorta with retroperitoneal hematoma was treated with primary aortic repair, and a small bowel perforation with mesenteric laceration was treated with resection and anastomosis. After a computed tomography scan, the patient was diagnosed with thrombophlebitis of the left internal jugular vein and brachiocephalic vein. Despite antifungal treatment, fever and candidemia persisted. Therefore, emergency debridement and thrombectomy were performed. After the operation, the patient was treated with an oral antifungal agent and direct oral anticoagulants. During a 1-year follow-up, no signs of candidemia relapse were observed. There is no optimal timing guideline yet for relapsed fungal central thrombophlebitis. Surgical treatment should be considered for early recovery.
The versatile applications of human pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia and microglia-containing brain organoids
Authors: Wu Junjiao , Tang Yu
Published: September 2023

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and play pivotal roles in nervous development, homeostasis, and various neurological diseases. Most of the previous understanding of microglia came from rodents or a limited number of postmortem microglia. However, as significant differences between murine and human microglia have been verified, it has become increasingly apparent that rodents cannot accurately recapitulate human genetics and pathology, thus hindering the translation of microglial findings from rodents to humans. In addition, primary human microglia are notoriously difficult to obtain and lack the scalability required for many high-throughput assays. Fortunately, recent advances in microglia generation from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have enabled exciting new avenues to decipher or revisit microglial biology in the human context. Given the complex interactions between microglia and other CNS cells, hPSC-derived microglia-like cells (MGLs) were further engrafted within hPSC-derived brain organoids (BOs), which largely lack microglia due to their different embryonic origins, to study human microglial functions in either health and disease state closer to brain microglia. This is a rapidly evolving field, especially in the last five years, that has begun to yield novel insights into the genetics of human microglia and their unique role in neurological diseases. In this review, we will summarize the versatile applications of hPSC-derived MGLs and microglia-containing BOs. Specifically, we will discuss their applications in disease modeling, omics and systematic analysis, interaction with other CNS cell types, as well as transplantation-based human-mouse chimerism.
A VISITA DO SANTO OFÍCIO AO GRÃO-PARÁ E MARANHÃO E SUAS EXCEPCIONALIDADES (1763-1769)
Authors: Menezes Sezinando Luiz , Piovesan Pereira Julia
Published: September 2023

O presente artigo procura inicialmente entender o contexto em que a última visitação do Santo Ofício ao Estado do Grão-Pará e Maranhão (1763-1769) estava inserida, possibilitando assim a compreensão de suas motivações. Sendo esta visitação considerada excepcional pela historiografia, buscamos destrinchar tais excepcionalidades, como: seu período de duração; sua localização, foi a primeira e única visitação a região norte; o período em que foi realizada. A partir da fonte, Livro da Visitação do Santo Ofício da Inquisição ao Estado do Grão-Pará 1763-1769, realizamos uma análise das confissões e denúncias presentes no livro, que nos mostraram o protagonismo das práticas mágico-religiosas. Sendo o Grão-Pará um espaço de convivência de indígenas, mestiços e negros escravizados, formava-se um ambiente fértil para as práticas consideradas sincréticas, a qual iremos aqui nos referir como hibridismo cultural.
Delving into Hearing Threshold of the Delay Gap of Initial Reflection in a Room by Using the Response of Cortical Brain Waves
Authors: Chen Chiung Yao
Published: September 2023

In this study, the apparent variation range of acoustical parameters were investigated in a concert hall. The initial time delay gap (ITDG) was evaluated in terms of its just noticeable difference (JND) through two instruments, the cello and the trumpet. Even though the IDTG values were prolonged over the measurements and were not significantly varied, an ITDG range of 22 - 220 ms in increments of 91 steps was produced electro-acoustically in an anechoic chamber with a loudspeaker. The result of JNDc ((delta gap/gap) was rated 0.059 and 0.081 at 50% “different” judgement ranges for the cello and trumpet tracks, respectively. The effective duration of the autocorrection function (ACF) of the continuous brainwaves (CBWs) within the alpha (8-13 Hz) frequency range on the left hemisphere responding to 91-step ITDG increments revealed that the continuous ratio minimum Tauee e of CBW was approximately equal to 0.28 s on the trumpet. The continuous ratios of Tauee e_min ((Tauee e_min_rear - Tauee e_min_front)/ Tauee e_min_front) of CBWs were constantly at 0.4. Furthermore, a homologous period of resonance between the subjective JNDc and Tauee e values of the ACF of CBWs in the alpha range allowed us to conclude that the subjective JND of the ITDG in a room is related to the W_IACC value of the interaural cross-correlation function, which reflect the characteristics of source signal themselves and arouse the activities of brain on the right hemisphere (p < 0.01).
The Potential Use of Peptides in the Fight against Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis
Authors: Qvit Nir , Zerihun Mulate , Kumar Mahesh , Berhe Hayelom
Published: September 2023

Parasitic diseases are among the most serious public health problems in developing countries, causing high mortality and economic burdens. The Trypanosomatidae family includes Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi, which cause leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, respectively. Both these parasites are among the major agents of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Leishmaniasis is currently the second most widespread vector-borne parasitic disease after malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) records approximately 0.7-1 million newly diagnosed leishmaniasis cases each year, resulting in approximately 20,000-30,000 deaths. Also, 25 million people worldwide are at risk of Chagas disease and an estimated 6 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite the similarity of the parasites, the evolution of the disease and the clinical indexes are explicitly different in African, Asian, and American forms of infection. Clinical therapies are associated with drug resistance and side effects. As a result, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents has emerged as a top priority and a promising alternative. Peptide-based drugs are an attractive class of therapeutic agents. They are recognized for being highly selective and effective, as well as safe and well tolerated. Moreover, they are now being explored in the development of novel therapeutics for a variety of health disorders, including oncology, endocrinology, metabolic, cardiovascular, and bone diseases. In addition, they are being explored in tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. We will discuss current knowledge regarding the parasite life cycle, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.
Chemical Characterization of Polysaccharide Extracts Obtained from Pomace By-Products of Different White Grape Varieties
Authors: Curiel-Fernández María , Bueno-Herrera Marta , Guadalupe Zenaida , Ayestarán Belén , Pérez-Magariño Silvia
Published: September 2023

Grape pomace is one of the main by-products in the wine industry and contains some high added-value compounds such as polysaccharides. Considering the wide application possibilities of polysaccharides in wine and in the food industry, the revalorization of grape pomace to extract polysaccharides presents itself as an opportunity for by-product management. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize polysaccharide extracts obtained from pomace by-products of different white grape varieties. The type and content of polysaccharides, proteins and phenols were analyzed. Statistically significant differences were found between the varietal extracts in the types and concentrations of polysaccharides. The extracts obtained from the Verdejo and Puesta en Cruz varieties showed the highest polysaccharide purity and contents, but the type of polysaccharides was different in each case. The Verdejo provided extracts richer in non pectic polysaccharides, while the Puesta en Cruz in pectic polysaccharides. Protein and polyphenol contents were low in all extracts, below 2.5% and 3.7%, respectively. These results open up a new possibility for the revalorization of grape pomace by-products to obtain polysaccharide-rich extracts, although it would be interesting to improve both the yield and the purity of the extracts obtained by studying other extraction techniques or processes.
Protected, Rare and Medicinal Plant Species of the Buiratau State National Natural Park (Republic of Kazakhstan)
Authors: Kali Almagul , Kenzhina Kulpash Dakenovna , Turlybekova Gulzhazira , Tulegenova Symbat Erzhankyzy , Dukenbayeva Assiya , Rustemova Assel , Beisenova Raikhan
Published: September 2023

The biodiversity of the State National Natural Park (SNNP) "Buiratau" has not been studied, as it is young in Kazakhstan. The purpose of our study was an independent botanical and geographical study of the vegetation cover of the SNNP "Buiratau". This study have been carried out using the method route-reconnaissance and identifying plants, according to plant guide “Flora of Kazakhstan” (1999), “Key to Plants of Central Asia” (1974). The results showed that depending on the geographical location (Kazakh highland, steppe zone) of the SNNP "Buiratau" territory this natural complex has a very diverse botanical feature. In these types of vegetation of this territory, there are both Red Data Book and rare and endemic plants, such as black alder and birch forests, the peculiarity of which is that some species (Alnus glutinosa (L) Gaertn, Betula Kirghisorum Sav. - Rysz.) are listed in the Red book and very few. Medicinal, plant species and their resource potential are an important component of the flora. The analysis showed that the SNNP "Buiratau" is a unique natural environment, which is characterized by 10 species of plants listed in the Red Book, and 26 species of rare and endangered species.
Clinical Risk Perception in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in North-Eastern Italy: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Prendin Angela , Fazio Paola Claudia , Andretta Vincenzo , Tabacco Benedicta , Strini Veronica , Cerrone Valentina , Capunzo Mario , Aliberti Silvana Mirella
Published: September 2023

The intensive care unit is characterized by the critical care of the infants and children who access it, as well as the high complexity of care. This implies and requires optimal integration among the various professionals working there and their ability to work as a team. The purpose of the study was to describe how nurses perceive clinical risk and how they relate to it and to identify adverse events and related risk factors. Nine nurses, two moderators and one external observer partici-pated in the focus group. In the qualitative analysis, 9 themes describing the perception of clinical risk in PICU were identified, including teamwork, specific training, time management, team communication, management, individual errors, structural criticality, patient fac-tors/characteristics, and standardization. Safety culture can be fostered by hospital management to involve PICU nurses in promoting patient safety, which could improve breaking down barriers that prevent nurses from fulfilling their roles.
Emulsification Properties of Garlic Aqueous Extract: Effect of Heat Treatment and pH Modification
Authors: Bravo-Núñez Ángela , Golding Matt , Gómez Manuel , Matia-Merino Lara
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the emulsification properties of garlic water-soluble compounds (GWSC) after heat treatment (10 min at 95 °C) or pH adjustments (2.5, 3.5 and 7.8). After the various treatments, the extracts were used as such or filtrated (0.45 µm) and 10% soybean oil-in-water emulsions were prepared using low (0.48%) or high (6.55% wt/wt) extract concentrations. Whereas at low GWSC concentration, both heating or acidifying resulted in the formation of bigger oil droplet sizes (i.e. from d32=0.36 µm using unmodified extract, to d32=7–22 µm µm at pH 2.5 with or without extract filtration), the effects were opposite at the highest GWSC concentration. In the latter, heat treatment clearly reduced the droplet size as observed from the micrographs as well as the degree of creaming, though the occurrence of depletion and/or bridging flocculation was still strong. The acidification of the extract at this high GWSC concentration, significantly reduced the droplet size as observed from the micrographs but a strong flocculation was observed. Removal of protein aggregates, and possibly also saponin micelles from the extract, resulted in an obvious increase in emulsion droplet size. This research brings valuable insights on the study and utilisation of novel natural food emulsifiers from plant sources.
Bridging the Gaps between Microplastics and Human Health
Authors: Damaj Stephanie , Trad Farah , Goevert Dennis , Wilkesman Jeff
Published: September 2023

Given the broad and intense use of plastic, society is being increasingly affected by its degradation and by-products, particularly by microplastics (MPs) -fragments smaller than 5 mm in size-, and nanoplastics (NPs) -with sizes less than 1 µm. MPs and NPs may enter the body primarily through inhalation, consumption, and skin contact. Once ingested, MPs can penetrate tissues, deviating to other parts of the body, and hence potentially affecting important cellular pathways such as nonconforming chemokine receptors that control the communication between the fetus and the mother. Consequently, the potential health harm induced by MP internalization is a major issue, evidenced by multiple studies demonstrating harmful consequences in diverse animal models and human cells. Here, an overview of the various modes of exposure to MPs and NPs is presented, including inhalation, placental transfer, ingestion, breastmilk consumption, and skin absorption, as well as placental and fetal toxicity due to plastic particles based on animal and in vitro studies. Though MPs in our environment are becoming more recognized, their developmental toxicity is still scarcely known. Besides negatively affecting pregnancy, MPs and NPs have been shown to potentially harm the developing fetus, given their ability to cross the placental barrier. Still, considerable gaps remain in our understanding of the dispersion and toxicity of these particles in the environment, as well as the precise types of NPs and MPs bearing the greatest dangers. As a result, we advocate for larger-scale epidemiological investigations, the development of novel approaches for measuring NP and MP exposures, and the necessity of understanding the toxicity of various kinds of NPs to guide future research efforts.
utPCR: A Strategy for Highly Specific and Absolutely Quantitative Detection of Single Molecules within Only Minutes
Authors: Wang Rui , Liu Ying , Chen Shuaiwei , Bai Linlin , Guo Kaiming , Pang Yanan , Qian Feng , Li Yongfang , Ding Li , Wang Yongming
Published: September 2023

Bloodstream infection is a major health problem worldwide, with extremely high mortality. Detecting infection in the early stage is challenging due to the extremely low concentration of bacteria in the blood. Digital PCR provides unparalleled sensitivity and can achieve absolute quantification, but it is time-consuming. Moreover, the presence of unavoidable background signals in negative controls poses a significant challenge for single-molecule detection. Here, we propose a novel strategy called “Ultrafast flexible thin tube-based droplet digital PCR (utPCR)” that can shorten the digital PCR process from 2 hours to only 5 minutes, with primer annealing/extension time reduced from minutes to only 5 seconds. Importantly, the ultrafast PCR eliminates the nonspecific amplification and thus enables single-molecular detection. The utPCR enabled sensitive detection and digital quantification of E. coli O157 in the high background of 106-fold excess of E. coli K12 cells. Moreover, this method also displayed the potential to detect rare pathogens in blood samples, and the limit of detection (LOD) could be as low as 10 CFU per mL of blood without false positive results. Considering ultrafast (<5 min) and highly sensitive (single-molecule detection), the utPCR holds excellent prospects in the next generation of molecular diagnosis.
Recent Therapeutic Advances in Natural Substance Delivery Strategies in Skin Cancer Treatment
Authors: Oliveira Israel de Araújo , De Carli Cassiana Maurer , Gomes e Silva Isabel Virginia , Pressanto Giovanna da Silva , Antonioli Raquel , Escaleira Roberta , De Souza Maria Alice Fusco , Faria Lopes Giselle Pinto de
Published: September 2023

Skin cancer is a disease that reflects most malignant neoplasms worldwide, whose rate of involvement has increased significantly in recent decades. Treatments that offer efficient results with attenuation of adverse reactions and greater patient compliance have been the subject of many systematic investigations. This review aims to qualitatively present published works that showed new strategies to increase the penetration power of natural substances through the skin in the topical treatment against skin cancer. In this sense, nanoengineering mechanisms, the iontophoresis technique, and photodynamic therapy using natural products (NP) contribute to new knowledge about substance carrier strategies in topical treatments against skin cancer.
Recent Tendency on Transition-Metal Phosphide Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Yoon Seo Jeong , Lee Se Jung , Kim Min Hui , Park Hui Ae , Kang Hyo Seon , Bae Seo-Yoon , Jeon In-Yup
Published: September 2023

Hydrogen energy is regarded as an auspicious future substitute to replace fossil fuels, because of its environmentally friendly characteristics and high energy density. In the pursuit of clean hydrogen production, there has been a significant focus on the advancement of effective electrocatalysts for the process of water splitting. Although noble metals like Pt, Ru, Pd and Ir are superb electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), they have limitations for large-scale applications, mainly high cost and low abundance. As a result, non-precious transition metals have emerged as promising candidates to replace their more expensive counterparts in various applications. This review focuses on recently developed transition metal phosphides (TMPs) electrocatalysts for the HER in alkaline media due to the cooperative effect between the phosphorus and transition metals. Finally, we discuss the challenges of TMPs for HER.
Evaluating the Time-Dependent Behavior of Deeply Buried Tunnels in Soft Rock environments and Relevant Measures Guaranteeing their Long-Term Stability
Authors: Frenelus Wadslin , Peng Hui
Published: September 2023

The time-dependent behavior and long-term stability of deep-buried tunnels in soft rocks have received lots of considerations in tunnel engineering and allied sciences. To better explore and deepen the engineering application of rock creep, extensive research studies are still needed, although fruitful outcomes have already obtained in many related investigations. In this article, the Weilai Tunnel in China’s Guangxi province is studied taking its host rocks as the main research object. In fact, aiming at forecasting the time-varying deformation of this tunnel, a novel elasto-visco-plastic creep constitutive model with two variants is proposed, by exploiting the typical complex load-unload process of rock excavation. The model is well validated and good agreements are found with the relevant experimental data. Moreover, the time-dependent de-formation rules are properly established for the surrounding rocks, by designing two new closed-form solutions based on the proposed creep model and the Hoek-Brown criterion. The convergence deformations calculated from the closed-form solutions conform well to the on-site monitoring data. In only 27 days after excavation, the creep deformation of the Weilai tunnel overtakes 400 mm, which is enormous. To guarantee the long-term stability of this tunnel, a ro-bust support scheme and its long-term monitoring with appropriate remote sensors are strongly suggested.
Comparative Cytotoxic Study of Wild Plant Extracts, Their Callus Cultures and 2,3-Dihidrobenzofuran from Ageratina pichinchensis
Authors: Sánchez‒Ramos Mariana , Encarnación‒García José Guillermo , Marquina Bahena Silvia , Sánchez-Carranza Jessica Nayelli , Bernabé Antonio Antonio , Domínguez-Villegas Valeri , Cabañas-García Emmanuel , Cruz Sosa Francisco
Published: September 2023

: The cytotoxic effect of four extracts obtained from the wild plant and two from a culture of Ag-eratina pichinchensis calluses on cell lines: prostate carcinoma, cervical cancer, hepatocellular car-cinoma, human hepatoma, lung cancer and cellular keratinocytes was evaluated; the extracts were obtained with ethyl acetate and methanol, leaves and stems were used from the wild plant. The results of the cytotoxic evaluation showed that only the ethyl acetate extract obtained from the callus culture showed an effect on the cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) with an IC50 of 94.79 ± 2.0 µg/mL. The purification of this extract allowed obtaining a benzofuran type compound as the main product, which was identified as 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran. The cytotoxic evaluation of this compound showed an important effect against the HeLa cell line with an IC50 of 23.86 ± 2. .5µg/mL. These results contribute to the development of alternatives for the production of com-pounds for the treatment of cancer.
Mammalian Models in Alzheimer's Research: An update
Authors: Sharma Himadri , Chang Keun-A , Hulme John , An Seong Soo A
Published: September 2023

A form of dementia distinct from healthy cognitive aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex multi-stage disease that currently afflicts over 50 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, previous therapeutic strategies developed from murine models emulating different aspects of AD pathogenesis have failed. Consequently, researchers are now developing models that express several aspects of pathogenesis that better reflect the clinical situation in humans. As such, this review seeks to provide insight regarding current applications of mammalian models in AD research by addressing recent developments and characterizations of prominent transgenic models and their contributions to pathogenesis as well as discuss the advantages, limitations, and application of emerging models (hAβ-KI) that better capture genetic heterogeneity and mixed pathologies observed in the clinical situation.
Payment Behavioral Response Mechanisms for All-Age Retrofitting of Older Communities: A Study Among Chinese Residents
Authors: Zhang Yang , Dong Lei
Published: September 2023

Intergenerational integration has given rise to a novel aging paradigm known as all-age communities, which is garnering international attention. In China, the aging population and the implementation of the three-child policy have resulted in increased demand for retirement and childcare services among residents in older neighborhoods. Consequently, there is a pressing need to retrofit these older neighborhoods to accommodate all-age living arrangements given the high demand they generate. Therefore, this study undertakes research interviews with residents and constructs an exploratory theoretical model rooted in established theory. To assess the significance of our model, we employ Smart PLS 3.0 based on 297 empirical data points. Our findings indicate that anxiety has a significant negative effect on payment behavior; objective perception, willingness to pay, and government assistance exert significant positive effects on payment behavior. By comprehensively analyzing the mechanisms underlying residents’ payment behavior, this study provides valuable insights to the government for promoting the aging process within communities and formulating effective transformation policies.
An Investigation into the Surface Integrity of Micro-Machined Hard Cutting Tools
Authors: Dang Minh Nhat , Singh Surinder , Navarro-Devia John Henry , Hocking Rosalie K. , Wade Scott A. , Stephens Guy , Papageorgiou Angelo , Wang James
Published: September 2023

The performance and lifespan of cutting tools are significantly influenced by their surface quality. The present report highlights recent advances in enhancing the surface characteristics of tungsten carbide and high-speed steel cutting tools using a novel micro-machining technique for polishing and edge-honing. Notably, the main aim is to reduce the surface roughness while maintaining the hardness of the materials at an optimal level. By conducting a thorough analysis, of surfaces obtained with different techniques. It was that micro-machining method effectively decreased the surface roughness of the cutting tools, most effectively of the techniques investigated. Significantly, the surface roughness is reduced from an initial measurement of 400 nm to an impressive value of 60 nm. No significant change in hardness was observed, which guarantees the maintenance of the mechanical properties of the cutting tools. This analysis enhances the comprehension of surface enhancement methodologies for cutting tools through the presentation of these findings. The observed decrease in surface roughness, along with the consistent hardness, exhibits potential for improving tool performance. These enhancements possess the capacity to optimise manufacturing processes, increase tool reliability, and minimise waste generation.
Estimating the Incidence of Venezuelan Migration and Other Socioeconomic Factors on Urban Growth in Colombia
Authors: Silva Barbosa Pablo Blas Tupac , Peña-Galindo Andrés , Sampayo Andrés Miguel , Londoño-Méndez Sebastian , Contreras Cala Ivan Enrique , Granada Donato David , Beltrán  Pérez Jenny Rocío , Feged-Rivadeneira Alejandro
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the intricate relationship between Venezuelan migration and urban growth in Colombia from 2018 to 2021. The study employs remote sensing data and social network metrics to uncover migration patterns and their impact on urban expansion. The methodology consists of three stages. Firstly, nighttime satellite imagery is used to analyze year-over-year urban growth in Colombia. Secondly, social network data estimates Venezuelan migration, overcoming challenges of underreporting and informal border crossings. Lastly, an econometric analysis explores the quantitative link between Venezuelan migration and urban growth, integrating socioeconomic variables to address endogeneity. The findings reveal the complex interplay of Venezuelan migration, socioeconomic factors, and urban growth. The study outlines remote sensing analysis, introducing the Anthropogenic Footprint Expansion Index (AFEI) to quantify urban growth. Facebook API data estimates migration trends and explores socioeconomic impacts on urban expansion. The analysis uncovers migration, poverty, aging, and urban population proportion as key factors affecting Colombia's urban landscape. Furthermore, the research underscores how Venezuelan migration affected short-term urban expansion pre- and post-COVID-19. Migration had a notable effect before the pandemic, but this influence waned afterward. The study highlights migration's short-term nature and emphasizes age demographics' role in medium-term dynamics.
Suppressing Sidelobes in Metasurface-Based Antennas Using Cross-Entropy Method Variant and Full Wave Electromagnetic Simulations
Authors: Singh Khushboo , Esselle Karu
Published: September 2023

Managing sidelobe levels (SLLs) in metasurface-driven beam-steering antennas poses a significant challenge due to intrinsic factors leading to grating lobes. Our proposed method employs an equivalent model to optimize large periodic metasurfaces efficiently. This model predicts complete metasurface performance, accounting for mutual coupling between patches. We introduce an evolutionary optimization algorithm based on the Cross Entropy (CE) method to enhance PGM-based beam-steering antennas and suppress sidelobes. Two strategies were employed: first is to optimize the patch dimensions for a sidelobe-free pattern and the second is to maintain the PGM dimensions while optimizing feed array amplitudes. Both strategies effectively suppressed sidelobes, offering insights into the CE method's applicability and effectiveness for CPU-intensive electromagnetic optimization challenges. The proposed CE method variant retains its simplicity while improving monitoring capabilities, addressing this limitation. Smaller generations yield better improvements per evaluation
PENGARUH GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN, PEMBERDAYAAN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA, DAN LINGKUNGAN KERJA TERHADAP KEPUASAN KERJA KARYAWAN (Studi Empiris Pada Bank Mandiri Kantor Cabang Kota Magelang)
Authors: Islamiyah Katto  , Pratama Rohmawan Adi
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan mengetahui dan menjelaskan gaya kepemimpinan, pemberdayaan sumber daya manusia, dan lingkungan kerja terhadap kepuasan kerja karyawan. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan metode distribusi kuesioner berupa google form dengan sampel sebanyak 96 responden karyawan Bank Mandiri Kantor Cabang Kota Magelang. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian yang didapatkan berdasarkan uji t terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara gaya kepemimpinan terhadap kepuasan kerja dengan tingkat signifikansi 0,004<0,05, terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara pemberdayaan sumber daya manusia terhadap kepuasan kerja dengan tingkat signifikansi 0,000<0,05, tidak terdapat pengaruh signifikan antara lingkungan kerja terhadap kepuasan kerja dengan tingkat signifikansi 0,578>0,05.
Un Abordaje interdisciplinario al dolor físico y emocional en pacientes con endometriosis
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Díaz Alegría Natalia , Arcos Alegría ,   Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Pascual Mariana ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Published: September 2023

. Su diagnóstico demora en promedio ocho años, lo que determina un importante impacto físico y emocional. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la representación discursiva del dolor físico y emocional en relatos de pacientes chilenas con endometriosis desde una perspectiva interdisciplina-ria, desde la psicología y la lingüística, a fin de establecer si existen distinciones en las construcciones discursivas de estos dolores y si es posible definir un límite entre ellos. Se analizaron 30 entrevistas semiestructuradas a mujeres diagnosticadas. Se abordaron temas relacionados con la endometriosis y su vivencia. Los datos fueron clasificados desde el Sistema de Valoración para analizar el afecto y los recursos de gradación. Posteriormente, los resultados se interpretaron desde un abordaje psicológico. Los hallazgos indicaron una predominancia marcada de valoración negativa frente al padecimiento del dolor físico como emocional, representado mediante las categorías lingüísticas de afecto de tipo infeli-cidad (tristeza), insatisfacción (aburrimiento y descontento) e inseguridad (intranquilidad). Estos afectos fueron acompañados por recursos lingüísticos de gradación que intensificaron la representación del dolor en las dolencias físicas, principalmente, y de atenuación cuando los afectos representaron dolores emocionales. Estas construcciones afectivas en el discurso de las mujeres con endometriosis, especial-mente el agotamiento que vivencian, deben ser tomadas en cuenta al momento de diseñar acciones orientadas a mejorar la calidad de atención y tratamientos terapéuticos.
Breeding Status of the Gray Vireo on the Baja California Peninsula
Authors: Hargrove Lori , Unitt Philip , Marrón Gerardo , Gaona-Melo Tonatiuh , Ruiz-Campos Gorgonio
Published: September 2023

Most of the breeding range of the Gray Vireo (Vireo vicinior) lies within the southwestern United States, where the population is sparse, patchy, and declining. But the species also breeds in Baja California, Mexico, where its status has not been assessed. To rectify this, in 2021 and 2022 we surveyed four mountain ranges where the Gray Vireo is known or might be expected. In the northernmost, the Sierra Juárez, we located 43 territories—an abundance strikingly greater than just across the border in Upper California. Territories were in both treeless chaparral dominated by chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) and redshank (A. sparsifolium), and in the extensive pinyon woodland. In the Sierra San Pedro Mártir, all 71 territories located were in Adenostoma-dominated chaparral. Extrapolation of the densities observed in these two ranges over the extent of suitable habitat implies the population of the Gray Vireo in Baja California should be over 10,000 individuals. Confirmed by audio recording, one sighting from the Sierra de Ulloa overlooking Ensenada suggests a still wider distribution in Baja California. Isolated stands of chaparral grow south of the Gray Vireo’s previously reported breeding range, on the Sierra La Asamblea. But our reconnaissance of it revealed no Gray Vireos. Survey of the Sierra San Francisco in the center of the peninsula, 3–9 April, revealed only 3 Gray Vireos, all in winter habitat containing Bursera microphylla. Therefore two molting specimens collected in the Sierra San Francisco in October 1997 imply that some individuals molt in the winter range, not a southward extension of the breeding range. Despite Baja California representing only a small part of the Gray Vireo’s breeding range spatially, it contributes disproportionately to the species’ population and therefore conservation.
The effect of educational intervention informed by Roy’s adaptation model on the medication adherence of the patients with hypertension: A randomized clinical trial study
Authors: Amidi Amirmohammad , Hosseini Meimanat , Ghasemi Saeed , Khabazkhoob Mehdi
Published: September 2023

Background:
Hypertension is one of the most challenging public health problems around the world. Medication nonadherence to HTN has negative consequences for patients. The reliance on behavioral health models positively contributes to the proper use of interventions that aim to promote medication adherence.
Methods:
This experimental study adopts Roy’s adaptation model. Cluster random sampling was used. Tools were Roy’s Adaptive Modes Scale, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and Demographic-clinical questionnaire. Intervention was a 4 weekly training sessions.
Results:
The findings showed that after the intervention, the mean score of medication adherence in the intervention group has significantly increased (P-value < 0.001).
Conclusions: Based on Roy’s adaptation model, educating the hypertensive patients can improve their medication adherence.
Trial registration:
This study was registered on the website of Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with the following code: IRCT20220502054719N1 on 27/05/2022.
A mixed-method study of medical students’ perceptions of social accountability in medical education. Comparing the roles of equity identities, empathies, and curriculum regulation.
Authors: Whittenbury Kingsley J. , Ward Paul R.
Published: September 2023

The decline in students’ empathy during medical school is attributed in part to an informal curriculum that prioritises biomedical knowledge and lacks a patient perspective of illness. Transformation of medical professionalism to include socially accountable justice actions entails a theoretical shift in curriculum regulative discourse, and curricular justice to diverse medical students. A pre-pandemic, mixed-methods study compares the equity identities and justice discourses of medical students learning in divergent curricula; one regulated by a biopsychosocial model (BPS), the other by social accountability (SA). The study sought to identify teaching and learning needs for values transformation that legitimates integration of social change practices in medical professionalism. Participants expressed emotional empathy for the most disadvantaged groups in Australian society, but in both curricula the cognitive empathy owed to patients vulnerable to social systems inequities, and contextual reasoning of social science solutions, were generally weak. Outsiders with intersectional equity identities have greater insights to social inequities, but less intentions for primary care practice than peers with nil or one equity identity. Following clinical training in high health needs populations participants express solidarity with disadvantaged patients, but cognitive empathy is mostly instrumental; equity practices are mis-recognised as proximal and behaviour-related. Closure of this ‘know-do gap’ centres on transformative pedagogy; to induce a sociological imagination of health care justice, legitimate patients’ perspectives and broaden the social context of health causation. Professional development of emotional and cognitive empathy for patients’ social health improvement, and graduates’ prosocial aspirations, may benefit from learning the health communication science of biosemiotics, a biological approach to systems theory. The tools of Legitimation Code Theory, a discursive knowledge management system, may boost the empathic courage of medical educators to transform physician empathy, gaze, and professional capability toward socially accountable practices.
Influencing healthcare seeking behaviours of consumers through a telephone health advice and triage service: a multi-method evaluation
Authors: Delaforce Alana , Good Norm , Niven Philippa , Plate Curtis , Jayasena Rajiv , Parkinson Joy
Published: September 2023

Background: Globally, healthcare systems are under strain due to increased demand from inappropriate care seeking behaviours of consumers. Solutions are needed to redirect consumers to appropriate avenues for accessing health care, including, where appropriate, self-management. In response to this need, the Healthdirect Australia 24/7 National Coronavirus Helpline was established as a telephone health advice and triage service. This study aims to evaluate the call centre performance, consumer satisfaction and influence of the service on appropriate care seeking behaviours of consumers.
Methods: A multi method evaluation using an online survey and telephony metrics. The survey was distributed to e COVID positive callers from Queensland and South Australia who rang the 24/7 National Coronavirus Helpline and were triaged as being low or medium risk of hospitalisation. Of 2,784 invitations sent, 329 responses were received. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. Counts and percentages are used for categorical survey data. Telephony metrics included 94,494 calls made to the 24/7 National Coronavirus Helpline between May-November 2022. Simple summary statistics were undertaken on all telephony data, with categorical data presented either as totals or percentages of individual levels within categories.
Results: The call centre provided an efficient service, with most calls answered within 0.8 minute (48 seconds), and a very low rate of call abandonment (4%). The average call length was 7.22 minutes (7 minutes, 13 seconds). Consumer satisfaction was high with 71% of survey respondents rating their satisfaction as high or very high. Health seeking behaviours were positively influenced with an increase of 35% of consumers self-managing their care, a reduction of 12% in unnecessary emergency department visits, and a reduction of 5% in unnecessary emergency services calls after contacting the helpline.
Conclusions: The 24/7 National Coronavirus helpline provides an efficient service that was highly valued by survey respondents. It is likely that it is positively influencing appropriate healthcare seeking behaviours of consumers by promoting self-management or engagement with a GP according to the risk of hospitalisation, reducing unnecessary visits to the Emergency Department. Further research is needed to ascertain the effect of this model of care.
HuD (ELAVL4) gain-of-function impairs neuromuscular junctions and induces apoptosis in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis models
Authors: Rosa Alessandro , Silvestri Beatrice , Mochi Michela , Mawrie Darilang , de Turris Valeria , Colantoni Alessio , Borhy Beatrice , Garone Maria Giovanna , Zammerilla Christopher , Pandey Udai
Published: September 2023

Early defects at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are among the first hallmarks of the progressive neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). According to the “dying back” hypothesis, disruption of the NMJ not only precedes, but is also a trigger for the subsequent degeneration of the motoneuron. However, the pathogenic mechanisms linking genetic and environmental factors to NMJ defects remain elusive. Here we show that increased expression of the neural RNA binding protein HuD (ELAVL4) at the presynaptic level is sufficient to cause NMJ defects and trigger apoptosis in co-cultures of motoneurons and skeletal muscle derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These phenotypes are strikingly similar to those caused by the severe FUS P525L variant. Moreover, HuD knock-down in motoneurons reverts the adverse effects of the FUSP525L mutation in iPSC-derived cocultures. These findings were validated in vivo by taking advantage of a Drosophila model, where neuronal-restricted overexpression of the HuD-related gene, elav, exacerbates the effects of FUS expression and produces per se a motor phenotype. Notably, in this fly model, neuronal-restricted elav knockdown significantly rescues motor dysfunction caused by FUS. Finally, we show that HuD levels are increased upon oxidative stress in human motoneurons, and in sporadic ALS patients with a signature related to oxidative stress. On these bases, we propose HuD as a key protein involved in causing early pathogenic alterations and offers a potential new therapeutic target for early intervention aimed at the NMJ in ALS.
Effects and Mechanisms of the Subtypes of Apolipoprotein E to the Immune State and Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Gao Bowen , Zhou Peiyun , Wang Li , Wang Zhutao , Yi Yong , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Qiu Shuangjian , Xu Yang
Published: September 2023

Purpose
To investigate whether progression, immune status and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are related to the subtype and expression of apolipoprotein E (apoE).
Methods.
Immunofluorescence staining of CD11b+/LOX1+and CD14+/HLA-DR- combinations was performed on the tissue microarrays of tumor samples from 360 HCC patients to assess the abundance of infiltrating polymorphonuclear granulocyte-like myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) and monocyte-like MDSCs (M-MDSCs). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of apoE2, apoE3, apoE4, arginase (ARG) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Univariate, multivariate COX regression, and the Kaplan-Meier methods were used to evaluate the survival. Peripheral blood samples were collected and divided into three groups according to blood apoE level in the second cohort. Flow cytometry method detected immune cells abundance.
Results
COX regression analysis showed H-score of apoE2 in tumour tissue below 16.01 (HR=6.140, p=0.00005) and H-score of apoE4 above 4.05 (HR=7.001, p=0.009) were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS). The density of infiltrated PMN-MDSCs (>2.87 cells/mm2 (HR=3.762, p=0.000009)) and proportion of M-MDSCs of total cells (<89.32% (HR=0.454, p=0.006)) in tumour tissue were independent risk factors for shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS). The low apoE group had a higher abundance of MDSCs in the peripheral blood compared to the normal and high blood apoE levels. The number of CD14+HLA-DR-/low M-MDSCs (p=0.0399) were higher than in the apoE high level group. Higher level of CTLA-4+ T lymphocytes were detected in the low apoE group than in the normal group.
Conclusion
The abundance of MDSCs, CTLA-4+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood from HCC patient was negatively correlated with the level of apoE. ApoE4 suggests poor prognosis, but apoE2 may be a potential protective factor for HCC patient’s OS.
Spatial Network and Influencing Factors of Green Water Use Efficiency in the YREB: Considering carbon emissions and pollution indicators
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Lingling , Wang Zongzhi
Published: September 2023

Improving green water use efficiency is based on the synergy of reducing pollutants and carbon emissions, and effectively identifying its spatial development structure is a prerequisite for realizing the green transformation of water management. This paper adopted the slacks-based measure-“energy-environment-economy” (SBM-3E) model with carbon emission and pollution indicators as unanticipated outputs to measure the green water use efficiency of the 11 provinces (cities) in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2000 to 2018, then analyzed the efficiency network structure evolution by using the social network analysis method, finally examined the drivers of efficiency networks. The results show that: (1)The value of green water utilization efficiency decreases from 0.78 to 0.51, and its spatial distribution is downstream＞middlestream＞upstream, with the values of 0.41, 0. 61 and 0.86, respectively; (2) The overall spatial network efficiency is gradually interconnected, with the density increasing from 0.32 to 0.6; it has undergone a structural evolution from "flat" to "inverted tower". The core-edge structure of the main body status within the basin has been strengthened. (3) The efficiency network is significantly influenced by water resources endowment, industrial structure and foreign investment level. The conclusions are expected to provide useful insights for designing the basin's water protection policy and greening the region's development.
Benefits of CO2 fertilization on global grassland nitrogen cycles
Authors: Gu Baojing , Zheng Miao , Cui Jinglan , Wang Xiaoxi , Zhang Xiuming , Reis Stefan , Lam Shu Kee , Wang Sitong , Xu Jianming
Published: September 2023

Grasslands provide wildlife habitats, essential ecosystem services and food to humanity. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations (eCO2) are a major climate change driver and have substantial effects on grasslands. Nonetheless, the grassland nitrogen cycle response to eCO2 largely remains unknown. Here we show that eCO2 alone could increase the net primary productivity by 10% (95% confidence interval, 8% to 12%) but decrease leaf nitrogen content by 8% (95% confidence interval, 5% to 10%), leading to a projected 4 million tonnes per year (Tg yr−1) increase in nitrogen uptake by global grasslands under the eCO2 SSP2-4.5 scenario by 2050. Total nitrogen input to global grasslands is expected to decrease by 24 Tg yr−1, while biological nitrogen fixation would increase by 9 Tg yr−1. The increase in nitrogen use efficiency by 29% (95% confidence interval, 18% to 40%) would lead to declines in nitrogen fertilizer use (-16 Tg yr−1) and nitrogen surplus (-28 Tg yr−1). These changes in the grassland nitrogen budget due to eCO2 would generate benefits to a value of 189 billion US dollars by avoiding human and ecosystem health damage costs. The positive effects should be considered in the development of effective management strategies for climate change adaptation and to foster sustainable development.