bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indigenous ruminant production scenario in a selected cluster area of Bangladesh
Authors: Shahjahan Md , Bhuiyan AKFH
Published: June 2023

A household survey was conducted in a preselected rural area (279 households) of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh to know the overall production and husbandry practices regarding indigenous ruminant farming and their future outlook. Data were analyzed following descriptive statistics. The average cattle (144 HHs) and goat (63 HHs) distribution per household were 1.83 and 2.14, respectively. Daily milk production of cattle and goat recorded 1.47 and 0.24 liters including the lactation period 201.98 and 87.21 days.  Most of the farmers housed their cattle (88.19%) and goat (55.55%) outside the dwelling. Only 2.08% farmers purchased feed for cattle. Natural and uncontrolled breeding observed for all ruminants in the studied area. Digestive disorder (blot) in cattle (12.50%) and goat (14.29%) identified as one of the major problems in the studied areas. Vaccination practice followed very limited owners of cattle (19.44%) and goat (4.76%). Proper initiative, funding, farm-based training to educated farmers including modern animal husbandry practices could increase indigenous ruminant population in the rural area of Bangladesh.

Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2016, 1 (3), 552-556
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease surveillance in Australia: update to 31 December 2022
Authors: Stehmann Christiane , Senesi Matteo , Sarros Shannon , McGlade Amelia , Lewis Victoria , Ellett Laura , Barber Daniel , Simpson Marion , Klug Genevieve , McLean Catriona , Masters Colin L , Collins Steven
Published: June 2023

Nationwide surveillance of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and other human prion diseases is performed by the Australian National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Registry (ANCJDR). National surveillance encompasses the period since 1 January 1970, with prospective surveillance occurring from 1 October 1993. Over this prospective surveillance period, considerable developments have occurred in pre-mortem diagnostics; in the delineation of new disease subtypes; and in a heightened awareness of prion diseases in healthcare settings. Surveillance practices of the ANCJDR have evolved and adapted accordingly. This report summarises the activities of the ANCJDR during 2022. Since the ANCJDR began offering diagnostic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 14-3-3 protein testing in Australia in September 1997, the annual number of referrals has steadily increased. In 2022, a total of 599 domestic CSF specimens were referred for diagnostic testing and 79 persons with suspected human prion disease were formally added to the national register. As of 31 December 2022, just under half of the 79 suspect case notifications (36/79) remain classified as ‘incomplete’; 15 cases were classified as ‘definite’ and 23 as ‘probable’ prion disease; five cases were excluded through neuropathological examination. For 2022, fifty-five percent of all suspected human-prion-disease-related deaths in Australia underwent neuropathological examination. No cases of variant or iatrogenic CJD were identified. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic did not affect prion disease surveillance outcomes in Australia during 2022.
93 HARBİ’NDE YABANCI GÖNÜLLÜLER
Authors: ÖZKAN Ayşe
Published: June 2023

Rus Çarı II. Aleksandr, 24 Nisan 1877’de Osmanlı Devleti’ne savaş ilan etmiştir. Savaş öncesinde 1876 Osmanlı-Sırp-Karadağ Savaşı sırasında ordusunu kısmen seferber eden Rusya, 15 Nisan 1877’de tekrar seferberlik ilan etmiştir. Rusya kendi egemenliği altındaki bölgelerden 16 askeri bölge oluşturmuş ve buralardan asker alımı yapmıştır. 13 Ocak 18774 tarihli mevzuat ile askerliği zorunlu hale getiren Rusya, gönüllülüğün şartlarını da belirlemiştir. Kendi gönüllüleri dışında Rus ordusuna Fransız, Alman, Avusturyalı, Sırp, Japon subaylar da katılırken, Karadağlılar ve Kafkasyalılar da destek olmuşlardır. Ruslar özellikle Bulgarlardan gönüllü taburları kurmuş ve onları kışkırtmıştır. Özellikle Tümgeneral Stoletov ve Grandük Nikola’nın emrindeki Bulgar gönüllüleri ile General Skobelev de çok ilgilenmiştir. Girdikleri topraklarda arka arkaya bildiriler yayınlayan ve savaşı adeta bir Haçlı Seferi’ne çeviren Rus Çarı sayesinde Ruslar ve Bulgarlar Müslümanlara her türlü kötülüğü yapmışlardır. Bir diğer Osmanlı Devleti’ne bağlı prenslik olan Romanya da Ruslara çok destek olmuştur. 22 Mayıs 1877’de Rusya’nın yanında savaşa giren Romanya her türlü kolaylığı Bulgarlar ile birlikte Rus ordusuna göstermiştir. Yaptığı ittifak anlaşmasıyla Rus ordusuna tüm desteğini veren Romanya savaş sonucu imzalanan antlaşma ile umduğunu bulamayacaktır. Sırbistan, Plevne’nin düşmesinden sonra 13 Aralık 1877’de savaşa dahil olmuştur. 31 Aralık 1878’de ateşkes imzalanana kadar 6 haftalık bir süreçte savaşan Sırbistan’a Rusya maddi anlamda destek olmuştur. Yunanistan ise tarafsız gibi görünse de gönüllü toplamaya ve silahlanmaya başlamıştır. Osmanlı Devleti’ne savaş açmak için uygun bir zamanı kollayan Yunanistan Ocak-Şubat 1878’de harekete geçmiş ve Yunan birlikleri Osmanlı topraklarına girmiştir. Ancak Rusya ve Osmanlı Devleti arasında 31 Ocak 1878’de ateşkes imzalandığını öğrenince geri adım atmıştır. Kendi aralarında ittifak oluşturmaya çalışan Yunanistan, Sırbistan, Karadağ ve Romanya Prenslikleri bu emellerini Balkan Savaşları’nda gerçekleştireceklerdir.
On Quasi Hemi-Slant Submersions
Authors: RAWAT Pramod Kumar , KUMAR Sushil
Published: June 2023

The paper deals with the notion of quasi hemi-slant submersions from Lorentzian para Sasakian manifolds onto Riemannian manifolds. These submersions are generalization of hemi-slant submersions and semi-slant submersions. In this paper, we also study the geometry of leaves of distributions which are involved in the definition of the submersion. Further, we obtain the conditions for such distributions to be integrable and totally geodesic. Moreover, we also give the characterization theorems for proper quasi hemi-slant submersions and provide some examples of it.
First demographic parameter estimates for the Mediterranean monk seal population at Madeira, Portugal
Authors: Pires R , Aparicio F , Baker JD , Pereira S , Caires N , Cedenilla MA , Harting AL , Menezes D , Fernández de Larrinoa P
Published: June 2023

We provide the first comprehensive demographic assessment of the Endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus population residing in the Madeira Archipelago to identify factors that may impede population growth. Encounter data was obtained for this small, elusive population from 2012 to 2021 using a variety of non-invasive methods. From birth to age 2 mo, when pups molt, survival averaged 0.57. From birth to 1 yr and from 1-2 yr, estimated survival rates were 0.47 and 0.85, respectively. Beyond 2 yr, survival estimates differed by sex: 0.98 for females and 0.90 for males. These survival rates are similar to published estimates from the Cabo Blanco (Western Sahara/Mauritania) population. This is remarkable given that Cabo Blanco is situated adjacent to the extremely productive Canary Current system, whereas the marine environment of Madeira is far less productive. Instead of reducing survival, low marine productivity in Madeira appears to manifest in strikingly depressed reproductive rates. We estimated a mean gross reproductive rate of just 0.31; less than half the value (0.71) reported for Cabo Blanco. The youngest parturient females in Madeira were 6 yr old, whereas 3 yr olds give birth at Cabo Blanco. Despite low fecundity, the monk seal population in Madeira has been recovering, aided by a series of conservation measures implemented since 1988. Our results document that abundance increased from 19 seals in 2013 to 27 in 2021. Despite this undeniable success, the monk seals of Madeira remain vulnerable and require continued monitoring and protection in order to persist.
Factors influencing resilience in patients with advanced cancer: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Niamhom Pimonpan , Wonghongkul Tipaporn , Chaiard Jindarat , Srirat Chomphoonut
Published: June 2023

Background: Advanced cancer and its treatments lead to various detrimental impacts on patients. Resilience is an important ability to adapt to such adversity, but there is limited information about its influencing factors, specifically in patients with advanced cancer.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the influence of social support, depression, anxiety, hope, optimism, spiritual well-being, religious belief,and hardiness on resilience among adults with advanced cancer.
Methods: This cross-sectional research used multi-stage sampling to select 288 participants from a university hospital and three tertiary hospitalsin northern Thailand. Data were collected using a demographic data collection form, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Thai version of the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), the Herth Hope Index (HHI), Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), Buddhist Belief Questionnaire, Health-Related Hardiness Scale (HRHS), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), from February 2021 to February 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis.
Results: Depression (r = -0.47, p <0.01) and anxiety (r = -0.39, p <0.01) had a significant negative relationship with resilience. Spiritual well-being(r = 0.74, p <0.01), hope (r = 0.67, p <0.01), religious belief (r = 0.53, p <0.01), optimism (r = 0.40, p <0.01), social support (r = 0.33, p <0.01), and hardiness (r = 0.21, p <0.01) had significant positive relationships with resilience. Only hope (β = 0.29, p <0.01) and spiritual well-being (β = 0.59, p<0.01) together influenced resilience by 64.70%.
Conclusion: Spiritual well-being and hope are crucial to resilience in patients with advanced cancer. Nurses should provide spiritual support to strengthen patients’ ability to adapt successfully to life with advanced cancer.
Factors associated with health-related quality of life among employed individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A correlational study in China
Authors: Zhang Peihua , Samartkit Niphawan , Masingboon Khemaradee
Published: June 2023

Background: The rising prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China has led to a decline in the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of employed individuals with the condition. Consequently, healthcare providers play a crucial role in identifying the factors associated with HRQOL in this population.
Objectives: This study aimed to describe the HRQOL of employed individuals with COPD and determine the relationships between symptom burden, functional performance, social support, and HRQOL.
Methods: A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed for this study. A total of 130 employed individuals with COPD who visited the respiratory outpatient department at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected between August and September 2021 using a demographic questionnaire and four scales. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used for data analysis.
Results: The study findings revealed that the mean HRQOL score among the participants was in the moderate range (M = 69.46, SD = 16.82). The correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between symptom burden and HRQOL (r = -0.80, p <0.001). On the other hand, a positive relationship was observed between functional performance and HRQOL (r = 0.56, p <0.001), while social support did not show a significant relationship with HRQOL (r = 0.04, p >0.05).
Conclusion: These findings serve as a foundation for healthcare service providers and policymakers in developing targeted nursing interventions and comprehensive management approaches for employed individuals with COPD. By addressing the symptom burden and promoting functional performance, nurses can strive to enhance the HRQOL of this population. Moreover, strategies to improve social support networks and facilitate access to emotional and practical assistance may further contribute to improving the overall well-being and satisfaction among employed individuals with COPD.
Expansion and Paraphrase Strategies of Slang Words in Teen Movies: A Translation Analysis
Authors: Mantika Arshila Andista , Suyudi Ichwan
Published: June 2023

Abstract. The aims of this study are to identify the types of slang word formation using Yule’s (2019) theory and to investigate the subtitling strategies of expansion and paraphrase employed by translators in translating slang words using Gottlieb’s (1992) theory. The data used in this research are slang words in English subtitles and their Indonesian translations in the movie Work It, Moxie, and He's All That. Moreover, the researchers used the descriptive qualitative method. As a result, the researchers found that there were 80 data found from the three movies. The researchers found that only 6 word-formations were identified in the three movie subtitles. The word formations were coinage, compounding, clipping, derivation, conversion, and multiple processes. Furthermore, the researchers found that there were only 3 data from the three movies that applied the expansion strategy. Meanwhile, there were 77 data from the three movies that applied the paraphrase strategy. The results indicate that the paraphrase strategy is frequently employed because most of the slang words used in movies is required generalization, modification, and alteration to be understood by the target audience.Keywords: expansion strategy; paraphrase strategy; slang; subtitling strategy; word formationAbstrak. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi jenis-jenis pembentukan kata slang menggunakan teori Yule (2019) dan untuk menyelidiki strategi takarir, yaitu strategi expansi dan parafrasa yang digunakan oleh penerjemah dalam menerjemahkan kata-kata slang menggunakan teori Gottlieb (1992). Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kata-kata slang dalam takarir bahasa Inggris dan terjemahan bahasa Indonesianya dalam film Work It, Moxie, dan He's All That. Selain itu, peneliti menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Hasilnya, peneliti menemukan ada 80 data yang ditemukan dari ketiga film tersebut. Peneliti menemukan bahwa hanya 6 pembentukan kata yang diidentifikasi dalam tiga film. Pembentukan kata tersebut yaitu coinage, compounding, clipping, derivation, conversion, dan multiple processes. Selanjutnya peneliti menemukan bahwa hanya ada 3 data dari ketiga film yang menerapkan strategi ekspansi. Sementara itu, terdapat 77 data dari tiga film yang menerapkan strategi parafrasa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa strategi parafrasa sering digunakan karena kebanyakan kata slang yang digunakan dalam film memerlukan generalisasi, modifikasi, dan perubahan agar dapat dipahami oleh khalayak sasaran.Kata kunci: pembentukan kata; slang; strategi ekspansi; strategi parafrasa; strategi subtitling
Una aplicación de la diagonalización matricial a la resolución de sistemas de polinomios
Authors: Marriaga Castillo Misael Enrique
Published: June 2023

Dado un polinomio p(x), su matriz compañera C es una matriz definida a partir de sus coeficientes que tiene a p(x) como polinomio característico. En este artículo abordamos algunas de sus principales propiedades y su relación con la resolución de sistemas de polinomios en varias variables.
“One Among Many”: Piety Reconstruction in 12-Step Recovery Groups
Authors: Cowan Michelle
Published: June 2023

This article applies Kenneth Burke’s concept of piety to an evaluation of nine recovery stories from members of four different 12-step fellowships. In this theoretical context, recovery can be explained as a process of adopting and remaking pious systems. All nine recovery stories follow a similar pattern: 1) identifying difference and similarity in the community; 2) letting go of old pieties; 3) adopting group piety; and 4) inventing and remaking individual systems of piety. This analysis investigates how individual and group pieties interact to strengthen or threaten individual recovery and group cohesion.
“No Walk, No Work”
Authors: Ramos Maria Regina , Almeida Teresa , Loureiro Domingos
Published: June 2023

Resumo: O presente artigo reflete em torno do modo como, no contexto da Arte Atual, o ato ou ação do “caminhar” se tornou numa importante modalidade prática do pensamento para os territórios da teoria e da prática artística. À luz destas ideias, que tomam a caminhada enquanto instrumento de experimentação estética, procurar-se-á refletir acerca do seu uso, revisando alguns momentos da História da Arte, com o intuito de, a partir do trabalho de alguns autores, perspetivar essa linha de pensamento que unifica num só raciocínio - o envolvimento fenomenológico, afetivo e cinestésico do artista com o lugar, - e as questões estratégicas de intervenção e transfiguração física, simbólica e conceptual do território.

Palavras-chave: Caminhada; Natureza; Percurso; Arte; “Land Walk”
Outros Sertões
Authors: Abrantes Stallone
Published: June 2023

Este ensaio visual diz de uma imersão no cotidiano do sertão paraibano e tem como objetivo repensar a leitura histórica e social que toma essa região como seca, árida e sem vida. A ideia de trazer as águas, as pessoas e as paisagens do sertão paraibano emerge a partir da experiência do fotógrafo amador, pesquisador e psicólogo criado e nascido entre as imagens. As fotografias estão distribuídas em momentos singulares da experiência e versam os últimos seis anos. O sentido de imersão desloca o leitor/admirador a mergulhar nas águas doces sertanejas e compõem uma potente sensação de quebra de concepção em torno das imagens até atualidade difundidas, um sertão que convida a mergulhar e apresentar uma experiência que está para além do que é dado e dito.
A natureza participatória de jogos de realidade alternativa
Authors: Sandim Leonardo , Martha Silveira Luciana
Published: June 2023

Este ensaio busca explorar se o aspecto participativo é natural da produção humana e se as mídias e estruturas hierárquicas capitalistas tendem a fragmentar essa característica. Para isso, o gênero de jogos de realidade alternativa e suas comunidades de jogadores são explorados, e as características desse gênero de jogos são identificadas no projeto The Beast. Através dos estudos de Arlindo Machado, será observado como essas as mídias digitais contemporâneas possibilitam o desenvolvimento de experiências com essas características. Finalmente, será discutido se os jogos de realidade alternativa podem ser vistos como uma ferramenta de design participativo.
The evolution of resource distribution, slow diffusion, and dispersal strategies in heterogeneous populations
Authors: Zahan Ishrat , Kamrujjaman Md. , Abdul Alim Md. , Shahidul Islam Md. , Khan Taufiquar
Published: June 2023

Population diffusion in river-ocean ecologies and for wild animals, including birds, mainly depends on the availability of resources and habitats. This study explores the dynamics of the resource-based competition model for two interacting species in order to investigate the spatiotemporal effects in a spatially distributed heterogeneous environment with no-flux boundary conditions. The main focus of this study is on the diffusion strategy, under conditions where the carrying capacity for two competing species is considered to be unequal. The same growth function is associated with both species, but they have different migration coefficients. The stability of global coexistence and quasi-trivial equilibria are also studied under different conditions with respect to resource function and carrying capacity. Furthermore, we investigate the case of competitive exclusion for various linear combinations of resource function and carrying capacity. Additionally, we extend the study to the instance where a higher migration rate negatively impacts population growth in competition. The efficacy of the model in the cases of one- and two-dimensional space is also demonstrated through a numerical study.

AMS subject classification 2010

92D25, 35K57, 35K50, 37N25, 53C35.
Mechanistic insights into genomic structure and functions of a novel oncogene YEATS4
Authors: Xian Qingqing , Song Yiying , Gui Chengzhi , Zhou Yunying
Published: June 2023

As a novel oncogene, the role of YEATS domain-containing protein 4 (YEATS4) in the occurrence, development, and treatment of tumors is now beginning to be appreciated. YEATS4 plays an important role in regulating DNA repair during replication. The upregulation of YEAST4 promotes DNA damage repair and prevents cell death, whereas its downregulation inhibits DNA replication and induces apoptosis. Additionally, accumulating evidence indicates that the aberrant activation of YEATS4 leads to changes in drug resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and also in the migration and invasion capacity of tumor cells. Therefore, specific inhibition of the expression or activity of YEATS4 protein may be an effective strategy for inhibiting the proliferation, motility, differentiation, and/or survival of tumor cells. Taken together, YEATS4 has emerged as a potential target for multiple cancers and is an attractive protein for the development of small-molecule inhibitors. However, research on YEAST4 in tumor-related fields is limited and its biological functions, metabolism, and the regulatory mechanism of YEATS4 in numerous cancers remain undetermined. This review comprehensively and extensively summarizes the functions, structure and oncogenic roles of YEATS4 in cancer progression and aims to further contribute to the study of its underlying molecular mechanism and targeted drugs.
Diagnostic performance and clinical impact of blood metagenomic next-generation sequencing in ICU patients suspected monomicrobial and polymicrobial bloodstream infections
Authors: Liu Qilong , Liu Xiaojing , Hu Bingxue , Xu Huan , Sun Rongqing , Li Pengfei , Zhang Yunwei , Yang Hongfu , Ma Ning , Sun Xiaoge
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Early and effective application of antimicrobial medication has been evidenced to improve outcomes of patients with bloodstream infection (BSI). However, conventional microbiological tests (CMTs) have a number of limitations that hamper a rapid diagnosis.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 162 cases suspected BSI from intensive care unit with blood metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) results, to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic performance and the clinical impact on antibiotics usage of mNGS.

Results and discussion

Results showed that compared with blood culture, mNGS detected a greater number of pathogens, especially for Aspergillus spp, and yielded a significantly higher positive rate. With the final clinical diagnosis as the standard, the sensitivity of mNGS (excluding viruses) was 58.06%, significantly higher than that of blood culture (34.68%, P<0.001). Combing blood mNGS and culture results, the sensitivity improved to 72.58%. Forty-six patients had infected by mixed pathogens, among which Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii contributed most. Compared to monomicrobial, cases with polymicrobial BSI exhibited dramatically higher level of SOFA, AST, hospitalized mortality and 90-day mortality (P<0.05). A total of 101 patients underwent antibiotics adjustment, among which 85 were adjusted according to microbiological results, including 45 cases based on the mNGS results (40 cases escalation and 5 cases de-escalation) and 32 cases on blood culture. Collectively, for patients suspected BSI in critical condition, mNGS results can provide valuable diagnostic information and contribute to the optimizing of antibiotic treatment. Combining conventional tests with mNGS may significantly improve the detection rate for pathogens and optimize antibiotic treatment in critically ill patients with BSI.
A novel αB-crystallin R123W variant drives hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by promoting maladaptive calcium-dependent signal transduction
Authors: Chou Chun , Martin Gregory L. , Perera Gayani , Awata Junya , Larson Amy , Blanton Robert , Chin Michael T.
Published: June 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiovascular disorder affecting 1 in 500 people in the general population. Characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte disarray and cardiac fibrosis, HCM is a highly complex disease with heterogenous clinical presentation, onset and complication. While mutations in sarcomere genes can account for a substantial proportion of familial cases of HCM, 40%–50% of HCM patients do not carry such sarcomere variants and the causal mutations for their diseases remain elusive. Recently, we identified a novel variant of the alpha-crystallin B chain (CRYABR123W) in a pair of monozygotic twins who developed concordant HCM phenotypes that manifested over a nearly identical time course. Yet, how CRYABR123W promotes the HCM phenotype remains unclear. Here, we generated mice carrying the CryabR123W knock-in allele and demonstrated that hearts from these animals exhibit increased maximal elastance at young age but reduced diastolic function with aging. Upon transverse aortic constriction, mice carrying the CryabR123W allele developed pathogenic left ventricular hypertrophy with substantial cardiac fibrosis and progressively decreased ejection fraction. Crossing of mice with a Mybpc3 frame-shift model of HCM did not potentiate pathological hypertrophy in compound heterozygotes, indicating that the pathological mechanisms in the CryabR123W model are independent of the sarcomere. In contrast to another well-characterized CRYAB variant (R120G) which induced Desmin aggregation, no evidence of protein aggregation was observed in hearts expressing CRYABR123W despite its potent effect on driving cellular hypertrophy. Mechanistically, we uncovered an unexpected protein-protein interaction between CRYAB and calcineurin. Whereas CRYAB suppresses maladaptive calcium signaling in response to pressure-overload, the R123W mutation abolished this effect and instead drove pathologic NFAT activation. Thus, our data establish the CryabR123W allele as a novel genetic model of HCM and unveiled additional sarcomere-independent mechanisms of cardiac pathological hypertrophy.
Predicting food craving in everyday life through smartphone-derived sensor and usage data
Authors: Schneidergruber Thomas , Blechert Jens , Arzt Samuel , Pannicke Björn , Reichenberger Julia , Arend Ann-Kathrin , Ginzinger Simon
Published: June 2023

Background

Food craving relates to unhealthy eating behaviors such as overeating or binge eating and is thus a promising target for digital interventions. Yet, craving varies strongly across the day and is more likely in some contexts (external, internal) than in others. Prediction of food cravings ahead of time would enable preventive interventions.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate whether upcoming food cravings could be detected and predicted from passive smartphone sensor data (excluding geolocation information) without the need for repeated questionnaires.

Methods

Momentary food craving ratings, given six times a day for 14 days by 56 participants, served as the dependent variable. Predictor variables were environmental noise, light, device movement, screen activity, notifications, and time of the day recorded from 150 to 30 min prior to these ratings.

Results

Individual high vs. low craving ratings could be predicted on the test set with a mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78. This outperformed a baseline model trained on past craving values in 85% of participants by 14%. Yet, this AUC value is likely the upper bound and needs to be independently validated with longer data sets that allow a split into training, validation, and test sets.

Conclusions

Craving states can be forecast from external and internal circumstances as these can be measured through smartphone sensors or usage patterns in most participants. This would allow for just-in-time adaptive interventions based on passive data collection and hence with minimal participant burden.
Human calcaneal variation relative to subsistence strategy, activity level, and footwear
Authors: Harper Christine M.
Published: June 2023

Lower limb cortical and trabecular bone varies with human behavior, leading to suggestions that activity level decreases have contributed to a more gracile skeleton. Similar trends are likely present in calcaneal morphology due to its locomotor role during heel strike. Such relationships exist in calcaneal trabecular structure; however, they have yet to be investigated in external morphology. Here entire external calcaneal shape is analyzed among three human populations that vary in subsistence strategy, activity level, and footwear use (n = 93) to investigate how calcaneal morphology varies relative to these factors. Calcanei were either surface scanned or micro-CT scanned. Calcaneal external shape was analyzed using a sliding semilandmark analysis with 1,007 semilandmarks. Semilandmarks were allowed to slide along tangent vectors or planes to minimize the bending energy of the thin plate spline interpolation function relative to an updated Procrustes average. Final landmark configurations underwent a Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Shape variation of Procrustes coordinates was summarized using principal components analysis (PCA). Procrustes distances between the average calcaneus of each population were calculated, and resampling statistics run to test for significant differences. The three populations exhibit significantly different calcaneal morphologies (p<0.001 for all pairwise comparisons) and separate along the first three PCs (42.11% of variance). Hunter-gatherers have superoinferiorly taller and mediolaterally wider posterior calcanei than sedentary populations. This likely serves as an adaptation for increased load transfer through the posterior calcaneus due to more active lifestyles. This is supported further by variation among the two industrialized populations. The 19th–20thcentury industrialized population exhibits a relatively mediolaterally wider posterior calcaneus than the mid-20thcentury-born population, suggesting there has been further gracilization of the calcaneus with increases in sedentary behavior over the last century.
Contradictory realities and competing perspectives: how discourses in education shape the teacher-self
Authors: Rose Patrick Allen
Published: June 2023

This Foucauldian case study examines how dominant discourses in education operate to subtly constitute teachers as normalized subjects by producing knowledge and inducing techniques of power. The retellings of high school teachers are examined to demonstrate how they reconcile their own personal experiences and professional ethics with the static ideal images projected by competing political discourses. It is found in the localized context of a single American high school that public policy, technology, and teacher discourses represent teachers in certain ways and compel them to self-regulate themselves such that they internalize and reify imposed norms. However, teachers resist and alter these discourses to produce other possibilities for the critical teacher subject positions they actually occupy. A model is proposed to illustrate how different representations of the teacher-subject emerge from the collision, distribution, and legitimatization of these discourses. This study brings into view the ways teachers powerfully question and resist the constraints placed upon their conduct and draw on their personal relationships with each other to constitute their own professional identities.
Linsitinib, an IGF-1R inhibitor, attenuates disease development and progression in a model of thyroid eye disease
Authors: Gulbins Anne , Horstmann Mareike , Daser Anke , Flögel Ulrich , Oeverhaus Michael , Bechrakis Nikolaos E. , Banga J. Paul , Keitsch Simone , Wilker Barbara , Krause Gerd , Hammer Gary D. , Spencer Andrew G. , Zeidan Ryan , Eckstein Anja , Philipp Svenja , Görtz Gina-Eva
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies against the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) leading to overstimulation of the thyroid gland. Thyroid eye disease (TED) is the most common extra thyroidal manifestation of GD. Therapeutic options to treat TED are very limited and novel treatments need to be developed. In the present study we investigated the effect of linsitinib, a dual small-molecule kinase inhibitor of the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and the Insulin receptor (IR) on the disease outcome of GD and TED.

Methods

Linsitinib was administered orally for four weeks with therapy initiating in either the early (“active”) or the late (“chronic”) phases of the disease. In the thyroid and the orbit, autoimmune hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy were analyzed serologically (total anti-TSHR binding antibodies, stimulating anti TSHR antibodies, total T4 levels), immunohistochemically (H&E-, CD3-, TNFa- and Sirius red staining) and with immunofluorescence (F4/80 staining). An MRI was performed to quantify in vivo tissue remodeling inside the orbit.

Results

Linsitinib prevented autoimmune hyperthyroidism in the early state of the disease, by reducing morphological changes indicative for hyperthyroidism and blocking T-cell infiltration, visualized by CD3 staining. In the late state of the disease linsitinib had its main effect in the orbit. Linsitinib reduced immune infiltration of T-cells (CD3 staining) and macrophages (F4/80 and TNFa staining) in the orbita in experimental GD suggesting an additional, direct effect of linsitinib on the autoimmune response. In addition, treatment with linsitinib normalized the amount of brown adipose tissue in both the early and late group. An in vivo MRI of the late group was performed and revealed a marked decrease of inflammation, visualized by 19F MR imaging, significant reduction of existing muscle edema and formation of brown adipose tissue.

Conclusion

Here, we demonstrate that linsitinib effectively prevents development and progression of thyroid eye disease in an experimental murine model for Graves’ disease. Linsitinib improved the total disease outcome, indicating the clinical significance of the findings and providing a path to therapeutic intervention of Graves’ Disease. Our data support the use of linsitinib as a novel treatment for thyroid eye disease.
The impact of rooftop solar on wholesale electricity demand in the Australian National Electricity Market
Authors: Yan Guan , Han Lin
Published: June 2023

Solar energy from rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) has been continuously increasing during the last decade. How much this change has affected power demand from electricity networks is an important question for both regulators and utility investors. This study aims to quantify the impact of rooftop solar energy generation on spot electricity demand and also to forecast power system load in the post-covid-19 era. Using half-hourly data from 2009 to 2019, we develop a novel approach to estimate rooftop solar energy generation before building regression models for wholesale electricity demand of each state. We find that the adoption of solar PV systems has significantly changed the levels and intra-day patterns of power demand, especially by reducing daytime power consumption from the grid and creating a “duck curve”. The results also show that most states in the NEM would see decreased electricity demand during 2019–2034.
Development of a supply chain model for the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil for sustainable development
Authors: Munir M. Adeel , Imran Shahid , Farooq M. , Latif Huma , Hussain Amjad , Rehman Ateekh Ur , Sultan M. , Ali Qasim , Krzywanski Jaroslaw
Published: June 2023

The increasing demand for energy and the severe environmental and economic repercussions have contributed to the development of renewables options. The scarcity of fossil fuels and their negative effect on the environment have sparked an alarming situation for alternative energy sources that are cleaner and more sustainable. Waste cooking oil is a valuable feedstock for biodiesel production, but it is often disposed of improperly, causing environmental pollution and health hazards. The current waste cooking oil supply chain in Pakistan and other countries is fragmented, inefficient, and often unregulated, leading to a lack of standardization and quality control. The study aims to develop a comprehensive supply chain model that integrates waste cooking oil collection, transportation, processing, and biodiesel production to create a sustainable value chain that benefits the environment, the economy, and society as a whole. The proposed optimization approach reduces the total expenses associated with the activities of the biodiesel supply chain. Modified possibilistic chance constrained programming (MPCCP) is used as a solution technique to represent this uncertainty. The MPCCP model is solved with the assistance of Lingo 18.0, while fuzzy logic demand forecasting was done using MATLAB. Accordingly, the fuzzy logic designer (FLD) simulation was conducted to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of FLD simulation for the particular kind of issue being considered. The research, not only focuses on mitigating environmental and health risks associated with improper waste cooking oil disposal, resulting in reduced pollution and a cleaner environment but it also advocates for the efficient utilization of waste cooking oil as a valuable feedstock for biodiesel production, thereby promoting a more sustainable and renewable energy source. By optimizing supply chain activities and minimizing costs, the research contributes to enhancing economic growth and efficiency within the biodiesel industry. This research encourages further exploration and collaboration among researchers and stakeholders to expand the applications of the proposed model in waste management, renewable energy, and supply chain optimization.
Efficacy and safety of first-line immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in treating patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Tianming , Li Wenjun , Diwu Danbei , Chen Lijun , Chen Xi , Wang Hong
Published: June 2023

Background

Despite numerous immunotherapy and chemotherapy regimens available for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), it remains unclear which regimen is the most effective and safest; relative studies comparing such regimens are scarce.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of first-line immunotherapy combinations with chemotherapy for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. In addition, for the first time, comparisons among the first-line systemic regimens on OS and PFS in ES-SCLC by each time node were made.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Google Scholars, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and major international conferences were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding comparing immunotherapy combinations with chemotherapy as first-line treatments for patients with advanced ES-SCLC from inception to 1 November. Hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were generated for dichotomous variants by RStudio 4.2.1. The outcomes comprised overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events of grade 3 or higher (Grade ≥ 3 AEs).

Results

Eventually, a total of nine RCTs reporting 4,352 individuals with nine regimens were enrolled. The regimens were ipilimumabnu (Ipi), atezolizumab (Atez), durvalumab plus tremelimumab (Durv-Trem), durvalumab (Durv), pembrolizumab (Pemb), adebrelimab (Adeb), serplulimab (Serp), atezolizumab plus tiragolumab (Atez-Tira), and nivolumab (Nivo). With regard to OS, serplulimab (HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.81) was found to yield the best OS benefit when compared with chemotherapy. Meanwhile, serplulimab had the highest probability (46.11%) for better OS. Furthermore, compared with chemotherapy, serplulimab significantly increased the OS rate from the 6th to the 21st month. With regard to PFS, serplulimab (HR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.59) was found to yield the best PFS benefit when compared with chemotherapy. Simultaneously, serplulimab had the highest probability (94.48%) for better PFS. Serplulimab was also a long-lasting first-line regimen in both OS and PFS from a longitudinal perspective. In addition, there was no significant difference among the various treatment options for ORR and grade ≥3 AEs.

Conclusion

Considering OS, PFS, ORR, and safety profiles, serplulimab with chemotherapy should be recommended as the best therapy for patients with ES-SCLC. Certainly, more head-to-head studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022373291.
Clinical, dermoscopic, and ultrasonic monitoring of the response to biologic treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
Authors: Wang Juncheng , Zhu Qingli , Li Feng , Xiao Mengsu , Liu Jie
Published: June 2023

Background

Assessment of therapeutic response of psoriasis has relied traditionally on clinical observation, and effective non-invasive tools are desirable.

Objectives

To investigate the value of dermoscopy and high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) in the monitoring of psoriatic lesions treated with biologics.

Methods

Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated with biologics were evaluated by clinical, dermoscopic, and ultrasonic scores at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. Clinical scores, including Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and target lesion score (TLS), were evaluated at representative lesions. Dermoscopy was performed to assess the red background, vessels, and scales on a 4-point scale as well as the presence of hyperpigmentation, hemorrhagic spots, and linear vessels. HFUS was performed to measure the thicknesses of the superficial hyperechoic band and subepidermal hypoechoic band (SLEB). The correlation between clinical, dermoscopic, and ultrasonic evaluation was also analyzed.

Results

In total, 24 patients were analyzed and achieved 85.3 and 87.5% reduction of PASI and TLS, respectively, after 12 weeks of treatment. The red background, vessels, and scales scores under dermoscopy were reduced by 78.5, 84.1, and 86.5%, respectively. Some patients developed hyperpigmentation and linear vessels after treatment. Hemorrhagic dots slowly subside over the therapeutic course. Ultrasonic scores were significantly improved with an average reduction of 53.9% in superficial hyperechoic band thickness and 89.9% in SLEB thickness. TLS in the clinical variables, scales in dermoscopic variables, and SLEB in ultrasonic variables decreased the most significantly in the early stage of treatment (week 4) with 55.4, 57.7, and 59.1% (P > 0.05), respectively. Most of the variables, including the red background, vessels, scales, and SLEB thickness, were strongly correlated with TLS. High correlations were also found between the SLEB thickness and the red background or vessels scores, and between the superficial hyperechoic band thickness and the scales scores.

Conclusion

Both dermoscopy and HFUS were useful in the therapeutic monitoring of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
The latest edition of WHO and ELN guidance and a new risk model for Chinese acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Wang Xiaoning , Wang Jie , Wei Suhua , Zhao Juan , Xin Beibei , Li Guoqing , Zhao Jing , Wu Di , Luo Minna , Zhao Sijie , Chen Ying , Liu Haibo , Zhang Hailing , Wang Jingcheng , Wang Wenjuan , Wang Huaiyu , Xiong Hui , He Pengcheng
Published: June 2023

Objective

Diagnosis classification and risk stratification are crucial in the prognosis prediction and treatment selection of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we used a database of 536 AML patients to compare the 4th and 5th WHO classifications and the 2017 and 2022 versions of ELN guidance.

Methods

AML patients were classified according to the 4th and 5th WHO classifications, as well as the 2017 and 2022 versions of the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) guidance. Kaplan–Meier curves with log-rank tests were used for survival analysis.

Results

The biggest change was that 25 (5.2%), 8 (1.6%), and 1 (0.2%) patients in the AML, not otherwise specified (NOS) group according to the 4th WHO classification, were re-classified into the AML-MR (myelodysplasia-related), KMT2A rearrangement, and NUP98 rearrangement subgroups based on the 5th WHO classification. Referring to the ELN guidance, 16 patients in the favorable group, six patients in the adverse group, and 13 patients in the intermediate group based on the 2017 ELN guidance were re-classified to the intermediate and adverse groups based on the 2022 ELN guidance. Regrettably, the Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the survival of intermediate and adverse groups could not be distinguished well according to either the 2017 or 2022 ELN guidance. To this end, we constructed a risk model for Chinese AML patients, in which the clinical information (age and gender), gene mutations (NPM1, RUNX1, SH2B3, and TP53), and fusions (CBFB::MYH11 and RUNX1::RUNX1T1) were included, and our model could help divide the patients into favorable, intermediate, and adverse groups.

Conclusion

These results affirmed the clinical value of both WHO and ELN, but a more suitable prognosis model should be established in Chinese cohorts, such as the models we proposed.
Migraine with aura detection and subtype classification using machine learning algorithms and morphometric magnetic resonance imaging data
Authors: Mitrović Katarina , Petrušić Igor , Radojičić Aleksandra , Daković Marko , Savić Andrej
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Migraine with aura (MwA) is a neurological condition manifested in moderate to severe headaches associated with transient visual and somatosensory symptoms, as well as higher cortical dysfunctions. Considering that about 5% of the world’s population suffers from this condition and manifestation could be abundant and characterized by various symptoms, it is of great importance to focus on finding new and advanced techniques for the detection of different phenotypes, which in turn, can allow better diagnosis, classification, and biomarker validation, resulting in tailored treatments of MwA patients.

Methods

This research aimed to test different machine learning techniques to distinguish healthy people from those suffering from MwA, as well as people with simple MwA and those experiencing complex MwA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) post-processed data (cortical thickness, cortical surface area, cortical volume, cortical mean Gaussian curvature, and cortical folding index) was collected from 78 subjects [46 MwA patients (22 simple MwA and 24 complex MwA) and 32 healthy controls] with 340 different features used for the algorithm training.

Results

The results show that an algorithm based on post-processed MRI data yields a high classification accuracy (97%) of MwA patients and precise distinction between simple MwA and complex MwA with an accuracy of 98%. Additionally, the sets of features relevant to the classification were identified. The feature importance ranking indicates the thickness of the left temporal pole, right lingual gyrus, and left pars opercularis as the most prominent markers for MwA classification, while the thickness of left pericalcarine gyrus and left pars opercularis are proposed as the two most important features for the simple and complex MwA classification.

Discussion

This method shows significant potential in the validation of MwA diagnosis and subtype classification, which can tackle and challenge the current treatments of MwA.