bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring farm level response to multiple drivers of change, a West Coast case study.
Authors: Chikazhe Taisekwa Lordwell , Beukes Pierre , Dalley Dawn , Dynes Robyn , Hutchinson Kathryn
Published: May 2023

Developing resilient, profitable, and robust dairy farm businesses in response to multiple drivers of change (e.g., water quality regulations, a low carbon economy) is challenging. This study explored methods for working with dairy farmers and stakeholders from the West Coast of New Zealand to evaluate options for system change. Physical, financial, and environmental data from the study farms were analysed and benchmarked to provide farmers with information on how their financial and environmental performance compared with others. The most profitable farm had the lowest purchased nitrogen (N) surplus. However, high pasture production and utilisation resulted in higher methane emissions for this farm. FARMAX and OVERSEER models were used to apply principles of the top performing farm to two selected study farms.These study farms largely succeeded in reducing N surplus and methane emissions, but operating profit was reduced, suggesting a complete system rethink is needed including focusing on growing and harvesting more home-grown feed with less N input, and scrutiny of farm working expenses. This study showed that benchmarking, farmer participation and modelling has the potential to create a positive environment thatmotivates farmers to review their current performance, extract solutions from their local peers and partner with researchers.
Summer growth rates and annual yields of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in the Upper North Island are expected to decline as a result of climate change
Authors: Babylon Andrea , Woodward Simon , Beukes Pierre
Published: May 2023

Evaluating the ability of perennial ryegrass to continue underpinning New Zealand’s low-cost dairy production systems under future climate change scenarios requires a modelling approach. In this study, climate projections for different climate change scenarios were used in the BASGRA pasture model to predict changes in annual yields and seasonal pasture growth rate patterns of perennial ryegrass. These predictions, including uncertainty, were made for the years 2010-2014, 2040- 2044 and 2090-2094 in 14 dairy-dominant subregions in the Upper North Island of New Zealand. The suitability of perennial ryegrass is expected to decline in the future across all subregions, with worse outcomes expected under higher atmospheric greenhouse gas levels. Winter is expected to be the season least affected by climate change and summer the most affected. Late-winter/spring is predicted to become the main growing season, followed by late-autumn/early-winter. The ability offarmers to adapt their farming practices is essential in remaining profitable and internationally competitive.
Perbandingan Implementasi Kota Pintar (Smart City) Studi Pada Perbandingan Smart People Kota Surabaya dan Kota Tangerang
Authors: Yusman Dede , Adlianti Lathifa Oktavia , Kodariah Lailiyah
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini berfokus pada implementasi smart people sebagai indikator keberhasilan terhadap smart city di Kota Surabaya dan Kota Tangerang. Smart people merupakan salah satu pendukung terciptanya kota pintar atau biasa disebut smart city Oleh karena itu, salah satu faktor yang menjadikan kota cerdas diukur dari kualitas sumber daya manusianya, antara lain Inti Pembangunan Manusia Human Development Index atau yang bisa di singkat (HID) untuk mengukur pengangguran, kemiskinan, masalah kesehatan, serta menerima dan menyebarkan informasi dari pengetahuan publik. penumbuhan kreativitas dan inklusivitas pemeliharaan merupakan kegiatan yang sudah dilakukan oleh segelintir masyarakat. Satu sisi lain, kegiatan yang terdapat di masyarakat Kota Surabaya sudah mempunyai jaringan yang lebih inovatif dan kreatif. Lain hak untuk implementasi di kota Tangerang masih merujuk pada tahap kualitas baik. Perlu adanya dukungan supaya kota Tangerang dapat menjadi salah satu contoh perkembangan smart city yang baik di berbagai kota di indonesia .
Kata kunci : Smart people, Kota Cerdas, Kota Tangerang dan Kota Surabaya
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN ALOKASI DANA DESA DI DESA PABUARAN KECAMATAN RANGKASBITUNG
Authors: Maulana Jaka , Sjafari Agus , Amiruddin Suwaib
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui implementasi kebijakan alokasi dana desa di desa Pabuaran kecamatan Rangkasbitung. Metode penelitian kualitatif menjadi pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu dengan pengambilan data melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian ditemukan kebijakan alokasi dana desa di desa Pabuaran kecamatan Rangkasbitung memiliki kemanfaatan untuk Desa dari Desa dan masyarakat sekitar. Keterlibatan masyarakat menjadi aspek yang diperlukan untuk dapat mengendalikan secara  lokalitas dalam mewujudkan lingkungan yang berkualitas. Pelibatan masyarakat dalam pembangunan, dimulai dari perencanaan, pelaksanaan sampai dengan pemanfaatan. Keberadaan implementasi kebijakan alokasi dana desa di desa Pabuaran kecamatan Rangkasbitung total dari pembangunan, namun dari jenis usulan program/kegiatan masih belum terealisasi semuanya.
KOLABORASI BERBASIS MASYARAKAT DALAM PENGELOLAAN SAMPAH POPOK BAYI OLEH KOMUNITAS SARANA OLAH SAMPAH DI KOTA TANGERANG
Authors: Puspasari Hilda , Yusuf Yusmedi , Kurniawan Irvan Arif
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini menjelaskan tentang kolaborasi berbasis masyarakat (Society-centered models) yang dilakukan oleh komunitas Sarana Olah Sampah. Komunitas Sarana Olah Sampah adalah komunitas lokal yang berperan dalam mengelola sampah popok bayi sekali pakai sehingga komunitas ini merupakan penggerak dalam pelaksanaan kolaborasi berbasis masyarakat. Adapun penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui adanya agenda dan visi bersama, kehadiran dan peran dari kelanjutan atau tulang punggung organisasi, strategi koordinasi untuk memperkuat aktivitas satu sama lain dan integrasi struktur pemerintahan multilevel. Penelitian ini menggunakan fenomenologis dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan ialah observasi, wawancara mendalam dan dokumentasi. Adapun aktor yang terlibat adalah komunitas Sarana Olah Sampah, Kimberly-Clark Softex, TPST Benua Hijau, Kelurahan Pabuaran Tumpeng, Dinas Lingkungan Hidup dan masyarakat. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan adanya pemahaman bersama dan stakeholder telah berperan aktif dalam kolaborasi. Stakeholder mempunyai tujuan yang sama dalam kolaborasi, pertemuan dengan para stakeholder hanya dengan pihak swasta dan semua stakeholder tidak ada pertemuan yang sifatnya formal. Kepercayaan sudah baik antara pihak swasta dan pemerintah, namun kepercayaan antara TPST dan masyarakat setempat belum sepenuhnya. Pihak swasta sebagai leader dalam mendukung kolaborasi dan mempercayakan semua kegiatan kepada Sarana Olah Sampah sehingga kedua belah pihak dilibatkan dalam setiap keputusan. Pihak swasta memberikan dukungan finansial dan non-finansial dan kedua belah pihak telah berkomitmen. Mobilisasi pendanaan berjalan dengan baik dan telah dilembagakan dalam bentuk MoU. Koordinasi, berbagi informasi, dan komunikasi sudah berjalan dengan baik walaupun belum sepenuhnya. Integrasi struktur pemerintahan multilevel bersifat lokal.
Reality Deterioration and Academic Precarity through the Lens of J. S. Le Fanu’s Wylder’s Hand and ‘The Haunted Baronet’
Authors: Aldrich O’Rourke Sean
Published: May 2023

The immersive, fictional space that Irish gothicist Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu calls his reader to occupy has been underexplored in existing critical literature. This article draws on comments made by China Miéville to demonstrate the power of Le Fanu’s efforts to pull readers into his fictional world in the critically neglected Wylder’s Hand and ‘The Haunted Baronet’. This immersion can allow readers to feel the social critiques embedded in this fiction more powerfully because, while imaginatively occupying this world, they are made to witness – and are implicated in the construction of realities in – Le Fanu’s fictional communities. This reality creation is a process that can be better understood through the lens of social constructionism, allowing insight into how Le Fanu’s fictional communities steadily form often unjust, inadequate visions of reality through interactions in those communities.

Further, this article explores one potential application of this visceral experience as social critique. When we close the pages of the text, we can start to explore the mirroring of those fictional experiences with the experience of existing in the neoliberal structures present in academia. Such structures are often constructed, like Le Fanu’s fictional realities, into unjust shapes that both victimize the most vulnerable and steadily reveal their inadequacy. The ways in which Wylder’s Hand and ‘The Haunted Baronet’ prompt readers to recognize and move beyond flawed, constructed, deteriorating frameworks highlight the new critiques we can discover in Le Fanu’s fiction by examining the effects of this radical immersion into which the fiction invites us. It also points to the importance of analyzing Le Fanu’s fiction more broadly, beyond his most critically discussed works, to find more insightful ways of reading and understanding the implications of his fiction.
A review of algorithmic approaches for cell culture media optimization
Authors: Zhou Tianxun , Reji Rinta , Kairon Ryanjit Singh , Chiam Keng Hwee
Published: May 2023

Cell culture media composition and culture conditions play a crucial role in product yield, quality and cost of production. Culture media optimization is the technique of improving media composition and culture conditions to achieve desired product outcomes. To achieve this, there have been many algorithmic methods proposed and used for culture media optimization in the literature. To help readers evaluate and decide on a method that best suits their specific application, we carried out a systematic review of the different methods from an algorithmic perspective that classifies, explains and compares the available methods. We also examine the trends and new developments in the area. This review provides recommendations to researchers regarding the suitable media optimization algorithm for their applications and we hope to also promote the development of new cell culture media optimization methods that are better suited to existing and upcoming challenges in this biotechnology field, which will be essential for more efficient production of various cell culture products.
Application of numerical simulation studies to determine dynamic loads acting on the human masticatory system during unilateral chewing of selected foods
Authors: Stróżyk Przemysław , Bałchanowski Jacek
Published: May 2023

Introduction: This paper presents its kinematic-dynamic computational model (3D) used for numerical simulations of the unilateral chewing of selected foods. The model consists of two temporomandibular joints, a mandible, and mandibular elevator muscles (the masseter, medial pterygoid, and temporalis muscles). The model load is the food characteristic (i), in the form of the function Fi = f(Δhi)−force (Fi) vs change in specimen height (Δhi). Functions were developed based on experimental tests in which five food products were tested (60 specimens per product).

Methods: The numerical calculations aimed to determine: dynamic muscle patterns, maximum muscle force, total muscle contraction, muscle contraction corresponding to maximum force, muscle stiffness and intrinsic strength. The values of the parameters above were determined according to the mechanical properties of the food and according to the working and non-working sides.

Results and Discussion: Based on the numerical simulations carried out, it can be concluded that: (1) muscle force patterns and maximum muscle forces depend on the food and, in addition, the values of maximum muscle forces on the non-working side are 14% lower than on the working side, irrespective of the muscle and the food; (2) the value of total muscle contraction on the working side is 17% lower than on the non-working side; (3) total muscle contraction depends on the initial height of the food; (4) muscle stiffness and intrinsic strength depend on the texture of the food, the muscle and the side analysed, i.e., the working and non-working sides.
Emerging role of long non-coding RNA MALAT1 related signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of lung disease
Authors: Liu Jun , Ali Md Khadem , Mao Yuqiang
Published: May 2023

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are endogenously expressed RNAs longer than 200 nt that are not translated into proteins. In general, lncRNAs bind to mRNA, miRNA, DNA, and proteins and regulate gene expression at various cellular and molecular levels, including epigenetics, transcription, post-transcription, translation, and post-translation. LncRNAs play important roles in many biological processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell metabolism, angiogenesis, migration, endothelial dysfunction, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, regulation of cell cycle, and cellular differentiation, and have become an important topic of study in genetic research in health and disease due to their close link with the development of various diseases. The exceptional stability, conservation, and abundance of lncRNAs in body fluids, have made them potential biomarkers for a wide range of diseases. LncRNA MALAT1 is one of the best-studied lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancers and cardiovascular diseases. A growing body of evidence suggests that aberrant expression of MALAT1 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung cancers, and pulmonary hypertension through different mechanisms. Here we discuss the roles and molecular mechanisms of MALAT1 in the pathogenesis of these lung diseases.
Reproductive toxicity of combined effects of endocrine disruptors on human reproduction
Authors: Dutta Sulagna , Sengupta Pallav , Bagchi Sovan , Chhikara Bhupender S. , Pavlík Aleš , Sláma Petr , Roychoudhury Shubhadeep
Published: May 2023

Confluence of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle variables is responsible for deterioration of human fecundity. Endocrine disruptors or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be found in a variety of foods, water, air, beverages, and tobacco smoke. It has been demonstrated in experimental investigations that a wide range of endocrine disrupting chemicals have negative effects on human reproductive function. However, evidence on the reproductive consequences of human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals is sparse and/or conflicting in the scientific literature. The combined toxicological assessment is a practical method for assessing the hazards of cocktails of chemicals, co-existing in the environment. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of studies emphasizing the combined toxicity of endocrine disrupting chemicals on human reproduction. Endocrine disrupting chemicals interact with each other to disrupt the different endocrine axes, resulting in severe gonadal dysfunctions. Transgenerational epigenetic effects have also been induced in germ cells, mostly through DNA methylation and epimutations. Similarly, after acute or chronic exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals combinations, increased oxidative stress (OS), elevated antioxidant enzymatic activity, disrupted reproductive cycle, and reduced steroidogenesis are often reported consequences. The article also discusses the concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) prediction models, which reveal the importance of various synergistic actions of endocrine disrupting chemicals mixtures. More crucially, this evidence-based study addresses the research limitations and information gaps, as well as particularly presents the future research views on combined endocrine disrupting chemicals toxicity on human reproduction.
Overview of cellular homeostasis-associated nuclear envelope lamins and associated input signals
Authors: Kim Hyeong Jae , Lee Peter C. W. , Hong Jeong Hee
Published: May 2023

With the discovery of the role of the nuclear envelope protein lamin in human genetic diseases, further diverse roles of lamins have been elucidated. The roles of lamins have been addressed in cellular homeostasis including gene regulation, cell cycle, cellular senescence, adipogenesis, bone remodeling as well as modulation of cancer biology. Features of laminopathies line with oxidative stress-associated cellular senescence, differentiation, and longevity and share with downstream of aging-oxidative stress. Thus, in this review, we highlighted various roles of lamin as key molecule of nuclear maintenance, specially lamin-A/C, and mutated LMNA gene clearly reveal aging-related genetic phenotypes, such as enhanced differentiation, adipogenesis, and osteoporosis. The modulatory roles of lamin-A/C in stem cell differentiation, skin, cardiac regulation, and oncology have also been elucidated. In addition to recent advances in laminopathies, we highlighted for the first kinase-dependent nuclear lamin biology and recently developed modulatory mechanisms or effector signals of lamin regulation. Advanced knowledge of the lamin-A/C proteins as diverse signaling modulators might be biological key to unlocking the complex signaling of aging-related human diseases and homeostasis in cellular process.
The ensured proliferative capacity of myoblast in serum-reduced conditions with Methyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Katayama Tomoka , Chigi Yuta , Okamura Daiji
Published: May 2023

To produce muscle fibers for cultured meat on a large scale, it is important to expand myoblasts in a serum-reduced or serum-free medium to avoid cost, ethical, and environmental issues. Myoblasts such as C2C12 cells differentiate quickly into myotubes and lose their ability to proliferate when the serum-rich medium is replaced with a serum-reduced medium. This study demonstrates that Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), a starch-derived agent that depletes cholesterol, can inhibit further differentiation of myoblasts at the MyoD-positive stage by reducing plasma membrane cholesterol on C2C12 cells and primary cultured chick muscle cells. Furthermore, MβCD efficiently blocks cholesterol-dependent apoptotic cell death of myoblasts, which is one of the mechanisms by which it inhibits the differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cells, as dead cells of myoblast are necessary for the fusion of adjacent myoblasts during the differentiation process into myotubes. Importantly, MβCD maintains the proliferative capacity of myoblasts only under differentiation conditions with a serum-reduced medium, suggesting that its mitogenic effect is due to its inhibitory effect on myoblast differentiation into myotube. In conclusion, this study provides significant insights into ensuring the proliferative capacity of myoblasts in a future serum-free condition for cultured meat production.
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases as emerging targets in cancer therapy
Authors: Yu Yong , Li Jingying , Ren Kaiming
Published: May 2023

Metabolic reprogramming is commonly accompanied by alterations in the expression of metabolic enzymes. These metabolic enzymes not only catalyze the intracellular metabolic reaction, but also participate in a series of molecular events to regulate tumor initiation and development. Thus, these enzymes may act as promising therapeutic targets for tumor management. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases (PCKs) are the key enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis, which mediates the conversion of oxaloacetate into phosphoenolpyruvate. Two isoforms of PCK, namely cytosolic PCK1 and mitochondrial PCK2, has been found. PCK not only participates in the metabolic adaptation, but also regulates immune response and signaling pathways for tumor progression. In this review, we discussed the regulatory mechanisms of PCKs expression including transcription and post-translational modification. We also summarized the function of PCKs in tumor progression in different cellular contexts and explores its role in developing promising therapeutic opportunities.
Evaluation of the readability, understandability, and actionability of COVID-19 public health messaging in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Kelly Katherine Jennifer , Campbell Alyson , Salijevic Anja , Doak Sarah , Michael Laurie , Montelpare William
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Effective communication of COVID-19 information involves clear messaging to ensure that readers comprehend and can easily apply behavioral recommendations. This study evaluated the readability, understandability, and actionability of public health resources produced by the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island).

Methods

A total of 400 web-based resources were extracted in June 2022 and evaluated using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, CDC Clear Communication Index, and the Patient and Education Materials Assessment Tool. Descriptive statistics and a comparison of mean scores were conducted across provinces and type of resources (e.g., text, video).

Results

Overall, readability of resources across the region exceeded recommendations, requiring an average Grade 11 reading level. Videos and short form communication resources, including infographics, were the most understandable and actionable. Mean scores across provinces differed significantly on each tool; Newfoundland and Labrador produced materials that were most readable, understandable, and actionable, followed by New Brunswick.

Discussion

Recommendations on improving clarity of COVID-19 resources are described. Careful consideration in the development of publicly available resources is necessary in supporting COVID-19 knowledge uptake, while reducing the prevalence of misinformation.
“Sweet: I did it”! Measuring the sense of agency in gustatory interfaces
Authors: Vi Chi Thanh , Cornelio Patricia , Obrist Marianna , Yeomans Martin
Published: May 2023

Novel gustatory interfaces offer the potential to use the sense of taste as a feedback modality during the interaction. They are being explored in a wide range of implementations, from chemical to electrical and thermal stimulation of taste. However, the fundamental aspect of gustatory interaction that has yet to be explored is the Sense of Agency (SoA). It is the subjective experience of voluntary control over actions in the external world. This work investigates the SoA in gustatory systems using the intentional binding paradigm to quantify how different taste outcome modalities influence users' SoA. We first investigate such gustatory systems using the intentional binding paradigm to quantify how different tastes influence users' SoA (Experiment 1). The gustatory stimuli were sweet (sucrose 75.31 mg/ml), bitter (caffeine powder 0.97 mg/ml), and neutral (mineral water) as the outcomes of specific keyboard presses. We then investigated how SoA was altered depending on users' sweet liking phenotype, given that sweet is one of the taste outcomes (Experiment 2), and in contrast with audio as a traditional outcome. In Experiment 2, stronger taste concentrations (sweet-sucrose 342.30 g/L, bitter-quinine 0.1 g/L, and neutral) were used, with only participants being moderate sweet likers. We further contrasted tastes with audio as the traditional outcome. Our findings show that all three taste outcomes exhibit similar intentional binding compared to auditory in medium sweet likers. We also show that longer action-outcome duration improved the SoA. We finally discuss our findings and identify design opportunities considering SoA for gustatory interfaces and multisensory interaction.
Designing accessible musical instruments by addressing musician-instrument relationships
Authors: McMillan Andrew , Morreale Fabio
Published: May 2023

This article explores the concept of intimacy in the relationship between a musician and their instrument, specifically in the context of designing digital and accessible musical interfaces (DMI/AMI) with disabled musicians. We argue that current DMI/AMI design frameworks are lacking in their consideration of this relationship and that this deficiency can prevent designers from understanding the specific needs and desires of disabled musicians. The paper presents an autoethnographic study of the lived experience of the first author, a disabled musician, to provide insight into the evolution of his musician-instrument relationships and his definition of “success” in this context. The authors propose that incorporating these types of lived experiences into the AMI design process, and considering cultural probes or provocations related to phenomenological experiences and characteristics that contribute to a successful musician-instrument relationship, could lead to more effective and tailored DMI/AMI designs with disabled musicians.
Incidence and risk factors of deep vein thrombosis in patients with spinal cord injury: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Shang Zhizhong , Wanyan Pingping , Zhang Baolin , Wang Mingchuan , Wang Xin
Published: May 2023

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly disabling disease with huge public health burden. The complications associated with it, especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT), further aggravate the disability.

Objective

To explore the incidence and risk factors of DVT after SCI, in order to provide guidance for disease prevention in the future.

Methods

A search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane database up to November 9, 2022. Literature screening, information extraction and quality evaluation were performed by two researchers. The data was later combined by metaprop and metan commands in STATA 16.0.

Results

A total of 101 articles were included, including 223,221 patients. Meta-analysis showed that the overall incidence of DVT was 9.3% (95% CI: 8.2%–10.6%), and the incidence of DVT in patients with acute and chronic SCI was 10.9% (95% CI: 8.7%–13.2%) and 5.3% (95% CI: 2.2%–9.7%), respectively. The incidence of DVT decreased gradually with the accumulation of publication years and sample size. However, the annual incidence of DVT has increased since 2017. There are 24 kinds of risk factors that may contribute to the formation of DVT, involving multiple aspects of the baseline characteristics of the patient, biochemical indicators, severity of SCI, and comorbidities.

Conclusions

The incidence of DVT after SCI is high and has been gradually increasing in recent years. Moreover, there are numerous risk factors associated with DVT. Comprehensive preventive measures need to be taken as early as possible in the future.

Systematic Review Registration

www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022377466.
The role and implications of left atrial fibrosis in surgical mitral valve repair as assessed by CMR: the ALIVE study design and rationale
Authors: el Mathari Sulayman , Kluin Jolanda , Hopman Luuk H. G. A. , Bhagirath Pranav , Oudeman Maurice A. P. , Vonk Alexander B. A. , Nederveen Aart J. , Eberl Susanne , Klautz Robert J. M. , Chamuleau Steven A. J. , van Ooij Pim , Götte Marco J. W.
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) commonly suffer from left atrial (LA) remodeling. LA fibrosis is considered to be a key player in the LA remodeling process, as observed in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Literature on the presence and extent of LA fibrosis in MR patients however, is scarce and its clinical implications remain unknown. Therefore, the ALIVE trial was designed to investigate the presence of LA remodeling including LA fibrosis in MR patients prior to and after mitral valve repair (MVR) surgery.

Methods

The ALIVE trial is a single center, prospective pilot study investigating LA fibrosis in patients suffering from MR in the absence of AF (identifier NCT05345730). In total, 20 participants will undergo a CMR scan including 3D late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging 2 week prior to MVR surgery and at 3 months follow-up. The primary objective of the ALIVE trial is to assess the extent and geometric distribution of LA fibrosis in MR patients and to determine effects of MVR surgery on reversed atrial remodelling.

Implications

This study will provide novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanism of fibrotic and volumetric atrial (reversed) remodeling in MR patients undergoing MVR surgery. Our results may contribute to improved clinical decision making and patient-specific treatment strategies in patients suffering from MR.
Comprehensive review for healthcare data quality challenges in blockchain technology
Authors: AbuHalimeh Ahmed , Ali Omar
Published: May 2023

There are several features inherent in blockchain, including decentralized storage, distributed ledger, immutability, security and authentication, and it has shifted away from the hype to be used practically in different industries, such as in the healthcare sector. The use of blockchain technology has allowed the provision of improved services to industries. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how the use of blockchain is influenced by data quality issues in the healthcare industry. The article is structured as a systematic literature review study that uses several articles issued in various databases from 2016 onwards. In this review study, 65 articles were chosen and grouped into a single key aspect of the challenge in the healthcare sector. The findings obtained were analyzed based on factors in three domains, classified as issues pertinent to the adoption, operational and technological domains. This review study aims to use the findings to provide support to the practitioners, stakeholders and professionals, whose purpose is to carry out and manage transformation projects pertinent to blockchain in the field of healthcare. In addition, the organizations would be facilitated in their decision-making processes when the potential blockchain users are made to comprehend the implicit factors related to blockchain.
Integrating laboratory acoustic measurements, deep neural networks, and micro-CT imaging for characterizing rock brittle deformation
Authors: Ding Jihui , Clark Anthony C. , Vanorio Tiziana
Published: May 2023

Brittle deformation is prevalent in both geological processes and engineered structures, so probing its actions is an important task as much for Earth materials and engineered ones. To characterize brittle deformation, acoustic waves are especially useful in revealing deformation processes. To promote the use of acoustic techniques, we present an integrated characterization approach that includes both acoustic data collection and analysis. By customizing a rock sample and acoustic sensor assembly, we incorporate acoustic data acquisition into a core holder system that accommodates relatively small samples (2.54 cm diameter) under triaxial loading. Along with fast and high-resolution acoustic waveform recording, the compact design facilitates convenient collection of high-quality acoustic data. To meet the challenge of efficiently and accurately picking P-wave arrivals for hundreds of thousands of acoustic waveforms, we modified and implemented a deep neural network model from the seismology literature called PhaseNet. After training with an augmented dataset of manually-picked arrivals (a total of around 50,000 waveforms), the modified PhaseNet model achieved more than 88% (96%) picking accuracy within ±1 μs (±2 μs) time residual relative to manual picks. This demonstrates the potential of integrating deep learning techniques into the workflow of acoustic data analysis for rapid and accurate extraction of valuable information from a large acoustic dataset. Finally, we conducted high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to inform and complement acoustic characterization at micron- and centimeter-scales. Microscopic observations validate the spatial development of two macroscopic fractures, and suggest that deformation-induced changes in velocity need to be incorporated for accurately locating microcracking events. Thus, integrating acoustic monitoring, a deep neural network, and micro-CT imaging offers an effective means to understand brittle deformation from micro to centimeter scales.
Advanced monitoring of soil-vegetation co-dynamics reveals the successive controls of snowmelt on soil moisture and on plant seasonal dynamics in a mountainous watershed
Authors: Dafflon Baptiste , Léger Emmanuel , Falco Nicola , Wainwright Haruko M. , Peterson John , Chen Jiancong , Williams Kenneth H. , Hubbard Susan S.
Published: May 2023

Evaluating the interactions between above- and below-ground processes is important to understand and quantify how ecosystems respond differently to atmospheric forcings and/or perturbations and how this depends on their intrinsic characteristics and heterogeneity. Improving such understanding is particularly needed in snow-impacted mountainous systems where the complexity in water and carbon storage and release arises from strong heterogeneity in meteorological forcing and terrain, vegetation and soil characteristics. This study investigates spatial and temporal interactions between terrain, soil moisture, and plant seasonal dynamics at the intra- and inter-annual scale along a 160 m long mountainous, non-forested hillslope-to-floodplain system in the upper East River Watershed in the upper Colorado River Basin. To this end, repeated UAV-based multi-spectral aerial imaging, ground-based soil electrical resistivity imaging, and soil moisture sensors were used to quantify the interactions between above and below-ground compartments. Results reveal significant soil-plant co-dynamics. The spatial variation and dynamics of soil water content and electrical conductivity, driven by topographic and soil intrinsic characteristics, correspond to distinct plant types, with highest plant productivity in convergent areas. Plant productivity in heavy snow years benefited from more water infiltration as well as a shallow groundwater table depth. In comparison, low snowpack years with an early first bare-ground date, which are linked to an early increase in plant greenness, imply a short period of saturated conditions that leads to lower average and maximum greenness values during the growing season. Overall, these results emphasize the strong impact of snowpack dynamics, and terrain and subsurface characteristics on the heterogeneity in plant type and seasonal dynamics.
The influence of interdisciplinary literacy on learning effects among college students: the mediating effects of online physical education on learning behavior
Authors: Zhang Qi , Chen Shan Ping , Hang Lanping
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The development of high-quality physical education curriculums is required in the information age. Interdisciplinary literacy and student learning behavior are two significant factors that affect the quality of teaching and learning. This study explores the relationship between interdisciplinary literacy (IDL) and learning effects (LE) among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the mediating effects of online physical education learning behaviors (OPELB). This research aims to provide a reference for the development of high-quality online physical education.

Methods

The study involved 691 college students from 10 general universities in Shaanxi Province as research subjects. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and Bootstrap testing were used to evaluate the mediating effects.

Results

There was a significant positive relationship between the three variables of IDL, OPELB, and LE (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis found that IDL significantly and positively predicted LE and OPELB (p < 0.001), and OPELB predicted LE (p < 0.001). IDL among college students had a total effect of 0.816 on LE, with OPELB accounting for 22.67% of the mediated effect.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that OPELB has a partial mediating effect on IL and LE, and stable IDL and OPELB improve LE. Therefore, teachers should pay attention to improving students’ IDL while encouraging them to develop better OPELB to achieve satisfactory learning outcomes.
Influence of ovarian reserves on assisted reproductive and perinatal outcomes in patients with endometriosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Shuai , Guo Yaxin , Li Fei , Jin Lei
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the association between different ovarian reserves and reproductive and adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with endometriosis.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Reproductive Medicine Center in a hospital.

Patients

Patients surgically diagnosed with endometriosis were divided into three groups according to their ovarian reserve: diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) group (n=66), normal ovarian reserve (NOR) group (n=160), and high ovarian reserve (HOR) group (n=141).

Intervention(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measures

Live birth rate (LBR), cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), and adverse perinatal outcome for singleton live births.

Results

There were significantly higher live birth and cumulative live birth rates in endometriosis patients with NOR or HOR than in those with DOR. For adverse perinatal outcomes, patients with NOR or HOR had no significant association with preterm birth, gestational hypertension, placenta previa, fetal malformation, abruptio placentae, macrosomia, or low birth weight, except for a decreased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that although patients with endometriosis with NOR and HOR had increased reproductive outcomes, patients with endometriosis with DOR had still an acceptable live birth rate and a similar cumulative live birth rate with available oocytes. Moreover, patients with NOR and HOR might not exhibit a decreased risk of abnormal perinatal outcomes, except for gestational diabetes mellitus. Multicenter prospective studies are needed to further clarify the relationship.
Nutritional deficiency in South African adults scheduled for bariatric surgery
Authors: Sadhai Prabash , Coetzee Ankia , Conradie-Smit Marli , Greyling C. J. , van Gruting Rutger , du Toit Inge , Lubbe Jeanne , van de Vyver Mari , Conradie Magda
Published: May 2023

Background

Globally, there is a rising trend in obesity, known to increase morbidity and mortality. Metabolic surgery and adequate weight loss decrease mortality but may worsen pre-existing nutrient deficiencies. Most data on pre-existing nutritional deficiencies in the population undergoing metabolic surgery is from the developed world, where an extensive micronutrient assessment is achievable. In resource-constrained environments, the cost of a comprehensive micronutrient assessment must be weighed against the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies and the potential harm if one or more nutritional deficiencies are missed.

Methods

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies in participants scheduled to undergo metabolic surgery in Cape Town, South Africa, a low-middle income country. 157 participants were selected and 154 reported on; who underwent a baseline evaluation from 12 July 2017 to 19 July 2020. Laboratory measurements were conducted, including vitamin B12 (Vit B12), 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), folate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), ferritin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), magnesium, phosphate, albumin, iron, and calcium.

Results

Participants were predominantly female, aged 45 years (37-51), with a preoperative BMI of 50.4 kg/m2 (44.6-56.5). A total of 64 individuals had Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), with 28 undiagnosed cases at study entry (18% of study population). 25(OH)D deficiency was most prevalent (57%), followed by iron deficiency (44%), and folate deficiency (18%). Other deficiencies (vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, phosphate) were rarely encountered and affected ≤1% of participants. Folate and 25(OH)D deficiency were related to obesity classification, with a higher prevalence in participants with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 (p <0.01).

Conclusion

A higher prevalence of some micronutrient deficiencies was noted compared with data from similar populations in the developed world. The minimum baseline/preoperative nutrient evaluation in such populations should include 25(OH)D, iron studies, and folate. Additionally, screening for T2D is recommended. Future efforts should seek to collate broader patient data on a national scale and include longitudinal surveillance after surgery. This may provide a more holistic picture of the relationship between obesity, metabolic surgery and micronutrient status inform more appropriate evidence-based care.
Therapeutic potential of urine exosomes derived from rats with diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Mishra Deendayal Das , Sahoo Biswajit , Maurya Pramod Kumar , Sharma Rajni , Varughese Santosh , Prasad Narayan , Tiwari Swasti
Published: May 2023

Kidney disease is prevalent in diabetes. Urinary exosomes (uE) from animal models and patients with Diabetic nephropathy (DN) showed increased levels of miRs with reno-protective potential. We examined whether urinary loss of such miRs is associated with their reduced renal levels in DN patients. We also tested whether injecting uE can leverage kidney disease in rats. In this study (study-1) we performed microarray profiling of miRNA in uE and renal tissues in DN patients and subjects with diabetes without DN (controls). In study-2, diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by Streptozotocin (i.p. 50 mg/kg of body weight). Urinary exosomes were collected at 6th, 7th and 8th weeks, and injected back into the rats (100ug/biweekly, uE-treated n=7) via tail vein on weeks 9 and 10. Equal volume of vehicle was injected in controls (vehicle, n=7). uE from the human and rat showed the presence of exosome-specific proteins by immunoblotting. Microarray profiling revealed a set of 15 miRs having high levels in the uE, while lower in renal biopsies, from DN, compared to controls (n=5-9/group). Bioinformatic analysis also confirmed the Renoprotective potential of these miRs. Taqman qPCR confirmed the opposite regulation of miR-200c-3p and miR-24-3p in paired uE and renal biopsy samples from DN patients (n=15), relative to non-DN controls. A rise in 28 miRs levels, including miR-200c-3p, miR-24-3p, miR-30a-3p and miR-23a-3p were observed in the uE of DN rats, collected between 6th-8th weeks, relative to baseline (before diabetes induction). uE- treated DN rats had significantly reduced urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, attenuated renal pathology, and lower miR-24-3p target fibrotic/inflammatory genes (TGF-beta, and Collagen IV), relative to vehicle treated DN rats. In uE treated rats, the renal expression of miR-24-3p, miR-30a-3p, let-7a-5p and miR-23a-3p was increased, relative to vehicle control. Patients with diabetic nephropathy had reduced renal levels, while higher uE abundance of miRs with reno-protective potential. Reverting the urinary loss of miRs by injecting uE attenuated renal pathology in diabetic rats.
Effects of distinct Polycystic Ovary Syndrome phenotypes on bone health
Authors: Mills Edouard G. , Abbara Ali , Dhillo Waljit S. , Comninos Alexander N.
Published: May 2023

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent and heterogenous endocrinopathy affecting 5-18% of women. Although its cardinal features include androgen excess, ovulatory dysfunction, and/or polycystic ovarian morphology, women often display related metabolic manifestations, including hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance, and obesity. Emerging data reveal that the hormonal alterations associated with PCOS also impact bone metabolism. However, inconsistent evidence exists as to whether PCOS is a bone-protective or bone-hindering disorder with an accumulating body of clinical data indicating that hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance, and obesity may have a relative protective influence on bone, whereas chronic low-grade inflammation and vitamin D deficiency may adversely affect bone health. Herein, we provide a comprehensive assessment of the endocrine and metabolic manifestations associated with PCOS and their relative effects on bone metabolism. We focus principally on clinical studies in women investigating their contribution to the alterations in bone turnover markers, bone mineral density, and ultimately fracture risk in PCOS. A thorough understanding in this regard will indicate whether women with PCOS require enhanced surveillance of bone health in routine clinical practice.
Vascular endothelial growth factor levels in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Rui , Zhu Shicong , Zhao Xiaoyan , Yue Rensong
Published: May 2023

Objective

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs, including VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D and PLGF) have important roles in the development and function of the peripheral nervous system. Studies have confirmed that VEGFs, especially VEGF-A (so called VEGF) may be associated with the diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) process. However, different studies have shown inconsistent levels of VEGFs in DPN patients. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between cycling levels of VEGFs and DPN.

Methods

This study searched 7 databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, WanFang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM), to find the target researches. The random effects model was used to calculate the overall effect.

Results

14 studies with 1983 participants were included, among which 13 studies were about VEGF and 1 was VEGF-B, so only the effects of VEGF were pooled. The result showed that there were obviously increased VEGF levels in DPN patients compared with diabetic patients without DPN (SMD:2.12[1.34, 2.90], p<0.00001) and healthy people (SMD:3.50[2.24, 4.75], p<0.00001). In addition, increased circulating VEGF levels were not associated with an increased risk of DPN (OR:1.02[0.99, 1.05], p<0.00001).

Conclusion

Compared with healthy people and diabetic patients without DPN, VEGF content in the peripheral blood of DPN patients is increased, but current evidence does not support the correlation between VEGF levels and the risk of DPN. This suggests that VEGF may play a role in the pathogenesis and repairment of DPN.