bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Al-Ni İntermetalik Bileşiklerinin Gama Radyasyonu Zırhlama Parametrelerinin Hesaplanması
Authors: Özdemir Ömer Faruk , Yıldız Yorgun Nergiz
Published: November 2024

Bu çalışmada yüksek mukavemet, düşük özgül ağırlık, termal stabilite, yüksek termal iletkenlik (76 W/mK) ve oksidasyon/korozyon direnci gibi sahip oldukları fiziksel özelliklerle nükleer uygulamalar için potansiyel barındıran Al-Ni intermetalik bileşiklerinin (Al3Ni, Al3Ni2, Al4Ni3, AlNi, Al3Ni5 ve AlNi3) radyasyon zırhlama özellikleri incelendi. WinXCom programı ile 1 keV - 105 MeV aralığında, PHITS ve GEANT4 programları ile 0.047 – 2.506 MeV aralığındaki foton enerjileri için yapılan hesaplamalarla kütle soğurma katsayıları, lineer soğurma katsayıları, yarı kalınlık değerleri (YKD), onda bir kalınlık değerleri (OKD), ortalama serbest yolları (MFP) ve etkin atom numaraları elde edildi. Seçilen enerji aralığında her üç programla da elde edilen sonuçların iyi bir uyum içerisinde oldukları tespit edildi. İntermetalik bileşiğin yoğunluğunun artmasıyla, kütle soğurma katsayısı ve etkin atom numaraları değerlerinin arttığı, YKD, OKD ve OSY değerlerinin ise azaldığı görüldü.
Hesaplanan parametreler incelenerek Al-Ni intermetalik bileşiklerinin literatürde zırhlama malzemesi olarak önerilen diğer malzemelerle karşılaştırıldığında daha düşük zırhlama kapasitesine sahip olsa da radyasyon zırhlama için yeterli düzeyde olduğu ve AlNi3 bileşiğinin diğer bileşiklere oranla gama zırhlama için daha uygun bir aday olduğu tespit edildi.
”Hankalaa lukea kaiken raamatulla hujauttelun vuoksi”:
Authors: Mäkelä Heidi Henriikka , Kunnas Liisa
Published: November 2024

Tässä artikkelissa pohditaan, millaisen lukijakunnan H. G. Porthanin ja hänen oppilaidensa teos Vanhojen suomalaisten tietoperäisestä ja käytännöllisestä taikauskosta tavoittaa Salakirjojat-kustantaman ottaman uusintapainoksen kautta ja millaisia tulkintoja tekstit saavat. Miten nämä tulkinnat näyttäytyvät rinnastettuna tekstien syntyhetken kontekstiin ja kohdeyleisöön? Tarkastelemme myös uusintapainoksen sisällössä ja ulkoasussa tehtyjä ratkaisuja ja niiden taustalla vaikuttavia käsityksiä kansanperinteestä ja suomalaisesta menneisyydestä.
H. G. Porthan ja mitalitaide
Authors: Talvio Tuukka
Published: November 2024

Henrik Gabriel Porthan (1739–1804) ehti muiden töidensä ohella toimia Turun akatemian raha- ja mitalikokoelman ensimmäisenä varsinaisena hoitajana. Tässä esseessä käsitellään hänen suhdettaan mitaleihin ja hänen rooliaan niiden suunnittelussa Turussa 1700- ja 1800-lukujen vaihteessa.
‘The Flight of One Small Soul has Tipped the Scale’: Parental Grief in Modern and Contemporary Irish Poetry of Child Death
Authors: Clutterbuck Catriona
Published: November 2024

This essay explores how, in Irish poetry of parental bereavement, child death variously is confronted, conceded, recalibrated and countervailed – often all within the same poem. Probing the paradoxes inherent in faith and art when brought to bear on this devastating life circumstance, modern and contemporary Irish poetry interrogates the role of both otherworld-belief and of the formally achieved poem in reshaping the meaning of such loss. Irish poetry intimates that bereaved parents’ complex and culturally situated sense of alienation is an experience which – once adequately acknowledged – can be combined with hope. Thus, drawing upon a wide range of Irish poems, the essay argues that this poetry dynamically witnesses both to the overwhelming void of meaning which follows upon child death, and to the possibility (however tentatively claimable) of such loss being redeemed. Highlighting the fact that for bereaved parents, acute consciousness of the child’s present absence often leads towards openness to the child’s absent presence, Irish poetry shows that a parent’s expression of unanswerable longing for their missing child can validly coincide with their affirmation of continuing bonds with the deceased. In this light, the essay attends to the recuperative role of surrealistic imagination in Irish poetry of parental bereavement, further exploring how this poetry recognises both division and vital relationship between bereaved parents and their wider community.
Conveying the ‘Kick’ of the Original: W. B. Yeats's Late-career Engagement with Frank O’Connor's Translations of Irish Language Poetry
Authors: Crampton Cora
Published: November 2024

This essay explores the collaboration between W. B. Yeats and Frank O’Connor in the translation of Irish language poetry in the 1930s, examining the nature and extent of their partnership and its impact on Yeats’s work in that decade. The focus is on three Irish poems, two of which were composed by Aogán Ó Rathaille (c.1670–1726) – comparative analyses make it clear that O’Connor and Yeats shaped generally transparent translations and that their new poems mediated the ‘kick’ and ‘excitement’ of the original verse across the gulfs of time and language. Preoccupied by the loss of poetic audiences, Yeats was especially attracted to the relationship which he imagined to have existed between the Irish bards and their aristocratic patrons, and he took advantage of his editorship of The Oxford Book of Modern Verse to introduce the translated poems of this humiliated and suppressed tradition to a new and wider audience. His accomplished literary ballad ‘The Curse of Cromwell’ provides compelling evidence that Yeats’s encounter with these eloquent invocations of despair and loss creatively inspired him, not only stylistically but also thematically.
Otomatisasi Perhitungan OEE pada Mesin Filling ILAPAK 50g Menggunakan PLC dan HMI
Authors: Dhendy Zaki Ridwan  , Himawan Helmy Mukti , Kurniawan Aditya
Published: November 2024

This study addressed the limitations in calculating Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) manually, which frequently led to inaccuracies and inefficiencies in industrial processes. The purpose of this research was to design an automated OEE calculation system for the ILAPAK 50g filling machine to improve data accuracy and reduce dependency on manual input. A Design Science Research (DSR) methodology was employed, involving stages of system analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation. The system utilized key components, including an Omron CP2E PLC, proximity sensors, relays, and a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for real-time data acquisition. The findings indicated that the automated system significantly improved data accuracy, achieving reliable, continuous OEE calculations across different machine shifts. The system successfully replaced manual logbook methods, reducing human estimation errors, and displayed OEE data locally on the HMI, making it accessible for operational decisions. Furthermore, the implemented automation reduced overall downtime, enhanced machine availability, and minimized errors associated with manual record-keeping. This research has practical implications for industries aiming to optimize production efficiency. The automated OEE system demonstrated potential for scalability to other machines in manufacturing settings, highlighting its adaptability and utility in modern industrial environments. Future research could explore integration with cloud-based databases to enhance data storage and accessibility, providing a foundation for advanced predictive maintenance and performance monitoring across multiple machines.
Karakteristik Breakdown Voltage Pada Dielektrik Minyak Mineral dan Minyak Ester Natural
Authors: Hanifiyah Darna Fidya Amaral  , Sungkowo Heri , Handani Galuh Prawestri Citra , Hermawan Ahmad , Hermawan Satria Luthfi , Ramadhana Herlambang Kresna Adi , Agustin Nabilla Dinda Tri
Published: November 2024

The increasing demand for electrical energy, driven by population growth and industrial development, necessitates efficient and sustainable power distribution systems. Transformers, essential components of these systems, typically use mineral oil for insulation and cooling, despite its environmental drawbacks, such as high carbon emissions and non-biodegradability. In response, natural ester oils have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives. This study aimed to compare the dielectric breakdown voltage characteristics of mineral oil (Diala B) and natural ester oil (FR3) in transformer applications. The testing followed the IEC 60156 standard, focusing on transformers operating at 20 kV, with a minimum breakdown voltage threshold of 30 kV/2.5mm. Both treated and untreated samples were examined.The results indicated that FR3 ester oil exhibited superior dielectric properties, including higher breakdown voltage, flashpoint, and firepoint, as well as lower carbon emissions compared to mineral oil. These findings suggest that natural ester oil has significant potential as a sustainable replacement for mineral oil, particularly in applications where environmental and safety concerns are prioritized.The study recommends further long-term testing under operational conditions to confirm the performance and stability of ester oil in real-world transformer applications. These findings contribute to the growing body of research supporting the transition to more environmentally friendly transformer insulation materials, which could have broad implications for the power industry’s sustainability efforts
Rancang Bangun Miniatur Plant Pusat Simulator Pompa Air Kotor Menggunakan Panel Kontrol Relay Kontaktor
Authors: Susilo  , Sukamdi  , Agus Andrianto  , Heri Sungkowo  , Dimas Eriyanto  , Milzam Brillian Santana
Published: November 2024

Water pumps play an important role in the management of wastewater, particularly in maintaining environmental cleanliness and health. This research aims to design and create a miniature plant simulator for wastewater pumps using a relay contactor control panel. This miniature plant is designed to simulate the operation of the wastewater pump system automatically, replacing the often inefficient manual methods. The research process begins by determining the main components needed, such as a three-phase induction motor, contactors, thermal overload relays, and related sensors. Subsequently, the design and construction of the simulator and its control panel are carried out. Implementation includes testing the functionality of each component and the integrity of the overall system, including individual component testing and testing under system failure conditions. The research results show that the miniature plant simulator built functions well as expected. The automatic control system using relay contactors has proven effective in operating the water pump efficiently and safely. This miniature plant can be used not only as a learning tool but also as a prototype for developing larger and more complex wastewater pump control systems
Rancang Bangun Grounding Box Soil Treatment Sebagai Media Pengukuran Resistansi Pentanahan untuk Proteksi Pembangkit Hybrid PV – Angin Politeknik Negeri Malang
Authors: Priya Surya Harijanto  , Gumilang Binar Surya , Prasetyo Budi Eko , Syamsuri Tresna Umar
Published: November 2024

This study addresses the issue of high resistance in the grounding system of the Savonius-Solar Hybrid Power Plant at Politeknik Negeri Malang, caused by rocky and sandy soil conditions, with an initial resistance value of 35 Ω. The purpose of this research was to test the effectiveness of soil treatment using bentonite, charcoal, and salt in reducing resistance to meet the PUIL 2011 standard (<5 Ω). This study employed an experimental method with a quantitative approach, measuring resistance values before and after soil treatment application using a three-point earth tester.The results showed that soil treatment successfully reduced the soil resistance from 35 Ω to 2.85 Ω, meeting the maximum standard. This finding indicates that soil treatment is effective in improving the safety and reliability of grounding systems, making it beneficial for application in similar electrical systems located in areas with challenging soil characteristics.
Expansive conceptualisation of the impact of continuous learning programmes: An analysis of research-based workshops in higher vocational education and training
Authors: Juvonen Sanna , Kantola Tarja , Toiviainen Hanna
Published: November 2024

Finnish higher education institutions offer continuous learning opportunities, including professional specialisation education programmes for the health and social sector. This article focuses on the conceptualisation of the impact of these programmes, which was the topic of discussion by education and working-life actors in research-based workshops. Drawing on the cultural–historical activity theory (CHAT) approach, the study seeks to answer the following research questions: What are the main themes through which the participants conceptualise the impact of education? How do the themes expand the conceptualisation of the impact of education? A qualitative study analysed data from the multi-professional discussions facilitated by researcher-developers in online workshops during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings describe the impact-related discussion themes and analyse their expansive potential. Participants’ discursive actions in research-based online workshops manifest expansive conceptuali-sation on multiple dimensions, but also reveal dilemmatic impact-related questions that reflect the underlying contradictions of continuous learning programmes in the health and social sector.
LA INNOVACION ABIERTA: Una iniciativa para impulsar la competitividad de las PYMES
Authors: Sánchez Mojica Karla Yohana
Published: November 2024

En el mundo los procesos de innovación vienen cobrando muncha importancia debido a que se ha analizado su influencia en temas de índices de competitividad para los países y puntualmente, en el desempeño de las empresas. Importantes autores han estudiado como la innovación se ha convertido en la principal estrategia para generar valor por medio de nuevos o renovados productos y servicios en los sectores productivos (Porter, 1991; Gangi Y Wasko, 2009; Muñoz y Espinosa, 2018).
LA IMPORTANCIA DE LA COMUNICACIÓN Y LA HUMANIZACIÓN EN LAS UNIDADES DE CUIDADO CRÍTICO: PRINCIPALES ACTORES Y ESTRATEGIAS
Authors: MORENO PÉREZ LISBEY
Published: November 2024

Las unidades de cuidados intensivos UCI o también llamadas unidades de cuidado crítico, son áreas especializadas que se encargan de la población que se encuentra en riesgo de muerte o con pronósticos de recuperación complejos. Estos espacios cuentan con equipos multidisciplinarios encargados de proporcionar la atención requerida, según las necesidades particulares de los individuos, con el fin de restablecer las condiciones básicas de supervivencia de los-as pacientes (Rodríguez y Duarte, 2017).
Rotational motion investigation in seismology – remote sensing by an optical fiber seismograph
Authors: Kurzych Anna T. , Jaroszewicz Leszek R. , Dudek Michał
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to present data recorded by a three-axial Fiber-Optic Rotational Seismograph (FORS). The laboratory and field tests showed a high correlation coefficient above 99% between two seismographs signals during the external disturbance, with an amplitude ranging from 0.5 mrad/s to 1.2 rad/s. This is achieved by ensuring a 100 ns time synchronization in the systems. At the same time, the Allan Variance analysis was applied to determine the basic parameters of random errors of the presented seismographs. The performed analysis indicates the angular random walk of 35–45 nrad/s/√Hz and a bias instability below 50 nrad/s. FORS offers the widest dynamic range available, at 170 dB, which is crucial during rotational seismology exploration due to its wide range of interest from seismology to engineering applications. Finally, a field research is also presented during an explosion in a closed limestone quarry in the border area.
Capturing Geological Uncertainty in Salt Cavern Developments for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Barnett Hector G. , Ireland Mark Thomas , Van Der Land Cees
Published: November 2024

Future energy systems with a greater share of renewable energy will require long-duration energy storage (LDES) to optimise the integration of renewable sources and hydrogen is one energy vector that could be utilised for this. Grid-scale underground storage of natural gas (methane) is already in operation in solution-mined salt caverns, where individual cavern capacities are ∼0.025–0.275 TWh. While salt caverns have traditionally been restricted to being developed onshore, in some offshore locations, such as the UK Continental Shelf, there are extensive evaporites that have the potential for storage development. Capacity estimates for offshore areas typically rely on generalised regional geological interpretations; they frequently do not incorporate site-specific structural and lithological heterogeneities, they use static cavern geometries and may use methodologies that are deterministic and not repeatable. We have developed a stochastic method for identifying potential salt cavern locations and estimating conceptual cluster storage capacity. The workflow incorporates principle geomechanical constraints on cavern development, captures limitations from internal evaporite heterogeneities, and uses the ideal gas law to calculate the volumetric capacity. The workflow accommodates either fixed cavern geometries or geometries that vary depending on the thickness of the salt. By using a stochastic method, we quantify the uncertainties in storage capacity estimates and cavern placement over defined regions of interest. The workflow is easily adaptable allowing users to consider multiple geological models or to evaluate the impact of interpretations at varying resolutions. In this work, we illustrate the workflow for four areas and geological models in the UK’s Southern North Sea: 1) Basin Scale (58,900 km
2
) - >48,800 TWh of hydrogen storage with >199,000 cavern locations. 2) Sub-Regional Scale (24,800 km
2
) - >9,600 TWh of hydrogen storage with >36,000 cavern locations. 3) Block Specific–Salt Wall (79.8 km
2
) - >580 TWh of hydrogen storage with >400 cavern locations. 4) Block Specific–Layered Evaporite (225 km
2
) - >263 TWh of hydrogen storage with >500 cavern locations. Our workflow enables reproducible and replicable assessments of site screening and storage capacity estimates. A workflow built around these ideals allows for fully transparent results. We compared our results against other similar studies in the literature and found that often highly cited papers have inappropriate methodologies and hence capacities.
Dengue and SARS-CoV-2 co-circulation and overlapping infections in hospitalized patients
Authors: Santos Thayza M. I. L. , Versiani Alice F. , Campos Guilherme R. F. , Moraes Marilia M. , Parra Maisa C. P. , Mistrao Natalia F. B. , Negri Andreia F. , Bagno Flavia F. , Galves Marina G. , Moreno Camila M. , Da Fonseca Flavio G. , Estofolete Cassia F. , Vasilakis Nikos , Nogueira Mauricio L.
Published: November 2024

Since its emergence in 2019, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread worldwide and consumed public health resources. However, the world still has to address the burdens of other infectious diseases that continue to thrive. Countries in the tropics and neotropics, including Brazil, are affected by annual, cyclic dengue epidemics. Little is known about the impact of subsequent infections between DENV and SARS-CoV-2. Our study was performed on 400 serum samples collected from laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients between January and June 2021, months historically known for DENV outbreaks in Brazil. The samples were tested by serology and molecular assays for the presence of DENV and other arboviruses. While no DENV PCR results were detected, 6% were DENV IgM-positive, and 0.25% were DENV NS1-positive according to ELISA. IgM antibodies were isolated by chromatography, and 62.5% of the samples were positive for neutralizing antibodies (FRNT80) against DENV IgM, suggesting a recent infection. We also observed increased IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels in patients with overlapping SARS-CoV-2/DENV infections. Intriguingly, diabetes was the only relevant comorbidity (p=0.046). High rates of hospitalization (94.9%) and mortality (50%) were found, with a significant increase in invasive mechanical ventilatory support (86.96%) in SARS-CoV-2/DENV- infected patients, suggesting an impact on patient clinical outcomes. When analyzing previous exposure to DENV, secondary dengue patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 more frequently presented with dyspnea and respiratory distress, longer hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays (4 and 20.29 days, respectively) and a higher mortality rate (60%). However, a greater proportion of patients with primary DENV infection had fever and cough than patients with secondary dengue (87.50% vs. 33.33%, p=0.027 for fever). Our data demonstrate that differentiating between the two diseases is a great concern for tropical countries and should be explored to improve patient management.
Allergen-specific sublingual immunotherapy altered gut microbiota in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Wu Jing , Wang Dan , He Wen-Jun , Li Jun-Yang , Mo Xi , Li You-Jin
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces long-term immune tolerance to allergens and is effective for treating allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the impact of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) on gut microbiota from AR patients and its correlation with treatment efficacy remains unclear.

Methods

In the present study, we enrolled 24 AR patients sensitized to Dermatophagoides farinae (Der-f) and 6 healthy donors (HD). All AR patients received SLIT treatment using standardized Der-f drops. Stool samples were collected from AR patients before treatment, and 1- and 3-months post-treatment, as well as from HD, for metagenomic sequencing analysis.

Results

AR patients had significantly lower richness and diversity in gut microbiota compared to HD, with notable alterations in composition and function. Besides, three months post-SLIT treatment, significant changes in gut microbiota composition at the genus and species levels were observed in AR patients. Streptococcus parasanguinis_B and Streptococcus parasanguinis, which were significantly lower in AR patients compared to HD, increased notably after three months of treatment. LEfSe analysis identified these species as markers distinguishing HD from AR patients and AR patients pre- from post-SLIT treatment. Furthermore, changes in the relative abundance of S. parasanguinis_B were negatively correlated with changes in VAS scores but positively correlated with changes in RCAT scores, suggesting a positive correlation with effective SLIT treatment.

Discussion

SLIT treatment significantly alters the gut microbiota of AR patients, with S. parasanguinis_B potentially linked to its effectiveness. This study offers insights into SLIT mechanisms and suggests that specific strains may serve as biomarkers for predicting SLIT efficacy and as modulators for improving SLIT efficacy.
Narratives on the curricularization of cross cultural management and contributions to the internationalization of higher education
Authors: de Almeida Bizarria Fabiana Pinto , Moreira Márcia Zabdiele , Barbosa Flávia Lorenne Sampaio , Córdova Irma Eufemia Abrigo , Santos Gabriel Castro
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The objective of the research was to argue about the urgency of the Curricularization of Cross-Cultural Management, to provide better preparation for students in the face of social, economic and political dynamics.

Methods

The research takes a qualitative approach and uses a revisional methodology, considering articles published on the Web of Science and Scopus, with a search conducted in July 2024, with the descriptor “Cross-Cultural Management” considering the period from 2012 to 2024.

Results

The narrative literature review was used, while the reading and choice of texts for the research corpus considered attention to the CCM approach, contributing to the construction of the argument about the curricularization of cross-cultural management.

Discussion

It is concluded that research and teaching on contemporary cross cultural management need to reflect on the varied worldviews and different paradigms, with attention to (i) digital transformation and virtual education; (ii) learning, connectivism, and formative experience; (iii) knowledge management and communities of practice; and (iv) conflict management.
Metabolic stress in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis - a single-center cohort study
Authors: Redsted Mathias , Grønhøj Magnus , Brøchner Louise Dalsgaard , Fassov Janne , Svart Mads Vandsted , Andersen Jens Rikardt , Hvas Christian Lodberg
Published: November 2024

Background and aims

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is characterized by systemic inflammation, which may initiate an acute-phase response leading to hypercatabolism. Patients with ASUC are usually treated with high-dose steroids that may further accelerate the metabolic response and lead to hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Nevertheless, the degree of synergy between inflammation and steroid treatment and their influence on the insulin resistance remains unknown. We aimed to measure the degree of metabolic stress including insulin resistance in patients with ASUC during admission and three weeks after discharge.

Methods

This single-center cohort study was conducted in adult patients with ASUC, defined and assessed by Truelove and Witt’s criteria. Indirect calorimetry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were applied at baseline and at follow-up three weeks after discharge.

Results

Among the 22 patients admitted during the project period, 15 provided consent for participation in the study. Median C-reactive protein at inclusion was 37.6 [4; 154.7]. Both median HOMA-IR and fasting plasma glucose were markedly increased at inclusion (median 8.6 [3.8; 14.1] and 7.1 [6; 8.7], respectively), and both had decreased significantly three weeks after discharge (p=0.0036 and p=0.0039, respectively). No significant differences were observed in resting energy expenditure or anthropometric measurements from baseline to follow-up.

Conclusion

Patients with ASUC presented with marked insulin resistance, indicating that the days following admission and high-dose steroid treatment are particularly vulnerable. Despite improvement at three-week follow-up, patients still exhibited insulin resistance compared with relevant control groups.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT0527183.
Genetically predicted serum ferritin mediates the association between inflammatory cytokines and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Liu XiaoQian , Jin JianHong , Wang BaoFa , Ge LinPu
Published: November 2024

Objective

Investigating the causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and identifying and quantifying the role of serum ferritin as a potential mediator.

Methods

Genetic summary statistics were derived from open genome-wide association study (GWAS) databases. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the relationship between inflammatory cytokines (8,293 individuals) and NAFLD (8,434 cases, 770,180 controls). Furthermore, we used two-step MR to quantitate the proportion of the effect of serum ferritin-mediated inflammatory cytokines on NAFLD. In this study, we primarily utilized inverse-variance-weighted Mendelian randomization (MR-IVW) and reverse MR analysis methods, while other methods were also performed for sensitivity analysis, false discovery rate (FDR) <0.0012 as statistical significance in MR analyses.

Results

Our results indicated that high levels of Eotaxin, regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted(RANTES), Interleukin-2(IL-2), macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF), tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL) and Stem cell factor(SCF) were associated with increased risks of NAFLD, while high Cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine(CTACK) and Interleukin-16(IL-16) levels that reduced the risk of NAFLD.The proportion of genetically predicted NAFLD mediated by ferritin was 2.1%(95% CI = 1.39%−5.61%).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study identified a causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and NAFLD, with a small proportion of the effect mediated by ferritin, but a majority of the effect of inflammatory cytokines on NAFLD remains unclear. Further research is needed on additional risk factors as potential mediators.
Vitamin D metabolism-related single nucleotide polymorphisms in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease risk
Authors: Rojo-Tolosa Susana , Pineda-Lancheros Laura Elena , Fernández-Alonso Andrea , Márquez-Pete Noelia , Cura Yasmin , Membrive-Jiménez Cristina , Iglecias-Marangoni Luciana Maria , Ramírez-Tortosa MCarmen , Gálvez-Navas José María , Pérez-Ramírez Cristina , Morales-García Concepción , Jiménez-Morales Alberto
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the world’s major public health problems. It is characterized by a major inflammatory response, where vitamin D, due to its role in regulating the immune system, and genetic variants involved in its metabolism may play an essential role. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between 13 polymorphisms related to vitamin D metabolism and the COPD risk.

Material and methods

A retrospective longitudinal study was designed in which 152 cases of COPD diagnosed at the University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves and 456 controls without the pathology, matched by age and sex, were included. The determination of the 13 polymorphisms was carried out using TaqMan™ probes.

Results

Statistical analysis showed that the AA genotype and the A allele of the CYP27B1 rs4646536 polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk of developing COPD according to genotypic models (OR = 2. 6; 95% CI = 1.38-5.22; p = 0.004), dominant (OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.15-2.5; p = 0.008), recessive (OR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.22-4.41; p = 0.013) and additive (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.18-2.08; p = 0.020) models. Likewise, the AA genotype and the A allele of the CYP2R1 rs10741657 polymorphism were also associated with the risk of developing COPD according to the genotypic (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.06-3.36; p = 0.028) and additive (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.04-1.81; p = 0.027) models. Likewise, an association was found between GATG (p = 0.002; OR = 2.05; 95%CI = 1.32-3.20) and AGGT (p < 0.0001; OR = 2.1e46; 95%CI = 2.1e46-2.1e46) haplotypes and an increased risk of COPD.

Conclusions

We can therefore conclude that those variants could be used in the early detection of the disease in the future.
Association between mental health and male fertility: depression, rather than anxiety, is linked to decreased semen quality
Authors: Zhang Yi , Chen Bei , Wang Yaqin , Liu Cong , Sun Jiayi , Zhang Zhimo , Guan Liangzi , Xiao Ke , Zhu Zhonghai , Luo Jin
Published: November 2024

Background

Infertility is increasingly recognized as a global health issue affecting couples of reproductive age, with male factors contributing to approximately 50% of infertility cases. However, the association between depression and anxiety-two of the most prevalent mental health conditions-and impaired male fertility remains a subject of ongoing debate.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, male participants seeking fertility counseling at an IVF clinic were recruited. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Generalized linear regression models (GLMs) were employed to investigate the relationships between mental health status and semen parameters.

Results

Status of depression was negatively associated with semen quality parameters, whereas no statistically significant association was recognized between anxiety and semen quality except that sperm concentration was decreased by 25.60 (95% CI, 1.226 to 49.965, P=0.040) ×106/ml in moderate to severe anxiety group referring to normal group. Furthermore, when stratified by sleep duration, moderate to severe depression group showed a great decrease in progressive motility (PR), total motility, concentration and total sperm count (TSC) as referred to normal group in participants with sleep duration less than 7 hours.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that depression rather than anxiety was a negative factor that affected semen quality, especially in individuals with shorter sleep duration.
Study on carbon emissions of a small hydropower plant in Southwest China
Authors: Tang Caihong , Leng Yiling , Wang Pengyu , Feng Jian , Zhang Shanghong , Yi Yujun , Li Hui , Tian Shaoliang
Published: November 2024

Hydropower plants with a small installed capacity, which are widely distributed in mountainous areas with abundant rainfall and steep rivers, play an important role in resolving energy problems in remote rural areas. These plants are a crucial source of clean electricity generated from water power. Harnessing local water resources not only helps alleviate energy shortages, but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to China’s national goals of achieving peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality. This study investigates the carbon footprint of the Huangshadong Reservoir Project in Chongqing, China. The entire life cycle of the hydropower plant is assessed, including the preparation, construction, operation and maintenance, and demolition phases. The uncertainty was evaluated using the error propagation method. Following analysis, suggestions for carbon footprint reduction measures were proposed. Results showed that the total carbon footprint and the carbon intensity of the Huangshadong Reservoir Project over its entire life cycle are 33,148.29 t CO2e and 417.75 g CO2e/kWh, respectively. Of the total carbon footprint, the preparation phase, construction phase, operation and maintenance phase, and demolition phase account for 0.04%, 67.06%, 26.2%, and 6.7%, respectively. It means that the requirement for cement during the construction phase represents an important contribution to the entire life cycle carbon footprint of a small hydropower plant. As an integrated water conservancy project, the carbon intensity of the Huangshadong Reservoir Project is higher than that of medium-sized and large hydropower plants. However, its carbon intensity is lower than the emission factor of fossil power plants. The research results provide reference for both planning and construction of small hydropower plants and low-carbon development of rural hydraulic engineering.
Analysis of cis-regulatory changes underlying phenotype divergence shaped by domestication in pigs
Authors: Liu Chunpeng , Ao Na , Liang Yuwen , Ma Tingting , Wang Qishan , Wang Zhen , Wu Fen , Zhang Zhenyang , Fang Yifei , Wang Minghui , Pan Yuchun , Fu Jing
Published: November 2024

Background

Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) are regions of DNA that regulate the expression of nearby genes. Changes in these elements can lead to phenotypic variations and adaptations in different populations. However, the regulatory dynamics underlying the local adaptation of traits remain poorly understood in Chinese and Western pigs. By comparing the chromatin accessibility profiles of skeletal muscle, liver, and fat between these two pig populations, we aimed to identify key regulatory elements that could explain phenotypic differences observed between the two groups.

Results

Our results revealed that the genome-wide chromatin accessibility profiles were largely similar at a qualitative level within tissues. However, we also identified local regions that exhibited quantitative differences, most of which occurred in liver tissue. Interestingly, we found that most of the increased chromatin accessibility in the livers of Chinese pigs was associated with tissue-specific openness. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between the ATAC-seq signal at the transcript start site (TSS) and the expression levels of nearby genes. Motif enrichment analysis revealed NR2F1 as a key regulator in Chinese pigs. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Chinese pigs showed enrichment for NR2F1 response targets. One of the genes regulated by NR2F1 in Chinese pigs, NPC1, harbored a high alternative allelic frequency in the intron region.

Conclusion

Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the regulatory dynamics underlying phenotypic variation in pigs. By elucidating the role of CREs in driving phenotypic variation, we can better understand the genetic basis of complex traits and potentially identify targets for genetic improvement in livestock breeding programs.
TCR-CD3 signal strength regulates plastic coexpression of IL-4 and IFN-γ in Tfh-like cells
Authors: Verstegen Niels J. M. , Jorritsma Tineke , ten Brinke Anja , Barberis Matteo , van Ham S. Marieke
Published: November 2024

The development of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells is an ongoing process resulting in the formation of various Tfh subsets. Despite advancements, the precise impact of T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation on this process remains incompletely understood. This study explores how TCR-CD3 signaling strength influences naive CD4+ T cell differentiation into Tfh-like cells and the concurrent expression of interleukin-21 (IL-21), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Strong TCR-CD3 stimulation induces proliferation and increased IL-21 expression in Tfh-like cells, which exhibit a characteristic phenotype expressing CXCR5 and PD1. The coexpression of IL-4 and IFN-γ in IL-21-producing Tfh-like cells is controlled by the strength TCR-CD3 stimulation; low stimulation favors IL-4, while strong stimulation enhances IFN-γ secretion. Exogenous addition of the effector cytokines IL-21 and IL-4 further modulate cytokine coexpression. These findings highlight the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing cytokine production and plasticity in Tfh-like cells, providing insights into B cell response modulation. In vivo, antigen availability may regulate Tfh cell plasticity, impacting subsequent B cell differentiation, emphasizing the need for further exploration through animal models or antigen-specific Tfh cell analyses in human lymph node biopsies
The cause of an extreme sea surface warming in the midlatitude western North Pacific during 2012 summer
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Wu Gangfeng , Xu Chang , Zhao Jing , Wang Mengqiao , Sheng Jie , Shen Yi , Zhu Xiao-Hua
Published: November 2024

This study investigated an extreme sea surface warming in the midlatitude western North Pacific (MLWNP) during the summer of 2012. The 2012 extreme event was characterized by warm sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) extending from the East/Japan Sea to central North Pacific. The SSTA box–averaged over the MLWNP (130–180°E, 33–50°N) in 2012 ranked as the third warmest in recent four decades, which has caused intense marine heatwaves in this region. During the summer of 2012, a positive Indian Ocean Dipole event co-occurred with El Niño, favoring anomalous moisture transport between the two basins that caused enhanced convection in the South China and Philippine Seas and western–to–central subtropical Pacific. The enhanced convective activities triggered two meridional atmospheric Rossby wave trains to form strong atmospheric blocking high–pressure systems in the MLWNP. This reduced the total cloud cover and surface wind speed, enhancing insolation and reducing the release of latent heat flux. In addition, the weakened wind strengthened the stratification and shoaled the mixed layer. As a result, the increased net heat flux into the ocean accompanied by a shallower mixed layer contributed to the upper ocean warming in the MLWNP. Meanwhile, the North Pacific was dominated by a negative phase of Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), significantly contributing to warm SSTAs in the MLWNP in 2012. Consequently, the 2012 extreme warming in the MLWNP was the results of the combination of atmospheric Rossby waves and PDO. Our study highlighted the roles of high–frequency atmospheric teleconnection and low–frequency PDO in extreme sea surface warming in the MLWNP.
A cluster randomized trial on inspiratory effort-targeted pressure support adjustment strategy in patients undergoing assisted mechanical ventilation: protocol for the IT-PSV study
Authors: Lu Wen-Yi , Miao Ming-Yue , Gao Ran , Yang Yan-Lin , Zhang Linlin , Weng Li , Zhu Feng-Xue , Liu Lei , Zhou Jian-Xin
Published: November 2024

Background

Pressure support ventilation (PSV) is one of the most frequently used ventilator modes in the intensive care unit (ICU). The successful implementation of PSV depends on matching the patient’s inspiratory effort with the ventilator support. In clinical practice, the pressure support level is usually set and adjusted according to tidal volume and respiratory rate. However, these parameters may not fully represent the patient’s effort. Previous studies have shown that pressure muscle index (PMI), which is measured as the difference between the peak and plateau airway pressure during an end-inspiratory airway occlusion, could reliably determine the low and high inspiratory effort during PSV. Herein we present the study protocol for the Inspiratory effort-Targeted Pressure Support Ventilation (IT-PSV) trial to determine the effect of a PMI-targeted pressure support setting strategy on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing PSV.

Methods and analysis

This is a cluster randomized controlled trial. Sixteen ICUs in academic hospitals will be included, eight of which will be randomly allocated to the PMI-targeted group and eight to the tidal volume/respiratory rate-targeted group. Before the initiation of the study, a four-week comprehensive training program, which includes courses of PSV initiation, pressure support adjustment, and weaning process, will be conducted for all staff in the participating ICUs. Adult patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and undergoing PSV within 24 h will be included. Pressure support setting and adjustment will follow the strategy according to the grouping. The primary outcome is the ventilator-free days at 28 days after enrollment. The patients will be followed up until successful weaning or separation of mechanical ventilation, death, hospital discharge, or until 28 days after randomization, whichever comes first.

Discussion

The IT-PSV trial will examine the effect of an inspiratory effort-targeted PSV setting strategy on the duration of mechanical ventilation. If positive, it will provide a new physiological-based PSV management that could potentially facilitate protective assisted ventilation.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT06526598.
Employing Xception convolutional neural network through high-precision MRI analysis for brain tumor diagnosis
Authors: Sathya R. , Mahesh T. R. , Bhatia Khan Surbhi , Malibari Areej A. , Asiri Fatima , Rehman Attique ur , Malwi Wajdan Al
Published: November 2024

The classification of brain tumors from medical imaging is pivotal for accurate medical diagnosis but remains challenging due to the intricate morphologies of tumors and the precision required. Existing methodologies, including manual MRI evaluations and computer-assisted systems, primarily utilize conventional machine learning and pre-trained deep learning models. These systems often suffer from overfitting due to modest medical imaging datasets and exhibit limited generalizability on unseen data, alongside substantial computational demands that hinder real-time application. To enhance diagnostic accuracy and reliability, this research introduces an advanced model utilizing the Xception architecture, enriched with additional batch normalization and dropout layers to mitigate overfitting. This model is further refined by leveraging large-scale data through transfer learning and employing a customized dense layer setup tailored to effectively distinguish between meningioma, glioma, and pituitary tumor categories. This hybrid method not only capitalizes on the strengths of pre-trained network features but also adapts specific training to a targeted dataset, thereby improving the generalization capacity of the model across different imaging conditions. Demonstrating an important improvement in diagnostic performance, the proposed model achieves a classification accuracy of 98.039% on the test dataset, with precision and recall rates above 96% for all categories. These results underscore the possibility of the model as a reliable diagnostic tool in clinical settings, significantly surpassing existing diagnostic protocols for brain tumors.
Genomic insights into bamboo witches’ broom disease: pathogenicity and phytohormone biosynthesis in Aciculosporium take
Authors: Gu Yu , Yu Haoyue , Kuang Jiayan , Ma Xiaoping , Tahir Muhammad Salman , He Sainan , Liao Yingchong
Published: November 2024

Bamboo witches’ broom disease (WBD), caused by Aciculosporium take Miyake, devastates bamboo forests. Understanding the genome and pathogenic factors of pathogen is crucial for disease control. We employed single-molecule real-time sequencing, Illumina paired-end sequencing, and chromatin interaction mapping techniques to assemble the genome of A. take CCTCC-M2023413, analyze pathogenicity- and phytohormone-biosynthesis-related genes, and compare it to 12 other WBD pathogens. The genome of A. take is 59.24 Mb in size, with 54.32% repeats, 7 chromosomes, 7,105 protein-coding genes, 84 ribosomal RNAs, and 115 transfer RNAs. Predictive analysis of pathogenicity genes found 237 carbohydrate-active enzymes, 1,069 membrane transport proteins, 1,040 pathogen-host interaction genes, 315 virulence factors, and 70 effectors. Most of pathogenicity genes overlapped with repeat-rich regions. Additionally, 172 genes were linked to auxin biosynthesis, 53 to brassinosteroid biosynthesis, and 2 to cis-zeatin biosynthesis. Comparative genomic analysis identified 77 core orthogroups shared by 13 WBD pathogens, played roles in metabolites, genetic information processing, pathogenesis, cis-zeatin biosynthesis, lifespan, and quorum sensing. The miaA gene, crucial for cis-zeatin biosynthesis, is structurally conserved and sequence-diverse among 13 WBD pathogens, with upregulated expression during bamboo WBD pathogenesis. This highlights that cis-zeatin is significant contributor to host pathogenesis, and miaA is a new potential target for controlling WBD. This study provides important insights on preventing and controlling bamboo WBD.