bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPORCULARDA TAKVİYE ÜRÜNLERİN KULLANIMINA İLİŞKİN MEVCUT TEZLER: DOKÜMAN ANALİZİ
Authors: Mete Soner
Published: June 2024

Bu çalışmada sporcular için takviye ürünlerin kullanımına ilişkin Türkiye’de teze dönüşmüş çalışmaların doküman analizi ile değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Veriler, Yükseköğretim Kurulu Ulusal Tez Merkezi veri tabanında “spor” ve “takviye” kelimeleri ile tarama yapılarak toplanmıştır. Analiz kriterlerini içeren 73 tez çalışmaya ulaşılmış ve kodlama yapılarak incelenmiştir. Sporda takviye ürünlerin farklı spor branşlarında araştırıldığı tezlerin 2003 başlayarak arttığı ve 2022 (%17.8) yılında en fazla gerçekleştirildiği, %75.3’nin yüksek lisans tezi olduğu ve bu tez türünde %32.7 ile en fazla beden eğitimi ve spor ana bilim dallarında yapıldığı görülmüştür. Tezlerin %64.4’nü deneysel tasarım, %54.8’ini sadece deneysel ölçüm, örneklem gruplarını en çok futbol oyuncusu (%19.2) oluşturmuştur. Sadece sporcu performans üzerine etkilerini araştıran çalışmaların (%35.6) en çok incelendiği, sonrasında ise sadece biyokimyasal parametrelerdeki değişimlerin (%24.7) olduğu görülmektedir. Gıda takviyesi kullanımı (%20.5), ergojenik destek ile beraber değerlendirildiği (%11) ve kafein kullanılan çalışmaların (%15.1) sporcular üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmıştır. Sonuç olarak, deneysel araştırma yöntemlerinin daha çok kullanılarak sporcu performansı üzerine etkilerinin incelendiği ve ele alınan branşlara göre değerlendirme araçlarının özelleştirildiği görülmektedir. Çalışma sonuçlarının yeni bilimsel çalışmalara katkı sağlayabileceği düşünülmekte olup sporda takviye ürünleri ile ilgili bilimsel değeri yüksek takviye ürünlerinin kullanıldığı ve farklı spor branşlarında hedef amaca yönelik değişkenlerin incelendiği ve ölçümlendiği kanıtsal değeri yüksek araştırmalara daha fazla ihtiyaç bulunmaktadır.
İLK TERCİHE KIRMIZI KART: SPOR BİLİMLERİNİN İKİNCİ ÜNİVERSİTE OLARAK TERCİH BELİRLEYİCİLERİ
Authors: Can Hasan Ceyhun , Yılmaz Eren , Türkmen Berat , Sadak Seray Şeyma , Orman Şimal
Published: June 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı; örgün bir yükseköğretim kurumunda bir süre eğitim görmüş veya eğitimini tamamlamış bireylerin ikinci kez üniversite eğitimi alma kararı verdiklerinde, neden spor bilimleri fakültesini tercih belirleyicilerinin incelenmesidir. Araştırma kapsamında nitel araştırma yaklaşımlarından olgubilim deseni tercih edilmiştir. Çalışma grubu belirlenirken amaçlı örnekleme yöntemlerinden ölçüt örnekleme yönteminden yararlanılmıştır. Araştırma çalışma grubunu ikinci üniversite eğitimini İstanbul ili içerisindeki devlet üniversiteleri bünyesinde Spor Bilimleri Fakültelerinde öğrenim görmekte olan 20 öğrenci oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak, araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen ‘’kişisel bilgi formu’’ ve ‘’yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu’’ kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada elde edilen verilerin çözümlenebilmesi adına içerik analizi tercih edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda; katılımcıların ilk tercihlerini yaparken çoğunlukla bilinçli olmadıkları, bu süreçte aileleri tarafından tercih yapıldığı; süreç içerisinde yanlış bir tercih yaptıkları inancı, ait hissedememe ve memnuniyetsizlik sonucunda ayrılma yaşadıkları görülmüştür. Katılımcıların spor bilimleri fakültesi tercihlerinde kişisel sebepler ve kariyer hedefleri belirleyici olmuştur. Bu tercihlerini daha istemli bir tercihte bulundukları ve doğru bir karar verdikleri yönünde değerlendirmişlerdir.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIP FLEXION RANGE OF MOTION, LEG STRENGTH, AND SHOOTING SPEED IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS
Authors: Başkaya Gizem , Bostancı Sare , Uzgur Kamil , Çar Bekir , Kamiş Okan
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to determine the relationship between hip flexion range of motion, leg strength, and shooting speed in young soccer players. Twenty-three volunteer male soccer players actively competing in the Turkish U17 league participated in the study. Leg strength was determined by the Activforce 2 device, hip flexion range of motion by the MyRom application, and shooting velocity by radar device (Stalker Solo 2 Sports Radar). The Pearson Correlation Test was applied to determine the relationship between the parameters. Moderate and high positive correlations were found between 11m, 18m and 25m shooting speeds and right hip flexion ROM at moderate level and between left hip flexion ROM at moderate and high level; moderate and high positive correlations were found between 18m and 25m shooting speeds and non-dominant leg peak force and average force. It can be concluded that the correlations at different levels or no correlations will provide an effective result for coaches to prepare training programmes and will contribute to which parameters should be focused on to improve shooting performance and it can be said that the mobility and strength levels of the hip flexors in both dominant and non-dominant legs should be increased in order to improve the shooting speed performance of young soccer players.
ANTİK EGE’DE KURULMUŞ İLK ULUSLARARASI SPOR ÖRGÜTÜ: ULUSLARARASI (EKÜMENİK ) SPORCULAR DERNEĞİ
Authors: Korkmaz Sevda , Bağırgan Tanju
Published: June 2024

Antik Yunan kültürünün önemli bir bölümünü oluşturan agonlardan günümüze sadece stadyum, hipodrom gibi yapılar kalmamış, bu çok kapsamlı ve zengin agon kültürü beraberinde birçok oluşumu ve yeniliği de tarih sahnesine ilk defa çıkarmıştır. Bunlardan bir tanesi de Efes veya Sardes’de kurulduğu öne sürülen ve varlığına ilişkin en erken kanıtların MÖ 1. yüzyılda belirlenebildiği biçimsel (formal) bir spor örgütü olan ‘Uluslararası (Ekümenik) Sporcular Derneği’dir. Derneğin kuruluş gerekçelerini ise ortaya çıktığı Roma döneminde yaşanan profesyonelleşme, oyun sayısındaki artış, oyunların bir festival ağı içerisinde sırasıyla düzenlenme zorunluluğu, sporcuların bir kentten diğerine seyahat ihtiyacı, gidilen şehrin ve organizasyon içeriğinin bilinmesi gereksinimi oluşturmaktadır. Zira hayli yoğun ve karmaşık festival ağının bir düzen içerisinde işlevsel biçimde yürütülmesi uluslararası boyutlu bilgi akışının sağlanabildiği bir yapılanmayı zorunlu kılmıştır. Küçük Asya’dan İskenderiye’ye, Suriye’den İtalya’ya kadar çok geniş bir coğrafyada sporcu, antrenör (aleiptēs), hakem (hellanodikai), seyirci vb kapsayan agonal toplumsal hareketliliğin merkezinde yer alan Derneğin, üyelerine sağladıkları çeşitli dokunulmazlık ve ayrıcalıklar, etkinlik alanları çeşitli epigrafik kayıtlarla günümüze ulaşmıştır. Tarihsel bulgular, derneğin biçimsel bir örgütün belirleyicisi olan yapılanma özellikleri ve sporculara yönelik işlevleri ile tarihte bilinen ilk biçimsel spor örgütünün, Anadolu’da kurulan Uluslararası (Ekümenik) Sporcular Derneği olduğu sonucunu çıkarmaktadır. Ege’de kurulan uluslararası sporcular derneğinin varlığı, spor kültürümüz ve spor bilimleri açısından önemli bir kültürel mirasımız olarak irdelenmesi gereken bir konu olarak görülmektedir. Bu araştırma ile antik dönemde faaliyet gösteren Sporcular Derneğinin kuruluş yeri, organizasyonel yapısı ve işleyişi, sporculara kazanımlarını ortaya koymak amaçlanmış, çalışma doküman incelemesi yöntemi kullanılarak yapılandırılmıştır.
FİTNESS MERKEZLERİNDEKİ KİŞİSEL ANTRENÖRLERİN TÜKENMİŞLİK DÜZEYLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: Aydın Caner , Yazıcı Tuba , Koçak Settar
Published: June 2024

Bu araştırma, Ankara ili Çankaya ilçesinde faaliyet gösteren fitness merkezlerinde çalışan kişisel antrenörlerin tükenmişlik düzeylerini çeşitli değişkenlere göre incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Yapılan bu çalışmada betimsel araştırma yöntemi kullanılarak mevcut durum belirlenmiştir. Araştırmanın evrenini, Ankara ili Çankaya ilçesindeki fitness merkezlerinde görev yapan kişisel antrenörler oluşturmaktadır. Gönüllülük esasına dayalı olarak çalışmaya katılan 242 kişi, araştırmanın örneklemini oluşturmaktadır. Kişisel antrenörlerin demografik bilgilerini içeren kişisel bilgi formu ve Maslach Tükenmişlik Envanteri, araştırmada kullanılan ölçme araçlarıdır. Verilerin analizi için MANOVA uygulanmıştır. Analiz sonuçlarına göre, kişisel antrenörlerin cinsiyet ve medeni durumu gibi değişkenler ile tükenmişlik düzeyleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır. Ancak, mesleki deneyim, çalışma saatleri ve eğitim düzeyi gibi değişkenler dikkate alındığında, kişisel antrenörlerin tükenmişlik düzeylerinde anlamlı farklılıklar saptanmıştır. Bu bağlamda, kişisel antrenörlerin mesleki deneyimlerinin artması ve uzun çalışma saatlerinin etkisiyle, mesleki beklentilerini karşılamada zorluk yaşamalarının yanı sıra aile, sosyal yaşam ve kişisel zamanlarına yeterince odaklanamamalarının tükenmişlik düzeylerini olumsuz etkilediği sonucuna varılmıştır.
SPORCULARDA HAYAL ETME BECERİSİNİN PERFORMANS GELİŞİMİ ÜZERİNE ETKİSİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: Doğaner Seçkin , Ünal Ömer , Şafak Hatice Aleyna , Karaç Yeşim
Published: June 2024

Sporda Hayal Etme becerisi, son zamanlarda spor becerisi üzerinde inceleme yapan birçok araştırmanın dikkatini çeken bir olgudur. “Hayal Etme Becerisi”; sportif yeteneklerin maksimum düzeyde kullanılmasını sağlayan oldukça güçlü bir davranış modelidir. Bu model, günümüzde antrenörler tarafından tüm seviye sporcularda kullanılan bir antrenman aracı olarak kabul edilmektedir. Hayal etme becerisi, sportif becerilere yaratıcılık katan ve uygulanacak olan tekniğin zihinde canlandırılması ile başarıyı olumlu yönde etkileyen bir süreç geliştirmesi açısından oldukça önemlidir. Araştırmada hayal etme becerisinin lisanslı sporcular tarafından bilinirliği ve uygulanabilirliği sorgulanmıştır. Bu amaçla Ankara Üniversitesi evren seçilerek, farklı branşlara sahip, aktif sporculuk hayatı devam eden ve Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi’nde öğrenim gören yaklaşık 10 sporcu-öğrenci çalışmanın örneklemi olarak seçilmiştir. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemi tercih edilmiştir. Bu sayede araştırma amacına uygun soruların hazırlanabilmesi sağlanmış olup, ilgili sorular, literatür incelenerek oluşturulmuş ve alanında uzman kişiler tarafından son hali verilmiştir. Ayrıca katılımcıların bazı demografik bilgilerini sorgulayan açık uçlu sorulara da görüşme formu içerisinde yer verilmiştir. Görüşmeler katılımcılardan yüz yüze elde edilmiş olup, onam formu ile katılımcı onayı alınmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen veriler nitel analiz programına aktarılmış ve kodlamalar ile kategori ve temalar oluşturulmuştur. Oluşturulan sonuçlar, program yardımı ile görsel çıktılara dönüştürülmüştür. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre katılımcılar kendilerini genel olarak sportif açıdan; mücadeleci, planlayıcı, azimli ve sportif anlamda devamlılığı olan bireyler olarak nitelendirmişlerdir. Hayal etme becerisi, katılımcılar açısından olumlu ve olumsuz etkileşimler sağlamakla birlikte, motivasyon, özgüven, başarı, mutluluk ve eğlence algısını olumlu; başarısızlık, kaygı, mutsuzluk ve pişmanlık türü algılarını ise olumsuz etkileşimler olarak nitelendirmişlerdir. Katılımcılar; hayal etme becerisini genel olarak antrenman, tecrübe, performans, profesyonellik, sağlık ve yaşam gibi kelimeler ile özdeşleştirmiş olup, söz konusu becerinin onlara tecrübe ve başarı sağladığını vurgulamışlardır. Araştırmadan elde edilen veriler, antrenör-sporcu ilişkili gelecek araştırmalara bir ön çalışma niteliği taşımaktadır. Elde edilen sonuçlar aynı zamanda sporcuların performans gelişimini ilgilendiren çalışmalarda kullanılabilir ve farklı değişkenler ile yapılabilecek olan çalışmalara karşı bir kaynak oluşturabilir.
MOTIVASI KERJA DAN KOMITMEN ORGANISASI TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI BIDANG 3
Authors: Vernando Alexander Nova , Kaharudin Erlitawati , Attiq Khirul
Published: June 2024

Keberhasilan kinerja seorang pegawai dalam suatu bidang pekerjaan ditentukan oleh beberapa faktor seperti motivasi kerja dan komitmen organisasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis motivasi kerja dan komitmen organisasi terhadap kinerja pegawai. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian penjelasan (explanatory research) dengan teknik analisis regresi linier berganda. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bidang 3 Dinas komunikasi dan informatika (Diskominfo) kota Semarang yang mempunyai populasi 48 pegawai. Teknik sampling yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah sampling jenuh, semua anggota populasi digunakan sebagai sampel. Dari analisis statistik dengan bantuan spss versi 26, bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara variabel motivasi kerja dan komitmen organisasi terhadap variabel kinerja pegawai. Penelitian ini menghasilkan bukti empiris bahwa motivasi kerja dan komitmen organisasi berpengaruh pada kinerja. Sehingga motivasi kerja dan komitmen organisasi adalah hal yang sangat penting diperhatikan untuk meningkatkan kinerja pegawai.
PENGARUH GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DAN PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN INDEKS IDX30
Authors: Wahyuningtiasari Defi , Sulastiningsih Sulastiningsih
Published: June 2024

Abstract.  The goal of this study is to find out how Profitability, Good Corporate Governance (represented by the Board of Commissioners, Board of Directors, and Audit Committee), and as well as profitability affect the value of a company. In this study, the samples were 15 companies from the 2020–2022 time that were listed on the IDX30 Index of the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The samples were chosen on purpose to get 45 data that were then handled using SPSS version 25. Multiple linear regression, the t-test, the F-test, and the coefficient of determination were used to do the study. This study's results show that the Board of Commissioners, the Audit Committee, and Profitability all have a significant effect on Company Value. However, the Board of Directors does not have a significant effect on Company Value. The F-test shows that the Board of Commissioners, the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee, and Profitability all have an effect on the value of the company at the same time. The coefficient of determination (R2) of these four variables is able to explain on Company Value is strongly at 89,60%.
Abstraksi. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu guna mengetahui pengaruh Good Corporate Governance yang diimplementasikan menggunakan Dewan Komisaris, Dewan Direksi, dan Komite Audit, serta Profitabilitas terhadap Nilai Perusahaan. Sampel penelitian berjumlah 15 perusahaan di Indeks IDX30 BEI periode 2020–2022. Perusahaan-perusahaan ini dipilih menggunakan metode yang disebut purposive sampling, yang menghasilkan 45 data yang diolah menggunakan SPSS versi 25. Pengujian regresi linier berganda, uji t dan uji F digunakan untuk melakukan analisis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa hasil uji t Dewan Komisaris, Komite Audit, dan Profitabilitas semuanya mempengaruhi signifikan terhadap Nilai Perusahaan. Namun Dewan Direksi tidak mempengaruhi signifikan terhadap Nilai Perusahaan. Uji F menunjukkan Dewan Komisaris, Direksi, Komite Audit, dan Profitabilitas berpengaruh terhadap Nilai Perusahaan secara simultan. Hasil Koefisien determinasi (R2) keempat variabel tersebut mampu menjelaskan pengaruhnya terhadap Nilai perusahaan dengan sangat kuat sebesar 89,60%.
REAKSI PASAR DISEKITAR PENETAPAN OMNIBUS LAW BIDANG KESEHATAN TAHUN 2023, PADA PERUSAHAAN SEKTOR KESEHATAN, YANG LISTING DI BEI
Authors: Pandji Nadia Pentamitta , Durya Ngurah Pandji Mertha Agung , Sumaryati Anna , Minarso Bambang
Published: June 2024

Pemerintah Indonesia berupaya memberikan layanan kesehatan yang lebih baik salah satunya dengan disahkannya Omnibus Law bidang Kesehatan. UU kesehatan ini dipercaya dapat meningkatkan aktivitas kesehatan dimasyarakat, yang pada gilirannya akan meningkatkan produktifitas perusahaan-perusahaan disektor Kesehatan. Peningkatan produktifitas perusahaan sektor kesehatan akan tercermin pada harga saham perusahaan tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan bukti terhadap Teori Signal, dimana pengesahan UU kesehatan akan memberi signal positif bagi harga saham dan cumulative abnormal return pada perusahaan sektor kesehatan di BEI. Penelitian ini menggunakan Uji wilcoxon signed rank test yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah perusahaan sektor kesehatan mengalami perubahan yang bermakna, sebelum dan setelah disahkannya UU No.17 Tahun 2023 tentang Kesehatan, tanggal 11 Juli 2023. Pengujian dilakukan pada tiap perusahaan sektor kesehatan, dari total 31 perusahaan sektor kesehatan, dipilih 27 perusahaan sebagai sampel penelitian ini. Dari perhitungan yang dilakukan pada data masing-masing perusahaan, disimpulkan bahwa pengesahaan UU Kesehatan berdampak pada harga saham di 26 perusahaan pada hari ke 10 dan 27 perusahaan pada hari ke 30 serta UU Kesehatan juga berdampak pada nilai CAR di 23 perusahaan pada hari ke 10 dan 24 perusahaan pada hari ke 30. Hasil pengujian statistik dengan SPPS menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan signifikan pada harga saham di 3, 5, 10 dan 30 hari serta pada semua hari pengamatan menunjukkan hasil yang berbeda signifikan pada cumulative abnormal return.
The Influence of Service Quality, Product Quality, and Price Perception on Purchase Intention through Consumer Satisfaction as an Intervening Variable (Case Study at the Sinar Mas Karanganyar Electronic Store)
Authors: Susanti Nani Irma , Widitya Asna Ayu , Suyoko Yohanes , Sumaryanto Sumaryanto
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this problem study is to determine the real impact related to customer satisfaction that is not optimal and buying interest in Sinar Mas Karanganyar Electronic Store related to service quality, product quality and Price Perception. The population of this study was customers as many as 100 respondents.Data collection method with questionnaire method The analytical test tool used is SmartPLS v.3.2.7 with SEM Analysis (Structural Equation Modeling). The results of this study show that Product Quality, Service Quality and Price Perception affect Consumer Satisfaction. While Product Quality, Service Quality, Price Perception and Consumer Satisfaction do not affect Consumer Buying Interest.
CDKL3 is a promising biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis prediction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Qingsi , Lu Mengran , Ouyang Huijuan , Zhou Tingting , Lei Jingyuan , Wang Panpan , Wang Wei
Published: June 2024

Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 3 (CDKL3) has been identified as an oncogene in certain types of tumors. Nonetheless, its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of CDKL3 based on data from the HCC cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Our analysis included gene expression, diagnosis, prognosis, functional enrichment, tumor microenvironment and metabolic characteristics, tumor burden, mRNA expression-based stemness, alternative splicing, and prediction of therapy response. Additionally, we performed a cell counting kit-8 assay, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end Labeling staining, migration assay, wound healing assay, colony formation assay, and nude mouse experiments to confirm the functional relevance of CDKL3 in HCC. Our findings showed that CDKL3 was significantly upregulated in HCC patients compared to controls. Various bioinformatic analyses suggested that CDKL3 could serve as a potential marker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis. Furthermore, CDKL3 was found to be involved in various mechanisms linked to the development of HCC, including copy number variation, tumor burden, genomic heterogeneity, cancer stemness, and alternative splicing of CDKL3. Notably, CDKL3 was also closely correlated with tumor immune cell infiltration and the expression of immune checkpoint markers. Additionally, CDKL3 was shown to independently function as a risk predictor for overall survival in HCC patients by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, the knockdown of CDKL3 significantly inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, indicating its role as an oncogene in HCC. Taken together, our findings suggest that CDKL3 shows promise as a biomarker for the detection and treatment outcome prediction of HCC patients.
PL-Net: progressive learning network for medical image segmentation
Authors: Mao Kunpeng , Li Ruoyu , Cheng Junlong , Huang Danmei , Song Zhiping , Liu ZeKui
Published: June 2024

In recent years, deep convolutional neural network-based segmentation methods have achieved state-of-the-art performance for many medical analysis tasks. However, most of these approaches rely on optimizing the U-Net structure or adding new functional modules, which overlooks the complementation and fusion of coarse-grained and fine-grained semantic information. To address these issues, we propose a 2D medical image segmentation framework called Progressive Learning Network (PL-Net), which comprises Internal Progressive Learning (IPL) and External Progressive Learning (EPL). PL-Net offers the following advantages: 1) IPL divides feature extraction into two steps, allowing for the mixing of different size receptive fields and capturing semantic information from coarse to fine granularity without introducing additional parameters; 2) EPL divides the training process into two stages to optimize parameters and facilitate the fusion of coarse-grained information in the first stage and fine-grained information in the second stage. We conducted comprehensive evaluations of our proposed method on five medical image segmentation datasets, and the experimental results demonstrate that PL-Net achieves competitive segmentation performance. It is worth noting that PL-Net does not introduce any additional learnable parameters compared to other U-Net variants.
Microneedle-enhanced drug delivery: fabrication, characterization, and insights into release and permeation of nanocrystalline imiquimod
Authors: Meiser Sophie Luise , Pielenhofer Jonas , Hartmann Ann-Kathrin , Stein Lara , Dettweiler Jule , Grabbe Stephan , Radsak Markus P. , Langguth Peter
Published: June 2024

Transcutaneous delivery systems bear several advantages over conventional needle-based injections. Considering the low bioavailability and poor water-solubility of imiquimod, a manufacturing process has been developed to incorporate imiquimod as suspended nanocrystals in different formulations. In this study, three formulations - fast-dissolving microneedle arrays that contain nanocrystalline imiquimod in a poly (vinyl)alcohol matrix and two semisolid preparations-were characterized and compared. The results show that microneedle arrays have an advantage over the semisolid preparations regarding in vitro release and permeation characteristics. Microneedle arrays facilitate ex vivo permeation, thus reducing the applied dose by 93% compared to the semisolid formulations. Additionally, the amount of imiquimod permeated after 24 h maintained the same level even when the contact time of the formulation with the skin is less than 1 hour. In conclusion, our results highlight the great potential of advanced microneedle based delivery systems and foster the further evaluation of this approach.
Kidney outcomes with SGLT2is for type 2 diabetes patients: does background treatment with metformin or RASis matter?
Authors: Chong Kah Suan , Chang Yi-Hsin , Lin Meng-Hsuan , Hsu Chien-Ning , Wang Chi-Chuan , Wang Chih-Yuan , Huang Yun-Lin , Lin Fang-Ju , Ou Huang-Tz
Published: June 2024

Introduction

There is a lack of real-world evidence regarding the impact of concomitant metformin and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASis) on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i)-associated kidney outcomes. This study was aimed to investigate whether SGLT2i-associated kidney outcomes were modified by the concomitant use of metformin or RASis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

SGLT2i users were identified from three electronic health record databases during May 2016 and December 2017 and categorized into those with and without concomitant use of metformin or RASis. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize baseline differences between groups. Study outcomes were mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change and time to 30%, 40%, and 50% eGFR reductions. A meta-analysis was performed to combine the estimates across databases.

Results

After matching, there were 6,625 and 3,260 SGLT2i users with and without metformin, and 6,654 and 2,746 SGLT2i users with and without RASis, respectively. The eGFR dip was similar in SGLT2i users with and without metformin therapy, but was greater in SGLT2i users with RASis compared to those without RASis. Neither metformin nor RASi use had a significant effect on SGLT2i-associated eGFR reductions, as evidenced by the hazard ratios (95% CIs) of 30% eGFR reductions for SGLT2is with versus without metformin/RASis, namely 1.02 (0.87–1.20)/1.09 (0.92–1.31). Such findings were also observed in the outcomes of 40% and 50% eGFR reductions.

Conclusion

Using metformin or RASis did not modify SGLT2i-associated kidney outcomes in type 2 diabetes.
Should we routinely assess hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in pediatric patients with Prader–Willi syndrome?
Authors: Wędrychowicz Anna Maria , Doleżal-Ołtarzewska Katarzyna , Zygmunt-Górska Agata , Kalicka-Kasperczyk Anna Urszula , Tyrawa Katarzyna , Wojcik Malgorzata , Janus Dominika , Kot Adrianna , Lecka-Ambroziak Agnieszka , Petriczko Elzbieta , Wielopolska Joanna , Starzyk Jerzy
Published: June 2024

Background

It has been reported that central adrenal insufficiency (CAI) in pediatric patients (pts) with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) may be a potential cause of their sudden death. In addition, the risk of CAI may increase during treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH).

Objective

To prevent both over- and undertreatment with hydrocortisone, we evaluated the prevalence of CAI in a large multicenter cohort of pediatric pts with PWS analyzing adrenal response in the low-dose ACTH test (LDAT) and/or the glucagon stimulation test (GST) and reviewing the literature.

Methods

A total of 46 pts with PWS were enrolled to the study, including 34 treated with rhGH with a median dose of 0.21 mg/kg/week. LDAT was performed in 46 pts, and GST was carried out in 13 pts. Both tests were conducted in 11 pts. The tests began at 8:00 a.m. Hormones were measured by radioimmunoassays. Serum cortisol response >181.2 ng/mL (500 nmol/L) in LDAT and >199.3 ng/mL (550 nmol/L) in GST was considered a normal response. Additionally, cortisol response delta (the difference between baseline and baseline) >90 ng/mL and doubling/tripling of baseline cortisol were considered indicators of normal adrenal reserve.

Results

Three GSTs were not diagnostic (no hypoglycemia obtained). LDAT results suggested CAI in four pts, but in two out of four pts, and CAI was excluded in GST. GST results suggested CAI in only one patient, but it was excluded in LDAT. Therefore, CAI was diagnosed in 2/46 pts (4.3%), 1 treated and 1 untreated with rhGH, with the highest cortisol values of 162 and 175 ng/dL, but only in one test. However, in one of them, the cortisol delta response was >90 ng/mL and peak cortisol was more than tripled from baseline. Finally, CAI was diagnosed in one patient treated with rhGH (2.2%).

Conclusion

We present low prevalence of CAI in pediatric pts with PWS according to the latest literature. Therefore, we do not recommend to routinely screen the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPAA) in all pts with PWS, both treated and untreated with rhGH. According to a review of the literature, signs and symptoms or low morning ACTH levels suggestive of CAI require urgent and appropriate diagnosis of HPAA by stimulation test. Our data indicate that the diagnosis of CAI should be confirmed by at least two tests to prevent overtreatment with hydrocortisone.
General calculation method of power boundary of multiport power electronic transformer
Authors: Li Junchi , Wu Junyong , Xiong Fei
Published: June 2024

In the multiport power electronic transformer (MPET), cascaded H-bridge (CHB) converters form the medium voltage AC port, while multiple low voltage DC ports are constructed by paralleling dual active bridge (DAB) converters into clusters. Uneven power distribution among these ports leads to power imbalances, risking over modulation in CHB converters with high power generation or load power. This study proposes a general calculation method (GCM) for determining the power boundary of MPETs, enabling the adjustment of reference power for each DC port to prevent over modulation. The GCM is designed to handle scenarios with multiple simultaneous power flow directions. The effectiveness of the GCM is verified by DC port power boundary simulation results of two independent DC bus structure multiport power electronic transformers. The proposed method provides a straightforward approach to calculating power boundary for MPETs with multiple power flow directions, ensuring efficient power management.
Degradation and residue dynamics of fluazinam in diverse indian soil types and water pH conditions: a comprehensive study using kinetic models
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Soumyadeep , Mandal Jajati , Kanrar Bappaditya , Chatterjee Debasish , Bhattacharyya Anjan , Majumder Santanu
Published: June 2024

Fluazinam a promising fungicide, is not yet registered in India. Consequently it is important to study the dissipation of its specific formulation in Indian soil and water. This study focuses on the degradation and residue dynamics of Fluazinam (40% SC) in different soil types (alluvial, lateritic, coastal saline and black) and water pH (4.0, 7.0, 9.2). Adsorption kinetic models suggested that the half-life period (days) varies among soils following the order lateritic (Jhargram), 54.07 > alluvial (Mohanpur), 45.10 > coastal saline (Canning), 28.33 > black (Pune) 26.18. These differences are attributed to soil pH and organic carbon (OC) content, where higher pH levels reduce pesticide adsorption, leading to quicker dissipation, while higher organic carbon content provides more binding sites, slowing down the process. The first order kinetics explained the dissipation better compared to second order model across all soil types. The study also found that the half-life of was lowest at pH 9.2, as compared to pH 7.0, and very high stability at pH 4.0. Additionally, the study introduces an interactive R-based tool for analysing dissipation kinetics and half-life of different pesticides offering a valuable resource for researchers and stakeholders.
Estimating and mapping the soil total nitrogen contents in black soil region using hyperspectral images towards environmental heterogeneity
Authors: Lin Nan , Mei Xianjun , Li Jia , Jiang Ranzhe , Wu Menghong , Zhang Wenchun
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Fast and accurate estimation and spatial mapping of soil total nitrogen (TN) content is important for the development of modern precision agriculture, such as soil fertility monitoring and land reclamation decision-making. Hyperspectral remote sensing has been demonstrated to be an accurate real-time technique for rapid estimation and mapping of soil TN content.

Methods: To solve the problem of poor accuracy and generalization of estimation models caused by soil environmental heterogeneity in estimating and mapping soil TN content using hyperspectral images, 502 soil samples were collected from a typical black soil area in Yushu City, Jilin Province, China, as a test area, and three sample grouping strategies were established by soil environmental variables (soil type, thickness of the black soil layer, and topographic factors), and Pearson correlation coefficient and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling algorithm were used to determine the TN characteristic bands of each sample set under different strategies. Based on the data characteristics of the sub-sample set, the local regression estimation model based on sample grouping was constructed using the CatBoost algorithm, and the estimation and distribution mapping of soil TN content was carried out.

Results and Discussion: The results showed that after dividing the samples according to the differences in soil environmental factors, the characteristic information of the samples is more targeted, with more abundant numbers and distribution ranges of TN characteristic bands. Compared to the global regression estimation with all samples, the local regression based on the grouping of soil environment differences showed improved accuracy, with the local regression estimation model constructed with the ST-G strategy exhibiting the highest estimation accuracy (Rp2 = 0.839). The results can provide a reference for large-area soil properties mapping, and technical support for soil quality digitization and precision fertilization.
Evaluation of geo-hazard risks in the pearl river delta based on geographic information system and weighted informativeness approach
Authors: Tang Bo , Ren Hao , Qiu Jin-an , Miao Cheng , Chen Yinzhong
Published: June 2024

The implementation of the provincial geo-hazard risk survey in China holds significant guiding importance in assessing disaster risks on a large scale and across different regions. Taking the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in Guangdong Province as a case study, characterized by a highly developed economy and dense population yet facing challenges from geo-hazard, this study utilizes the risk assessment system for geo-hazard along with a substantial dataset on hidden dangers. The hazardousness levels, vulnerability, and overall risk are evaluated by applying the risk matrix method, Weighted Informativeness method, and grey correlation analysis method. The results indicate that: (1) The level of hazardousness posed by geo-hazards in the PRD is typically more pronounced in the central and eastern areas, while it is lower in the western regions. The severity of geo-hazards is primarily influenced by rainfall factors, while there is no direct correlation between slope factors and the occurrence of geo-hazards. The relationship between altitude and the likelihood of geo-hazards typically indicates that higher altitudes pose a greater risk. However, this pattern does not hold for the PRD; (2) The susceptibility to geo-hazard in the PRD is intricately linked to the level of regional economic advancement, with areas of medium to high vulnerability predominantly clustered around Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan; (3) The likelihood of geo-hazard in the PRD, with a higher risk observed in the central part and lower risk in the surrounding areas, displaying a radial distribution pattern. Rainfall patterns and the level of economic development in the region significantly influence the assessment of geo-hazard risks in the PRD.
Quantifying nonlinear responses of vegetation to hydro-climatic changes in mountainous Southwest China
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhao Weidong , He Zehuang , Zhang Yuting , Wu Wanmin , Chen Ting
Published: June 2024

Vegetation plays an essential role in terrestrial carbon balance and climate systems. Exploring and understanding relationships between vegetation dynamics and climate changes in Southwest China is of great significance for ecological environment conservation. Nonlinear relationships between vegetation and natural factors are extraordinarily complex in Southwest China with complicated topographic conditions and changeable climatic characteristics. Considering the complex nonlinear relationships, the Random Forest (RF) and an integration of Convolutional Neural Networks and Long Short-Term Memory network (CNN-LSTM) were used with multi-source data from 2000–2020. Performance of two models were compared with precision indicators, and influence of topographic and hydro-climatic factors on vegetation was quantified based on the optimal models. Results revealed that the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index had a significant negative correlation with elevation and a positive correlation with land surface temperature and evapotranspiration. According to precision indicators, the RF model (RF3) built with longitude, latitude, elevation, slope, temperature, precipitation, evapotranspiration and surface solar radiation as inputs outperformed other models. Relative importance of the eight natural factors was quantified based on the RF3, and results indicated that elevation, temperature and evapotranspiration were major factors that influenced vegetation growth. Responses of vegetation toward climatic variables exhibited significant seasonal change, and there were different decisive factors, which influenced vegetation growth in forests, grasslands and croplands.
Development and evaluation of a chronic kidney disease risk prediction model using random forest
Authors: Mendapara Krish
Published: June 2024

This research aims to advance the detection of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) through a novel gene-based predictive model, leveraging recent breakthroughs in gene sequencing. We sourced and merged gene expression profiles of CKD-affected renal tissues from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, classifying them into two sets for training and validation in a 7:3 ratio. The training set included 141 CKD and 33 non-CKD specimens, while the validation set had 60 and 14, respectively. The disease risk prediction model was constructed using the training dataset, while the validation dataset confirmed the model’s identification capabilities. The development of our predictive model began with evaluating differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups. We isolated six genes using Lasso and random forest (RF) methods—DUSP1, GADD45B, IFI44L, IFI30, ATF3, and LYZ—which are critical in differentiating CKD from non-CKD tissues. We refined our random forest (RF) model through 10-fold cross-validation, repeated five times, to optimize the mtry parameter. The performance of our model was robust, with an average AUC of 0.979 across the folds, translating to a 91.18% accuracy. Validation tests further confirmed its efficacy, with a 94.59% accuracy and an AUC of 0.990. External validation using dataset GSE180394 yielded an AUC of 0.913, 89.83% accuracy, and a sensitivity rate of 0.889, underscoring the model’s reliability. In summary, the study identified critical genetic biomarkers and successfully developed a novel disease risk prediction model for CKD. This model can serve as a valuable tool for CKD disease risk assessment and contribute significantly to CKD identification.
Lactylation: The emerging frontier in post-translational modification
Authors: Lu Zhou , Zheng Xueting , Shi Mingsong , Yin Yuan , Liang Yuanyuan , Zou Zhiyan , Ding Chenghe , He Yuanjing , Zhou Yan , Li Xiaoan
Published: June 2024

Lactate, a metabolic byproduct, has gained recognition as a highly influential signaling molecule. Lactylation, an emerging form of post-translational modification derived from lactate, plays a crucial role in numerous cellular processes such as inflammation, embryonic development, tumor proliferation, and metabolism. However, the precise molecular mechanisms through which lactylation governs these biological functions in both physiological and pathological contexts remain elusive. Hence, it is imperative to provide a comprehensive overview of lactylation in order to elucidate its significance in biological processes and establish a foundation for forthcoming investigations. This review aims to succinctly outline the process of lactylation modification and the characterization of protein lactylation across diverse organisms. Additionally, A summary of the regulatory mechanisms of lactylation in cellular processes and specific diseases is presented. Finally, this review concludes by delineating existing research gaps in lactylation and proposing primary directions for future investigations.
Case report: Ofatumumab treatment in anti-DPPX autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Fu Peicai , Hu Zhenqiong , Zhang Guopeng , Li Zhijun
Published: June 2024

Dipeptidyl peptidase-like protein 6 (DPPX) antibody encephalitis is a rare autoimmune encephalitis. Diagnosis and treatment of DPPX remain challenging, particularly in patients with refractory disease. Herein, we report the first case of anti-DPPX encephalitis treated with ofatumumab. The patient had a chronic insidious onset and predominantly presented with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms and the typical triad of symptoms (weight loss, central nervous system hyperexcitability, and cognitive dysfunction). Positive anti-DPPX antibodies in the serum (1:1,000) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (1:100) were detected at the disease peak. The patient was unresponsive to four types of standard immunotherapies (intravenous globulin, plasma exchange, steroids, and tacrolimus), resulting in a treatment switch to ofatumumab. After five doses of injection and 12 months of follow-up, the patient improved well, with only a mild cognitive deficit.
The effect of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection on systemic immune responses in individuals with tuberculosis
Authors: Xavier Mariana S. , Araujo-Pereira Mariana , de Oliveira Quezia M. , Sant’Anna Flavia M. , Ridolfi Felipe M. , de Andrade Alice M. S. , Figueiredo Marina C. , Sterling Timothy R. , Gordhan Bhavna G. , Kana Bavesh D. , Andrade Bruno B. , Rolla Valeria C. , Gomes-Silva Adriano
Published: June 2024

Background

The impact of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection on the systemic immune response during tuberculosis (TB) disease has not been explored.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional cohort was established to evaluate the systemic immune response in persons with pulmonary tuberculosis with or without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Those participants were recruited in an outpatient referral clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. TB was defined as a positive Xpert-MTB/RIF Ultra and/or a positive culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum. Stored plasma was used to perform specific serology to identify previous SARS-CoV-2 infection (TB/Prex-SCoV-2 group) and confirm the non- infection of the tuberculosis group (TB group). Plasmatic cytokine/chemokine/growth factor profiling was performed using Luminex technology. Tuberculosis severity was assessed by clinical and laboratory parameters. Participants from TB group (4.55%) and TB/Prex-SCoV-2 (0.00%) received the complete COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

Among 35 participants with pulmonary TB, 22 were classified as TB/Prex-SCoV-2. The parameters associated with TB severity, together with hematologic and biochemical data were similar between the TB and TB/Prex-SCoV-2 groups. Among the signs and symptoms, fever and dyspnea were significantly more frequent in the TB group than the TB/Prex-SCoV-2 group (p < 0,05). A signature based on lower amount of plasma EGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-α2, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-7, and TNF-β was observed in the TB/Prex-SCoV-2 group. In contrast, MIP-1β was significantly higher in the TB/Prex-SCoV-2 group than the TB group.

Conclusion

TB patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 had an immunomodulation that was associated with lower plasma concentrations of soluble factors associated with systemic inflammation. This signature was associated with a lower frequency of symptoms such as fever and dyspnea but did not reflect significant differences in TB severity parameters observed at baseline.
Fatty acid oxidation in immune function
Authors: Kemp Felicia , Braverman Erica L. , Byersdorfer Craig A.
Published: June 2024

Cellular metabolism is a crucial determinant of immune cell fate and function. Extensive studies have demonstrated that metabolic decisions influence immune cell activation, differentiation, and cellular capacity, in the process impacting an organism’s ability to stave off infection or recover from injury. Conversely, metabolic dysregulation can contribute to the severity of multiple disease conditions including autoimmunity, alloimmunity, and cancer. Emerging data also demonstrate that metabolic cues and profiles can influence the success or failure of adoptive cellular therapies. Importantly, immunometabolism is not one size fits all; and different immune cell types, and even subdivisions within distinct cell populations utilize different metabolic pathways to optimize function. Metabolic preference can also change depending on the microenvironment in which cells are activated. For this reason, understanding the metabolic requirements of different subsets of immune cells is critical to therapeutically modulating different disease states or maximizing cellular function for downstream applications. Fatty acid oxidation (FAO), in particular, plays multiple roles in immune cells, providing both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. Herein, we review the major metabolic pathways available to immune cells, then focus more closely on the role of FAO in different immune cell subsets. Understanding how and why FAO is utilized by different immune cells will allow for the design of optimal therapeutic interventions targeting this pathway.
Ferroptosis: a novel mechanism of cell death in ophthalmic conditions
Authors: Yang Yaqi , Lin Yumeng , Han Zhongyu , Wang Bo , Zheng Wei , Wei Lijuan
Published: June 2024

Ferroptosis, a new type of programmed cell death proposed in recent years, is characterized mainly by reactive oxygen species and iron-mediated lipid peroxidation and differs from programmed cell death, such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Ferroptosis is associated with a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis can aggravate or reduce the occurrence and development of diseases by targeting metabolic pathways and signaling pathways in tumors, ischemic organ damage, and other degenerative diseases related to lipid peroxidation. Increasing evidence suggests that ferroptosis is closely linked to the onset and progression of various ophthalmic conditions, including corneal injury, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and retinoblastoma. Our review of the current research on ferroptosis in ophthalmic diseases reveals significant advancements in our understanding of the pathogenesis, aetiology, and treatment of these conditions.
Factors influencing early recurrence of atrial fibrillation among elderly patients following radiofrequency catheter ablation and the impact of different antiarrhythmic regimens
Authors: Fei Changdong , Zhao Caitong , Ma Yan , Liu Yupeng , Chen Renzheng , Zhang Hualin
Published: June 2024

Background

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who undergo radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) necessitate the administration of antiarrhythmic drugs to prevent early recurrence. The clinical outcomes among these patients may be influenced by varying antiarrhythmic regimens.

Objectives

To identify the risk factors associated with early recurrence and compare the clinical outcomes among different antiarrhythmic regimens in elderly patients with AF following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) during a 3-month period.

Methods

A retrospective observational study encompassed 420 elderly patients with AF following RFCA. Baseline data were collected during the initial postoperative visit and clinical outcomes were carefully monitored over a 3-month follow-up period. Logistic regression and Cox-proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between various antiarrhythmic regimens and the clinical outcomes.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (p = 0.001), left atrial diameter (p < 0.001), left ventricular diameter (p = 0.015), reactive hyperemia index (RHI) (p < 0.001), antiarrhythmic drug (p < 0.001) and hs-cTnI (p = 0.017) were independent risk factors of early recurrence. Furthermore, in cox survival regression analysis model, survival rate of early recurrence in the amiodarone group was higher than in the propafenone group (HR 2.30, 95%CI 1.17–4.53, p = 0.016) and in the sotalol group (HR 3.60, 95%CI 2.17–5.95, p < 0.001). Compared to the amiodarone group, the incidence of liver dysfunction was lower in the dronedarone group (p = 0.046) and the propafenone group (p = 0.021). The incidence of bradyarrhythmia (p = 0.003), QT interval prolongation (p = 0.035) and atrioventricular transmission block (p = 0.021) were higher in the sotalol group than in the amiodarone group.

Conclusion

RHI was identified as an independent risk factor for early recurrence among elderly AF patients after RFCA. Compared to amiodarone, propafenone and sotalol exhibited an elevated risk of early recurrence. Although there was no significant difference in early recurrence between amiodarone and dronedarone, dronedarone emerged as the preferred option due to its lower frequency of adverse drug reactions than amiodarone.