bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AUTOMATED INDOOR ACTIVITY MONITORING FOR ELDERLY AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE USING QUANTUM SALP SWARM ALGORITHM WITH MACHINE LEARNING
Authors: ALZAHRANI JABER S. , RIZWANULLAH MOHAMMED , OSMAN AZZA ELNEIL
Published: July 2024

Elderly and vision-impaired indoor activity monitoring uses sensor technology to monitor interaction and movement in the living area. This system can identify deviations from regular patterns, provide alerts, and ensure safety in case of emergencies or potential risks. These solutions enhance quality of life by promoting independent living while offering peace of mind to loved ones and caregivers. Visual impairments have become the chief part of these problems over the past few years. Usually, visually impaired people seek help from others to keep doing their daily tasks. An automated human activity recognition (HAR) technique could enhance a vision-impaired person’s transaction activity and safe movement. HAR using deep learning (DL) includes training neural networks to automatically detect and classify various activities carried out by humans based on sensor information. By leveraging DL approaches, the HAR system could accurately identify and classify activities, including sitting, standing, walking, or running, from the information captured by sensors or wearable devices. This system is integral to smart home automation, healthcare, and sports analytics. This study develops an Automated Fractal Quantum Salp Swarm Algorithm with Machine Learning based HAR (QSSA-MLHAR) for assisting elderly and visually impaired people. The QSSA-MLHAR technique uses sensory input data to identify human activities in diverse classes. In the QSSA-MLHAR technique, the min–max scalar is primarily used to scale the input data. Besides, the QSSA-MLHAR technique applies a mixed extreme learning machine (M-ELM) model to classify various human actions. The QSSA-based hyperparameter tuning process is used to improve the detection results of the M-ELM system. A wide range of simulations was performed to ensure the better performance of the QSSA-MLHAR method. The comprehensive outcomes assured that the QSSA-MLHAR technique performs well compared to other models.
Horocyclic harmonic Bergman spaces on homogeneous trees
Authors: De Mari Filippo , Monti Matteo , Rizzo Elena
Published: July 2024

The main focus of this contribution is on the harmonic Bergman spaces [Formula: see text] on the [Formula: see text]-homogeneous tree [Formula: see text] endowed with a family of measures [Formula: see text] that are constant on the horocycles tangent to a fixed boundary point and turn out to be doubling with respect to the corresponding horocyclic Gromov distance. A central role is played by the reproducing kernel Hilbert space [Formula: see text] for which we find a natural orthonormal basis and formulae for the kernel. We also consider the atomic Hardy space and the bounded mean oscillation space. Appealing to an adaptation of Calderón–Zygmund theory and to standard boundedness results for integral operators on [Formula: see text] spaces with Hörmander-type kernels, we determine the boundedness properties of the Bergman projection. This work was inspired by [J. M. Cohen, F. Colonna, M. A. Picardello and D. Singman, Bergman spaces and Carleson measures on homogeneous isotropic trees, Potential Anal. 44(4) (2016) 745–766, doi:10.1007/s11118-015-9529-7; F. De Mari, M. Monti and M. Vallarino, Harmonic Bergman projectors on homogeneous trees, Potential Anal. 61 (2024) 153–182].
GVCs Embeddedness and Its Effects on Industrial Productivity: Evidence from Turkish Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Özbuğday Fatih Cemil , Waqar Shahid Mahmood
Published: July 2024

This study examines the impact of global value chain (GVC) embedding degree and position on productivity in Turkish manufacturing industries from 2003 to 2018 using a two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM). It explores variations in these effects between low-tech and high-tech industries. Results indicate a significant positive productivity effect for low-tech industries and an insignificant effect for high-tech and overall manufacturing industries. Furthermore, our findings suggest that embedding position has limited effects in all three contexts. This study reveals a statistically significant productivity impact of FDI, financial development, subsidies, and openness for overall manufacturing industries, with significant positive effects observed only for FDI and trade openness in low-tech and high-tech industries.
Feature Selection and Classification Technique for Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Dan , Zhuang Yan , Liao Guoliang , Han Lin , Chen Ke , Li Cheng , Hua Zhan , Lin Jiangli
Published: July 2024

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is typically an indolent cancer, yet a minority of cases develop lymph node metastasis. Due to the unclear mechanisms of lymph node metastasis, a considerable number of patients undergo unnecessary surgeries. Currently, the identification of key genetic biomarkers in high-dimensional data presents a significant challenge, thereby limiting research progress in this area. Here, we proposed a hybrid filter-wrapper feature selection strategy for core factor detection and developed MethyAE, a metastasis prediction model based on DNA methylation, utilizing an end-to-end learning auto-encoder. 46 methylated CpG sites were successfully identified as crucial biomarkers for lymph node metastasis. Leveraging 447 PTC samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (221 with metastasis, 226 without), the MethyAE model achieves 88.9% accuracy and a recall rate of 88.6% in predicting lymph node metastasis, outperforming commonly used machine learning methods like logistic regression and random forest. Furthermore, the MethyAE model exhibits favorable performance in DNA methylation data from colon cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to predict PTC lymph node metastasis through DNA methylation, offering pivotal decision-making criteria for avoiding unnecessary surgeries and selecting appropriate treatment plans for a substantial cohort of PTC patients.
Jurassic tectonic regime transition of the southwestern Yangtze block, SW China: evidence from sedimentary provenance analysis
Authors: Wang Jun , Luo Liangdong , Yuan Yujie , Chu Chen , He Hao
Published: July 2024

The Lufeng Basin (LFB) in central Yunnan is located on the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block in the eastern segment of the Tethys tectonic domain, where the Palaeo-Tethys and the Palaeo-Pacific tectonic domains converge. Jurassic red beds in this basin record the closure of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean and key information on the tectonic transition driven by the spreading of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. We present sedimentary provenance analysis on these Jurassic red beds based on heavy mineral assemblages and detrital zircon geochronology. The results indicate that the strata in this basin were deposited after 214 Ma, and the Early Jurassic Lufeng Fm was mainly sourced from the west of the LFB with minor contributions from western Yunnan. In contrast, the sedimentary provenance of the Middle Jurassic Chuanjie Fm and Laoluocun Formation Fm shifted to the proximal ancient basement surrounding the basin and the east of the LFB. The regional unconformity between the Early and the Middle Jurassic may have resulted from the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate, jointly influenced by two tectonic domains. The sedimentary provenance shift in the Middle Jurassic may be related to the local uplift of the southwestern Yangtze Block caused by the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. The tectonic regime transition associated with this highest peak of local uplift occurred at
c
. 170 Ma.
Redox changes in the Iapetus Ocean during the Late Ordovician extinction crises
Authors: Sánchez-Roda Alejandra , Wignall Paul B. , Xiong Yijun , Poulton Simon W.
Published: July 2024

The cause of the Late Ordovician mass extinction (LOME) is widely debated, with glaciation, volcanism and oceanic redox fluctuations being proposed as possible drivers. Here, we apply a multi-proxy approach to deep-water Iapetus Ocean samples from Dob's Linn, Scotland, to determine oceanic redox conditions and changes in chemical weathering intensity. We document major redox fluctuations between anoxic ferruginous and oxic conditions during the first, end-Katian extinction pulse, whereas the end-Hirnantian extinction phase witnessed more persistent anoxia. These two episodes were separated by oxic conditions and a major, short-lived decline in chemical weathering during the Hirnantian glaciation, suggesting that although global cooling may have placed stress on certain biota, it was unlikely to be the cause of the extinction crisis. Late Hirnantian anoxia persisted into the Silurian, with widespread euxinia resulting in global drawdown of redox-sensitive trace metals. Recent studies have identified a mid-Katian biotic crisis and recovery prior to the LOME, although the precise stratigraphic position is not yet defined. The mid-Katian record at Dob's Linn shows a major redox change, with dysoxic to anoxic ferruginous deep ocean waters giving way to well-oxygenated conditions at this time. However, links between the mid-Katian biotic crisis and these redox changes remain unclear.
Using U–Pb carbonate dating to constrain the timing of extension and fault reactivation within the Bristol Channel Basin, SW England
Authors: Connolly Joe , Anderson Mark , Mottram Catherine , Price Gregory D. , Parrish Randall , Sanderson David
Published: July 2024

The Bristol Channel Basin is a Mesozoic continental rift basin. The basin is an important analogue for offshore reservoirs. Relative cross-cutting relationships and correlation with adjacent sedimentary basins have previously been used to constrain the timing of basin development.
In situ
U–Pb carbonate geochronology has been used to date calcite slickenfibre development in the cores of normal, thrust and strike-slip faults in the East Quantoxhead and Kilve region of Somerset for the first time. Protracted north–south extension from
c.
150 to 120 Ma formed normal faults. Subsequent north–south shortening from
c.
50 to 20 Ma was accommodated by (1) mutually cross-cutting strike-slip faults, (2) minor east–west-striking thrust faults and (3) the reactivation of pre-existing normal faults. Throughout Cenozoic contraction,

σ

2
and

σ

3
remained similar in magnitude and periodically flipped to become vertical; this was probably controlled by local stress permutations and changes in fluid pressure. The timing of inversion is contemporaneous with dominant Pyrenean and later Alpine orogenic events, as well as the opening of the Mid-Atlantic Rift. Early inversion of the Bristol Channel Basin was probably driven by far-field Pyrenean deformation, with later contraction caused by Alpine forces. Ridge push from the Mid-Atlantic Rift exacerbated the reactivation of the basin.
Provenance of the Trainor's Rocks microconglomerate, Northern Ireland: a mid-Silurian (Hawick Group) submarine channel fan deposit in the closing Iapetus Ocean
Authors: Moles Norman R. , Cooper Mark R. , Hollis Steven P. , McConnell Brian
Published: July 2024

A pebbly gritstone–microconglomerate outcrop at Trainor's Rocks in the Mourne Mountains is one of the youngest (
c
. 430 Ma) coarse clastic units within the Ordovician–Silurian Southern Uplands–Down–Longford Terrane. The
c
. 400 m by 1 km outcrop lies within fine-grained Hawick Group (Wenlock) strata, and is rich in extraformational clasts including granite, rhyolite, andesite, basalt, vein quartz and metamorphic rocks, plus intraformational rip-up clasts of mudstone. Detrital zircons, analysed by sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP), yield predominantly Ordovician U–Pb ages of 450–490 Ma, peaking at
c
. 470 Ma, coincident with arc-related magmatism in the Midland Valley Terrane. Whole-rock geochemical data are consistent with derivation from a calc-alkaline continental arc, with clast provenance matching 473–464 Ma arc volcanic and intrusive rocks from the Tyrone Igneous Complex. A small proportion of analysed zircons have Proterozoic and Neoarchean ages typical of sediments derived from the Dalradian Supergroup (Grampian Terrane). The youngest zircon analysed, 435 ± 8 Ma, may indicate that magmatism continued during closure of Iapetus in the Llandovery. In these samples there is no evidence for Gondwana-derived sediment. The influx of detritus from the volcanic arc–Laurentian hinterland suggests episodic tectonic unroofing in response to syndepositional strike-slip movements.
This Is Going on Your Permanent Record: A Legal Analysis of Educational Data in the Cloud
Authors: Cohen Ben , Hu Ashley , Patino Deisy , Coffman Joel
Published: July 2024

Moving operations to the cloud has become a way of life for many educational institutions. Much of the information these institutions store in the cloud is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which was last amended in 2002, well before cloud computing became ubiquitous. The application of a 1974 law to 21st-century technology presents a plethora of legal and technical questions. In this article, we present an interdisciplinary analysis of these issues. We examine both existing statutes and case law and contemporary research into cloud security, focusing on the impact of the latter on the former. We find that FERPA excludes information that students and faculty often believe is protected and that lower-court decisions have created further ambiguity. We additionally find that given current technology, the statute is no longer sufficient to protect student data, and we present recommendations for revisions.
The Ethics of Mixed Reality Games
Authors: Millard David , Packer Heather , Jordan James , Hewitt Sarah , Malinov Yoan , Rogers Neil
Published: July 2024

Mixed Reality (MR) Games integrate digital elements with real-world places. In doing so, they change those places, with important ethical implications. We present a synthesis of eight existing frameworks on MR Ethics to establish a set of ethical issues for MR Games, and a qualitative analysis of interviews with 17 MR Game Designers to define the strategic approaches they use to address them. We identify 26 ethical issues over five dimensions: Claim Rights, Duty of Care, Social Justice, Privacy, and Control; and 59 separate tactics forming 13 strategic approaches over three areas: Design, Participant Management, and Logistics. Mapping these to codes of ethics from the ACM and IEEE, we show that the strategies can be seen as methods for behaving ethically within the context of MR Game development, although many strategies rest on the virtues of individual designers and their critical engagement with an ongoing ethical process.
Does Cyber Insurance Promote Cyber Security Best Practice? An Analysis Based on Insurance Application Forms
Authors: Adriko Rodney , Nurse Jason R. C.
Published: July 2024

The significant rise in digital threats and attacks has led to an increase in the use of cyber insurance as a cyber risk treatment method intended to support organisations in the event of a security breach. Insurance providers are set up to assume such residual risk, but they often require organisations to implement certain security controls a priori to reduce their exposure. We examine the assertion that cyber insurance promotes cyber security best practice by conducting a critical examination of cyber insurance application forms to determine how well they align with ISO 27001, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the UK’s Cyber Essentials security standards. We achieve this by mapping questions and requirements expressed in insurance forms to the security controls covered in each of the standards. This allows us to identify security controls and standards that are considered—and likely most valued—by insurers and those that are neglected. We find that while there is some reasonable coverage across forms, there is an underrepresentation of best practice standards and controls generally, and particularly in some control areas (e.g., procedural/governance controls, incident response and recovery).
Health Disparities Among Indigenous Peoples: Exploring the Roles of Evolutionary and Developmental Mismatch on Cardiometabolic Health
Authors: Gurven Michael , Sarrieddine Ayana , Lea Amanda
Published: July 2024

The health of Indigenous populations suffers compared with that of non-Indigenous neighbors in every country. Although health deficits have long been recognized, remedies are confounded by multifactorial causes, stemming from persistent social and epidemiological circumstances, including inequality, racism, and marginalization. In light of the global morbidity and mortality burden from heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, cardiometabolic health needs to be a target for building scientific understanding and designing health outreach and interventions among Indigenous populations. We first describe health disparities in cardiometabolic diseases and risk factors, focusing on Indigenous populations outside of high-income contexts that are experiencing rapid but heterogeneous lifestyle change. We then evaluate two evolutionary frameworks that can help improve our understanding of health disparities in these populations: (a) evolutionary mismatch, which emphasizes the role of recent lifestyle changes in light of past genetic adaptations, and (b) developmental mismatch, which emphasizes the long-term contribution of early-life environments to adult health and the role of within-lifetime environmental change.
Organ Evolution: Emergence of Multicellular Function
Authors: Parker Joseph
Published: July 2024

Instances of multicellularity across the tree of life have fostered the evolution of complex organs composed of distinct cell types that cooperate, producing emergent biological functions. How organs originate is a fundamental evolutionary problem that has eluded deep mechanistic and conceptual understanding. Here I propose a cell- to organ-level transitions framework, whereby cooperative division of labor originates and becomes entrenched between cell types through a process of functional niche creation, cell-type subfunctionalization, and irreversible ratcheting of cell interdependencies. Comprehending this transition hinges on explaining how these processes unfold molecularly in evolving populations. Recent single-cell transcriptomic studies and analyses of terminal fate specification indicate that cellular functions are conferred by modular gene expression programs. These discrete components of functional variation may be deployed or combined within cells to introduce new properties into multicellular niches, or partitioned across cells to establish division of labor. Tracing gene expression program evolution at the level of single cells in populations may reveal transitions toward organ complexity.
Empirical Approaches to the Rule of Law: Contours and Challenges of a Social Science That Does Not Quite Yet Exist
Authors: Hertogh Marc
Published: July 2024

In the past, the rule of law was largely overlooked by sociologists and other social scientists. However, recent years have seen an increasing number of empirical studies of the rule of law. I survey that diverse literature and identify three generations of empirical research, each based on a different approach: (a) the rule of law in action, (b) the rule of law index, and (c) the living rule of law. These studies give us a detailed, but often sobering, view of the rule of law in the real world. I critically review the emerging field and discuss challenges for future research. Developing a more coherent social science of the rule of law is important because it helps us to understand that the rule of law is defined not only by formal institutions and legal documents but also by the place of law in people's everyday lives.
Leveraging quantitative systems pharmacology and artificial intelligence to advance treatment of chronic kidney disease mineral bone disorder
Authors: Gaweda Adam , Brier Michael , Lederer Eleanor
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for exploration of complex processes but application to clinical syndromes is challenging. Using a mathematical model describing the movement of calcium and phosphate between body compartments combined with machine learning, we show the feasibility of testing alternative goals of therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease Mineral Bone Disorder while maintaining acceptable biochemical outcomes. These simulations demonstrate the potential for using this platform to generate and test hypotheses in silico rapidly, inexpensively, and safely.
NAD deficiency contributes to progressive kidney disease in HIV-nephropathy mice
Authors: Yoshida Teruhiko , Myakala Komuraiah , Jones Bryce A. , Wang Xiaoxin X. , Shrivastav Shashi , Santo Briana A. , Patel Tatsat R. , Zhao Yongmei , Tutino Vincent M. , Sarder Pinaki , Rosenberg Avi Z. , Winkler Cheryl A. , Levi Moshe , Kopp Jeffrey B.
Published: July 2024

The study describes a novel investigation that identified nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) deficiency in a widely used HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) transgenic mouse model. We show that INT-747, a farnesoid X receptor agonist, and nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor of nicotinamide, each ameliorated HIVAN tubulopathy. Multiomic analysis of mouse kidneys revealed that NAD deficiency was an upstream metabolomic mechanism contributing to HIVAN tubulopathy.
Aberrant proximal tubule DNA methylation underlies phenotypic changes related to kidney dysfunction in patients with diabetes
Authors: Marumo Takeshi , Yoshida Naoto , Inoue Noriko , Yamanouchi Masayuki , Ubara Yoshifumi , Urakami Shinji , Fujii Takeshi , Takazawa Yutaka , Ohashi Kenichi , Kawarazaki Wakako , Nishimoto Mitsuhiro , Ayuzawa Nobuhiro , Hirohama Daigoro , Nagae Genta , Fujimoto Mao , Arai Eri , Kanai Yae , Hoshino Junichi , Fujita Toshiro
Published: July 2024

Cell type-specific DNA methylation patterns in the human kidney are not known. We examined DNA methylation in proximal tubules of patients with diabetic nephropathy and revealed that oxidative stress, cytoskeleton, and metabolism genes were aberrantly methylated. The results indicate that aberrant DNA methylation in proximal tubules underlies kidney dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy. Aberrant methylation could be a target for reversing memory of poor glycemic control.
Sex-specific modulation of renal epigenetic and injury markers in aging kidney
Authors: Adams-Sherrod Gabriel A. , Brooks Heddwen L. , Kumar Prerna
Published: July 2024

Although there is evidence of sex-specific differences in kidney diseases, most preclinical studies have used male rodent models. The clinical data on renal injury have typically not been stratified by sex. Our findings provide convincing evidence of sex-specific differences in age-regulated epigenetic alterations and renal injury markers. This study highlights the importance of including both sexes for better realization of underlying sex differences in signaling mechanisms of aging-related renal pathophysiology.
Inducible deletion of the prostaglandin EP3 receptor in kidney tubules of male and female mice has no major effect on water homeostasis
Authors: Esteva-Font Cristina , Geurts Frank , Hansen Toke P. K. , Hoorn Ewout J. , Fenton Robert A.
Published: July 2024

The prostanoid EP3 receptor is proposed to play a key role in the kidney tubule and antagonize the effects of vasopressin on aquaporin-mediated water reabsorption. Here, we phenotyped a kidney tubule-specific inducible knockout mouse model of the EP3 receptor. Our major finding is that, even under physiological stress, tubular EP3 plays no detectable role in renal water or solute handling. This suggests that other EP receptors must be important for renal salt and water handling.
Altered kidney distribution and loss of ACE2 into the urine in acute kidney injury
Authors: Shirazi Mina , Cianfarini Cosimo , Ismail Ahmed , Wysocki Jan , Wang Jiao-Jing , Ye Minghao , Zhang Zheng Jenny , Batlle Daniel
Published: July 2024

This study provides novel insights into the distribution of kidney ACE2 in a model of AKI by IRI showing a striking detachment of apical ACE2 from proximal tubules and its loss in urine and urine sediment. The observed deficiency of kidney ACE2 protein and enzymatic activity in severe AKI suggests that administration of forms of this enzyme may mitigate AKI and that urinary ACE2 may serve as a potential biomarker for tubular injury.
Oxysterol-binding protein-like 7 deficiency leads to ER stress-mediated apoptosis in podocytes and proteinuria
Authors: Duara Joanne , Torres Maria , Gurumani Margaret , Molina David Judith , Njeim Rachel , Kim Jin-Ju , Mitrofanova Alla , Ge Mengyuan , Sloan Alexis , Müller-Deile Janina , Schiffer Mario , Merscher Sandra , Fornoni Alessia
Published: July 2024

OSBPL7 and ER stress comprise a central mechanism in glomerular injury. This study highlights a crucial link between OSBPL7 deficiency and ER stress in CKD. OSBPL7 deficiency causes ER stress, leading to podocyte apoptosis. There is a selective effect on lipid homeostasis in that OSBPL7 deficiency affects lipid homeostasis, altering cellular triglyceride but not cholesterol content. The interaction of ER stress and apoptosis supports that ER stress, not reduced autophagy, is the main driver of apoptosis in OSBPL7-deficient podocytes.
Hindlimb immobilization induces insulin resistance and elevates mitochondrial ROS production in the hippocampus of female rats
Authors: Kerr Nathan R. , Mossman Chandler W. , Chou Chih-Hsuan , Bunten Joshua M. , Kelty Taylor J. , Childs Thomas E. , Rector Randy Scott , Arnold William David , Grisanti Laurel A. , Du Xiangwei , Booth Frank W.
Published: July 2024

Muscle disuse via hindlimb immobilization increased oxidative stress and insulin resistance in the hippocampus. These findings were in association with muscle iron overload in connection with iron dysregulation in the brain. Overall, our work identifies muscle disuse as a contributor to hippocampal dysfunction, potentially through an iron-based muscle-brain axis, highlighting iron dysregulation as a potential novel mechanism in the relationship between muscle health, cognitive function, and Alzheimer’s disease risk.
Nicotine exacerbates exertional heat strain in trained men: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study
Authors: Moyen Nicole E. , Barnes Matthew J. , Perry Blake G. , Fujii Naoto , Amano Tatsuro , Kondo Narihiko , Mündel Toby
Published: July 2024

In naïve participants, acute nicotine use exerts a hyperthermic effect that increases the risk of heat exhaustion during exertional heat strain, which is driven by a blunted skin blood flow response. This has implications for 1) populations that face exertional heat strain and demonstrate high nicotine use (e.g., athletes and military, 25%–50%) and 2) study design whereby screening and exclusion for nicotine use or standardization of prior use (e.g., overnight abstinence) is encouraged.
Effects of variation in exercise training load on cognitive performances and neurotrophic biomarkers in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Boidin Maxime , Grégoire Catherine-Alexandra , Gagnon Christine , Thorin-Trescases Nathalie , Thorin Eric , Nigam Anil , Juneau Martin , Guillaume Arthur , Tremblay Jonathan , Gayda Mathieu , Bherer Louis
Published: July 2024

We used a novel and supervised iso-energetic training, integrating both moderate- and high-intensity aerobic exercises. Our findings indicate that greater variation in training load did not yield cognitive enhancements, although both protocols exhibited positive effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Moreover, this study establishes a clear positive association between short-term and working memory and neurotrophic biomarkers. In addition, the independent predictive value of change in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on improvement in short-term and working memory highlight the close relationship between neurotrophic markers and cognition. Consequently, our results advocate for exercise training interventions targeting neurotrophic biomarkers to enhance cognitive function among individuals with coronary artery disease.
Grain Yield, Nitrogen Accumulation, and Its Use Efficiency of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Varying Nitrogen Rates
Authors: Rawal Nabin , Vista Shree Prasad , Khadka Dinesh , Paneru Prakash
Published: July 2024

Nitrogen (N) is a key nutrient required for higher yield and better quality of maize that leads to the achievement of food self‐sufficiency in many developing countries. A two‐year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of varying N levels on the performance of hybrid maize, N accumulation, and N use efficiency at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal, during May to September in 2019 and 2020. The experiment consisted of 7 treatments: 6 levels of N (0, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 kg N ha−1) with application of P2O5 : K2O in 60 : 40 ha−1 and zero plots with no fertilizer application. The experimental was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results of the experiment revealed that the grain yield, N content, its uptake, efficiency, and economics of hybrid maize production were significantly (p ≤ 0.001) influenced by difference in N rates. Two years of pooled grain yield produced significantly (p ≤ 0.001) higher yield of 10.14 Mg ha−1 from application of 210 kg N ha−1 with benefit: cost ratio of 3.22. Likewise, two years of mean N concentrations in grain and stover were 13.13 and 5.32 g kg−1, respectively, with a total uptake of 117.3 kg ha−1. The data revealed that partitions of N in maize were 77.5% and 22.5% in grain and stover, respectively. The mean recovery efficiency, agronomic efficiency, and partial factor productivity of N in maize was found to be 48.9%, 20.9 kg kg−1, and 61.6 kg kg−1, respectively. Since additional N fertilizer had significant impact on maize productivity, it is advised to apply 210 kg N ha−1 under conditions of similar soil and ecology.
Exploring Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Biomarkers through Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis: Uncovering Novel Diagnostic Candidates
Authors: Li Guanmou , Lin Dongqun , Fan Xiaoping , Peng Bo
Published: July 2024

HCM is a heterogeneous monogenic cardiac disease that can lead to arrhythmia, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. This study aims to identify biomarkers that have a positive impact on the treatment, diagnosis, and prediction of HCM through bioinformatics analysis. We selected the GSE36961 and GSE180313 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for differential analysis. GSE36961 generated 6 modules through weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA), with the green and grey modules showing the highest positive correlation with HCM (green module: cor = 0.88, p = 2e − 48; grey module: cor = 0.78, p = 4e − 31). GSE180313 generated 17 modules through WGCNA, with the turquoise module exhibiting the highest positive correlation with HCM (turquoise module: cor = 0.92, p = 6e − 09). We conducted GO and KEGG pathway analysis on the intersection genes of the selected modules from GSE36961 and GSE180313 and intersected their GO enriched pathways with the GO enriched pathways of endothelial cell subtypes calculated after clustering single‐cell data GSE181764, resulting in 383 genes on the enriched pathways. Subsequently, we used LASSO prediction on these 383 genes and identified RTN4, COL4A1, and IER3 as key genes involved in the occurrence and development of HCM. The expression levels of these genes were validated in the GSE68316 and GSE32453 datasets. In conclusion, RTN4, COL4A1, and IER3 are potential biomarkers of HCM, and protein degradation, mechanical stress, and hypoxia may be associated with the occurrence and development of HCM.
Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Liver Histopathology: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nurhayati Titing , Ridho Muhamad Farrel , Santoso Putri Teesa Radhiyanti , Setiawan Setiawan , Goenawan Hanna , Tarawan Vita Murniati
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera), which are members of the Moringaceae family, are one of the herbal plants that are widely known in Indonesia. Phytochemical contents of moringa leaf, such as flavonoid, quercetin, and phenolic acid, are believed to have an effect on improvement of NAFLD. Therefore, moringa leaf is considered as one the herbal plants that can be used as supplementation in the form of adjuvant therapy to NAFLD. The study objective of our research is to review the effect of giving moringa leaf to the liver, especially the histopathologic features. This study will be conducted on literature review research design, more specifically in the form of a systematic review. Research Method. Five major electronic web databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, were used in identifying literature from 2014 to 2023. Results. From a comprehensive analysis of 13 relevant literature sources, we elucidate the impact of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on liver histopathology, glucose, and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, we provide insights into its safety profile concerning human health. Conclusion. The phytochemical content of Moringa oleifera leaf extract had shown a significant benefit in plant medicinal sector. From the research that had been done, Moringa oleifera leaf extract contributes to give significant improvement on liver histopathological features, glucose, and lipid metabolism on animal sample model.
Designing, Validation, and Feasibility of Integrated Approach of Heartfulness Meditation and Yoga Protocol (IAHFNM & YP) for Hypertensive Participants
Authors: Singh Pooja S. , Nicolai Veronique , Patil Yogesh , Yeram Neelam , Bhukte Bhusan , Thakur Kapil , Thakker Mitesh , Mehta Haresh , Thakur Mansee K.
Published: July 2024

The module was designed and developed at Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad. The Department of Medicine, MGM Medical College & Hospital, MGMIHS, Navi Mumbai, carried out the validation and subsequently pilot‐tested on volunteers. Forty experts were selected to validate the contents of IAHFNM & YP which was designed after a thorough review of meditation and yoga literature. A total of 23 items were included, and each item was rated as essential or not essential by the experts, based on which the content validity ratio (CVR), Item‐Level Content Validity Index (I‐CVI), and Scale‐Level Content Validity Index Average (S‐CVI/Ave) were calculated. Reliability analysis and a pilot study for the feasibility of IAHFNM & YP for hypertensive patients were also done. All 23 practices exhibited significant CVR (≥ 0.29), I‐CVI (> 0.79), and S‐CVI/Ave (> 0.9); thus, the tool was found to have valid contents. Cronbach’s alpha value for the tool was 0.95 which was highly reliable. Feasibility analysis in hypertensive participants showed that the tool is reliable and implementable. The IAHFNM & YP tool designed for hypertensive patients is valid, reliable, and feasible. The patients showed a willingness to continue with heartfulness meditation and yoga practices for participation in research for a longer duration. Further studies to confirm the tool’s efficacy should be conducted with a large sample size.

Trial Registration:CTRI/2024/01/061035
A vitalidade linguística do talian em Riqueza/SC: dimensões e categorias de análise
Authors: Horst Cristiane , Zanella Franciele
Published: July 2024

Language, identity and culture are deeply linked, even in a world increasingly connected online. In Brazil, researchers have developed Linguistic Atlases to document and understand the results of different linguistic contacts. The "Atlas of Languages in Contact at the Border: Western Santa Catarina" (ALCF-OC) focuses on recording the different linguistic varieties of Portuguese used by descendants of Italian, German, Russian, Polish and Israeli immigrants in the West region of Santa Catarina. This article examines the linguistic vitality of talian in Riqueza, Santa Catarina, taking into account the beliefs and linguistic attitudes of Italo-Brazilians. The research follows the principles of Pluridimensional and Relational Dialectology and UNESCO parameters, aiming to identify factors that influence the maintenance or replacement of the minority language, encompassing dimensions such as generation, class and gender. Riqueza, an agricultural municipality colonized by German-Russian and Italian immigrants, is a dynamic scenario, considering linguistic and extralinguistic factors. The results indicate the low vitality of talian in Riqueza, attributed to social factors, including the diminished prestige, the lack of intergenerational transmission, the negligence of public authorities in relation to its teaching and registration, among others.
O efeito da escolaridade e sexo sobre a haplologia no falar belenense
Authors: Paz Flávia Helena da Silva , Cravo Marilucia de Oliveira , Costa Celiane Sousa
Published: July 2024

This research deals with the phenomenon of haplology in Belense speech from the results of the effect of external factors, schooling and sex. The narratives used for this research come from the Geosociolinguistic Atlas of Pará Database – AliPa (Razky, Org, 2003), treated in the light of Variationist Sociolinguistics (Labov, 2008). The analysis of this research considers only the contexts of haplology in the scope of the sentence. The relevance of external factors on the phenomenon is confirmed by the selection of the variables education and sex by the variable rule program Goldvarb X. The preliminary results showed that haplology is a stigmatized rule in Belense speech because it is disadvantaged among women and the more educated. The low productivity of the phenomenon is related to schooling, which should act as an inhibitor of the rule.
USING DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS TO EVALUATE THE EFFICIENCY OF EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Tunalı Duygu
Published: July 2024

In an environment where international competitive conditions are becoming increasingly difficult in parallel with the changes in science and technology, the importance of developments in information technologies is increasing day by day. This study aims to specify the relative efficiency of European Union countries in the field of information technologies using Data Envelopment Analysis. In this direction, four inputs and four outputs are determined. According to both the CCR and BCC models, Austria, Croatia, Czechia, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain are the countries that cannot show 100% performance in obtaining information technology outputs with the information technology inputs determined in the study. While Belgium and Poland are effective in the BCC analysis, they are not effective in the CCR analysis. In this case, Belgium and Poland are technically effective in BCC analysis, but can not achieve scale efficiency. Input and output rates of inefficient countries are interpreted by comparing them with best practice benchmarks.
A new species of Candolleomyces (Psathyrellaceae) from Pakistan
Authors: AHMAD ISHTIAQ , HAQNAWAZ MUHAMMAD , NIAZI ABDUL REHMAN , KHALID ABDUL NASIR
Published: July 2024

A new species, Candolleomyces amygdaliformis, is described from Pakistan, based on morpho-anatomically, and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS and LSU sequences. Morpho-anatomically, the new taxon is characterized by a light brownish gray pileus with a reddish brown center and a decurved margin, a light gray, shiny stipe, and amygdaliform to phaseoliform basidiospores. Phylogenetically it clusters with another species C. campanulatus from Pakistan. Illustrated morphological description, phylogenetic analyses and comparisons with morphologically similar or phylogenetically related species as well as a key to the known species from Pakistan are provided.
Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in patients with haemoptysis: the POPEIHE study
Authors: Vanni Simone , Bartalucci Paola , Pelagatti Lorenzo , Fabiani Ginevra , Guglielmini Elena , Giannasi Gianfranco , Ruggiano Germana , De Curtis Ersilia , Coppa Alessandro , Pepe Giuseppe , Magazzini Simone , Voza Antonio , Morello Fulvio , Nazerian Peiman , Grifoni Stefano
Published: July 2024

Aim

To determine the prevalence and characteristics of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients presenting with haemoptysis. Additionally, we assessed the efficiency and failure rates of different clinical diagnostic algorithms for PE in this patient population.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive adult patients who presented to nine Italian emergency departments with haemoptysis as the primary complaint. PE diagnosis was ruled out in patients with a low pre-test probability in combination with a negative age-adjusted D-dimer (referred to as the “age-adjusted” D-dimer strategy), a negative computed tomography pulmonary angiography or when a clear alternative source of bleeding was identified, along with negative findings for venous thromboembolism during a 30-day follow-up.

Results

A total of 546 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of PE, including the 30-day follow-up, was 4.2% (95% CI 2.7–6.3%). The majority of these cases (78%) exhibited distal (segmental or subsegmental) emboli and there were no PE-related fatalities. The “age-adjusted” D-dimer strategy initially excluded PE in 24% of patients (95% CI 21–28%), with a failure rate of 0.8% (95% CI 0.0–4.1%). Retrospectively applied, the “clinical probability-adjusted” D-dimer strategies, specifically the YEARS and Pulmonary Embolism Graduated d-Dimer (PEGeD) algorithms, excluded PE in a significantly higher proportion (30% and 32%, respectively) compared with the “age-adjusted” D-dimer strategy (p<0.05 for both), with similar failure rates.

Conclusions

PE is infrequent among patients presenting with haemoptysis, showing segmental or subsegmental emboli distribution. The “clinical probability-adjusted” D-dimer strategies seem to have significantly higher efficiency compared with the “age-adjusted” strategy.
The development of the Cough Hypersensitivity Questionnaire for chronic cough
Authors: Hirons Barnaby , Cho Peter S.P. , Krägeloh Chris , Siegert Richard J. , Turner Richard , Rhatigan Katherine , Kesavan Harini , Mackay Ewan , Won Ha-Kyeong , Kim Ju-Young , Song Woo-Jung , Birring Surinder S.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Chronic cough is considered a disorder of neuronal hypersensitivity in which patients frequently report abnormal laryngeal and chest sensations, and excessive triggers. To facilitate clinical assessment, we developed the Cough Hypersensitivity Questionnaire (CHQ).

Methods

Candidate questionnaire items were developed following interviews with patients with refractory chronic cough (n=10, United Kingdom), and review by a multidisciplinary team. The CHQ was evaluated in individuals with chronic cough (n=535, UK/South Korea), for unidimensionality and differential item functioning (with Rasch analysis), internal consistency, concurrent validity (against cough severity visual analogue scale (VAS) and Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) scores), and content validity (cognitive debriefing interviews, n=13).

Results

Concept elicitation created a pool of 34 items. Eleven items were removed following multidisciplinary team review of patient interviews. Rasch analysis confirmed the CHQ total score to be a unidimensional scale; one item was removed due to differential item functioning. The final 22 binary-item CHQ comprises 6 sensation-related and 16 trigger-related items. Median (interquartile range) total CHQ scores were 9 (6–12); sensations 4 (2–5) and triggers 5 (3–8). Internal consistency was good (person separation index 0.74). The CHQ total score was moderately associated with cough severity VAS (0.42, p=0.005) and LCQ total score (ρ=−0.52, p<0.001). In cognitive debriefing, patients found that the CHQ was relevant to their condition and simple to complete.

Conclusion

The CHQ is simple to use and has validity for assessing cough triggers and sensations in patients with chronic cough. Further studies are needed to assess its repeatability, responsiveness and clinical utility.
Stem cell therapy in diabetic men with erectile dysfunction: a 24-month follow-up of safety and efficacy of two intracavernous autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells injections, an open label phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Al Demour Saddam , Adwan Sofia , Jafar Hanan , Alhawari Hussam , Awidi Abdalla
Published: July 2024

Background

Recently we reported results of phase 1 pilot clinical trial of 2 consecutive intracavernous (IC) injection of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) for the first time in the treatment of diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction (DM-ED). In phase 2 of this study our aim is to evaluate long term safety and efficacy of IC injections of BM-MSC on additional eight patients with DM-ED.

Results

Each patient received 2 consecutive IC injections of BM-MSC and evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24-month time points. Primary outcome was the tolerability and safety of stem cells therapy (SCT), while the secondary outcome was improvement of erectile function (EF) as assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Erection Hardness Score (EHS) questionnaires, and Color Duplex Doppler Ultrasound (CDDU). IC injections of BM-MSCs was safe and well-tolerated. Minor local and short-term adverse events related to the bone marrow aspiration and IC injections were observed and treated conservatively. There were significant improvement in mean IIEF-5, EHS, all over the follow-up time points in comparison to the baseline. At 24-month follow up there were significant decline in the mean IIEF-5, and EHS compared to the baseline. The mean basal and 20-min peak systolic velocity was significantly higher at 3-month after the IC injections compared to baseline.

Conclusions

This phase 2 clinical trial confirmed that IC injections of BM-MSC are safe and improve EF. The decline in EF over time suggests a need for assessing repeated injections.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02945462