bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Diabetes Remission or Progression on the Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in Japan: Historical Cohort Study Using a Nationwide Claims Database
Authors: Shimayama Chihiro , Fujihara Kazuya , Khin Laymon , Takizawa Hiroki , Horikawa Chika , Sato Takaaki , Kitazawa Masaru , Matsubayashi Yasuhiro , Yamada Takaho , Sone Hirohito
Published: December 2024

Background
Previous studies demonstrated that diabetes remission can occur during intensive intervention and in real-world settings. However, the impact of diabetes remission in real-world settings on the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unclear.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 299,967 individuals aged 20–72 years who underwent multiple checkups between 2008 and 2020 and completed ≥ 3 years of follow-up. Patients were divided into four groups according to changes in glycated hemoglobin levels and the use of diabetes medications during the 1-year baseline period: diabetes mellitus (DM)+/no remission, DM+/remission, DM−/no progression, and DM−/progression. The risk of CVD was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression analysis.
Results
The median follow-up period was 5·0 years. The rates of CVD in the DM+/no remission, DM+/remission, DM−/no progression, and DM−/progression groups were 7·96, 4·76, 5·47, and 1·99 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Compared with DM+/no remission, DM+/remission reduced the risk of CVD [hazard ratio (HR) = 0·71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0·57–0·89]. Meanwhile, the HR for CVD in the DM+/remission group was 0·75 (95% CI = 0·56 − 0·99) for change in BMI ≤ 0%, versus 0·66 (95% CI = 0·45–0·96) for change in BMI > 0%.
Conclusions
In a real-world setting without intensive intervention, diabetes remission decreased the risk of CVD by approximately 30% regardless of changes in BMI, suggesting that diabetes remission can prevent CVD without weight loss in routine care and emphasizing the importance of achieving remission.
Shallow crustal velocity structure and tectonic significance beneath Fildes Peninsula, West Antarctica
Authors: Huigui Sun , Lijun Chang , Laiyu Lu , Tongwei Qin
Published: December 2024

Fildes Peninsula is the most exposed area of King George Island, Antarctica, which has experienced frequent volcanic activities, and its strata are composed mainly of basalt and pyroclastic rocks, making it an ideal location for conducting scientific research in Antarctica. This study provides the first constraints on the shallow crustal structure of the peninsula through ambient noise tomography and horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) analyses by utilizing a denser array of short-period portable seismometers deployed on Fildes Peninsula. The results indicate that the sediment layers on the peninsula are very thin and reveal inhomogeneity within the shallow crust of the study area, which may be related to the characteristics of the surface geological structure. Consistent with crustal activity characteristics observed in most volcanically active regions around the globe, the shallow layers in the study area exhibit predominantly negative radial anisotropy. Our results provide an important imaging basis for the study of shallow crustal structure and deformation on Fildes Peninsula.
Integration of 2D material-based electronic devices on flexible substrates for millimeter wave applications
Authors: Lemme Max , Reato Eros , Palacios Paula , Uzlu Burkay , Baskent Eyyub , Esteki Ardeshir , Saeed Mohamed , Pasadas Francisco , Völkel Lukas , Schneider Daniel , Heuken Michael , Neumaier Daniel , Wang Zhenxing , Negra Renato
Published: December 2024

Research on thin-film technology-based radio frequency (RF) circuits is increasing to address the demand for transparent, wireless, and wearable consumer electronics applications. Owing to their excellent electronic and mechanical properties, two-dimensional materials (2DMs) are candidates with high potential for such applications. The 2DMs graphene and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) have the highest maturity in terms of material synthesis and fabrication technology. Graphene is of interest because of its high electron and hole mobility, although the lack of a bandgap limits the current saturation and the ratio of current between the ON and the OFF-states of graphene field-effect transistors (FETs). Therefore, we chose metal-insulator-graphene (MIG) diodes with high asymmetry as RF devices and semiconducting MoS2 as the channel material for FETs. We thus combine the strengths of graphene and MoS2 by integrating MIG diodes and MoS2-FETs on 8 µm-thick polyimide substrates, complemented with high-quality passive components. The MIG diodes have asymmetries over 100 A/A and peak responsivities of approximately 20 V-1, whereas the MoS2 FETs have transconductance mobilities averaging 7 cm²/V∙s, with peaks at 17 cm²/V∙s. Furthermore, the technology was developed with standard microfabrication techniques and 2DMs grown with wafer-scalable chemical vapor deposition processes. It was verified by realizing two on-chip wideband power detectors operating up to 30 GHz. Our technology explores new applications of 2D materials in integrated RF circuits and paves the way for full-fledged integrated transceivers on flexible substrates.
Enhancing Home IoT Network Security
Authors: Kumar Vineet
Published: December 2024

The way that devices interact and communicate has radically altered thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), which has created new opportunities for innovative applications across many industries. However, there are already serious security risks due to the quick growth of linked devices. These flaws, which frequently result in denial-of-service attacks, are usually the result of inadequate or non-existent security procedures used in the creation or setup of these products. Conventional home networks are ill-equipped to prevent user privacy from being compromised by IoT device design problems. Our research examines vital devices and related risks, emphasising the necessity of putting strict security controls in place. Moreover, our study assesses attack paths for IoT devices that span three primary realms: residential, healthcare, and commerce. To put it briefly, we find vulnerabilities at the device level, look into security threats that arise from known vulnerabilities, and implement appropriate security controls to plug holes and lessen the possibility that a threat would manifest.
Effects of Water-Sediment Regulation on spatial-temporal distribution of nutrients in the lower Yellow River
Authors: Ying Yimei , Wang Xu , Shang Meng , Cun Xinrui , Huang Ruijie , Su Caili , Han Bing , Huang Qian
Published: December 2024

The operation of the reservoirs in the Water-Sediment Regulation Scheme (WSRS) controls the inflow of water and sediment to the lower Yellow River (LYR). This scheme lead to complex effects on nutrient distribution in space and time, due to the interactions among the main river channel and its tributaries. Twelve observation points were set up from Xiaolangdi (XLD) to the Yellow River Estuary (YRE) during June to August 2023. These sites were tasked with monitoring levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) across three stages: These include the water regulation stage, the sediment regulation stage and the after-WSRS stage. The findings showed that this segment of the river is largely nitrogen enriched and phosphorus depleted, with nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) being the dominate forms. The Yiluo, Qin and Dawen rivers, as important tributaries, play a major role in modulating nutrient levels in the LYR as both sources and sinks. The nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes during the WSRS stage accounted for 15.21% and 17.33%, respectively, of the annual totals. We observed a robust linear relationship between the fluxes and relative concentrations of these nutrients. The Class II standard was not consistently met in this segment, indicating that the short term ecological effects of the WSRS required attention. At the YRE, the ratio of dissolved inorganic nitrogen to phosphorus (DIN/DIP) exceeded the Redfield ratio, and these potentially threaten the marine ecosystem. This investigation helps to better understand the ecological consequences of the WSRS on the LYR.
Identification of specific microbiota members that induce beige fat biogenesis in response to dietary cues
Authors: Honda Kenya , Tanoue Takeshi , Nagayama Manabu , Roochana Ayumi , Zimmerman Samuel , Ashenberg Orr , Jain Tanvi , Sasajima Satoshi , Takeshita Kozue , Hetherington Nicola , Okahashi Nobuyuki , Ueda Masahiro , Konishi Morichika , Nakayama Yoshiaki , Minoda Aki , Skelly Ashwin , Minokoshi Yasuhiko , Pucci Nicholas , Mende Daniel , Arita Makoto , Yamamoto Hironori , Watanabe Shunji , Miura Kouichi , Suda Wataru , Atarashi Koji , Matsushita Mami , Kajimura Shingo , Plichta Damian , Saito Masayuki , Xavier Ramnik
Published: December 2024

Activation of brown and beige fat biogenesis promotes metabolic health in rodents and humans, but typically requires cold exposure or pharmacological activation of β-adrenergic receptors, which may pose cardiovascular risks. Dietary intervention represents a clinically viable alternative strategy to induce beige cells and thus enhance metabolic health, though the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified specific microbiota members in both mice and humans that promote browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) and ameliorate metabolic disorders in the context of a low-protein diet (LPD). Diets with low protein, regardless of fat and carbohydrate content, induced robust WAT browning to a degree comparable to that achieved by cold exposure or β-adrenergic receptor agonist administration. LPD-mediated browning was markedly diminished in germ-free (GF) mice, highlighting the essential role of the gut microbiota. Microbiota-induced browning occurred independently of the immune system and primarily through mechanisms involving increased circulating deconjugated bile acids, activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in WAT progenitor cells, and enhanced hepatic production of FGF21. The browning defect in GF mice was rescued by transplanting microbiota from conventional mice or from brown/beige fat-positive healthy human volunteers, as determined by fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET). Defined bacterial consortia, comprising strains isolated from mice or FDG-PET-positive human volunteers, were sufficient to elevate plasma bile acids and hepatic FGF21 levels by modulating nitrogen metabolism, ultimately restoring browning in response to a LPD. Our findings highlight the significant impact of diet-microbiota interactions on WAT browning and suggest their therapeutic potential for managing metabolic diseases.
Identification of CDPK Gene Family in Amorphophallus konjac and AkCDPK15 Functional Analysis Under Drought Stress
Authors: Gao Penghua , Zou Ying , Yang Min , Li Lifang , Qi Ying , Guo Jianwei , Zhao Yongteng , Liu Jiani , Zhao Jianrong , huang Feiyan , Yu Lei
Published: December 2024

Background
Konjac is an economically important crop that is often threatened by low temperatures, drought, salt, pests, and diseases, leading to reduced yield and quality. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) play crucial roles in plant growth and stress responses, yet their presence and functions in konjac remain unexplored. This study aimed to identify and analyse the CDPK gene family in the Amorphophallus konjac genome.
Results
We identified 29 CDPK genes categorised into four subgroups that unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes. Most AkCDPK genes have undergone purifying selection during evolution. Cis-acting element analysis revealed that these genes were involved in phytohormone induction, defence, stress response, and plant development. Expression analysis indicated tissue specificity and responses to salt, drought, low temperature, and Pcc stress. Moreover, AkCDPK15 was cloned and its physicochemical properties and functions were analysed. We found that the protein encoded by AkCDPK15 is mainly localised on the cell membrane, while a small amount aggregates in the nucleus. This protein has eight potential phosphorylation sites and was found to positively promote drought tolerance by regulating the antioxidant system.
Conclusions
These findings provide a theoretical foundation for future research on the CDPK gene family’s functions in A. konjac, potentially aiding in the development of stress-resistant konjac varieties.
RETRACTED: Improving Oil Pipeline Surveillance with a Novel 3D Drone Simulation Using Dynamically Constrained Accumulative Membership Fuzzy Logicalgorithm (Dcamfl) for Crack Detection
Authors: MUHI Omar Saber , Farhan Hameed Mutlag , KURNAZ Sefer
Published: December 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A Novel Decision Support System for Generating Irrigation Ecolabels Based on the Resource Overutilization Ratio
Authors: Vélez Sergio , Martínez-Peña Raquel , Valente João , Ariza-Sentís Mar , Pardo Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2024

As a crucial economic activity, agriculture must consider factors that impact business viability, such as environmental conditions and climate. In planning an agricultural field, particularly for woody crops, it’s crucial to recognize that plants are reliable indicators of irrigation efficiency. Unlike herbaceous crops, woody crops are typically planted with an irrigation system that remains unchanged for the duration of the life of the crop. Initially, the irrigation system is designed based on the conditions of the first year, but after several years, it is essential to reassess the design using new data, such as plant development, to evaluate whether the original setup was effective. This static approach, if uncorrected, cannot account for the developing needs of the crop, such as plant mortality, changes in soil water availability, topographical influences, and proper management by the farmer. Therefore, regular assessment and adjustment of the irrigation system are necessary to ensure long-term efficiency and sustainability. To this end, this paper introduces a novel DSS supported by two novel concepts for improving water management in these systems: the \(\:Irrigation\:Ecolabel\), based on the Resource Overutilization Ratio (\(\:ROR\)). By using the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith method to calculate the current water needs of plants through the crop coefficient (Kc) and leveraging technologies like drones to measure key factors such as canopy cover, the DSS gathers essential data. Then, it compares this information with the existing irrigation system, which, for woody crops, is often based on the original design. A new index is developed: the \(\:ROR\), which evaluates the level of excess water usage and assigns an efficiency label to the system. A case study in a vineyard in northern Spain revealed opportunities for resource savings and efficiency improvements. Implementing this labeling system could optimize resource management and reduce environmental impact. The datasets can be found in public repositories, and the software is open-source.
Healthcare-seeking behavior and associated factors for neonatal danger signs among mothers who gave birth in Asella town, Arsi zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Legese Birhanemeskel Damtew , Megersa Nega Degefa , Yesera Gesila Endashaw , Kedir Fouzan Amin , Tsegaye Mesfin Ayalew , Ayano Solomon Muleta , Kena Sintayehu Solomon
Published: December 2024

Background: Health-seeking behavior for neonatal danger sign encompasses any action taken by the parents who believe their baby is experiencing a health problem, with the purpose of finding an appropriate treatment. Delay in seeking healthcare has a significant impact on neonatal mortality rates. This is due to the fact that a large number of neonate’s deaths occur at home as families often fail to seek medical attention for neonatal illness. Majority of studies focusing on mothers who gave birth within the past 12 months, making recall more challenging.
Objectives To assess healthcare-seeking behavior and associated factors for neonatal danger signs among mothers who gave birth in Asella town, Arsi zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 – May 1, 2023. A multistage sampling method was used to select 625 study participants. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was entered using Epi Dataversion 3.1 then exported to statistical package for social sciences version 26 for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used for identifying the factor of healthcare-seeking behavior and the variables which have statistically significant association was identified based on p-value < 0.05, AOR with 95% CI.
Result: The finding of this study showed that 38.7% (95% CI: 34.6-42.5%)of mothers have good health care seeking behavior for neonatal danger sign. Mothers who have college and above educational level (AOR = 2.839, 95% CI: 1.173-6.87), Mothers who have good knowledge on neonatal danger sign (AOR=4.996, 95% CI: 3.343-7.468), Mothers who had antenatal care follow (AOR = 4.714, 95% CI: 2.417-9.193), were factors associated with health care seeking behavior.
Conclusion and recommendation: The health-seeking practices in the area concerning neonatal danger signs did not meet the standards established by the World Health Organization. There were significant association between healthcare seeking and factors like the education level of mothers, antenatal care follow up, and knowledge of neonatal danger signs. As a result, the study recommends targeted interventions, awareness campaigns, improved health education, enhanced antenatal care and further research.
A qualitative study of Emergency and Intensive Care Unit nurses' experience of work flow: I enjoy the “flow” at work
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Zheng Danli , Xiao Yaru , Li Ying , Huang Sufang , Xiong Jie
Published: December 2024

Objective
To understand the work flow experience of nurses in departments of Emergency and Intensive Care Unit, and to provide a reference basis for improving the quality of nursing care and service level as well as nurses' occupational satisfaction.
Methods
Using the purposive sampling method, 22 nurses working in Emergency and Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary hospital in Wuhan City from September to November 2024 were selected as survey respondents, and three rounds of interviews were conducted.
Results
A total of three themes and nine sub-themes were extracted, including the triggering modes of work flow experience (triggering, self-regulation), the influencing factors of work flow experience (nursing skills and work experience, working relationships, and teamwork patterns), and the positive effects of work flow experience (quality of nursing care and level of service, view of career development, career satisfaction, and work-life balance).
Conclusion
Nursing managers should create a favorable work environment and develop nurses' self-regulation skills to promote the Flow experience of Emergency and Intensive Care Unit nurses at work.
Litter invertebrates display greater differences among locations than grass species in a temperate grassland
Authors: Wall Allison M. , Barton Philip S. , Schultz Nick L.
Published: December 2024

Grasslands comprise a significant portion of terrestrial ecosystems, contributing an estimated 20% of global carbon stores. Biomass is recycled in these systems by photodegradation, biotic decomposition, and through disturbances such as fire or grazing. Yet the diversity of invertebrates and their potential role in biotic decomposition remains unclear in many grasslands worldwide. To help close this knowledge gap we conducted a litter bag experiment to test for the effects of four grass species (two native and two exotic) and two mesh sizes on invertebrate assemblages surveyed at three grassland sites in southeastern Australia. We collected 7,933 invertebrates across twelve arthropod orders and found that all sites had a diverse and abundant invertebrate community that readily interacted with detached grass litter. Study site had the largest effect on invertebrate composition, with significant differences found for Acari, Poduromorpha and Thysanoptera. Grass species identity also had a small but significant effect on invertebrate composition, but there was no effect of litter bag mesh size on the invertebrates. Conservation implications: We found that both geographic and floristic factors were important drivers of variation in grassland invertebrate communities linked to decomposing litter. Further research should focus on quantifying the role of invertebrates in grass decomposition rates and nutrient cycling to improve knowledge of grassland ecology.
JWST Detects Silane in a Cold Low-Metallicity World
Authors: Faherty Jacqueline , Meisner Aaron , Burningham Ben , Visscher Channon , Suarez Genaro , Gagne Jonathan , Merchan Sherelyn Alejandro , Rothermich Austin , Line Michael , Burgasser Adam , Schneider Adam , Caselden Dan , Kirkpatrick Davy , Kuchner Marc , Gagliuffi Daniella Carolina Bardalez , Eisenhardt Peter , Gelino Christopher , Gonzales Eileen , Marocco Federico , Leggett Sandy , Lodieu Nicolas , Casewell Sarah , Tremblin Pascal , Cushing Michael , Osorio María Rosa Zapatero , Béjar Víctor , Gauza Bartosz , Wright Edward , Phillips Mark , Zhang Jun-Yan , Martín Eduardo
Published: December 2024

Within 20 pc of the Sun there are 29 isolated sources with measured distances (Kirkpatrick et al. 2024) and an estimated temperature between that of Jupiter (170K) and∼500K – the cold brown dwarf regime. These objects are valuable laboratories for exploring the diversity of extrasolar atmospheres and comparing them to solar system gas giants. Here we report JWST observations of one such source, WISEA J153429.75-104303.3 (W1534), which we confirm is a substellar mass member of the Galactic halo with a metallicity <0.01×solar. Its spectrum reveals methane (CH4), water (H2O), and silane (SiH4) gas. Although SiH4 is expected to serve as a key reservoir for the critical cloud-forming element Si in gas giant worlds, it eluded detection in any substellar mass object (solar system or otherwise) until now because it is removed from observable atmospheres by the formation of silicate clouds at depth. These condensates are favored with increasing metallicity, explaining why SiH4 remains undetected on well studied, metal-rich solar system worlds like Jupiter and Saturn (Fegley & Lodders 1994). On the metal-poor world W1534, we detect a clear signature of SiH4 centered at∼4.55 µm with an abundance of∼20 parts per billion (ppb). Chemical models suggest it is likely quenched from regions just above the silicate cloud layers where moderate to strong vertical mixing from a pressure level of several hundred bar can transport it to the observable photosphere. The formation and detection of SiH4 – favoured by the low metallicity and short convective mixing timescales in the atmosphere of W1534 – demonstrates key coupled relationships between composition, cloud formation, and atmospheric mixing in cold brown dwarf and planetary atmospheres.
Factors Affecting Employee Job Satisfaction & Turnover Ratio: A Case of Engineering Organization in Baluchistan, Pakistan.
Authors: Anwar Aftab , Ahmed Shakeel , Sumera  , Mustafa Salman , Jing Li
Published: December 2024

An organization that sustains a well-developed position in the organizational world has to make its employee satisfied in every aspect. The current study addresses the factors influencing job satisfaction and turnover of employees. A survey questionnaire was prepared and distributed to the specific staff to collect the opinions of the employees. Results showed that (82.2%) employees are satisfied with the type of work, (64%) head’s behavior & recommendation of the organization, (> 60%) physical working conditions, and (60%) potential development opportunities but dissatisfied (> 40%) fun at work, (> 35%) initial training, and (> 30%) equipment & resource. Also, the main factors of employee turnover were (> 57%) poor teamwork, organizational politics (> 30%), unfair appraisal (> 45%), and no social connectedness and harmony (> 40%). The study recommends paying attention and developing fair means to listen to the basic innovative needs of the employees and take this under observation to make them satisfied and lessen the turnover ratio for the progression of the organization.
Evaluation of Activated Textile Sludge as an adsorbent for removal of Bezaktiv HP-R reactive red dye
Authors: Eshetu Wassie Adane , Gabbye Nigus Habtu
Published: December 2024

Waste management in textile industries become a serious health and environmental challenge across the globe. Dye containing wastewater is toxic in nature and alters the physicochemical characteristics of receiving water bodies. Handling of solid sludge from the textile wastewater treatment is becoming a series problem for industries. In this study, removal of bezaktive HPR-reactive red dye on thermo-chemically activated textile sludge as low cost adsorbent was investigated. The adsorbent was prepared using thermal activation followed by chemical activation method. Its physic-chemical, morphological and textural properties were characterized using PZc, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TGA. The characterization results showed that the prepared adsorbent has a strong affinity for adsorption of an ionic dye. The effect of operating parameters such as, solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial dye concentration studies were conducted to evaluate the removal efficiency of the adsorbent in batch adsorption system. Study of adsorption isotherms and kinetics were carried out and best fitting models for the dye adsorption process were suggested. The result showed a maximum percentage removal of (98.46%) at pH value of 2, adsorbent dosage of 1.5g, initial dye concentration of 100mg/L, contact time of 60minutes and temperature of 25 oC. The obtained adsorption data were well fitted with Languimer and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption kinetics studies indicate that the adsorption process follows the pseudo-second order adsorption model. It was observed that textile waste sludge seems a promising good adsorbent for the effective removal of bezaktiv HP-R reactive red dye from textile wastewater
Nonlinear relationship between phenotypic age acceleration and testosterone deficiency in the US population: A cross-sectional NHANES study
Authors: Zhou Yiwen , Cai Yuxi , Zheng Pengfei , Chen Xinglin , Mu Zezhong , Xu chenyang , Mao Shanhua
Published: December 2024

Objective
This study aims to assess the relationship between Phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) and testosterone deficiency (TD) in US male, using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2015 to 2016.
Methods
This study explored the relationship between PhenoAgeAccel and TD by analyzing a sample reflecting the male population of the United States (n = 1,402; NHANES 2015–2016). Phenotypic age (PA) is calculated using nine blood-based biomarkers. PhenoAgeAccel was calculated by extracting the residuals and regressing the phenotypic age on the chronological age (CA). TD was defined as serum testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL, in accordance with the criteria set forth by the AUA. This research used multivariable logistic models to examine the connection between PhenoAgeAccel and TD. Additionally, it included subgroup and interaction analyses to assess variations among different groups. Smoothed curve fitting and generalized additive modelling (GAM) were also employed to analyze the data further.
Results
The study included 1,402 subjects, with 293 diagnosed with TD and 1,109 without. The weighted multivariate logistic regression model indicated an 8% higher probability of TD for each unit increase in PhenoAgeAccel (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05–1.11) after accounting for all covariates. Subgroup analysis outcomes were uniform across various categories, demonstrating a significant positive relationship between PhenoAgeAccel and TD. Interaction tests showed that the positive link between PhenoAgeAccel and TD remained consistent with all interaction P-values exceeding 0.05. Also, a non-linear relationship between PhenoAgeAccel and TD was discovered, with a progressive increase in the risk of TD with elevated PhenoAgeAccel, exhibiting a J-shaped curve (inflection point: -9.26, p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Our study suggests that an increase in PhenoAgeAccel may be correlated with a heightened likelihood of developing TD. Consequently, PhenoAgeAccel could potentially serve as a valuable biomarker for the early identification of individuals at risk of TD, with implications for clinical management and public health nutrition strategies.
Metabolomic Insight into the DCD Kidney Grafts – Normothermic Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion Compared With Hypothermic Machine Perfusion and Static Cold Storage
Authors: Stryjak Iga , Warmuzińska Natalia , Łuczykowski Kamil , Wnuk Kacper , Rosales-Solano Hernando , Janiszek Patrycja , Urbanellis Peter , Buszko Katarzyna , Pawliszyn Janusz , Selzner Markus , Bojko Barbara
Published: December 2024

One of the fundamental problems of current transplantation is the organ shortage. To address this issue, Extended Criteria Donor grafts are utilized. However, this requires better organ preservation strategies and reliable methods of assessing graft function. The objective of the work was to evaluate the changes in kidney metabolome in the intact organs subjected to three preservation methods: normothermic ex vivo kidney perfusion (NEVKP), hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) and static cold storage (SCS). The chemical biopsy was used for minimally invasive in vivo sampling of metabolites, followed by analysis on liquid chromatography coupled to a high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) platform. The results revealed metabolites altered by the ischemia and oxidative stress in the donor’s kidneys, as well as compounds characterizing changes occurring in the grafts perfused under normothermic and hypothermic conditions and in static cold storage. The metabolomic differences were also recorded immediately after organ transplantation and reperfusion and a few days after the surgery. It was clearly shown that all three preservation methods are associated with different biochemical alterations. The pattern of metabolites characterizing NEVKP indicated that sustaining normothermic conditions enables the activation of physiological anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the tissue. However, some of the protective metabolites are known to exhibit Janus’sface, which might be an important finding in the future design of graft treatment. A metabolomics profile of HMP and SCS kidneys confirmed that despite the fact that hypothermia lowers energy demand in the cells, it also restricts physiological repair mechanisms. The studies lie the ground for future experiments toward better graft assessment and improved organ preservation directly from the organs utilizing this non-destructive approach.The chemical biopsy can serve as a versatile sampling tool for discovery investigations, but it can also be translated into a diagnostic tool to monitor specific biomarkers of graft quality in the future.
Performance evaluation of AfriTEC model during quiet and disturbed time over East African sector
Authors: Data Efrem Amanuel
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a performance evaluation of the African Regional Ionospheric Total Electron Content (AfriTEC) model during both quiet and disturbed conditions from the solar maximum year of 2014 and the solar minimum year of 2009 in the East African sector. The analysis was conducted using data from GPS receivers with IGSS stations located at (geographic lat and long: for ADIS 9.03oN 38.76oE, BDMT 11.6oN 37.35oE, MOIU 0.28oN 35.29oE, MAL2 -2.99oS 40.19oE, DODM -6.17oS 35.75oE and MBAR 0.60oS 30.65oE). The AfriTEC model provides output data in folder, which is consistent with the derived GPS-TEC data. Geomagnetic indices data of Kp values ranging from 0 to 4.2 for 2014 and from 0 to 3 for 2009 and Dst index value between 20 to -65 for 2014 and 2009 year its value ranging 10 to -50 nT were obtained from the OMNIWEB data source. The monthly, seasonal, and diurnal characteristics of AfriTEC estimates for the equatorial and low latitudinal region's ionosphere are validated by using RMSE and MAE. The MAE is typically greater than 1.3 for all stations, indicating a strong correlation between the observations and related predictions. The paper also discusses the validation of the AfriTEC ionospheric model to ensure its accuracy and reliability under both quiet and disturbed conditions in the East African region.
Smoking Knowledge and its associated factors among Al-Mustaqbel University students in Al Hilla City
Authors: Muhaibes Fakhria , Mohaibes Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Background: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of morbidity in the world.
Objective of the study:
1. Asses the sociodemographic characteristics for the students who were smoker in regard to their age.
2. Find out their knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking.
3. Determine the factors leading to smoking.
Method: A descriptive analytic study design was adopted at the university of Al-Mustaqbel. A convenience sample of 300 students chose purposively from different level of their study. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers.
Results: The majority of the students were male (94%) smokers, their age of started smoking more than 18 years, with sufficient income, about half of them their families and friends know that they were smoker, most of them know that the disorder caused by smoking, and the majority of them 76.33% think that the causes of smoking was family problem, stress and anxiety. in addition to the life burden, friends and influence by others had high mean.
Conclusion: Majority of the study sample age between 18-23 years old, male, unmarried and lived in urban area. High percentage of them thinks that smoking causes cancer of the lung, and respiratory diseases. The majority of the sample believed that the cause of smoking was family problem, stress and anxiety, and life burden.
Recommendations: The use of various media may help in stopping smoking and helping the students to stop smoking through encourage their family by instructing the students to avoid any assembly that include smoking.
A systematic review of the imaging modalities used for image acquisition.
Authors: Gilbert Agaba , Bonny Matsiko , Arisen Habumugisha
Published: December 2024

Background: The diagnosis and treatment of patients depend heavily on imaging modalities, which makes them essential to healthcare. However, as technology for imaging modalities develops and new equipment is introduced, it will become more difficult to classify and comprehend if early intervention is used.
Methodology: This was a systematic review that aimed to identify and categorize imaging modalities, assess how they function, learn how various modalities have been utilized, learn what kinds of images various modalities create, and learn about the models that are available in Uganda. Search terms will include “microscopy” "MRI," "CT," "ultrasound," "X-ray," “nuclear imaging” "PET," "SPECT," "Uganda," "diagnostic imaging," "clinical application," "image types," and "imaging models." Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) were used to combine search terms. The study employed the PRISMA methodology for reporting the findings.
Results: Based on a review of the literature, this study discovered that different imaging modalities provide diverse images that are utilized in different health care services. However, there are five primary categories into which the mode operation/principle of work (the technique used to construct images of the body at different levels) can be divided. These include;
1. X-ray imaging (Radiography, Computed Tomography (CT), mammograms, contrast X-rays, dental X-rays, and Fluoroscopy)
2. Ultrasound or Sonography (Abdominal ultrasound, Vascular ultrasound, Obstetric ultrasound, Gynecological ultrasound, fetal brain and transcranial ultrasound, Echocardiography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and trans-virginal ultrasound)
3. Nuclear Medicine Imaging (Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT))
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
5. Visible light medical imaging (dermatology, endoscopy, Microscopy (optical and electron microscopes, digital and video cameras (photography))
Conclusion: In medicine, imaging modalities are crucial, and new technologies are always developing to produce images of the body in different ways. X-rays, ultrasound or sonography, nuclear technology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and visible light are the main tools used by the majority of these technologies. Every specific modality makes a distinct contribution to modern medicine's complete imaging capabilities, which enhance patient care and diagnostic precision.
Anthropological Analysis of the Depiction of Deprivation in Old Age In the Case of the Movie Night Boats
Authors: Milosavljević Ljubica , Stajić Mladen
Published: December 2024

This anthropological analysis focuses on the Croatian feature film Night Boats (2012), directed by Igor Mirković. The subject of the movie is a partnership that develops between two residents of a nursing home in Zagreb, highlighting, among other things, numerous problems and difficulties that the elderly face while trying to pursue a new romantic relationship at the very end of their lives, in specific nursing home conditions. The couple’s escape from the nursing home serves as an act of resistance, leaving room for the analysis of visual depictions of the various deprivations encountered by the elderly. Depictions of physical, emotional and economic dependency which result in an inability to make independent decisions, are in accordance with the results attained during several years of field research conducted in nursing homes in the Republic of Serbia. This research, which explores new partnerships as strategies of action among nursing home residents, will be compared with the film’s visual interpretations. Interpreting the visual depiction of deprivation and infirmity, which society associates the elderly with, will also include a semiotic interpretation of the symbolic expression that is used in the movie.
Child Burials in Vessels at the Middle Bronze Age Necropolis in Ostojićevo (1650–1550 BC)
Authors: Marin Marija , Porčić Marko , Petrović Bojan , Milašinović Lidija , Stefanović Sofija
Published: December 2024

Burying children in vessels is a funerary practice as old as the art of pottery making. It was present in the Levant and European territories from the Neolithic to the Iron Age, with no continuity or clear geographical frameworks, leaving the question as to what lay behind the custom of placing a child’s body in a ceramic vessel. The earliest records of this practice on the territory of Serbia date back to the Middle Bronze Age, and are found at the Ostojićevo necropolis in the North Banat district. Here, a total of 285 individuals were buried, including 142 subadults, of whom 103 were children up to seven years old and buried in ceramics vessels. This practice was consistently carried out over the entire chronological span in which the necropolis was in use (1650-1550 BC).

This raises the question of why some children were buried in ceramic containers while others were not. In order to resolve this, we looked at the individual age of children in 76 preserved skeletons, the grave goods, and the skeletal orientations of both groups of children. We examined whether the age of the children could influence the choice of funeral ritual and be a decisive factor in whether the child is buried in a ceramic vessel or inhumed without it, as well as whether there are possible differences in the orientation of individuals and the number of burial items.
Mineralogical characterization of the Seffner fulgurite, Florida: Insights into lightning-induced petrogenesis
Authors: Morana Marta , Pasek Matthew  A. , Catelani Tiziano , Bindi Luca
Published: December 2024

Fulgurites are glasses formed when electrical discharge hits a target material made of soil, sand, or rock. Due to their formation conditions, fulgurites inform how high-temperature processes and rapid quenching of rocks results in peculiar mineralogical assemblages characterized by the presence of reduced phases. Fulgurites can either be natural, or artificial, with the latter occurring when the electrical discharge is not due to lighting but to a downed power line, and anthropogenic if the target material is not completely natural, allowing for a wide range of temperatures and materials involved in their formation. Artificial and anthropogenic fulgurite are far less characterized than natural ones. In this work, we studied a fulgurite from Seffner, Florida, U.S.A., formed by the action of a downed power line. The fulgurite also contains a piece of a metal conductor, thus providing the interesting opportunity to characterize the interface between the metal and the silicatic portion of the sample. The Seffner fulgurite contains a huge variety of reduced phases, comprising metallic silicon, iron silicide, Al-Fe-Si and Fe-Si-Ti compounds. The iron silicides point to an environment rich in silicon and exposed to relatively low temperatures, as typical in artificial fulgurites. Al-containing phases are found close to the metal conductor, suggesting that Al metal in the wire could play a major role in determining the mineralogy of the Seffner fulgurite and in driving the formation of reduced phases. Conversely, Fe-Si-Ti phases occur in the whole fulgurite fragment containing the metal conductor, suggesting the action of another source of reduction, most probably organic carbon. Noteably, analysis of other portion of the fulgurite samples far from the metal conductor shows a minor presence of reduced phases, supporting the role of Al as a fundamental driver of the reduction.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Authors: Gingrich II K. Fred
Published: December 2024

Advertisement from Boehringer Ingelheim
Pembelajaran Ekstrakurikuler Programming Basis Data MySQL di SMAK Mater Dei, Kalam Kudus, Sentosa
Authors: Purba Florensa Rosani , Yesaya Nefuel Setiawan  , Isaiah Nicodemus  , Rita Wiryasaputra
Published: December 2024

Kegiatan ekstrakurikuler ini bertujuan untuk mengenalkan konsep pemrograman dan pengolahan data kepada siswa SMA menggunakan MySQL. Melalui kegiatan ini, siswa diharapkan mampu memahami dasar-dasar pemrograman komputer dengan bahasa Java dan pengolahan data dengan MySQL. Selain itu, program ini juga difokuskan pada peningkatan literasi digital dan keterampilan teknis, yang sangat relevan dalam mempersiapkan siswa menghadapi tantangan dunia kerja di era digital. Siswa tidak hanya diperkenalkan pada konsep-konsep dasar, tetapi juga diberi kesempatan untuk mempraktikkan secara langsung kemampuan pemrograman dan pengolahan data dalam konteks nyata. Dengan demikian, kegiatan ini dirancang untuk memberikan landasan yang kuat bagi siswa yang tertarik melanjutkan studi di bidang teknologi informasi atau mempersiapkan karir di sektor tersebut. Evaluasi yang dilakukan melalui pre-test dan post-test menunjukkan bahwa meskipun terdapat beberapa tantangan dalam pemahaman materi, siswa secara umum menunjukkan kemajuan signifikan dalam kemampuan berpikir komputasional dan pemecahan masalah, yang sangat penting dalam menghadapi kompleksitas dunia digital modern.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Video Produk Untuk Media Sosial UMKM di Embung Tirta Kencana
Authors: Purba Florensa Rosani , Felicia Ruth Andini Susilo  , Jeremiah Jacob Hartadhi  , Marco Junaedi  , Arnoldina Yansensia Ose Murtiningrum
Published: December 2024

Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah (UMKM) memiliki peran penting dalam perekonomian Indonesia, namun pelaku UMKM sering menghadapi tantangan dalam memanfaatkan teknologi digital sebagai alat pemasaran. Media sosial seperti Instagram, TikTok, dan Facebook menyediakan peluang besar untuk memperluas pasar melalui konten visual yang menarik. Program pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pelaku UMKM di Embung Tirta Kencana dalam memanfaatkan media sosial melalui pelatihan pembuatan video promosi. Kegiatan ini difokuskan pada strategi pemasaran digital, teknik pembuatan konten visual, dan penggunaan software editing seperti CapCut, Kinemaster, dan VivaVideo. Metode yang digunakan dalam pelatihan ini meliputi sesi teori dan praktik, dimana peserta memanfaatkan produk mereka sebagai bahan promosi. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa meskipun partisipasi dalam pelatihan masih rendah, beberapa peserta mulai memanfaatkan media sosial untuk promosi. Namun, tantangan seperti keterbatasan pengetahuan teknis dan motivasi masih menghambat penerapan optimal. Oleh karena itu, pelatihan lanjutan dan dukungan berkelanjutan diperlukan agar UMKM dapat memaksimalkan potensi media sosial dalam meningkatkan daya saing dan penjualan produk mereka.
CLINICAL PROFILE OF MICROSPORIDIAL KERATITIS AT A TERTIARY EYE CARE CENTER IN BUNDELKHAND REGION
Authors:   M.S. Ophthalmology, Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Ophthalmology, M.L.B. Medical College, Jhansi (U.P.)., Kumar Jitendra , Yadav Devanshi ,   Junior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, M.L.B. Medical College, Jhansi (U.P.).
Published: December 2024

Background: Although rare, microsporidia are sometimes misdiagnosed as the cause of corneal infections. The ubiquitous, obligatory, intracellular parasite is the causal agent. In Asia, the prevalence of microsporidiosis is rising in tandem with the monsoon season. Immunosuppression (HIV infection, topical corticosteroids), contact lens usage, and injuries from water or dirt exposure are risk factors.

Purpose: To study clinical profile of patient with microsporidial keratitis in department of ophthalmology at M.L.B. Medical College Jhansi between April to October 2024. To summarizes the current literature on the etiology and clinical presentation of microsporidial infections of the cornea and highlights ongoing developments in available diagnostic modalities and treatment regimens.

Materials and Methods: Prospective study of 20 patients of microsporidial keratitis present in Department of Ophthalmology at M.L B Medical College Jhansi.

Results: A total of 20 patients were examined out of which 19 patients (95%) presented with pain and redness, 18 patients (90%) present with foreign body sensation and blurring of vision, 15 patients (75%) present with photophobia, 14 patients (70%) present with lid swelling. 18 patients (90%) have conjunctival hyperemia, 16 patients (50%) have diffuse punctate epitheliopathy and 1 have deep stromal infiltrateson examination.

Conclusion: Most commonly patients presents with redness and eye pain, followed by foreign body sensation, blurring of vision, photophobia and least commonly with lid swelling.