bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma exosomes proteome profiling discovers protein markers to identify sepsis
Authors: Gong Siyin , Liu Tingting , Li Ziwei , Yang Yixuan , Yi Hong , Wang Xiaohao
Published: March 2024

Sepsis, a life-threatening clinical issue caused by infection, can be diagnosed early through the analysis of exosomes in plasma. Plasma exosomes were extracted and identified by group (a sepsis group, a non-sepsis group, and a healthy control group). iTRAQ was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins among the three groups. The identified proteins were measured by ELISA in plasma samples. LCN2 and MGP were differentially expressed among the three groups. The median level of LCN2 were 131.93 (96.26,183.65), 52.79 (31.39,89.05) and 33.80 (26.80,47.06) ng/ml in the sepsis, non-sepsis and healthy control group, respectively. The plasma MGP levels in these three groups were 1.16 (1.06,1.30), 0.99 (0.91,1.07) and 0.89 (0.80,1.02) ng/ml, respectively. For both biomarkers, the sepsis group had higher levels than the non-sepsis group(P < 0.05). The area under the curve values of LCN2 and MGP were 0.903 and 0.813, respectively. When combined, these two biomarkers had a sensitivity of 0.900 and a specificity of 0.900 in distinguishing sepsis from non-sepsis. Plasma exosome proteome analysis has revealed that LCN2 and MGP may serve as effective biomarkers for diagnosing sepsis, further research is necessary to validate their diagnostic efficiency.
Investigation of the Genomic and Transcriptomic Variations Underlying Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Solaimani Maryam , Reza Emad , Ranjbar Mojtaba
Published: March 2024

Background: Breast cancer is a global burden responsible for millions of deaths per year. One of the significant challenges in the treatment of it is due to the emergence of resistance towards certain drugs, including well-known medication, Tamoxifen. With recent advances in technology, many genes have been identified to be involved in the progression of breast cancer and the development of resistance. Studying these genes and their potential pathways in cancer is a vital aspect of treatment that can enhance patients' response to therapeutic agents.
Methods: In the present study, we investigated major genes associated with the risk of breast cancer and the creation of tamoxifen drug resistance within them. We analyzed data from GO datasets (GSE231629, GSE241654, and GSE42568). Differentially expressed genes were studied in the limma package in the R language and TAC software. Enrichr carried out gene ontology, gene set enrichment, and genomic pathway analysis. Gephi, Cytoscape, and STRING databases were employed to build the network of protein-protein interactions and miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA network.
Results: analysis of differentially expressed genes demonstrated several hub genes including POSTN, COL1A2, LUM, COL3A1, BRINP3, TBX2-AS1, ARHGAP36, DSCAM-AS1 and SOX2 involved in breast cancer progression and resistance toward tamoxifen drug in MCF7 cell lines. These genes are associated with various biological processes such as intracellular signal transduction, MAPK Cas cade, gene expression, protein phosphorylation, and regulation of cell population proliferation.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates protein-protein interaction and significant genes involved in the development of breast cancer and tamoxifen resistance in MCF7 cell lines.
Evaluation of radiation therapy on grafted and non-grafted defects - an experimental rat model
Authors: Irie Milena Suemi , Reis Isabella Neme Ribeiro dos , Osuna Luiz Gustavo Gonzáles , de Oliveira Guilherme José Pimentel Lopes , Spin-Neto Rubens , Soares Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira
Published: March 2024

Objectives
To evaluate the effect of radiation therapy in a single dose (15Gy) on grafted and non-grafted defects regarding the bone microarchitecture and collagen maturity.
Materials and Methods
Bone defects were surgically created in rat femurs. The right femur defect was filled by blood clot (“Clot”) and the left femur defect- by deproteinized bovine bone mineral graft (“Xenograft”). The animals were aleatory divided into 2 groups: without radiation therapy (nRTX) and with radiation therapy (RXT). Microtomographic (bone volume fraction - BV/TV, trabecular thickness - Tb.Th, trabecular number - Tb.N, trabecular separation - Tb.Sp), histological, and histomorphometric analyses were performed 14 days after the surgery. Two-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test was used to compare the groups (α = 5%).
Results
Microtomographic analysis revealed that radiotherapy led to smaller BV/TV and Tb.N in both Clot and Xenograft. Regardless of the radiotherapy, defects filled with xenograft showed larger Tb.N. In contrast, Clot groups demonstrated increased values of BV/TV and Tb.Th. Histomorphometric results agreed with those of microtomography. Intermediately and densely packed collagen were predominant among the groups. Histological analysis revealed a disorganized bone formation bridging the cortical borders of the lesion in RTX groups. Primary bone involving the graft particles was commonly observed in all Xenograft groups, and radiotherapy did not affect the percentage of bone-graft contact.
Conclusions
Radiation therapy in a single dose affected the bone repair with smaller amount of newly formed bone in both grafted and non-grafted defects.
Clinical Relevance:
The use of bone substitute grafts might be feasible prior to radiotherapy.
GoiStrat - Gene-of-interest-based sample stratification for the evaluation of functional differences
Authors: Malla Carlos Uziel Pérez , Kalla Jessica , Tiefenbacher Andreas , Wasinger Gabriel , Kluge Kilian , Egger Gerda , Sheibani-Tezerji Raheleh
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Understanding the impact of gene expression in pathological processes, such as carcinogenesis, is crucial for understanding the biology of cancer and advancing personalised medicine. Yet, current methods lack biologically-informed-omics approaches to stratify cancer patients effectively, limiting our ability to dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Results: To address this gap, we present a novel workflow for the stratification and combined analysis of RNA-Seq and DNA methylation samples. Leveraging MSigDB curated gene sets, and utilising graph machine learning and ensemble clustering, we identify specific pathways and functional genes. We applied our workflow to analyse nearly a thousand prostate cancer samples, focusing on the varying expression of the \textit{FOLH1} gene. We identified pathways such as the PI3K-AKT-mTOR gene sets as well as signatures linked to prostate tumour aggressiveness.
Conclusion: Our comprehensive approach provides a novel tool to identify disease-relevant functions of genes of interest (GOI) in large datasets. This integrated approach offers a valuable framework for understanding the role of the expression variation of a GOI in complex diseases and for informing on targeted therapeutic strategies.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to combat cognitive aging in people with spinal cord injury: protocol for a single case experimental design study
Authors: Vints Wouter A.J. , Levin Oron , Griensven Martijn van , Vlaeyen Johan W. S. , Masiulis Nerijus , Verbunt Jeanine , Laake-Geelen Charlotte van
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) can experience accelerated cognitive aging. Myokines (factors released from muscle cells during contractions), such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are thought to have beneficial effects on cognition. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) was shown to elicit a large release of myokines. However, the effects of NMES on cognitive function have not been studied.
Objective
To present the study protocol for a clinical trial evaluating the effects of NMES aimed at improving cognition and BDNF.
Methods
A replicated randomized three-phases single-case experimental design (SCED) with sequential multiple baseline time series and a single-armed prospective trial will be conducted with 15 adults with chronic SCI (> 12 months after injury) above L1 neurological level undergoing 30-minute quadriceps NMES, 3 days per week for 12 weeks.
Main study endpoints
Primary endpoint is cognitive performance (assessed by a smartphone test) conducted three times per week during the baseline phase with random duration of 3 to 8 weeks, the intervention phase of 12 weeks, and the follow-up phase of 3 weeks after a no measurement rest period of 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints are changes in BDNF levels and cognitive performance measured before the baseline period, before and after intervention and after a 12 weeks follow-up.
Conclusion
This will be the first study investigating the effects of 12 weeks NMES on both cognition and BDNF levels in individuals with SCI. The SCED results provide information on individual treatment effect courses which may direct future research.
Keywords
Spinal cord injury, myokine, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, cognition, neuroplasticity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, single case experimental design, chronic rehabilitation care
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05822297, 12/01/2023)
Rainfall erosivity and flooding risk assessment in different climate zones of Iran
Authors: Bagherzadeh Ali , Afshar Ehsan , Taleghani Abolfazl , Chaharjouee Alireza Bagherzadeh
Published: March 2024

Rainfall is a major contributor to soil erosion, which its erosive force is measured by rainfall erosivity. This takes into account the amount and intensity of rainfall and is commonly expressed as the R-factor in RUSLE model. The goal of this study is to evaluate rainfall erosivity in Iran using available data sets. Data have been collected from 2,241,924 precipitation grid points in Iran at 1 km resolution. Thirty years precipitation time series ranged from 1991 to 2020. The mean precipitation values varied between 111.46 (BWh) to 1404.15 (Csa) mm. The mean R-factor ranged from 72.66 (BWk) to 3300.71 (Cfa) MJ mm ha−1 h−1 yr−1. The mean erosivity density varied between 0.33 (Dsa) and 2.35 (Cfa) MJ ha−1 h−1. It was exhibited that the arid BSh, and BSk climate zones focused mainly in the northeast, northwest, west and southwest of the country with total 8.88% of the study area exposed from extreme low to low flooding risk. The arid BWh and BWk climate zones with 86.46% of the surface area in the center of Iran, east, south, and some scattered parts in southwest and west of the country exposed from medium high to extreme high flooding risk.
Quantitative Evaluation of Striatal Uptake Ratios Using an Adaptive Template Registration Method for 123I-Ioflupane Dopamine Transporter SPECT
Authors: Mizumura Sunao , TAMAMURA Naoyuki , EBINA Junya , WATANABE Hikaru , HORI Masaaki
Published: March 2024

123I-FP-CIT (123I-Ioflupane) SPECT shows strong accumulation in the striatum, but morphological standardization is challenging due to low accumulation outside the striatum, particularly in subjects with marked striatal decline. In this study, morphological standardization without MRI was achieved using the adaptive template registration (ATR) method to create a subject-specific optimized template with weighted images of normal-type and egg-shape-type templates. The accuracy of a quantitative method for calculating the ratio with nonspecific accumulation in the occipital lobe was evaluated by placing voxels-of-interest (VOI) on standardized images, particularly targeting the striatum.
Methods: The average images of eight subjects, demonstrating normal-type and egg-shape-type tracer accumulation in 123I-Ioflupane SPECT, were utilized as normal and disease templates, respectively. The study included 300 subjects that underwent both 123I-Ioflupane SPECT and MRI for the diagnosis of suspected Parkinson's disease or for exclusion diagnosis. Morphological standardization of SPECT images using structural MRI (MRI-based method) was considered the standard of truth (SOT). Three morphological standardizations without MRI were conducted. The first involved conventional morphological standardization using a normal template (fixed template method), the second employed the adaptive template registration (ATR) method, with a weighted template, and the third used the split-ATR method, processing the left and right striatum separately to address asymmetrical accumulation. VOIs were set on the striatum, caudate, putamen as regions of specific accumulation, and on the occipital lobe as a reference region for nonspecific accumulation.
Results: Results showed significant and robust linearity in the striatal accumulation ratios for all templates when compared with the occipital lobe accumulation ratio when using the MRI-based method. Comparing intra-class correlations for different linearities, the ATR method and split-ATR method demonstrated higher linearity in the striatum, caudate, and putamen. Notably, in subjects with normal striatal (normal-type) or unclear striatal accumulation (burst striatum-type), no obvious improvement in accuracy was achieved when using the ATR or split-ATR methods. However, in subjects with striatal decline or lateral asymmetry, MRI-based methods accurately reflected striatal accumulation.
Conclusion: The use of optimized templates, such as the ATR and split-ATR methods, improved reproducibility in fully automated processing and demonstrated superior linearity compared to that of MRI-based method, in the ratio to the occipital lobe. The ATR method, which enables morphological standardization when using SPECT images only, proved highly reproducible for clinical quantitative analysis of striatal accumulation, facilitating its clinical use.
Noise pollution from Arctic expedition cruise vessels: understanding causes, consequences and governance options
Authors: Mannherz Fabienne , Knol-Kauffmann Maaike , Rafaly Vonintsoa , Ahonen Heidi , Kruke Bjørn Ivar
Published: March 2024

Significant increase in shipping in the Arctic has caught international and national attention. The rising presence of touristic expedition cruise vessels might describe a special case for noise-emitting activities while they seek exclusive opportunities to experience the Arctic first-hand. This interdisciplinary study explores the sources and potential impacts of shipping noise from cruise expeditions in the Arctic and how this knowledge can assist policymakers and industry in increasing environmental safety. The study provides a comprehensive overview of context-specific noise emissions from Arctic cruise expeditions and potential adverse consequences for Arctic endemic marine mammals. In addition, it discusses governance options for mitigating these consequences. Internationally, legal adaptations in the shipping conventions MARPOL and SOLAS should recognise noise as harmful energy. In turn, this could facilitate the uptake of certification schemes based on noise levels in the Polar Code. These legal actions can be strengthened by extended collective self-governance and through introducing economic incentives at the port level.
A head-to-head comparison of 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT and 2-[18F]FDG PET/MR in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma under different disease settings
Authors: Zhang Mengxia , Pang Lifang , Yu Haojun , Shi Hongcheng
Published: March 2024

Objectives
MRI is indispensable for staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) as it offers superior soft-tissue contrast. PET/CT and MRI are complementary in accurate staging of NPC. The combination of MRI and functional imaging from PET in PET/MR is promising in NPC management. We compared the diagnostic performance of PET/CT and PET/MR in 46 patients with NPC under different disease scenarios, including primary nonmetastatic cases, primary metastatic cases, recurrence and/or metastasis after treatment, and post-treatment follow-up cases.
Methods
Forty-six patients (37 males and 9 females) underwent both PET/CT and PET/MR within one day (median age: 54.5 years). Primary tumor extension into risk-stratified anatomic structures, retropharyngeal and cervical lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and post-treatment follow-up results, as well as maximum of standardized uptake value (SUVmax) were evaluated and compared. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to assess reproducibility of SUVmax between the two modalities. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
For high-risk structures, PET/MR detected two more sides of tensor/levator veli palatine muscle involvement, one more case of clivus involvement, and ruled out 12 false-positive sides of prevertebral muscle involvement by PET/CT. For medium-risk structures, PET/MR detected four more sides of medial pterygoid muscle involvement. For low-risk structures, abnormal signal on massa lateralis atlantis was detected by PET/MR. PET/MR detected 14 more positive retropharyngeal lymph nodes and more liver micrometastases than PET/CT. Overall, PET/MR changed two patients’ T staging. Furthermore, SUVmax showed high reproducibility between PET/CT and PET/MR (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
PET/MR outperforms PET/CT in delineating muscle, skull-base bone, and nodal involvement, and identifying liver micrometastases, may serve as a single-step staging modality for NPC.
Early characterization and prediction of glioblastoma and brain metastases treatment efficacy using medical imaging-based radiomics and artificial intelligence algorithms
Authors: Moreau Noémie N , Valable Samuel , Jaudet Cyril , Dessoude Loïse , Herault Romain , Modzelewski Romain , Stefan Dinu , Thariat Juliette , Lechervy Alexis , Corroyer-Dulmont Aurélien
Published: March 2024

In brain tumors, glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive’s one and brain metastases (BM) are occurring in 20-40% of cancer patients. Even with intensive treatment involving radiotherapy and surgery, which frequently leads to cognitive decline due to doses on healthy brain tissue, the median survival is 15 months for GBM and about six to nine for BM. Despite these treatments, GBM patients respond heterogeneously as do patient with BM. Following standard of care, some patients will respond and have an overall survival of more than 30 months and others will not respond and will die within a few months. Differentiating non-responders from responders as early as possible in order to tailor treatment in a personalized medicine fashion to optimize tumor control and preserve healthy brain tissue is the most pressing unmet therapeutic challenge. Innovative computer solutions recently emerged and could help for this challenge. This review will focus on fifty published research between 2013 to 2024 on (1) the early characterization of treatment efficacy with biomarkers imaging and radiomic-based solutions, (2) predictive solutions with radiomic and artificial intelligence-based solutions, (3) interest of other biomarkers and (4) the importance of the prediction of new treatment modalities efficacy.
Integrated transcriptomic analysis reveals a transcriptional regulation network for the biosynthesis of lignin in Nicotiana tabacum in drought stress response
Authors: Rashidifar Maryam , Askari Hossein , Moghadam Ali
Published: March 2024

Lignin plays a crucial impact on the production of phenolic compounds in tobacco smoke, which have potential health implications associated with tobacco use. The meta-analysis of RNA-seq studies along with high-resolution expression analysis on Nicotiana tabacum clarified a conserved distinctive expression pattern of lignin gene network. According to the results, 67 DEGs associated with lignin biosynthesis network were identified of which 17 genes were introduced by meta-analysis. WGCNA showed 14 clusters for the meta-genes. Various TF families and a number of regulatory factors were identified as the most likely candidate genes associated with the lignin metabolic pathway. Eight major meta-genes were evaluated by using qRT-PCR in two tobacco genotypes with different lignin content under drought stress conditions. Genotype NC100 (high lignin content) and Burly (low lignin content) in response to PEG upregulated CAD2, ATH12 and CAD2, CCR, respectively. Despite the accumulation of lignin, the expression levels of CCoAOMT, F5H, COMT, and ODO1 were reduced in both genotypes. The study's exploration into the complex nature of these pathways and meta-analysis highlights the importance of adopting a more comprehensive approach to gene discovery. It suggests that conducting additional individual investigations is crucial for enhancing the reliability and comprehensiveness of gene identification within intricate metabolite pathways.
A Study of Online Relationships: A Sociocultural Perspective
Authors: Pilek Melane , Laurent Constance de Saint
Published: March 2024

Despite the recognition that technology is ubiquitous and critical in modern interpersonal relationships, little is known about the meaning individuals assign to their close online relationships. Furthermore, there persists a negative bias towards online relationships. This study, using a sociocultural approach, sought to address this gap by qualitatively investing adults’ lived experiences and processes of meaning-making in online relationships. Specifically, we sought to identify common dialogical tensions in participants’ discourses as the moments when meaning is created and negotiated in dialogue with the medium and cultural context. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were carried out in-depth with participants who had diverse experiences of close online relationships, including romantic relationships, dating, familial relationships and friendships. We assumed that the distinctiveness of this research design would highlight the interconnectedness between different types of relationships. Additionally, we expected more pronounced levels of tensions among close relationships enabled by technology. Through the analysis of dialogical discursive tensions, we identified four main tensions in the discourses: opportunities/constraints, authenticity/staginess, safety/risk and proximity/distance. The latter emerged as a fundamental tension, intertwining with other tensions, and prompting reflections on the realness, depth, and validity of online relationships. The analysis unveiled that individuals' experiences with online relationships are shaped by the actual use of the medium, societal representation of technology, and cultural discourses. Often, these cultural discourses and representations contrast with individuals' lived experiences, contributing to the tensions. Navigating these factors poses a significant challenge for participants as they negotiate the complexities of online relationships.
Extraction of uranyl from spent nuclear fuel wastewater via complexation - a local vibrational mode study
Authors: peluzo Barbara , Moura Renaldo , Kraka Elfi
Published: March 2024

The efficient extraction of uranyl from spent nuclear fuel wastewater for subsequent reprocessing and reuse in the nuclear cycle is an essential effort towards minimization of long-lived radioactive waste. N-substituted amides and Schiff base ligands are propitious candidates, where extraction occurs via complexation with the uranyl moiety. In this study, we utilized the local vibra- tional modes theory, paired with QTAIM and NBO analyses, to explore chemical bonding in uranyl nitrate, two uranyl picolinamide, one uranyl Schiff base, and three uranyl diamide complexes. The major focus was on (i) the assessment of the equatorial uranyl-ligand O-U and N-U bonding, includ- ing the question of chelation, and (ii) how the strength of the axial uranium oxygen U=O bonds of the uranyl moiety change upon complexation. Our results reveal that the strength of the equatorial uranium-ligand interactions correlates with their covalent character and with charge donation from the O and N lone pairs into the vacant uranium orbitals. We also found an inverse relationship between the covalent character of the equatorial ligand bonds and the strength of the axial uranium-oxygen bond. In summary, our study provides valuable data for a strategic modulation of N-substituted amide and Schiff base ligands towards maximization of uranyl extraction.
Methods: Quantum chemistry calculations were performed with the PBE0 level of theory, where relativistic effects were accounted for via the NESCau Hamiltonian, implemented in Cologne2020, interfaced with Gaussian16. We use a cc-pwCVTZ-X2C basis set for uranium and Dunning’s cc-pVTZ for the remaining atoms. Uranium-ligand bonding was analyzed with LModeA (local vibrational mode analysis), AIMALL (QTAIM analysis), and NBO 7.0 f(NBO analysis.
Parasitaemia and fever in uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Groves Emily S , Simpson Julie A , Edler Peta , Daher André , Pasaribu Ayodhia P , Pereira Dhelio B , Saravu Kavitha , von Seidlein Lorenz , Rajasekhar Megha , Price Ric N , Commons Robert J
Published: March 2024

Background
Parasite density thresholds for diagnosing symptomatic malaria are defined by the relationship between parasitaemia and fever; they inform the development of novel diagnostic tests. Thresholds for diagnosing Plasmodium vivax malaria remain poorly defined.
Methods
We undertook an individual patient data meta-analysis of P. vivax clinical trials mapped to the WorldWide Anti-Malarial Resistance Network (WWARN) repository and used parasitaemia centiles of febrile patients at enrolment to derive the proportion of patients who would have been diagnosed at different symptomatic parasite densities. Febrile and afebrile patients with recurrent infections during follow-up were selected to determine pyrogenic densities using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Results
In total 13,263 patients from 50 studies were included in the analysis. In 27 studies that did not apply a parasitaemia threshold as an inclusion criterion, the median parasitaemia of 8,378 febrile patients at enrolment was 3,280/µL (interquartile range, 968–8,320). 90% of patients had a parasitaemia above 278/µL (10th centile), and 95% above 120/µL (5th centile). The 10th parasitaemia centile was higher in children < 5 years old (368/µL) compared to adults ≥15 years (240/µL). In regions of high relapse periodicity (Southeast Asia and Oceania) febrile patients presented with lower parasitaemias (10th centile 185/µL vs. 504/µL) and a wider range of parasitaemias compared to those from low relapse periodicity regions (interquartile range 760/µL – 8,774/µL vs. 1,204/µL – 8,000/µL).
Trial registration
This trial was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42021254905. The date of the first registration was 17th May 2021.
Artificial Intelligence Use in Collaborative Network Processes
Authors: Andres Beatriz , Fernandez-Garcia David , Urze Pala , Araujo Emilia
Published: March 2024

The paper seeks to outline the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on collaborative networks (CNs) by thoroughly examining the current literature. Given the growth of AI and its limited exploration in many business strategies, especially when collaboration among networked partners is established, this paper focuses on defining the research lines and AI application in CN processes by advancing some relevant ideas about how AI can improve networks’ resilience and antifragility. It discusses research on the integration of AI in CN from the following perspectives: (i) the collaborative processes addressed, (ii) the level of decision-making, (iii) the partners involved in the collaboration; (iv) the technologies that are jointly used with AI to support CN processes; (v) the programming languages implemented to develop AI algorithms; (vi) the sectors in which it AI is mainly implemented, and (vi) the potentialities of IA in CN in an increasingly turbulent and disruptive business world. The literature review has provided a global comprehension of the interplay between CN processes and AI-driven advancements, providing a response about the technologies that can merge with AI to support CN processes. The results derived from the literature analysis have allowed the establishment of a conceptual framework for AI use in CNs and outline future research directions in this field of study.
LVM manifolds and lck metrics
Authors: Faucard Bastien
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we compare two type of complex non-Kähler manifolds : LVM and lck manifolds. First, lck manifolds (for locally conformally Kähler manifolds) admit a metric which is locally conforme to a Kähler metric. On the other side, LVM manifolds (for S.Lopez de Medrano, A.Verjovsky and L.Meersseman) are quotient of an open subset of C^n by an action of C*xC^m. LVM and lck manifolds have a fondamental common point : Hopf manifolds which are a specific case of LVM manifolds and which admit also lck metric. So the question of this paper is :
Are LVM manifolds lck ?
We provide some answers to this question. The results obtained are as follows. In the set of all LVM manifolds, there is a dense subset of LVM which are not lck. An if we consider lck manifolds with potential (whose metric derives from a potential), the diagonal Hopf manifolds are the only LVM manifolds which admit an lck metric with potential. Based on this observation, we show that there exists an lck covering with potential (non-compact) of a certain subclass of LVM manifolds. Finally, we present some examples.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2000).
Primary 32J27, 32L05, 32M99, 32Q15, 32Q60, 32T15, 32V99;
Secondary 53A30, 53B35, 53C55, 53C56.
Ribavirin’s Daily Dose Growth Determined as the Result of Medicament Testing May Be a Predictor of the Chronic Course of the Disease in Long COVID Syndrome Patients
Authors: Djumaeva Naylya , Djumaeva Leyla , Akhunjanova Gulnara , Urunova Dilbar
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Long COVID syndrome, a multisystemic condition resulting from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, affects at least 65 million people worldwide. The disease pathogenesis is unclear, and many different assumptions still exist. This study aimed to explore the use of medicament testing to determine the optimal daily dose of ribavirin through the use of electroacupuncture via the Voll (EAV) diagnostic system for acupuncture points.
Materials and methods
One hundred one patients (aged 16 to 50) with long COVID syndrome were recruited from the Research Institute of Virology and were eligible according to the inclusion criteria. Patients were randomized to the experimental or the placebo groups. The patients were further examined with EAV diagnostics based on the level of electrodermal activity at the acupuncture points, followed by medicament testing with ribavirin (tablets) to determine the daily doses of the drug. Fifty-two participants were randomized to the experimental group and fourty nine to the placebo group and were considered for data analyses.
Results
The results of this study demonstrated the feasibility of using EAV to identify meridians with decreased levels of electrodermal activity at acupuncture points, followed by medicament testing with ribavirin to restore the decreased electrodermal conductivity at the studied acupuncture points and to measure the daily dose of the drug.
Conclusions
The measured daily doses of ribavirin in patients with long COVID syndrome may indirectly serve as a prognostic marker of the course of the disease. However, further clinical and instrumental studies are needed to evaluate the clinical application of medicament testing in assessing long-term COVID syndrome.
Self-care practices and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending at public hospital in Hawassa city, Sidama region, Ethiopia, 2023: Facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Asefa Abriham , Dukamo Nigussie , Misganaw Samuel , Legese Deresse , Jikamo Birhanu
Published: March 2024

Background
Self-care is crucial for controlling blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Globally, uncontrolled blood pressure resulted in 17.3 million fatalities and 9.4 million complications. Thereby, the purpose of this study was to assess the level of self-care behaviors and associated factors among hypertension patients in the public hospitals of Hawassa City.
Methods and materials:
From March 18, 2023 to June 18, 2023, a facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out at public hospitals in Hawassa. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants from each hospital. The six domains of Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects (H-SCALE) measure how well people manage their hypertension. To evaluate the correlation between the dependent and independent variables, a binary logistic regression model was used. The results of the final model are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals. These variables were regarded as independent predictors of poor self-care among patients with hypertension when their 95% confidence intervals did not include one in the final model. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals are reported.
Result
Male participants were 56% less likely to practice poor self-care practices for hypertension compared to female participants. Those participant’s age group between 60–99 had 4.11 times higher odds of poor self-care practice compared to the participants of age group of 18–39, less than five years since being diagnosed with hypertension were 3.14 times more likely to practice poor self-care compared > five years, Patients who have comorbidity, Patients who chewed khat, and those who were not employed had 1.90 times higher odds of poor self-care practice than employed participants
Conclusion and recommendation:
Poor self-care was reported by 46.9% of respondents who were hypertension patients. We identified significant factors, such as sex, age, occupation, chewing khat, age 5 years from diagnosis, and comorbidities, associated with poor self-care practices among hypertension patients. The identified causes of the participants' poor self-care practices in the study settings should be addressed by policymakers, the regional bureau, healthcare professionals, and researchers, according to our recommendation.
Chemical and Resistive Switching Properties of Elaeodendron Buchananii Extract-Carboxymethyl Cellulose Composite: A Potential Active Layer for Biodegradable Memory Devices
Authors: Dlamini Z.W. , Vallabhapurapu S. , Nambooze J. , Erasmus E. , Mogale R. , Wilhelm A. , Swart  , Vallabhapurapu VS. , Mamba B. , Seltalentoa W. , Mahule TS. , Pellegrini VOL. , Polikarpov I.
Published: March 2024

Biodegradable electronic devices play a crucial role in addressing the escalating issue of electronic waste accumulation, which poses significant environmental threats. In this investigation, we explored the utilization of a methanol-based extract of the Elaeodendron buchananii plant blended with carboxymethyl cellulose, a biopolymer, to produce a biodegradable and environmentally friendly functional material for a resistive switching memory system using silver and tungsten electrodes. Our analyses revealed that these two materials chemically interacted to generate a perfect composite with near semiconducting optical bandgap (4.01 eV ), surpassing than that of individual materials. The resultant device exhibited O-type memory behavior, with a low ON/OFF ratio, strong endurance (≥ 103 write/erase cycles), and satisfactory (≥ 103) data retention. Furthermore through a comprehensive transport mechanism analysis , we observed the formation of traps in the composite significantly improved conduction in the device. In addition, we established that altering the voltage amplitude modifies the concentration of traps, leading in voltage amplitude driven multiple resistance states. Overall, our findings underscore the potential of functionalizing polymers can be functionalized by incorporating plant extracts, thereby resulting in biodegradable nonvolatile memory devices with promising performance metrics
Hingeschaut – Bilderbuch-Apps zum literarischen Lernen im inklusiven Deutschunterricht
Authors: Helm Gerrit , Dube Juliane
Published: March 2024

Zwei Jahre Corona-Pandemie (als systemexterner Faktor) sowie die finanziellen Mittel aus dem DigitalPakt des Bundes (als systeminterner Faktor) haben die lange geforderte Digitalisierung an Bildungseinrichtungen stark vorangetrieben. In den Schulen zählen neben dem klassischen Stand-PC im Computerraum nunmehr zunehmend Tablets etc. zur technischen Grundausstattung. Damit geht die Möglichkeit einher, zahlreiche Anwendungen, die bisher v. a. ausserhalb der Schule genutzt werden konnten, nun auch in den Deutschunterricht einzubinden. Hierzu zählen u. a. auch digitale «Bild-Text-Erzählungen» (Ritter 2013, 4) in Form von Bilderbuch-Apps, die bei Lehrpersonen zunehmend auf Interesse stossen (Müller-Brauers et al. 2021, 1) und z. B. über diverse Plattformen als App bzw. Software zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Aufgrund der qualitativen Breite des Medienangebots sind Lehrpersonen und das weitere pädagogische Personal jedoch gut darin beraten, das aktuelle Angebot kritisch zu reflektieren, insbesondere wenn die Potenziale der zunehmenden Digitalisierung für die Gestaltung eines inklusiven Unterrichts genutzt werden sollen. Gegenstand dieses Beitrags ist daher ein empirisch validierter Kriterienkatalog (Cohenʼs Kappa ≥ .78), mit dessen Hilfe solch eine systematische Reflexion über die Eignung ausgewählter Bilderbuch-Apps für den Einsatz in heterogenen Klassen möglich werden soll. Aufbauend auf Überlegungen zur Ästhetik von Computerspielen (vgl. Hunicke, LeBlanc, und Zubek 2004) werden hierzu die Dimensionen: Ästhetik, Dynamisierung und Adaptivität in den Blick genommen.
Long-term dynamics of remote sensing indicators to monitor the dynamism of ecosystems in arid and semi-arid areas: contributions to sustainable resource management
Authors: Keria Hadjer , Bensaci Ettayib , Zoubiri Asma , Ben Si Said Zineb
Published: March 2024

Climate change's impact on wetlands has heightened concerns regarding the growing incidence of drought. It is imperative to continuously monitor long-term changes in wetlands to detect variations. This study evaluates the enduring variability of remote sensing indicators within 25 watershed areas in Algeria, recognized for their substantial biodiversity. We employed two robust statistical techniques (linear regression and the Mann-Kendall test) with data from diverse sources, including MODIS satellite data. From a time-series dataset spanning 22 years, we assembled several pivotal indicators: normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), and land surface temperature (LST), selected to evaluate vegetation and water stress within the study areas. Our analysis revealed that NDVI showed more conspicuous temporal response when compared with EVI and NDWI. We uncovered negative correlations between NDVI and LST, underscoring the influence of drought and plant stress on vegetation within the study areas (R² = 0.109 to R² = 0.5701). Our Mann-Kendall trend analysis underscored the significance of NDVI and its robust association with EVI and NDWI. Understanding the dynamics of vegetation and water stress is of paramount importance for projecting changes in ecosystems, particularly within water bodies subject to climate variability.
Identification and Verification of Metabolism-related Immunotherapy Features and Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Luo Junfang , An Jinlu , Jia Rongyan , Liu Cong , Zhang Yang
Published: March 2024

Background:

Lung cancer is a frequent malignancy with a poor prognosis.
Extensive metabolic alterations are involved in carcinogenesis and could, therefore,
serve as a reliable prognostic phenotype.

Aims:

Our study aimed to develop a prognosis signature and explore the relationship between
metabolic characteristic-related signature and immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma
(LUAD).

Objective:

TCGA-LUAD and GSE31210 datasets were used as a training set and a validation
set, respectively.

Methods:

A total of 513 LUAD samples collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas
database (TCGA-LUAD) were used as a training dataset. Molecular subtypes were classified
by consensus clustering, and prognostic genes related to metabolism were analyzed
based on Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs), Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI)
network, the univariate/multivariate- and Lasso- Cox regression analysis.

Results:

Two molecular subtypes with significant survival differences were divided by
the metabolism gene sets. The DEGs between the two subtypes were identified by integrated
analysis and then used to develop an 8-gene signature (TTK, TOP2A, KIF15, DLGAP5,
PLK1, PTTG1, ECT2, and ANLN) for predicting LUAD prognosis. Overexpression
of the 8 genes was significantly correlated with worse prognostic outcomes. RiskScore
was an independent factor that could divide LUAD patients into low- and high-risk
groups. Specifically, high-risk patients had poorer prognoses and higher immune escape.
The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve showed strong performance of the
RiskScore model in estimating 1-, 3- and 5-year survival in both training and validation
sets. Finally, an optimized nomogram model was developed and contributed the most to
the prognostic prediction in LUAD.

Conclusion:

The current model could help effectively identify high-risk patients and
suggest the most effective drug and treatment candidates for patients with LUAD.
The Main Directions of Socialization Pupils of Children's Institutions Voronezh Region in the 1930s
Authors: Filonenko T. V. , Menzhulin V. A.
Published: March 2024

Relevance. The readers are offered a plot dedicated to various aspects and directions of the socialization of orphanages in the 1930s. Socialization meant instilling work skills in pupils, training in the scope of secondary school, as well as their upbringing within the framework of the communist ideology that prevailed in the country at that time. Such a plot has not previously been in the field of view of historians, which is why it requires study and comprehensive analysis. The numerous archival materials used in the article is being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time.

Purpose – to study the experience of the joint work of the state and children's institutions for the subsequent integration of orphanages into Soviet society.

Objectives. To identify and analyze the main directions of socialization of children in orphanages.

Methodology. The research was based on the principles of objectivity, historicism and consistency, as well as general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis.

Results. In the course of the conducted research, it was found out that it was possible to come to grips with the upbringing of state children only by the beginning of the 1930s. The chosen directions of socialization fit well into the historical context of the era. Instilling labor skills during vocational training was supposed to contribute to the demand for former orphanages at enterprises erected during industrialization, collective farms and state farms created during collectivization. Educational, extracurricular and cultural activities met the objectives of the cultural revolution and genuine communist education. Moreover, socialization was supposed to act as a subsequent social and professional elevator of the former orphanage resident.

Conclusion. The efforts made by the state allowed some of the children deprived of parental care to get a start in life and take a worthy place in Soviet society.
What Do We Know about an Invisible Issue? Results of a Scoping Review of Elder Abuse and Gender and Sexual Minorities
Authors: Marchbank Jennifer , Reed Kathleen , Robson Claire , Gutman Gloria , Gurm Balbir
Published: March 2024

Elder abuse occurs to older adults who are members of gender and sexual minorities (GSM). Whilst most of that abuse is similar to that experienced by their heterosexual and cisgender peers GSM older adults face particular vulnerabilities due to their life experiences and changes. In this article we report on our findings from a literature search and knowledge synthesis, conducted as part of a larger project to inform Canadian policy makers working to eliminate gender and sexuality-based inequalities. The review included literature on GSM and the experience of elder abuse produced in the previous decade (2013-23). A six-month scoping review was conducted via a staged approach including discovery layer searches; database specific searches; Google scholar and citation examination searches; and general Google searches.
Diversidad intra-específica de las poblaciones de Colletotrichum spp. afectando caucho en Colombia
Authors: Guevara Yudy Alejandra , Tapiero Anibal
Published: March 2024

El caucho (Hevea brasiliensis) está siendo afectado por diferentes especies de Colletotrichum spp. en Colombia. La incidencia, generalizada por alrededor de las 65.000 ha actualmente sembradas, se observa afectando plantaciones particularmente en la Orinoquia, con aproximadamente 55% del área total de caucho en Colombia (MINISTERIO de AGRICULTURA, 2016). Colletotrichum spp. causa síntomas de antracnosis en hoja, muerte descendente y caída de la hoja por Colletotrichum (CLF), incidiendo en la pérdida de área foliar e incrementando los costos de manejo del cultivo. Colateralmente, CLF ha modificado la parsimonia del proceso anual de defoliación-refoliación anual, provocando la exposición a infecciones por Pseudocercospora ulei, agente causal del Mal Suramericano de las Hojas (SALB) en áreas de escape, durante las épocas cuando predominan condiciones de humedad relativa y pluviosidad alta. Las citadas circunstancias plantean la necesidad de determinar la extensión de la diversidad de especies de Colletotrichum spp. afectando los cultivos de caucho en Colombia y establecer las implicaciones epidemiológicas que permitan proponer programas de manejo integrado para reducir los riesgos de pérdida económica
Efecto de la suspensión transitoria de lactación a la cría en la producción y fertilidad del cebú brahman en condiciones del piedemonte llanero en Colombia
Authors: Velásquez Penagos Guillermo , Velásquez Penagos Henry
Published: March 2024

Estudios evidencian que la lactación prolongada amplía la aparición del primer estro. Además, se reporta que no sólo el efecto del amamantamiento influye sobre los amplios intervalos entre parto y aparición del primer calor, sino que la presencia del ternero es un factor importante de influencia. La presencia del ternero sumado al amamantamiento o lactación puede ser un componente importante en la regulación de la anovulación posparto. El manejo del amamantamiento son estrategias que se pueden aplicar para reducir el intervalo entre parto primer calor denominado como anestro posparto. En este sentido el propósito del estudio fue evaluar la suspensión transitoria de la lactación como estrategia para disminuir el anestro posparto y mejorar la eficiencia productiva del hato de Cría Cebú.
Compatibilidad in vitro de accesiones de Trichoderma spp., con coadyuvantes agrícolas usados en el cultivo de cacao
Authors: Beltrán, C. C. , Zapata J. , Uribe. L. L. , Cruz G.
Published: March 2024

En Colombia, la moniliasis producida por el hongo Moniliophthora roreri es la enfermedad más limitante en la producción de cacao, causando pérdidas hasta del 60 % en cosecha. Dentro de las prácticas de manejo de la enfermedad, el uso de antagonistas microbianos como Trichoderma spp. se ha convertido en una estrategia promisoria, alcanzando un control del patógeno de 90 % bajo condiciones in vitro y el cual disminuye a 28 % bajo condiciones de campo. La reducción de su actividad biológica, puede atribuirse al ambiente y la capacidad de adhesión del biocontrolador a la super cie del fruto. Dado el alto potencial de Trichoderma spp. para el control del patógeno, surgió la necesidad de buscar aditivos o coadyuvantes que permitan mejorar las condiciones de desarrollo del antagonista y el mantenimiento de su actividad biológica en campo