bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
САНАЦІЯ ЯК АЛЬТЕРНАТИВА БАНКРУТСТВУ
Authors: Дерлюк В. Д.
Published: June 2024

В умовах неплатоспроможності значної частини українських підприємств стає нагальною необхідність створення ефективного інституту банкрутства, який покликаний забезпечувати баланс інтересів держави та бізнесу, врегульовувати господарські відносини між субʼєктами господарювання в ситуаціях, коли один із них стає неплатоспроможним, а також мінімізувати соціально-економічні витрати циклічного функціонування ринкової економіки.
У статті визначено переваги досудової санації для своєчасного оздоровлення підприємства, акцентовано увагу на тому, що законодавство України про банкрутство наразі потребує суттєвого оновлення, особливо в частині відновлювальних процедур, з метою приведення його у відповідність до європейських практик. У цьому напрямі важливим кроком стане імплементація Директиви Європейського Парламенту та Ради (ЄС) 2019/1023 від 20 червня 2019 року про превентивну реструктуризацію, а також про заходи стосовно підвищення ефективності процедур щодо реструктуризації, неплатоспроможності та погашення боргу. Метою такої процедури є завчасне попередження банкрутства та збереження життєздатних підприємств на ранній стадії труднощів. Її актуальність зростає не лише для приватного бізнесу. Це також дієвий інструмент для запобігання проблем банкрутства державних підприємств.
У процесі дослідження встановлено, що суттєвою спільною характеристикою превентивної реструктуризації та судових проваджень з процедур банкрутства є колективність поширення юридичних наслідків на всіх кредиторів, зокрема тих, хто не згоден з ними, для досягнення мети. Під час процедури превентивної реструктуризації, зокрема, існує заборона будь-кому з кредиторів, а також і з незгодної меншості, розпочинати вимогливі процедури, навіть за наявності законних підстав. Це обумовлено тим, що юридичні наслідки поширюються на всіх кредиторів, усуваючи конфлікт інтересів через різну оцінку ними економічного становища боржника.
Monitoria acadêmica e suas contribuições no processo ensino-aprendizagem no curso de Enfermagem
Authors: Carneiro Meiriane Araujo , Dantas Amanda da Silva , Ferreira Nicolli dos Santos , Oliveira Aline Santos , Moura Pedro Gabriel Silva de , Dias Nathalia Menezes
Published: June 2024

A monitoria acadêmica possibilita melhora da oralidade e relações interpessoais do aluno-monitor, facilitando o acesso ao conhecimento pela linguagem mais próxima e adaptada à realidade do estudante monitorados. O presente trabalho busca relatar a experiência vivenciada pela monitoria, importância e contribuições, nas disciplinas de Semiologia/Semiotécnica e Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Adulto do Departamento de Enfermagem Hospitalar. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo relato de experiência, descrevendo as atividades desenvolvidas em uma monitoria acadêmica durante o período de 2022.2 e 2023.1, abrangendo as ferramentas didáticas utilizadas pelo monitor e as percepções sobre o processo de ensino-aprendizagem das situações vivenciadas. Utilizou-se de ferramentas metodológicas para aprimorar o ensino e significar a aprendizagem, tais como: resumos e mapas mentais sobre aspiração de vias aéreas, banho no leito, avaliação de lesões e sinais vitais, apostilas confeccionadas sobre “anamnese e exame físico” e “feridas e curativos”, e utilização de ferramentas on-line para o ensino. Esse processo de monitorar, traz consigo resultados positivos para a formação acadêmica, interpessoal e profissional, trazendo mais segurança e confiança. Portanto, a monitoria acadêmica é fundamental para todos os integrantes que participam, desde os docentes aos monitorados, de forma a expandir o conhecimento, segurança e as relações profissionais e interpessoais, devendo ser uma prática incentivadas nas instituições de ensino superior.
Avaliação do conhecimento da profilaxia pré exposição ao HIV pelos estudantes de Medicina da Universidade de Vassouras-RJ
Authors: Marins Thales Montela , Silva Leandro Henrique Varella , Siqueira Bianca Fófano da Rocha , Alacrino Filho Jonh Eisenhoer Batista , Giurisatto Maria Júlia Mellere , Menezes Vinicius Martins de
Published: June 2024

Objetivo: Investigar o conhecimento dos estudantes de medicina sobre a profilaxia pré-exposição (PrEP) ao HIV. Metodologia: Realizou-se uma análise com as respostas de 290 estudantes da Universidade de Vassouras, no estado do Rio de Janeiro, matriculados nos períodos do primeiro ao décimo segundo. As respostas foram coletadas durante o segundo período letivo de 2023, através de um formulário eletrônico com 12 perguntas, disponibilizado via Google Forms, acompanhado de Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. O projeto foi previamente submetido à Plataforma Brasil e ao comitê de ética institucional, obtendo aprovação sob o parecer 5.966.511. Resultados: Analisando o rendimento de acordo com o ciclo acadêmico, no ciclo básico dos 127 participantes, 62,2% deles possui 50% de acertos. O ciclo clínico com 133 respostas apresentou 66,91% com nível de acerto inferior a 50%. Já dos 30 participantes do internato, 66,67% acertaram <50%. Conclusão: A partir do exposto, é possível observar que a maioria das respostas por grupos específicos obtiveram um rendimento inferior a 50% de acertos. Diante disso, é evidente a necessidade de implementar medidas adicionais para abordar as lacunas identificadas, como a inclusão de aulas específicas sobre a PrEP no currículo obrigatório do curso de medicina, bem como a realização regular de eventos voluntários para reforçar a importância e consolidar o conhecimento sobre o assunto. Todavia, devido à escassez de estudos nessa área, é desafiador determinar uma taxa de acertos ideal. Portanto, espera-se que este estudo possa orientar o desenvolvimento de estratégias para aprimorar o conhecimento dos acadêmicos sobre as PrEPs.
Anatomia da coluna dos cães e implicações clínicas de malformações vertebrais
Authors: Mothé Gabriele Barros , Carbone Filomena Stasinlevicius , Alves Alice Isabel Vieira Santos , Bomfim Luiz Henrique Alves , Abreu Gabriel Alves de , Oliveira Daniel Sá de , Silva Isabella D'Marcos Calmon Guimarães da , Ferreira Eduarda Manoela Medeiros da Silva , Souza Monique Nascimento , Mendes Junior Aguinaldo Francisco
Published: June 2024

A coluna de cães é uma estrutura vertebral composta por vértebras cervicais, torácicas, lombares, sacrais e caudais, que proporciona suporte, proteção à medula espinhal e flexibilidade ao corpo. No entanto, as malformações ósseas da coluna de cães são diversas e comprometem o desenvolvimento normal das vértebras, podendo levar a uma série de problemas de saúde e bem-estar para esses animais. Baseado nisso, este trabalho tem o objetivo de descrever a anatomia da coluna dos cães e compará-la com as alterações anatômicas encontradas em algumas das malformações vertebrais, bem como suas implicações clínicas, por meio de uma revisão da literatura. Dentre as malformações vertebrais mais importantes dos cães, destacam-se a hemivértebra, a espinha bífida e a síndrome de Wobbler. A hemivértebra é uma malformação vertebral na qual uma vértebra se desenvolve de forma incompleta ou em forma de cunha, resultando em curvaturas anormais da coluna, como escoliose ou cifose. Já a espinha bífida é um defeito congênito em que a coluna vertebral não se fecha completamente durante o desenvolvimento embrionário, deixando uma abertura que pode expor a medula espinhal. Por sua vez, a síndrome de Wobbler é uma condição caracterizada pela compressão da medula espinhal na região cervical, causada por malformações vertebrais, levando a ataxia, fraqueza e problemas de coordenação. Sendo assim, a identificação precoce das malformações é crucial para o manejo adequado e para a implementação de intervenções terapêuticas que possam melhorar a função e/ou a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.
Influência da alimentação em adultos portadores de doenças autoimunes com abordagem em lúpus eritematoso sistêmico
Authors: Brito Marianna Ferreira Souza de , Guarino Simone Gomes , Garcia Paloma Popov Custódio
Published: June 2024

As doenças autoimunes impactam progressivamente a qualidade de vida da população, enquadram-se como um fator de atenção para a saúde pública. Entre as mais diversas doenças autoimunes, o lúpus em suas distintas formas, tem se destacado como uma patologia que afeta os indivíduos, atingindo com predominância mulheres em diferentes ciclos da vida. O lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) é uma doença autoimune, marcada por períodos de remissão e atividade, afetando um ou mais órgãos e tecidos do corpo, resultando em inflamação e danos. Os fatores de risco para a doença estão relacionados ao estilo de vida, incluindo questões como estresse, atividade física, alimentação, entre outros. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a influência da alimentação em adultos portadores de doenças autoimunes com abordagem em lúpus eritematoso sistêmico. A metodologia foi realizada através da revisão de literatura embasada em artigos científicos dos últimos dez anos, encontrados nas fontes acadêmicas: Pubmed, Google Acadêmico, SciELO e CAPES, incluindo artigos nos idiomas português e inglês. Como considerações finais, ressalta-se que as evidências científicas condizem com a relação da influência da alimentação como um dos pilares no manejo da doença, sendo este um dos principais fatores não farmacológicos utilizados para a manutenção do estado nutricional adequado e prevenção de possíveis complicações associadas. Ademais, enfatiza-se a necessidade de mais estudos voltados para a influência e importância da alimentação para pacientes portadores de doenças autoimunes.
Uma revisão narrativa da análise de sistemas nanoparticulados na formulação e eficácia de medicamentos antitumorais
Authors: Pereira Gustavo José Vasco , Martins Mariza Modolon , Muniz Mateus da Silva
Published: June 2024

O tratamento do câncer continua sendo um desafio significativo na área da saúde devido aos efeitos colaterais dos tratamentos convencionais e à necessidade de terapias mais eficazes. A nanotecnologia oferece uma abordagem promissora para superar essas limitações, com o desenvolvimento de nanopartículas como carreadores de fármacos antitumorais. Este artigo revisa de forma abrangente o uso de nanopartículas na terapia do câncer, desde a definição de nanotecnologia até a possível toxicidade das nanopartículas. Discutimos os diferentes tipos de nanopartículas utilizadas, como nanopartículas à base de polímeros, lipídios, nanoemulsões e nanopartículas de ouro, destacando suas vantagens e aplicações na entrega de medicamentos antitumorais. Além disso, exploramos os tratamentos convencionais para o câncer, como cirurgia, radioterapia e quimioterapia, comparando sua eficácia e efeitos colaterais com os tratamentos baseados em nanotecnologia. Finalmente, discutimos a eficácia dos medicamentos antitumorais de origem nanotecnológica e os desafios relacionados à possível toxicidade das nanopartículas. Essa revisão fornece uma visão abrangente e atualizada do papel das nanopartículas na terapia do câncer, destacando seu potencial para melhorar os resultados clínicos e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente artigo é apresentar uma revisão sistemática do emprego de sistemas nanoparticulados como medicamentos antitumorais.
Avaliação de compulsão alimentar durante e após o Ramadan
Authors: Fujichima Enzo Marino Damando , Almeida Simone Gonçalves de
Published: June 2024

O comportamento alimentar se modificou bastante ao longo dos anos, prova disso é a presença de transtornos alimentares na sociedade atual, como o Transtorno da Compulsão Alimentar (TCA). Além disso, com a globalização, ritos religiosos se encontram afetados, caso esse o do Ramadan, que pode ser atrelado a episódios de compulsão alimentar. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar acerca da compulsão alimentar durante e após o Ramadan. A metodologia foi baseada em publicações originais publicadas entre 2014 e 2024 com o intuito de analisar o consumo alimentar dos adeptos ao Ramadan, assim como as diferenças circadianas durante esse período de 40 dias e os principais determinantes para o transtorno de compulsão alimentar. A partir disso, a revisão narrativa de literatura teve 79 artigos. Foi usada as bases de dados do Google Acadêmico, EBSCO host, SciELO e PUBMED. Após análises dos artigos, foram pensados em critérios para exclusão, que consistem em artigos com fuga ao tema, sem relação com jejum ou Ramadan e com datação fora do esperado. Por fim, foi compreendido que o Transtorno de Compulsão Alimentar não está presente durante o período do jejum religioso e que o andamento e implicações do Ramadan dependem do estilo de vida de cada indivíduo participante.
Digital marketing sebagai strategi peningkatan penjualan produk UMKM di era digital
Authors: Budiarti Laeli , Mellinia Salma Putri , Fadhila Lulu Syifa , Su’daa Saniyya Nabila , Zaen Muhammad Rafi , Noviyanti Sri Eka
Published: June 2024

Penggunaan internet berkembang pesat di berbagai negara, termasuk Indonesia. Para pelaku UMKM harus memanfaatkan peningkatan penggunaan internet ini untuk meningkatkan omzet penjualan. Pemasaran digital merupakan salah satu cara untuk meningkatkan penjualan. Namun, banyak pelaku UMKM, termasuk KPB Kayumas, yang belum mengenal pemasaran digital, terutama aplikasi marketplace seperti Shopee. Oleh karena itu, tim PKM melaksanakan pelatihan digital marketing di KPB Kayumas. Tujuan dari kegiatan ini adalah agar para pelaku UMKM dapat menggunakan digital marketing sebagai sarana untuk memasarkan produk secara online. Metode pelaksanaan PKM ini menggabungkan metode service learning (SL) dan asset based community development (ABCD). Tahapan pelaksanaan kegiatan ini adalah persiapan, pelaksanaan, dan evaluasi. Salah satu indikasi keberhasilan pelatihan digital marketing terkait pemahaman peserta terhadap materi yang disampaikan oleh narasumber adalah nilai posttest yang lebih baik dari pretest, selain itu peserta mampu membuka toko sesuai arahan narasumber dan mampu memasarkan produk melalui aplikasi Shopee. Kegiatan ini telah membantu peserta dalam menyelesaikan permasalahan mereka dengan menggunakan marketplace Shopee untuk memasarkan produk secara online.
Discovering the Sites of the Past (to Ihor Sapozhnykov’s 70th Anniversary)
Authors: Trygub Oleksandr
Published: June 2024

Congratulations on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the journal's editor, Doctor of historical sciences, Senior Researcher Ihor Sapozhnykov
Archaeological and Early Historical Interests of Mykhailo Hrushevsky: Receptive Aspect
Authors: Telvak Vitalii , Yanyshyn Bohdan , Nakonechnyi Volodymyr
Published: June 2024

The purpose of the research paper is to summarize a wide range of issues of an archaeological and early historical nature, actualized in the reviews of M. Hrushevsky.
The scientific novelty of the study is in the first special attempt at a complex reconstruction of archaeological and early historical subject matters of M. Hrushevsky’s heritage.
Conclusions. The scope of M. Hrushevsky’s archaeological interests is noted. Having been trained by V. Antonovych in archaeology, having practical experience in field excavations, and creating platforms for professional communication in the form of museums and journals, the scholar formed a panoramic vision of the achievements and problems of contemporary science. The picture of the state of archaeology in the late 19th – early 20th century offered by him was characterized by academic correctness, the accuracy of critical observations, and the innovative nature of proposals. He strived for the disciplinary modernization of Eastern European archaeological science, which, according to the reasoned opinion of M. Hrushevsky, was delayed at the stage of forming an empirical base. Of particular importance at the time was the scholar’s defense of Ukrainian archaeological interests in typologizing the historical cultures in our ethnic lands in a polemic with Russian, Polish, and Western European colleagues. Such activity had a considerable public impact and was an organic component of the scholar’s struggle for recognition of the academic rights of Ukrainian science.
In general, today, most of M. Hrushevsky’s observations, expressed in discussions with fellow archaeologists, are mainly of historiographical interest. However, his calls to avoid haste in the classification of archaeological material, to interpret it in the widest possible cultural context, to select reflectively a theoretical and methodological array of tools, and to treat artifacts of the past with responsibility are relevant guidelines for Ukrainian science even nowadays.
Generative AI and Teachers - For Us or Against Us? A Case Study
Authors: Pettersson Jenny , Hult Elias , Eriksson Tim , Adewumi Oluwatosin
Published: June 2024

We present insightful results of a survey on the adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) by university teachers in their teaching activities. The transformation of education by GenAI, particularly large language models (LLMs), has been presenting both opportunities and challenges, including cheating by students. We prepared the online survey according to best practices and the questions were created by the authors, who have pedagogy experience. The survey contained 12 questions and a pilot study was first conducted. The survey was then sent to all teachers in multiple departments across different campuses of the university of interest in Sweden: Luleå University of Technology. The survey was available in both Swedish and English. The results show that 35 teachers (more than half) use GenAI out of 67 respondents. Preparation is the teaching activity with the most frequency that GenAI is used for and ChatGPT is the most commonly used GenAI. 59% say it has impacted their teaching, however, 55% say there should be legislation around the use of GenAI, especially as inaccuracies and cheating are the biggest concerns.
Fast Approximation of Shapley Values with Limited Data
Authors: Alkhatib Amr , Boström Henrik
Published: June 2024

Shapley values have multiple desired and theoretically proven properties for explaining black-box model predictions. However, the exact computation of Shapley values can be computationally very expensive, precluding their use when timely explanations are required. FastSHAP is an approach for fast approximation of Shapley values using a trained neural network (the explainer). A novel approach, called FF-SHAP, is proposed, which incorporates three modifications to FastSHAP: i) the explainer is trained on ground-truth explanations rather than a weighted least squares characterization of the Shapley values, ii) cosine similarity is used as a loss function instead of mean-squared error, and iii) the actual prediction of the underlying model is given as input to the explainer. An empirical investigation is presented showing that FF-SHAP significantly outperforms FastSHAP with respect to fidelity, measured using both cosine similarity and Spearman's rank-order correlation. The investigation further shows that FF-SHAP even outperforms FastSHAP when using substantially smaller amounts of data to train the explainer, and more importantly, FF-SHAP still maintains the performance level of FastSHAP even when trained with as little as 15% of training data.
Local Point-wise Explanations of LambdaMART
Authors: Rahnama Amir Hossein Akhavan , Bütepage Judith , Boström Henrik
Published: June 2024

LambdaMART has been shown to outperform neural network models on tabular Learning-to-Rank (LTR) tasks. Similar to the neural network models, LambdaMART is considered a black-box model due to the complexity of the logic behind its predictions. Explanation techniques can help us understand these models. Our study investigates the faithfulness of point-wise explanation techniques when explaining LambdaMART models. Our analysis includes LTR-specific explanation techniques, such as LIRME and EXS, as well as explanation techniques that are not adapted to LTR use cases, such as LIME, KernelSHAP, and LPI. The explanation techniques are evaluated using several measures: Consistency, Fidelity, (In)fidelity, Validity, Completeness, and Feature Frequency (FF) Similarity. Three LTR benchmark datasets are used in the investigation: LETOR 4 (MQ2008), Microsoft Bing Search (MSLR-WEB10K), and Yahoo! LTR challenge dataset. Our empirical results demonstrate the challenges of accurately explaining LambdaMART: no single explanation technique is consistently faithful across all our evaluation measures and datasets. Furthermore, our results show that LTR-based explanation techniques are not consistently better than their non-LTR-based counterparts across the evaluation measures. Specifically, the LTR-based explanation techniques consistently are the most faithful with respect to (In)fidelity, whereas the non-LTR-specific approaches are shown to frequently provide the most faithful explanations with respect to Validity, Completeness, and FF Similarity.
Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations for Neural Ranking Models
Authors: Rahnama Amir Hossein Akhavan , Alfaro Laura Galera , Wang Zhendong , Movin Maria
Published: June 2024

Neural Ranking Models have shown state-of-the-art performance in Learning-To-Rank (LTR) tasks. However, they are considered black-box models. Understanding the logic behind the predictions of such black-box models is paramount for their adaptability in the real-world and high-stake decision-making domains. Local explanation techniques can help us understand the importance of features in the dataset relative to the predicted output of these black-box models. This study investigates new adaptations of Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanation (LIME) explanation for explaining Neural ranking models. To evaluate our proposed explanation, we explain Neural GAM models. Since these models are intrinsically interpretable Neural Ranking Models, we can directly extract their ground truth importance scores. We show that our explanation of Neural GAM models is more faithful than explanation techniques developed for LTR applications such as LIRME and EXS and non-LTR explanation techniques for regression models such as LIME and KernelSHAP using measures such as Rank Biased Overlap (RBO) and Overlap AUC. Our analysis is performed on the Yahoo! Learning-To-Rank Challenge dataset.
Evolutionary Optimization of Artificial Neural Networks and Tree-Based Ensemble Models for Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Sorano Ruslan , Ripon Kazi Shah Nawaz , Magnusson Lars Vidar
Published: June 2024

Machine learning algorithms, particularly artificial neural networks, have shown promise in healthcare for disease classification, including diagnosing conditions like deep vein thrombosis. However, the performance of artificial neural networks in medical diagnosis heavily depends on their architecture and hyperparameter configuration, which presents virtually unlimited variations. This work employs evolutionary algorithms to optimize hyperparameters for three classic feed-forward artificial neural networks of pre-determined depths. The objective is to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of the classic neural networks in classifying deep vein thrombosis using electronic health records sourced from a Norwegian hospital. The work compares the predictive performance of conventional feed-forward artificial neural networks with standard tree-based ensemble methods previously successful in disease prediction on the same dataset. Results indicate that while classic neural networks perform comparably to tree-based methods, they do not surpass them in diagnosing thrombosis on this specific dataset. The efficacy of evolutionary algorithms in tuning hyperparameters is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of choosing the optimization technique to maximize machine learning models' diagnostic accuracy.
EXPERIÊNCIAS EDUCATIVAS E PRÁTICAS PROFISSIONAIS:
Authors: Santos Silva Reis Bianca , Nascimento Santos Silva Gabriela , Da Silva Gomes Hilda , De Jesus Soares Ozias
Published: June 2024

O artigo apresenta uma análise referente às experiências educativas e práticas profissionais de mediadores em uma instituição museológica. Trata-se do resultado de um estudo qualitativo em que os dados foram produzidos a partir de questionário aplicado entre educadores com diferentes vínculos profissionais com o Museu da Vida Fiocruz (MVF). A pesquisa intencionou conhecer aspectos como o perfil, formação e experiências a partir do cotidiano da mediação. A indagação central da investigação buscou saber em que medida as experiências profissionais em espaços educativos, antes de ingressarem no MVF, teriam garantido a inserção desses educadores em processos de formação sistemática para a atuação na educação museal. O texto dialoga com a literatura ao tratar das práticas educativas de formação no contexto museal, apontando diferentes estratégias e iniciativas nesse campo. Apresenta o contexto institucional do Museu da Vida para focar nas correlações possíveis entre formação, percursos biográficos e atuação na educação museal. Embora diante de contornos singulares, a investigação carrega o mérito de, ao olhar uma realidade particular, constituir-se em uma plataforma para pensar outras experiências e o próprio campo da educação museal no Brasil.
Beyond the Norm: Exploring Mucocele on the Attached Gingiva - A Case Report
Authors: Bhudhrani Unnati , Panda Anupkumar , Shukla Balraj , Savakiya Aishwarya , Shah Roocha
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Mucocele is a commonly encountered lesion in the oral mucosa, resulting from alterations in minor salivary glands. There are two histological types - extravasation and retention, with distinct causative factors such as trauma leading to duct severance and mucin spillage into adjacent connective tissue, and obstruction, respectively. Clinically, mucoceles manifest as soft, bluish, and transparent cystic swellings, often resolving spontaneously. Painless yet troublesome, mucoceles can disrupt eating or speaking and, when untreated, may lead to a persistent bump on the inner lip. Treatment options include surgical removal, micro marsupialization, cryosurgery, steroid injections, and CO2 laser.

Materials and Methods
In this case study, we present the case of a 10-year-old female patient with a painless, gradually progressing swelling in the anterior mandibular labial gingiva.

Conclusions
Treatment involved conservative surgical intervention, confirming the suspected clinical diagnosis of mucocele through radiographic assessments, substantiated by histological examination.

Key Words
Labial gingiva, Minor salivary glands, Mucocele, Oral Mucosa
Greater working memory in cochlear implant users is related to higher subjective quality of life
Authors: Prince Priyanka , Chen Joseph , Le Trung , Lin Vincent , Dimitrijevic Andrew
Published: June 2024

Introduction

A common concern for individuals with moderate-to-profound hearing loss who have received a cochlear implants (CIs) is difficulty following conversations in noisy environments. A possible reason is the increased use of cognitive resources (attention and working memory) to disambiguate the speech stimuli potentially causing detriments in functional aspects of life. However, this relationship is not well-documented. The overall arching goal of this study was to quantify the relationships between Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and cognitive ability through working memory and speech perception measures.

Methods

In the current study, 31 adult CI users and typical hearing (TH) age-matched controls were recruited. CI users completed PROMs including Speech, Spatial and Quality of hearing survey (SSQ) and versions of a quality of life (QOL) for CI users (CIQOL) and Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ). Measures of cognition were assessed using internet-based tools. Outcomes were compared between groups and PROMs and were related to the cognitive tasks.

Results

Reduced auditory working memory and speech perception in noise were observed in CI users compared to TH controls. Correlation analyses revealed significant domain-specific PROM relationships with cognitive tasks in CI users, but not in TH controls. The SSQ had more significant relationships compared to the other PROMS.

Conclusion

These results suggest that internet-based metrics of cognitive ability are associated with the functional hearing aspects of life in CI users and that SSQ is more sensitive to investigate the cognitive related effects of QOL compared to other commonly used PROMs.
Methanotroph activity and connectivity between two seep systems north off Svalbard
Authors: de Groot Tim R. , Kalenitchenko Dimitri , Moser Manuel , Argentino Claudio , Panieri Giuliana , Lindgren Matteus , Dølven Knut Ola , Ferré Benedicte , Svenning Mette M. , Niemann Helge
Published: June 2024

Understanding methane flux dynamics in Arctic cold seep systems and the influence of oceanic currents on microbial methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) is crucial for assessing their impact on Arctic methane emissions. Here, we investigate methane dynamics and associated microbial communities at two cold seep areas, Norskebanken and Hinlopen Trough, North of Svalbard. Methane concentrations and methane oxidation rates (MOx) were measured in bottom and surface waters, with higher values observed in bottom waters, particularly at Hinlopen Trough. Dominant water column MOB clusters were Milano−WF1B−03 and Methyloprofundus. Methane availability drove MOx activity, as indicated by higher concentrations in bottom waters and sediments where MOx was elevated, too. Sediment MOB communities varied among locations, with Hinlopen featuring higher diversity and abundance. Similarities between sediments and water column MOBs suggest potential recruitment from sediments, possibly via a bubble shuttle mechanism. In addition, bottom water MOB community composition also showed similarities between the Norskebanken and Hinlopen seeps, implying an exchange of water column microbes between the two seep areas, which may likely be driven by the regional current regime. Together, our results show that bubble-mediated transport and translocation via currents are important processes shaping the community structure and efficiency of the microbial methane filter in the water column.
Analyzing student response processes to refine and validate a competency model and competency-based assessment task types
Authors: Soyka Chantal , Schaper Niclas
Published: June 2024

Regarding competency-oriented teaching in higher education, lecturers face the challenge of employing aligned task material to develop the intended competencies. What is lacking in many disciplines are well-founded guidelines on what competencies to develop and what tasks to use to purposefully promote and assess competency development. Our work aims to create an empirically validated framework for competency-oriented assessment in the area of graphical modeling in computer science. This article reports on the use of the think-aloud method to validate a competency model and a competency-oriented task classification. For this purpose, the response processes of 15 students during the processing of different task types were evaluated with qualitative content analysis. The analysis shed light on the construct of graphical modeling competency and the cognitive demand of the task types. Evidence was found for the content and substantive aspect of construct validity but also for the need to refine the competency model and task classification.
The type of COVID−19 vaccination does not affect reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes in infertile couples
Authors: Wang Shiming , Wang Ningning , Yao Guidong , Su Yingchun , Qi Lin
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Studies on the effect of vaccine type and two other vaccines other than inactivated vaccines approved in China on in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy outcomes are rare. To complement and confirm the existing findings, this research aimed to investigate whether there are adverse effects of different vaccine types in females and males on reproductive function and clinical pregnancy.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 6,455 fresh embryo transfer cycles at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between May 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022. The primary outcome is the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). At the same time, the secondary results are the number of oocytes retrieved, two pronuclei (2PN) rate, blastocyst formation rate, high-quality blastocyst rate, and semen parameters (volume, density, sperm count, forward motility rate, total motility rate, immobility rate, and DNA fragment index (DFI) rate).

Results

In the comparison of ovarian stimulation indicators, no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in Gn days, endometrial thickness, 2PN rate, metaphase 2 (MII) rate, high-quality embryo rate, and blastocyst formation rate. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found in age, body mass index (BMI), education level, and semen parameters (volume, density, sperm count, forward motility rate, total motility rate, immobility rate, and DFI rate) in these four groups. The multivariate regression model showed that neither the types of vaccines nor the vaccination status of both infertile couples significantly affected clinical pregnancy.

Discussion

The type of vaccine does not appear to have an unfavorable effect on ovarian stimulation, embryo development, semen parameters, and clinical pregnancy.
Evaluation of a blood miRNA/mRNA signature to follow-up Lu-PRRT therapy for G1/G2 intestinal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Jacques Virginie , Dierickx Lawrence , Texier Jean Sebastien , Brillouet Severine , Courbon Frederic , Guimbaud Rosine , Vija Lavinia , Savagner Frederique
Published: June 2024

Background

177Lu-oxodotreotide peptide receptor therapy (LuPRRT) is an efficient treatment for midgut neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of variable radiological response. Several clinical, biological, and imaging parameters may be used to establish a relative disease prognosis but none is able to predict early efficacy or toxicities. We investigated expression levels for mRNA and miRNA involved in radiosensitivity and tumor progression searching for correlations related to patient outcome during LuPRRT therapy.

Methods

Thirty-five patients received LuPRRT for G1/G2 midgut NETs between May 2019 and September 2021. Peripheral blood samples were collected prior to irradiation, before and 48 h after the second and the fourth LuPRRT, and at 6-month follow-up. Multiple regression analyses and Pearson correlations were performed to identify the miRNA/mRNA signature that will best predict response to LuPRRT.

Results

Focusing on four mRNAs and three miRNAs, we identified a miRNA/mRNA signature enabling the early identification of responders to LuPRRT with significant reduced miRNA/mRNA expression after the first LuPRRT administration for patients with progressive disease at 1 year (p < 0.001). The relevance of this signature was reinforced by studying its evolution up to 6 months post-LuPRRT. Moreover, nadir absolute lymphocyte count within the first 2 months after the first LuPRRT administration was significantly related to low miRNA/mRNA expression level (p < 0.05) for patients with progressive disease.

Conclusion

We present a pilot study exploring a miRNA/mRNA signature that correlates with early hematologic toxicity and therapeutic response 12 months following LuPRRT. This signature will be tested prospectively in a larger series of patients.
A physical virtual multi-graph convolutional coordinated prediction method for spatio-temporal electricity loads integrating multi-dimensional information
Authors: Chen Wengang , Wang Xinrui , Ji Yuze , Zhang Yujuan , Zhu Jianfei , Ma Weitian
Published: June 2024

Traditional load prediction methods are unable to effectively predict the loads according to the spatial topology of each electricity consumer in neighboring areas and the load dependency correlations. In order to further improve the load prediction accuracy of each consumer in the region, this paper proposes a short-term prediction method of electric load based on multi-graph convolutional network. First, the input data are selected with maximum information coefficient method by integrating multi-dimensional information such as load, weather, electricity price and date in the areas. Then, a gated convolutional network is used as a temporal convolutional layer to capture the temporal features of the loads. Moreover, a physical-virtual multi-graph convolutional network is constructed based on the spatial location of each consumer as well as load dependencies to capture the different evolutionary correlations of each spatial load. Comparative studies have validated the effectiveness of the proposed model in improving the prediction accuracy of power loads for each consumer.
Method optimization for benchtop mass spectrometry imaging of lipids in Eisenia hortensis
Authors: Selby Kendra G. , Korte Claire E. , Phan Lauren H. , Bressendorff Gabriel A. , Chirchirillo Ashley R. , Tucker Kevin R.
Published: June 2024

Matrix selection and application is a crucial step in obtaining meaningful results with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Most instruments have a large spatial, and data with adequate spatial resolution can frequently be obtained on a benchtop instrument. The matrix application workflow has been optimized for the imaging of the earthworm (Eisenia hortensis), after exposure to various statins, a class of blood lipid-lowering agents. Lipids are nonpolar, often neutral molecules, making them difficult to ionize, and heightening the need for matrix optimization. The matrices 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), α-cyano-4-hydroxycinammic acid (CHCA), 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (DAN), and 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (sinapinic acid; SA) were studied. Samples were also washed in the ammonium salts of acetate, bicarbonate, formate, sulfate, or water as a control to enhance ionization and improve spatial resolution. A successful matrix for MSI is one that demonstrates homogenous tissue coverage, ionization of the analytes of interest, and does not require excessive laser power for ionization. All matrices showed sufficient tissue coverage; however, CHCA yielded unambiguous images of cholesterol and yielded sufficient signal over the lipid mass range (400–1,000 m/z), indicating that it successfully ionized endogenous lipids. Following additional optimization, the application of 50 mL of 10 mg/mL CHCA following a 5 s salt ammonium sulfate salt wash proved most successful for improving lipid ionization and enhancing spatial resolution.
Defense response to caterpillar feeding stress in wild Pinus tabuliformis unveiled by quantitative integrated proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses
Authors: Sun Tianhua , Zhao Yanan , Zhou Guona , Gao Suhong , Liu Junxia , Gao Baojia
Published: June 2024

Pinus is a genus of great economic and ecological importance, and its members are dominant components of forests throughout the world. During the long evolutionary “arms race,” plants have developed complex and diverse systemic defense mechanisms to strategically and intelligently compete with herbivores. To study the alteration pattern and defensive response mechanism triggered by herbivorous feeding stimuli, we firstly built a biological model of the interrelationship between the Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) and the Chinese pine caterpillar (Dendrolimus tabulaeformis Tsai et Liu). This model integrated proteomic and phosphoproteomic data, which were then normalized and combined with bioinformatics tools to evaluate and analyze changes in the phosphoproteomic profile in response to the caterpillar’s feeding stimulus on pine needles. Systematic identification of differentially significant phosphorylated proteins implicated in the pine’s defense mechanism against caterpillar stress was conducted. Furthermore, we predicted upstream kinases of phosphorylation sites and their activities. Through an analysis of Motif patterns of phosphorylated proteins, Mfuzz clustering of phosphorylation sites, and kinase regulatory networks, we explored the functional modules of phosphorylated protein interaction networks in response to stress within pine. In general, our study emphasized the significant role of kinase METK2, PTI12, PGK, as well as At3g59480 for the first time. The identification of these phosphorylated proteins was additionally confirmed through parallel reaction monitoring technology. Furthermore, genes associated with differentially expressed proteins were validated through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction detection. This investigation aids in understanding the mechanisms behind resistance formation and regulation of caterpillar feeding incentives in pine. Breeding more resistant pine varieties may benefit from a fuller understanding of these defense strategies in the future.
An in vitro model system for testing chemical effects on microbiome-immune interactions – examples with BPX and PFAS mixtures
Authors: Fischer Florence , Pierzchalski Arkadiusz , Riesbeck Sarah , Aldehoff Alix Sarah , Castaneda-Monsalve Victor Alfonso , Haange Sven-Bastiaan , von Bergen Martin , Rolle-Kampczyk Ulrike Elisabeth , Jehmlich Nico , Zenclussen Ana Claudia , Herberth Gunda
Published: June 2024

Introduction

More than 350,000 chemicals make up the chemical universe that surrounds us every day. The impact of this vast array of compounds on our health is still poorly understood. Manufacturers are required to carry out toxicological studies, for example on the reproductive or nervous systems, before putting a new substance on the market. However, toxicological safety does not exclude effects resulting from chronic exposure to low doses or effects on other potentially affected organ systems. This is the case for the microbiome-immune interaction, which is not yet included in any safety studies.

Methods

A high-throughput in vitro model was used to elucidate the potential effects of environmental chemicals and chemical mixtures on microbiome-immune interactions. Therefore, a simplified human intestinal microbiota (SIHUMIx) consisting of eight bacterial species was cultured in vitro in a bioreactor that partially mimics intestinal conditions. The bacteria were continuously exposed to mixtures of representative and widely distributed environmental chemicals, i.e. bisphenols (BPX) and/or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at concentrations of 22 µM and 4 µM, respectively. Furthermore, changes in the immunostimulatory potential of exposed microbes were investigated using a co-culture system with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Results

The exposure to BPX, PFAS or their mixture did not influence the community structure and the riboflavin production of SIHUMIx in vitro. However, it altered the potential of the consortium to stimulate human immune cells: in particular, activation of CD8+ MAIT cells was affected by the exposure to BPX- and PFAS mixtures-treated bacteria.

Discussion

The present study provides a model to investigate how environmental chemicals can indirectly affect immune cells via exposed microbes. It contributes to the much-needed knowledge on the effects of EDCs on an organ system that has been little explored in this context, especially from the perspective of cumulative exposure.
New immune phenotypes for treatment response in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma patients
Authors: Torkildsen Cecilie Fredvik , Austdal Marie , Jarmund Anders Hagen , Kleinmanns Katrin , Lamark Eva Karin , Nilsen Elisabeth Berge , Stefansson Ingunn , Sande Ragnar Kvie , Iversen Ann-Charlotte , Thomsen Liv Cecilie Vestrheim , Bjørge Line
Published: June 2024

Despite advances in surgical and therapeutic approaches, high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) prognosis remains poor. Surgery is an indispensable component of therapeutic protocols, as removal of all visible tumor lesions (cytoreduction) profoundly improves the overall survival. Enhanced predictive tools for assessing cytoreduction are essential to optimize therapeutic precision. Patients’ immune status broadly reflects the tumor cell biological behavior and the patient responses to disease and treatment. Serum cytokine profiling is a sensitive measure of immune adaption and deviation, yet its integration into treatment paradigms is underexplored. This study is part of the IMPACT trial (NCT03378297) and aimed to characterize immune responses before and during primary treatment for HGSOC to identify biomarkers for treatment selection and prognosis. Longitudinal serum samples from 22 patients were collected from diagnosis until response evaluation. Patients underwent primary cytoreductive surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) based on laparoscopy scoring. Twenty-seven serum cytokines analyzed by Bio-Plex 200, revealed two immune phenotypes at diagnosis: Immune High with marked higher serum cytokine levels than Immune Low. The immune phenotypes reflected the laparoscopy scoring and allocation to surgical treatment. The five Immune High patients undergoing primary cytoreductive surgery exhibited immune mobilization and extended progression-free survival, compared to the Immune Low patients undergoing the same treatment. Both laparoscopy and cytoreductive surgery induced substantial and transient changes in serum cytokines, with upregulation of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and downregulation of the multifunctional cytokines IP-10, Eotaxin, IL-4, and IL-7. Over the study period, cytokine levels uniformly decreased in all patients, leading to the elimination of the initial immune phenotypes regardless of treatment choice. This study reveals distinct pre-treatment immune phenotypes in HGSOC patients that might be informative for treatment stratification and prognosis. This potential novel biomarker holds promise as a foundation for improved assessment of treatment responses in patients with HGSOC. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03378297.
Paraneoplastic neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder associated with ovarian dysgerminoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Pan , Wang Shuangying , Zhang Chunhua , Li Yanfang
Published: June 2024

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by attacks of acute optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. We report a case with paraneoplastic NMOSD that improved after immunosuppressive therapy, surgical resection, and chemotherapy. A 48-year-old woman initially presented with gradual binocular visual loss over the course of one week. The patient was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), visual evoked potential (VEP), pathological biopsy, immunohistochemistry, and autoimmune antibody testing. The brain MRI findings were normal. The VEP revealed prolonged P100 latencies in the right eye and an absence of significant waves in the left eye. Positive serum AQP4-IgG antibodies were found. The patient was diagnosed as NMOSD. Then the patient responded well to treatment with methylprednisolone. An ovarian tumor was found in the patient using abdominal MRI and CT. The tumor was surgically resected, and a pathological biopsy revealed that it was ovarian dysgerminoma. The patient received four rounds of chemotherapy after surgery. One month after the final chemotherapy treatment, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed no tumor. The vision of the patient gradually recovered and serum AQP4 was negative. Furthermore, we summarized the characteristics of patients diagnosed with paraneoplastic NMOSD associated with ovarian neoplasms in previous studies. This is a characteristic case of overlapping NMOSD and ovarian dysgerminoma, demonstrating the importance of tumor therapy in cases of paraneoplastic NMOSD.