bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valorization of Egg Shell Membrane as Protein Source in Soft Gel Capsules
Authors: Evrendilek Gulsun Akdemir , Demir İrem , Karakaya Nusret
Published: December 2023

Separation of egg shell membrane (ESM) from the shell by ETDA, acetic acid, HCl and water, its solubilization, and determination of important properties in addition to its usage in soft gel capsules were studied. SDS and T at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% concentrations up to 1440 min retention time revealed that 100 mM EDTA at 1:20 and 1:40 ratios ad water at 1:40 ratio gave the highest protein concentration after washing. Ovocleidin-17, ovocleidin-23, lysozyme, ovomucoid, ovalbumin, and avidin with 15 different amino acids were detected in ESM proteins. Soluble ESM proteins had moderate water holding (11.70±1.78-13.00±0.77 g/g) and oil holding capacities (10.60±2.09-11.52±1.18 g/g) with emulsion stability and emulsion activity indexes of 0.06±0.01-15.21±0.37% and 0.0000±0.000-0.0212±0.003 /g, respectively. Formulated soft gel capsules containing 1.03 mg/g-1.45 mg/g of ESM protein had the shelf life of 32 weeks at +4°C. Soluble ESM proteins can be utilized as protein supplements in soft gel form.
The value of learning to perform ascites puncture using procedural simulation in maintaining skills in the medium term: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Hammami Aya , Ghali Hela , Elleuch Nour , Khalil Ben Saad Omar , Jaziri Hanen , Ksiaa Mehdi , Ali Habiba Sik
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Medical simulation has become an essential teaching method for all health professionals. It not only allows to acquire technical and non-technical knowledge, but also help the maintenance of acquired knowledge in the medium and long term. Ascites puncture is part of the basic technical procedures learned by medical students during their internship.
Objectives
To evaluate the role of simulation-based learning of ascites puncture on the improvement of theoretical knowledge and maintenance of skills at 3 months.
Methods
We conducted a quasi-experimental study at the simulation center at the Faculty of Medicine of Sousse between November 2020 and June 2021. We included learners in their third year of medical studies who had a hospital internship in the gastroenterology department at Sahloul Hospital in Sousse. All learners attended the initial simulation session on ascites fluid puncture. Thereafter, they were free to accept or refuse participation in the evaluation session that was scheduled after 3 months, depending on their availability.
Results
Forty learners participated in the procedural simulation of the ascites fluid puncture technique. Thirty-four (85%) were female and six (5%) were male. In our study, we showed that following procedural simulation training of ascites puncture, there was a significant improvement in the theoretical knowledge of the learners (p < 0.000). Objective assessment of technical skills after 3 months showed the benefit on performance maintenance (p < 0.000).
Conclusion
Our study confirmed the benefit of simulation-based learning on the improvement of theoretical knowledge and the maintenance of technical performance in the medium term.
Minocycline abrogates individual differences in nerve injury-evoked affective disturbances in male rats and prevents associated supraspinal neuroinflammation
Authors: O’Brien Jayden A. , Austin Paul J.
Published: December 2023

Chronic neuropathic pain precipitates a complex range of affective and behavioural disturbances that differ markedly between individuals. While the reasons for differences in pain-related disability are not well understood, supraspinal neuroimmune interactions are implicated. Minocycline has antidepressant effects in humans and attenuates affective disturbances in rodent models of pain, and acts act by reducing neuroinflammation in both the spinal cord and brain. Previous studies, however, tend not to investigate how minocycline modulates individual affective responses to nerve injury, or rely on non-naturalistic behavioural paradigms that fail to capture the complexity of rodent behaviour. We investigated the development and resolution of pain-related affective disturbances in nerve-injured male rats by measuring multiple spontaneous ethological endpoints on a longitudinal naturalistic foraging paradigm, and the effect of chronic oral minocycline administration on these changes. Disrupted foraging behaviours appeared in 22% of nerve-injured rats – termed ‘affected’ rats – and were present at day 14 but partially resolved by day 21 post-injury. Minocycline completely prevented the emergence of an affected subgroup while only partly attenuating mechanical allodynia, dissociating the relationship between pain and affect. This was associated with a lasting downregulation of ΔFosB expression in ventral hippocampal neurons at day 21 post-injury. Markers of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation were not present by day 21, however proinflammatory microglial polarisation was apparent in the medial prefrontal cortex of affected rats and not in CCI minocycline rats. Individual differences in affective disturbances following nerve injury are therefore temporally related to altered microglial morphology and hippocampal neuronal activation, and are abrogated by minocycline.
Beyond group classification: probabilistic differential diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with MRI and CSF biomarkers.
Authors: Pérez-Millan Agnès , Thirion Bertrand , Falgàs Neus , Borrego-Écija Sergi , Bosch Beatriz , Juncà-Parella Jordi , Tort-Merino Adrià , Sarto Jordi , Augé Josep Maria , Antonell Anna , Bargalló Nuria , Balasa Mircea , Lladó Albert , Sánchez-Valle Raquel , Sala-Llonch Roser
Published: December 2023

Background
Neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers are used in clinics to differentiate frontotemporal dementia (FTD) from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative disorders. We implemented a machine learning (ML) algorithm that provides individual probabilistic scores for these patients based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) data.
Methods
We used a calibrated classifier with a Support Vector Machine with MRI data. We obtained group classifications and individual probabilities associated with group correspondence. We used the individual probabilities to address the clinical problem of confidence in the diagnosis. We investigated whether combining MRI and CSF levels of Neurofilament light (NfL) and 14-3-3 could improve the diagnosis confidence.
Results
215 AD patients (65 ± 10 years, 137 women), 103 FTD patients (64 ± 8 years, 49 women), and 173 healthy controls (CTR) (59 ± 15 years, 106 women) were studied. With MRI data only, we obtained accuracies of 88% in the AD vs. healthy controls (CTR) classification, 87% for FTD vs. CTR, 82% for AD vs. FTD, and 80% when differentiating the three groups. A total of 74% of FTD and 73% of AD participants have a high (≥ 0.8) probability of accurate diagnosis in the FTD vs. AD comparison. Adding CSF-NfL and 14-3-3 levels slightly improved the accuracy and the number of patients in the high diagnosis confidence group.
Conclusion
We propose a ML algorithm that provides individual diagnostic probabilities, and we validate it using MRI and/or CSF data. Our solution holds promise towards clinical applications as support to clinical findings or in settings with limited access to expert diagnoses.
Development of an Orthotopic Pulmonary Valve Replacement Porcine Model for Mechanical Heart Valve Thrombosis Research
Authors: Langenaeken Tom , De Meester Pieter , Hecke Manon Van , Meuris Arthur , Roets Jean , Verbrugghe Peter , Rega Filip , Meuris Bart
Published: December 2023

Objective

Animal models play a vital role in preclinical cardiovascular testing of materials. While sheep have traditionally served as the standard for preclinical cardiovascular testing, pigs are considered a superior option due to a more comparable coagulation system. This study aimed to compare the thrombogenicity of sheep and pigs in a pulmonary valve replacement model.

Methods

Pigs (n = 12) and sheep (n = 5) underwent pulmonary valve replacement using a bileaflet mechanical valve without any antithrombotic postoperatively. The follow-up period extended to 5 months or until valve thrombosis. Valve performance was evaluated through by cardiac ultrasounds complemented by post-mortem macro- and microscopical analysis of the valve and downstream organs.

Results

In the pig cohort, terminal valve thrombosis occurred in all but one animal within a month. In the sheep cohort, all animals completed the 5-month follow-up period and post-mortem examination revealed thrombi-free valves with both leaflet mobile.

Conclusion

Sheep demonstrated insufficient thrombogenicity to induce mechanical valve thrombosis, while pigs exhibited rapid and substantial thrombosis on mechanical valves. These findings support the recommendation to transition to pigs as the standard model for valve thrombosis research.
Investigation of PM 2.5 chemical composition and associated health risk in residential microenvironments in Mumbai
Authors: Mandal Debayan , Chakraborty Abhishek , Tripathi Shruti , Sathish Yasarapu
Published: December 2023

We breathe in indoor air for 85–90% of our time. PM2.5 is a significant pollutant in indoor air. This study investigates elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), ions, and elemental composition of PM2.5 in two residential microenvironments (Room 1 and Room 2) and corresponding outdoors. Room 1 had no prominent biomass burning, whereas cooking and smoking were present in Room 2. The average concentration of OC were 19.51 µg/m3, 51.87 µg/m3, and EC were 2.53 µg/m3 and 7.20 µg/m3 in Room 1 and Room 2, respectively. The indoor-to-outdoor ratio (I/O) of EC was 0.58 for Room 1 and 1.01 for Room 2 .100% of EC in Room 1 was coming from outdoor; on the other hand, 41% of EC was indoor-generated in Room 2. Indoor secondary organic carbon (ISOC) was 1.04 times and 1.98 times higher than corresponding outdoor (OSOC) for Room 1 and Room 2, respectively. The I/O ratios of EC1 and EC2 were less than 1 in Room 1. The ratios were closer to 1 in Room 2 because of indoor cooking and smoking. K concentration was higher in Room 2 because of smoking. The hazard risk (HR) and cancer risk (CR) were calculated in all the indoor sites. Though the sites were hazard-free from airborne elements (all HR values < 1), the CR values were > 10− 4 in both the microenvironments from inhalation. Both indoor microenvironments were marginally cancer-risk-prone. This paper has shown that everyday household chores can alter indoor chemistry significantly from outdoor.
Efficacy and Safety of a Proprietary Punica Granatum Extract in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Jeyakodi Shankaranarayanan , Krishnakumar Arunkanth , Dalal Meena , Shetty B. Sohandas
Published: December 2023

Quality of life of individuals are closely linked to the health of one’s skin and the way our skin looks is the hallmark of normal aging. Clearly, healthy and glowing skin is no longer the job of traditional cosmetics alone. Therefore, the concept of beauty from within is a growing trend in the market and people now look for oral supplements that can enhance the well-being of skin from within. In this connection, a proprietary pomegranate extract (Grantria®), standardized to ellagic acid, punicic acid and punicalagin, developed using ADOP technology was clinically evaluated for its efficacy and safety in healthy adults. The evaluation was carried out as a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study for 60 days at a daily dose of 300 mg. Results of the study indicated that the Punica granatum extract significantly reduced crow’s feet wrinkles, tactile roughness, forehead fine lines, forehead wrinkles and improved skin radiance compared to the placebo in 60 days. Other skin health attributes like pores, spots and UV pigmentation were also observed to exhibit significant changes .The test group shown a significant improvement in skin tone evenness, skin moisturisation, elasticity and firmness compared to the baseline. The Tyrosinase biomarker levels observed to have a drop of 3% in the Grantria® supplemented group. In conclusion, Grantria® was found to be effective, safe and well accepted by the subjects making it a potential candidate for use in the supplements intended for maintaining healthy and glowing skin.
Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Experience From North India
Authors: Dogra Pavitra Manu , Singh Vishal , Sood Vivek , Iyengar Sreenivasa S , Nair Ranjith , Arya Rohan , Ghosh Indranil , Shilimkar Vandan , Bahal Ashish
Published: December 2023

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are omnipresent in the environment. It is an important infectious complication in kidney transplantation (KT) due to an immunosuppressed state and has morbidity and mortality.
Methods:Kidney transplantation recipients (KTR) with NTM infection were assessed for associative factors and outcomes in this retrospective observational study.
Results:Amongst the 737 patients who underwent KT at our center between January 2011 and Jun 2023, five males and one female developed NTM infection. All had positive Ziehl Neelson (ZN) staining, negative GeneXpert test, and positive culture for NTM. The commonest site was subcutaneous infection. The mean age at NTM diagnosis was 29.5 ± 7.89 years. The median time of NTM infection from KT was 24 months (range, 4 – 113 months), and the median time of NTM confirmation from symptoms-onset was 27 days (range, 22 – 32 days). All had heightened immunosuppression i,e., recent deceased donor KT (DDKT) and anti-rejection treatment. The median time to development of NTM from DDKT/allograft-rejection was 21.5 months (4 – 40 months). The relative risk (RR) for NTM infection with exposure to anti-thymocyte globulin, rituximab, and mycophenolic acid was 12.6 (p=0.08), 10.3 (p=0.13), and 9.2 (p=0.13) respectively. All NTM patients were successfully treated; four had stable allograft function, whereas two had allograft failure.
Conclusion: NTM infection was only seen in KTRs with heightened immunosuppression. A high index of suspicion and low threshold for mycobacterial culture is mandatory for early NTM diagnosis and good treatment response.
Mortality of Finnish Bronchiectasis Patients
Authors: Mäntylä Jarkko , Mazur Witold , Törölä Tanja , Bergman Paula , Kauppi Paula
Published: December 2023

Background
Patients suffering frequent exacerbations of bronchiectasis (BE) are likely to experience more negative effects on quality of life and utilize more healthcare. We aimed to study the predictive factors for mortality in a cohort of Finnish BE patients.
Methods
In this 4-year follow-up study, the data of non-cystic fibrosis adult BE patients were collected annually from medical records. Finnish translation of the disease-specific quality of life-bronchiectasis (QoL-B) questionnaire, the bronchiectasis severity index (BSI), FACED score, E-FACED score, and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale were used. Cox’s regression analysis was used to evaluate factors with mortality.
Results
Overall, 79% of 95 BE patients were women with mean age of 69 years (SD ± 13). During the follow-up, eight patients died (8.4%). High scores of FACED (HR 1.9, CI 1.2–3.1), E-FACED (HR 1.6, CI 1.1–2.2), BSI (HR 1.2, CI 1.0–1.4) and mMRC (HR 3.4, CI 1.6–7.3) were predictive for mortality. The specific aetiology of BE, however, does not affect mortality. Low score of domains in QoL-B, physical (p < 0.01), vitality (p = 0.01), respiration (p = 0.03) and health (p < 0.01), were correlated with mortality.
Conclusion
BSI or equivalent estimation for disease severity gives more specific predictive values for survival. In our study, FACED and mMRC were the strongest predictive tools for BE mortality. Patients with poor survival had poorer QoL.
Learning Curve of Laparoscopic Liver Resection: Experience with the First 150 Cases of a Self-Taught Pioneer Surgeon
Authors: Arrechea Ramiro , Aragone Lucia , Veracierto Federico Yael , Maurette Rafael , Pirchi Daniel
Published: December 2023

BACKROUND: The learning curve (LC) of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) can be long, depending on the patient, tumor features, and surgeon training. Our aim was to evaluate LC in LLR performed by a self-taught "pioneer" surgeon and to analyze its evolution.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted between December 2008 and February 2023.The series was divided chronologically into three equal groups. LC was evaluated by analyzing the surgical difficulty according to the IWATE criteria and intra- and postoperative results.
RESULTS: 150 patients underwent LLR, which were divided into 3 periods. A significant increase in the difficulty of cases was observed, as reflected in the mean IWATE (p=0.00001). Conversion rate (p=0.117), "hand-assisted" resection rate (p=0.004), and median time adjusted by the number of resections (p=0.705) decreased. The number of resections per case (p=0.017) and mean blood loss (p=0.465) increased. Finally, there was a significant reduction in postoperative complications (p=0.024) and mean length of hospital stay (p=0.005).
DISCUSION: This study confirmed an improvement in LC after LLR. Although there was no significant reduction in the mean blood loss rate and mean surgical time, this may be a consequence of selecting more difficult cases and increasing the number of resections per case.
Determinants of the sustainability of Congolese VSEs and SMEs: a cross-sectional analysis Léon
Authors: Mayéko Léon , MAYEKOL Garincha Neskens
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyse the factors that can influence the sustainability of very small businesses (VSEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Congo.
Double least squares is the method used, based on census data from the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Crafts and the Informal Sector and the National Institute of Statistics.
The results show that the factors explaining the sustainability of these businesses are the age and gender of the owner-manager, the size of the initial capital invested, the legal form, the location in an urban area and the growth of the business. Difficulties in accessing credit, electricity and raw materials are the main constraints on the survival of very small Congolese businesses.
JEL classification : M21, L2, L22.
Up-regulation of Notch signaling and cell-differentiation inhibitory transcription factors in the lower airways of stable COPD patients
Authors: Stefano Antonino Di , Gnemmi Isabella , Rosani Umberto , Maniscalco Mauro , D’Anna Silvestro Ennio , Brun Paola , Carriero Vitina , Bertolini Francesca , Ricciardolo Fabio LM
Published: December 2023

Background: Notch signalling is involved in the prevention of cell differentiation and of cell fate in various organs, including the lung.
Objective: To determine transcriptomic and protein expression of Notch receptors, its ligands and related transcription factors in stable COPD.
Methods: The expression and localization of Notch receptors, its ligands and related transcription factors were measured in bronchial biopsies of stable mild/moderate (MCOPD) (n=18), severe/very severe (SCOPD) (n=16), COPD, control smokers (CS) (n=13) and control non-smokers (CNS) (n=11), in lung parenchyma of MCOPD (n=13), CS (n=10) and CNS (n=10) using immunohistochemistry, ELISA tests and transcriptome analysis. In “in vitro” experiments Notch pathway was analysed after LPS and H2O2 stimulation of 16HBE cells.
Main Results: In bronchial biopsies Notch4 and HES7 significantly increased in the lamina propria of SCOPD compared to MCOPD, CS and CNS. In peripheral lung bronchiolar epithelium Notch1 significantly increased in MCOPD and CS compared to CNS. In alveolar macrophages Notch2 and DLL4 significantly increased in CS compared to CNS. ELISA tests of lung parenchyma homogenates showed significantly increased levels of Notch2 in MCOPD compared to CS and CNS. Transcriptomic data from bronchial rings showed increased DLL1 mRNA levels in CS compared to CNS. In the lung parenchyma DLL4 and HES1 mRNA levels were increased in MCOPD and CS compared to CNS. In vitro stimulation of 16HBE cells with LPS induced a significant increase in DLL4, Notch2, HES1 and HES7 at 4h after challenge. H2O2 stimulation up-regulated significantly HES1 and HES7 at 4h and 24h after challenge.
Conclusion: These data show an increased expression of the Notch pathway in the lung of stable COPD. These alterations may play a role in impairing the regenerative-reparative responses of the diseased bronchioles and lung parenchyma.
SKP1: A novel target for prognosis predicting and precise treatment in human cancers
Authors: He Wei-Ying
Published: December 2023

Background
Prior research has demonstrated the intimate connection between cancer and S-phase kinase associated protein 1 (SKP1). Nevertheless, how SKP1 manifests in pan-cancer has not yet been fully clarified.
Methods
The current study aimed to completely examine the expression and prognosis prediction abilities of SKP1 in pan-cancer, utilizing a total of 11123 samples from 33 different forms of cancer. We also investigated the relationship between SKP1 expression and immunological microenvironment and genomic heterogeneity. Besides, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) provided insight into potential SKP1 involvement pathways in pan-cancer.
Results
SKP1 had various expression levels in different tissues and tumors. Its expression level was correlated with immune check point genes, mismatch repair genes, and some DNA methyltransferases. Furthermore, it was discovered that SKP1 expression was linked to microsatellite instability, tumor mutational burden, and neoantigen counts, indicating the therapeutic utility of SKP1 in cancers. Furthermore, it was discovered that SKP1 could identify and predict prognosis in a number of cancers. The majority of mRNA and protein level datasets on stomach adenocarcinoma showed that tumors expressed higher levels of SKP1 than did non-tumor samples. Finally, MIR497HG/hsa-miR-942-5p-SKP1 might be the potential regulatory pathway in stomach adenocarcinoma.
Conclusion
SKP1 may act as a novel target for prognosis predicting in human cancers and promotes the precise treatment for patients.
Prognostic Significance of Sarcopenia and Systemic Inflammatory Markers in Biliary Tract Cancer
Authors: Utsumi Masashi , Inagaki Masaru , Kitada Koji , Tokunaga Naoyuki , Yonoki Kosuke , Sakurai Yuya , Okabayashi Hiroki , Hamano Ryosuke , Miyasou Hideaki , Tsunemitsu Yousuke , Otsuka Shinya
Published: December 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the prognostic significance of sarcopenia and systemic inflammatory markers in patients with surgically resected biliary tract cancer (BTC).
Methods
Between July 2010 and December 2022, 146 patients were recruited. Sarcopenia was assessed using the psoas muscle index. Preoperative inflammatory markers were used to calculate the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Sixty-four patients had sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was associated with body mass index (< 22 kg/m2), lymph node metastasis, and low PNI (< 42). R1/R2 resection (P = 0.02), sarcopenia (P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.007), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (P < 0.001), and low PNI (P = 0.01) were independent predictors of OS, while male sex (P = 0.04), R1/R2 resection (P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.005), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (P < 0.001), tumor differentiation (other than well; P = 0.003), and low PNI (P = 0.03) were independent predictors of RFS. Patients were stratified into no sarcopenia and high PNI (≥ 42; A), sarcopenia or low PNI (B), and sarcopenia and low PNI (C) groups. Group C had worse OS than the other two groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively).
Conclusion
Sarcopenia is associated with the PNI. Sarcopenia and the PNI are independent prognostic factors in BTC. Sarcopenia may have better prognostic value when combined with the PNI.
Weaving Legacies: AR-Enhanced Exploration of GI Heritage Mangalagiri Saree Tradition
Authors: Rupa Ch. , Harshitha M. Madhu , Vineetha M. S. , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: December 2023

Augmented Reality (AR) stands as a transformative force, uniting the physical and digital realms. Geographical indication (GI) is a unique label on products, signaling their specific geographical origin and the reputation derived from the origin. Mangalagiri Sarees attained the GI Tag in 2010 under the GI of Goods Act of 1999. Mangalagiri fabric is crafted through pit looms, employing combed yarn and interlacing the “warp-woof” in the process. Integrating GI with AR to provide real-time insights into product origin, production methods, and distinctive traits, the preservation of Mangalagiri saree weaving, an ancient craft embedded in profound cultural heritage, contributes to both local economies and cultural heritage. Existing methods lack interactive tools to educate consumers on GI-labeled product intricacies. The proposed system employs a mobile application using Unity 3D, Vuforia and C# for AR experience. Image targets activate videos, images, and 3D models, providing a detailed Mangalagiri saree production narrative. Enhancing consumer awareness fosters a deeper connection to cultural heritage, and makes the age-old craft more accessible to a broader audience.
Investigation of the Effects of Some Varnish Types Used in the Furniture Industry on Woodworking Performance of Laser
Authors: Açık Cebrail
Published: December 2023

In recent years, laser wood processing method has become quite common. On the other hand, in order to ensure the persistence of the wooden material, its upper surfaces must be covered with. In this study, the effects of the caused by the laser beam on the most preferred varnish types of the wood surface treatment, by the CNC laser wood processing technology were investigated. Beech wood test specimens were coated with cellulosic varnish, synthetic varnish, polyurethane varnish and acrylic varnish and their layer thickness was also measured. Based to the data obtained, it was evaluated the effects of various varnish layers on the kerf depth and upper kerf width in laser cutting compared to the control sample without varnish. In addition, the effects of varnish layers on laser wood engraving were investigated. As a result, it was concluded that some varnishes weakened the laser cutting performance of the control samples, while some varnishes increased it. In addition, all varnish types have a positive effect on laser cutting performance by reducing the upper kerf width of the laser cutting notch. In wood engraving with laser, all varnish types have weakened the laser engraving performance.
Diverse Decarbonization Pathways Under Near Cost-Optimal Futures
Authors: Sinha Aditya , Venkatesh Aranya , Jordan Katherine , Wade Cameron , Eshraghi Hadi , de Queiroz Anderson , Jaramillo Paulina , Johnson Jeremiah
Published: December 2023

Energy system optimization models offer insights into energy and emissions futures through least-cost optimization. However, real-world energy systems often deviate from deterministic scenarios, highlighting the need for rigorous exploration of uncertainty in macro-energy system modeling. This study uses modeling techniques to generate a diverse array of near cost-optimal net-zero CO2 pathways for the United States’ energy system. Our findings reveal several consistent trends across these pathways, including the rapid expansion of solar and wind power generation, substantial reductions in petroleum use, near elimination of coal combustion, and increased end-use electrification. We also observe varying levels of deployment for natural gas, hydrogen, direct air capture of CO2, and synthetic fuels. Notably, coal with carbon capture and sequestration and synthetic liquid fuels exhibit high adoption rates but only in a limited subset of decarbonization pathways. We uncover interconnected technologies by analyzing technology adoption correlations and energy system interactions. These results demonstrate that diverse pathways for deep decarbonization exist at comparable system-level costs, providing insights into the portfolio of technologies that enable a near cost-optimal net-zero CO2 future.
Zinc transporters expression profile in professional handball players supplemented with zinc
Authors: Molina-López Jorge , Florea Daniela , Gamarra-Morales Yenifer , Herrera-Quintana Lourdes , Vázquez-Lorente Héctor , Hogstrand Christer , Planells Elena
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Zinc (Zn) deficiency has been described not only on general human health but also within the sports context −as negatively affecting performance–. Thus, Zn status assessment is of great interest for athletes, especially in order to correct deficiency states of this mineral.
Objective: The overall objective of this work was to assess Zn status in professional handball players during the competitive period (through plasma levels, dietary intake and gene expression of the Zn transporters), as well as to determine the effect of Zn supplementation.
Methods: A total of twenty-two participants were recruited, −twelve belonged to the Control Group (CG) and ten male handball players comprised the experimental group (ATH-G)−, being monitored over a 2-month period with 2 evaluation moments: baseline (i.e., initial conditions) and follow-up (i.e., after 8 weeks of training and competition). Zn intake, plasma Zn levels, and gene expression of Zn transporters were obtained.
Results: Plasma Zn levels were higher in ATH-G than in CG at the end of Zn intervention (p ≤0.010). Moreover, differences in the gene expression profile of Zn transporters were observed in ATH-G −with the down-regulation of several Zn transporters−, compared to the CG at baseline (p ≤0.05). Likewise, Zn intervention modified the expression of Zn transporters in ATH-G at 8 weeks (all, p ≤0.001) −ZnT2, ZnT5, ZIP3, ZIP5, ZIP11, ZIP13 and ZIP14 transporters being up-regulated−.
Conclusion: Handball players seemed to have different nutritional needs for Zn, with differences in the gene expression of Zn transporters compared to controls. Zn intervention, in our athletes, modified the expression of Zn transporters, so we could deduce that Zn transporters up-regulation may have increased to mobilise Zn at the cellular level at 8 weeks of Zn intervention.
Visual perceptive deep learning for smartphone video-based tremor analysis: VIPER-Tremor
Authors: Friedrich Maximilian , Roenn Anna-Julia , Palmisano Chiara , Alty Jane , Paschen Steffen , Deuschl Guenther , Ip Chi Wang , Volkmann Jens , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Peach Robert , Reich Martin
Published: December 2023

Background: Tremor is one of the most common neurological symptoms. Its clinical and neurobiological complexity necessitates novel approaches for deep and granular phenotyping. Instrumented neurophysiological analyses have proven useful for clinical management, but are highly resource-intensive and lack broad accessibility. Simplified bedside scores, on the other hand, lack the granularity to capture subtle but relevant tremor features. Addressing this gap, we develop a deep learning framework for the quantitative assessment of limb tremor utilizing only standard clinical videos.
Methods: We engineer a visual perceptive limb tremor analysis tool based on Mediapipe, a convolutional neural network architecture for marker-less hand tracking: VIPER-Tremor. We validate it against gold standard methods, including marker-based motion capture, wrist-worn accelerometery, and clinical scoring across two independent clinical cohorts encompassing a total of 66 patients diagnosed with essential tremor and recorded in different therapeutic states of deep brain stimulation.
Results: Computer vision-derived tremor metrics exhibit high convergent clinical validity to scores (Spearman’s rho= 0.55 – 0.86, p≤ .01) as well as an accuracy of up to 2.60mm and ≤0.21Hz for tremor amplitude and frequency measurements, matching gold-standard equipment. VIPER-Tremor is capable of extracting advanced tremor features relevant for differential diagnosis and enables therapeutic outcome prediction, a dimension which conventional tremor scores were unable to provide.
Conclusion: VIPER-Tremor is an accurate, unbiased and highly accessible solution for smartphone video-based tremor analysis and yields comparable results to gold standard recordings. VIPER-Tremor presents a significant advancement in tremor analysis, combining accuracy and accessibility, and promises to be a pivotal tool in the emerging field of precision neurology, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Understanding the Nature of Legal Knowledge: In-Depth Critique of the Legal Fiction Principle
Authors: Satria Adhi Putra , Brandao Eugenia
Published: December 2023

This article seeks to explore the meaning and purpose of the foundation of pure legal fiction, criticizing it. This article asks the fundamental question: Why should legal knowledge be understood? With arguments based on empirical facts and literature, the analysis concludes that the foundations of legal fiction become irrational when applied in social life, especially given the high quantitative complexity and legal language. Public understanding of the law is a source of ethics, customs, and empirical experience, requiring a contextual regulatory approach. Therefore, the fundamental change in the knowledge of the law that society expects to become optional provides a new foundation more in line with social reality. This articulation can contribute to positive legal thinking and broaden public insight into the role of law in everyday life.Artikel ini berupaya untuk mengeksplorasi makna dan tujuan dari asas fiksi hukum sembar memberikan kritik terhadapnya. Artikel ini mengajukan pertanyaan mendasar, yaitu mengapa pengetahuan hukum perlu dipahami? Dengan argumentasi yang didasarkan pada fakta empiris dan literatur, analisis menyimpulkan bahwa asas fiksi hukum menjadi tidak rasional ketika diterapkan dalam kehidupan sosial, terutama seiring dengan kompleksitas jumlah dan bahasa hukum yang tinggi. Pemahaman masyarakat terhadap hukum bersumber dari etika, kebiasaan, dan pengalaman empiris, memerlukan pendekatan regulasi yang kontekstual. Oleh karena itu, perubahan asas dari pengetahuan hukum yang diharapkan masyarakat menjadi tidak wajib, memberikan landasan baru yang lebih sesuai dengan realitas sosial. Artikulasi ini dapat memberikan sumbangan pada pemikiran hukum positifistik dan perluasan wawasan masyarakat terhadap peran hukum dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.
INVESTIGATION OF PERSISTENT POST-COVID-19 SYMPTOMS, FRAILTY, KINESIOPHOBIA, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER ADULTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL CROSS‑SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Uçgun Hikmet , Kodaz Elif , Arslan Kübra , Soysal Nisa Nur , Genç Selen , Güneş Sümeyya Betül , Akıncı Buket
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare kinesiophobia and quality of life in older adults among subgroups created according to persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms and frailty.
Methods: This study included 63 adults over the age of 65 with COVID-19.. Frailty was assessed with the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) was used to assess the kinesiophobia and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) was used to assess quality of life.
Results: The TSK score was significantly higher in the visibly frail and frail group than in the non-frail group (p=0.040). The TSK score was also significantly higher in the group with at least one persistent symptom after COVID-19 than participants with no persistent symptoms (p=0.008). Among participants with at least one persistent post-COVID-19 symptom, the TSK score was significantly higher in those with persistent dyspnea compared to those without (p=0.016). There was no significant difference in the WHOQOL-OLD scores of any sub-groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that kinesiophobia was affected by the presence of persistent COVID-19 symptoms and dyspnea, and frailty in older adults. In addition, quality of life was found to be independent of frailty and persistent COVID-19 symptoms.
Nature-based alternative-water landscapes for water security and green space health
Authors: Durkin Anna Louise , Roddick Felicity , Fien John
Published: December 2023

This paper is concerned with highlighting and learning from Alternative-Water Urban Landscapes (AWULs) from around the world. Such systems contribute to issues such as water security and greenspace health. Nature-based methods for treating alternative-water can provide for secure water supplies in local landscapes and a wide range of social and environmental co-benefits. However, such treatment methods have raised concerns about efficacy, safety, public opinion, and cost, which have often led to a reliance on centralised, and high-energy and chemical treatment methods. To move forward, more understanding about AWULs is required. The aim of this research is to reveal principles for the design of nature-based AWULs. A framework for the analysis of AWULs was developed from relevant literature works. The framework comprised two sets of criteria based on conservative and innovative aspirations for the AWUL design. A search of AWUL and landscape literature revealed 26 precedents as suitable. These were then analysed using the two sets of criteria which revealed three key outcomes. These included making use of free-water surface flow landscape-based treatment, large AWUL footprints and, partial decentralisation. These findings helped to fashion a set of design principles to guide and encourage adoption of nature-based AWUL by implementers.
Assessing the efficacy and mechanisms of glycol-contaminated water treatment through floating treatment wetlands
Authors: Lyu Tao , Williams Randy , Exton Benjamin , Grabowski Robert C.
Published: December 2023

The growing concerns surrounding water pollution and the degradation of ecosystems worldwide have led to an increased use of nature-based solutions (NbSs). This study assessed the feasibility of using floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) as an NbS to treat propylene glycol-contaminated water and quantitatively investigated different removal pathways. With an environmentally relevant concentration of propylene glycol (1,250 mg/L), FTWs containing Acorus calamus and mixed species demonstrated the highest average glycol mass removal efficacy (99%), followed by Carex acutiformis (98%), Juncus effusus (93%), and the control group without plants (10%) after 1 week. Additional mesocosm-scale experiments with varying FTW configurations, including surface coverage to reduce evaporation and photodegradation processes, and the addition of antibiotics to inhibit microbial activity, were conducted to quantify glycol removal pathways. Mass balance analysis results revealed that microbial biodegradation (33.3–39.7%) and plant uptake (37.9–45.2%) were the primary pathways for glycol removal. Only 15.5–19.5% of the glycol removal via evaporation and photodegradation was accounted in this study, which may be attributed to the mesocosm experimental setup (static water and no wind). Aligned with the broader discussion regarding biodiversity improvements and carbon storage capacity, this study demonstrated that FTWs are an environmentally friendly and effective NbS for addressing glycol-contaminated water.
The empowering influence of applied colleges on entrepreneurial success in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors:   Department of English, College of Arts, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, Alrasheedi Eisa Sneitan , Alrasheedy Benayan Bani ,   Department of Psychology, College of Education, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia
Published: December 2023

This study examines the transformative role that applied colleges play in fostering entrepreneurial performance. The study methodically surveyed 356 students currently enrolled in the Applied College of the University of Ha'il. Contrary to previous research, the findings reveal a crucial difference, suggesting that social class has an insignificant impact on entrepreneurial intentions, while self-confidence emerges as a paramount determinant. This disparity is due to the distinctive educational methodologies employed in applied colleges, including hands-on instruction, mentorship initiatives, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities, which collectively foster self-confidence. Notably, the survey results reveal a compelling statistic: 75% of female students in applied colleges demonstrate empowerment and cultivate entrepreneurial aspirations. The hands-on approach to entrepreneurship education empowers them to recognize their importance in the business landscape, thereby contributing to the improvement of Saudi Arabia's economic development. In addition, a remarkable 67.3% of students demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with peers of the opposite sex in entrepreneurial ventures, indicating a mature blend of social and economic acumen among applied university students. Furthermore, this study highlights the critical role of applied colleges in bridging the gap between theoretical academic knowledge and practical business acumen. By immersing students in authentic experiences and simulations that reflect the demands of the business world, applied colleges successfully equip them to address real-world business challenges, thereby mitigating potential pitfalls in commercial and agricultural projects.
Analysis of Beijing Consumers’ Brand Value and Experience on Smartphones
Authors: Li Shiduan
Published: December 2023

With the rapid development of modern technology, smartphones have become an indispensable part of modern people’s lives. In the fierce market competition, the brand value and user experience of smartphones are important factors affecting consumers’ choices. In this regard, this paper takes Beijing consumers as the research object, discusses the perception of smartphone brand value and experience evaluation of Beijing consumers, and puts forward suggestions to improve consumers’ smartphone brand experience.
The Popularization and Promotion Strategy of Horticultural Therapy in College Students’s Life Education
Authors: Zhou Chaoqun , Zeng Cheng
Published: December 2023

Horticultural therapy is a nature-oriented therapy that has great application value and practical significance in the life education of college students. This article first explains the significance of horticultural activities in life education from the perspective of physical and mental health, observation and thinking ability, and social interaction ability. Then, it explores the ways to popularize and promote the application of horticultural activities in the life education of college students through the establishment of relevant courses and horticultural societies, strengthening teacher training, carrying out practical activities, and strengthening publicity. These measures will help improve the physical and mental health level of college students, cultivate their observation and thinking ability, enhance their social interaction ability, and also contribute to improving the quality of college students' life education.
Practical Exploration of Rhythm Training in Early Music Education
Authors: Yang Li
Published: December 2023

Currently, the education department is increasingly attaching importance to art education for infants and young children, and has included it as an important content in the curriculum system of preschool education. Music is a discipline that combines artistic and technical aspects. Through music activities for infants and young children, it can effectively improve their intellectual level and emotional experience. However, due to reasons such as young age and lack of experience, most kindergartens often neglect rhythm teaching in early music teaching, resulting in unsatisfactory teaching results for infants and young children due to their inability to form a good sense of rhythm and rhythm during the learning process. Based on this, this article mainly explores the implementation strategies of rhythm training in early music education, aiming to stimulate the music interest of infants and young children through the rational use of rhythm training, and make them grow up healthier and happier.
The Interaction between Histone Lysine Methyltransferase GLP and EZH2
Authors: Lu Xinle , Chao Ludan , Huang Xianju
Published: December 2023

Recent studies have implicated that H3K9 lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) and polycomb repressive complex2 (PRC2) act in a cross-talk. However, a connection between GLP, one of the well-known H3K9 KMTs and the EZH2, one of the core members of PRC2, has not been established. Here we not only demonstrated that there was interaction between the GLP and the EZH2 proteins in vivo, but also provided evidence that the activity of EZH2 was effected by down-regulation of GLP. In light of these observations, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation and qRT-PCR were performed to explore in GLP siRNA KGN cells. The specific interaction between GLP and EZH2 was demonstrated with co-immunoprecipitation. Our results also indicate that the decreased level of GLP participate in the modulation of EZH2 function in vivo.Taken together, our findings identified that an unanticipated interplay between the two histone lysine methyltransferases, which is implicated in regulating of a subset of developmental genes.
FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS AGAINST CCL4-INDUCED HEPATIC DAMAGE IN WISTER RATS
Authors: CHANDANA LAKKARAJU , BHIKSHAPATHI DARNA
Published: December 2023

Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-oxidant effect of Pleurotus ostreatus using in vitro and in vivo methodology.
Methods: Methanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (MEPO) was prepared by cold maceration technique. Rats weighing 150-200 g were divided into 6 groups of six each (n=6). Group I served as control (0.9% Nacl), group II was considered as the positive control, administered with CCl4 dissolved in olive oil (intraperitoneal injection at 0.5 mg/kg body weight), group III was given with CCl4+standard drug sylimarin (100 mg/kg body weight, p. o.), group IV, V and VI were administered with CCl4+MEPO at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg orally for a period of 21 d. The liver injury was induced by the administration of CCl4 intraperitoneally with a single dose of CCl4 (0.5 mg/kg body weight) as a 1:1 (v/v) solution in olive oil.
Results: In the Hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay, the IC50 values of the test extract was found to be 72.1±1.68 as compared with the standard drug (IC50-66.3±1.02), which was considered as significant (***p<0.001). In the reducing power assay, all the absorbance values were comparable to standard ascorbic acid and showed maximum reducing ability at the concentration of 500 µg/ml. In the in vivo anti-oxidant study, administration of MEPO to injury-induced rats at the dose of 400 and 800 mg/kg, significantly increased (**p<0.001) the levels of SOD and CAT, with a significant reduction in the MDA levels.
Conclusion: The current study explored a potential source for anti-oxidants in the methanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus, thus seems to be protective to liver in CCl4-induced hepatic injury.