bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manajamen Kegiatan Intrakurikuler, Kokurikuler Dan Ekstrakurikuler Dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Students Well-Being
Authors: Nahdiyah Umi , Imron Ali , Sumarsono Raden Bambang
Published: March 2024

Lembaga pendidikan merupakan tempat dimana peserta didik menggali serta mengembangkan potensinya. Maka penting untuk sebuah lembaga pendidikan mengekola kegiatan-kegiatan yang diselenggarakn agar peserta didik merasa sejahtera, sehingga peserta didik dapat dan mengembangkan potensinya secara maksimal. Oleh karena itu penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana manajemen kegiatan intrakurikuler, kokurikuler, dan ekstrakurikuler diselenggarakan sehingga dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan siswa. Penelitian ini dilakuan dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, dimana pada penelitian ini dilakukan dengan melakukan wawancara dan observasi untuk mengetahui bagaimakah penyelenggaraan pengeloaan kegiatan di lambaga pendidikan dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan pada peserta didik. Dari hasil penelitian yang dilakukan dapat disimpulkan bahwa (1) dalam perencanaan kegiatan hal utama yang harus dilakukan ialah menentukan tujuan dari setiap kegiatan yang akan dilaksanakan (2) dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan hal yang harus diperhatikan ialah menganai bagaiaman kegiatan yang dilakukan oleh peserta didik dapat berdampak pada keseimbangan social emosional siswa, motivasi, serta rasa penghargaan diri (3) tujuan dilakukan evaluasi ialah untuk menjamin bahwa siswa terlibat secara aktif, merasa terhubung dengan orang lain, dan mendapatkan manfaat dari kegiatan yang mereka ikuti.
Représenter les morts, captiver les vivants
Authors: Betbeze Romane
Published: March 2024

Les chapelles des tombes privées memphites de l’Ancien Empire, surtout connues pour leur majestueux décor intérieur gravé et peint, présentaient également des inscriptions et représentations en façade, tout particulièrement à partir de la V e dynastie. La façade et son décor façonnaient ainsi un espace de rencontre entre les personnes qui se déplaçaient dans la nécropole pour des raisons cultuelles et le défunt célébré dans son propre monument funéraire. Ce travail aborde cet espace relativement délaissé par la littérature égyptologique, en le replaçant dans son contexte architectural et paysager pour mieux en comprendre le fonctionnement. Il analyse la mise en espace et l’évolution des multiples stratégies architecturales, textuelles et iconographiques déployées sur les façades de l’Ancien Empire. Entre affichage ostentatoire d’une identité sociale et volonté d’attirer les multiples passants, le décor des façades des tombes memphites apparaît ainsi comme un investissement matériel essentiel pour assurer la survie du culte funéraire du défunt.
The Effect of Health Education Using Uric Acid Diary Book (URICAB) on Dietary Compliance and Uric Acid Levels in Gout Arthritis Patients
Authors: Putri Maulinda Afandi  , Wahyudi Andri Setiya , Dewi Lingga Curnia
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Gout arthritis is a non-communicable disease that continues to increase. The prevalence of gout in Indonesia is 7.30% because the adherence to an unbalanced diet. Therefore, innovation is needed to overcome the problems in gout arthritis patients. The Uric Acid Diary Book (URICAB) is a modification of the booklet media in supporting health education. URICAB contains information related to uric acid, diet lists, and diet diary tables. This study aims to analyze the effect of health education on URICAB media on dietary compliance and uric acid levels in gout arthritis patients.
Methods: This study used the Quasy Experiment method pretest-posttest control group design with a population of 147 people and sample of 72 people. The independent variable is health education media URICAB, while the dependent variable is dietary adherence and uric acid levels in gout arthritis sufferers. The research instrument used blood samples and dietary compliance questionnaires. The data analysis used the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Mann Whitney U Test, Paired Sample T Test, and Independent Sample T Test.
Results: The results of the Mann-Whitney U Test obtained a value of p = 0.046 indicate that there are increasing dietary adherence. The results of the Independent Sample T Test obtained a value of p = 0.025 indicate that health education in URICAB media affected the reducing uric acid levels.
Conclusion: URICAB media health education had significant effect to improve dietary adherence to the recommended diet and limiting high-purin diets and adherence to drinking as recommended by health workers and reduce uric acid levels.
New insights about sensory contribution of grape stems during winemaking: role of astilbin, a sweet polyphenol
Authors: Le Scanff Marie , Marchal Axel
Published: March 2024

In the usual red winemaking process, grapes are destemmed between the harvest and the filling of the vat. However, in regions like Bourgogne, some winemakers let all or a part of the stems in contact with the juice during vatting. This choice will likely affect the sensory properties of wine, such as its gustatory perception. The present study investigated the effect of adding stems during the winemaking process on the concentration of a sweetening compound, astilbin. The sensory contribution of astilbin in wines was first clarified by measuring its taste detection threshold and comparing it with the concentrations found in various commercial wines. Then, experimental wines resulting from the addition of stems in various proportions were analysed. These practical experiments were carried out in various French wine estates, in Bourgogne, Beaujolais and Bordeaux, over three vintages, allowing the comparison of different grape varieties, namely Pinot noir, Gamay and Merlot. For each experiment, the modality with the addition of stems was compared with a vat of destemmed grapes from the same plot. Samples were taken throughout the winemaking process to be analysed by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Exactive, Orbitrap analyser). The results showed that the addition of stems during vatting significantly increased astilbin concentration. Furthermore, this increase varied according to the grape variety. Whereas the astilbin contents were lower in Merlot wines than in Pinot noir or Gamay wines, the ratio between its concentration of wines from the two modalities was higher in Merlot than in Pinot noir and Gamay. The localisation of astilbin in the different components of the bunch, depending on the grape variety, was also investigated to understand this difference better. Thus, a higher abundance of astilbin in stems than in skins was found in the Merlot variety, whereas, for Gamay and Pinot noir, the total quantity of astilbin in a bunch was located in equal proportions in stems and skins. These new results bring new tools to understand better the practice of whole bunch vinification from a chemical perspective.
The distribution of ordinal frequencies of consonants as an invariant of a language group
Authors: Kislitsyna Maria Yurievna , Orlov Yurii Nikolaevich
Published: March 2024

The statistics of the frequency distribution of consonant letters in the main modern languages of the Indo-European family are collected. The distributions of descending frequencies were studied, based on the analysis of literary texts with a length of about 1 million characters. It is shown that it is possible to introduce an invariant of language groups – Germanic, Romance, Slavic and Baltic – as the distance between the elements of the group in the L1 norm. The threshold distance at which languages are grouped as fully connected subgraphs is 0.14. It is also shown that the structures of the graph of near and far neighbors correspond to the model of dependent random variables.
The Mediating Role of Satisfaction between Emotional Values, Social Values, and Behavioral Intentions of Muslim Students
Authors: Nurfaizal Yusmedi , Mustika Hindah
Published: March 2024

The study focuses on the behavior of Muslim students’ intentions to revisit halal tourist attractions that have added value. Additionally, it explores the act of revisiting Borobudur Temple as a means of fostering a sense of patriotism and national pride. This study contributes to the existing body of literature on perceived value by investigating the relationship between emotional values, social values, and satisfaction as a mediating factor. The study involves a significant number of participants, including 115 Muslim students living in the Java province. The existing circumstances are transitioning into the new normal, requiring the ongoing implementation of environmental health policies due to the presence of COVID-19. The data analysis utilizing Partial Least Squares (PLS) reveals that emotional and social values have a positive impact on Muslim students’ intention to engage in repetitive behavior. This study also found that there was an indirect influence of the satisfaction variable as a mediation. The primary elements that contribute to enhancing the motives of Muslim students to revisit Borobudur Temple are behavioral intentions and the satisfaction of Muslim visitors. Furthermore, it is essential for stakeholders in tourism-related businesses to enhance awareness and support the development of halal tourism by offering halal tourism services and recognizing its potential as a thriving sector within the tourism industry.
Needs Analysis Study of Blended Learning Model to Improve Communication for Students with Hearing Impairment
Authors: Utami Iga Setia , Budi Setia , Arnez Gaby , Hafid Afdhil
Published: March 2024

This study aims to analyze the need to develop a blended learning model that can enhance and facilitate students with hearing impairment communication in learning. Because of their barriers, students with hearing loss have challenges in developing communication skills. So educational institutes must implement a learning model that accommodates their demand. This research covered a needs analysis to identify the problems and challenges faced by deaf students in communication and analyze their perspectives and expectations of appropriate learning models. The study involved five students with hearing barriers enrolled in college. Data was collected through qualitative and quantitative approaches. According to research, a blended learning model must be established that considers the demands of deaf students for them to adapt communication in their learning. Highlights: Blended learning: Integration of online and traditional teaching methods caters to diverse learning needs. Hearing impairment: Understanding unique challenges faced by students with hearing loss is crucial for effective education. Communication skills: Developing accessible communication strategies enhances learning outcomes for deaf students. Keywords: Blended Learning, Communication Skill, Hearing Impairment
Preoperative and Intraoperative Scrotal Duplex Ultrasound in the Assessment of Varicocele: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mohamed Refaat , Hussein Ramadan
Published: March 2024

Background: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of preoperative and intraoperative scrotal duplex ultrasound (SDU) in assessing varicocele, a common cause of male subfertility.Methods and Results: The study was conducted on 20 male patients scheduled for subinguinal varicocelectomy at a tertiary care hospital from March 2022 to March 2023. We used Grey-Scale US and Doppler US to evaluate testicular size, vein diameter, arterial flow parameters, and retrograde flow. We found that the preoperative scrotal duplex was a good and accurate method for assessing the grading of varicocele, and there was no significant difference in vein diameter or venous reflux between preoperative and intraoperative assessments. However, we observed a significant increase in the number of veins and testicular volume during intraoperative SDU compared to preoperative scrotal SDU.Conclusion: SDU is a reliable tool for determining testicular volume and provides objective, accurate, and reproducible measurements of testicular volume.
The Association of Leptin Receptor Gene Q223R Polymorphism with Obesity in the Yakut Population
Authors: Pavlova Nadezhda , Bochurov Alexey , Alekseev Vladislav , Krylov Alexey , Sydykova Lyubovy , Kurtanov Khariton
Published: March 2024

Background: This study aimed to compare the frequencies of alleles and genotypes of the LEPR Q223R SNP in the Yakut population in samples with normal BMI and obesity and compare the data obtained with other populations worldwide. Methods and Results: The study included 336 DNA samples from volunteers of Yakut nationality (117 women and 219 men) without chronic diseases, whose average age was 47.4±0.06 years. All volunteers were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=151) with normal BMI and Group 2 (n=185) with obesity. Group 2 was divided into two subgroups: Group 2A (n=156) with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 plus OA and Group 2B (n=29) with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and without abdominal obesity.The study of the LEPR Q223R SNP was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. The frequency of the G allele of the LEPR Q223R SNP was 79.5% in Group 1 and 82.7% in Group 2. Analysis showed a high frequency of genotype GG: 64.2% and 69.7% in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The frequency of the GA genotype was 30.5% in Group 1 and 25.9% in Group 2.The frequency of alleles and genotypes does not differ in the sample of Yakuts with normal BMI and those with obesity. There are also no differences in the frequency of alleles and genotypes based on gender and the presence of abdominal obesity.The high frequency of the G allele in the Yakut population is close to that observed in East Asian populations (86.9%). There was no statistical difference in allele frequencies in comparison with the populations of Han Chinese from Beijing, Japanese from Tokyo, and Vietnamese from Ho Chi Minh City. In European, African, American, and South Asian populations, the G allele occurs with a frequency of 43.7% to 59.2%. Conclusion: The LEPR Q223R SNP does not affect BMI in the Yakut population. In this study, Q223R allele frequencies were like allele frequencies in East Asian populations but not in Caucasians, reflecting racial diversity in the allele distribution of this polymorphism.
Surgical Treatment of Uterine Leiomyomas from 2016-2022 in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Barmanasheva Z , Dzhakupov D , Kudaibergenov T , Laktionova M
Published: March 2024

Background: Due to the transition to a mandatory health insurance system (MHIS) and also taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical treatment of uterine leiomyoma in Kazakhstan in recent years, taking into account the ratio of uterine-preserving surgery (UPS) and hysterectomy. Methods and Results: This epidemiological study was carried out upon the request of the Republican E-Health Center (RCEZ) to assess the dynamics of surgical treatment of uterine leiomyomas (UL) in Almaty at the expense of the Republican budget from 2016 to 2022. Since 2016, by 2022 there was a decrease in the total number of treated cases of UL at the expense of the Republican budget (from 1,478 to 1,063). From 2016 to 2019, there were statistically significantly more hysterectomies, whereas from 2020 to 2022 the number of uterine-preserving surgeries increased statistically significantly. The number of laparoscopic myomectomy and hysteroscopic myomectomy for treating submucous leiomyomas increased statistically significantly from 2016 to 2019. However, there were no statistical differences in the number of treated cases with this technique from 2020 to 2022. Conclusion: Although high-tech fibroid surgery has been performed more frequently in recent years, these numbers are insufficient today, which justifies the need to train more specialists in advanced technologies.
Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma Overview in Albania during the Last Decade
Authors: Xhafa Mirela , Kapllanaj Mirzana , Paja Denada , Duka Enkeleda , Bali Donjeta , Godo Anila
Published: March 2024

Background: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a rare malignancy characterized by a malignant proliferation of cells in the reticuloendothelial system, mainly lymph node, and the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells with a relatively good prognosis compared to other pediatric malignancies. This study aimed to produce epidemiologic and clinical data on HL for Albania, aiming for a better understanding of the disease presentation to diagnose it at an earlier stage with the result of a better outcome. Methods and Results: This single-center, retrospective study performed in the Mother Theresa University Hospital Center (Tirana, Albania) analyzed epidemiological and clinical data of pediatric patients under 14 years of age diagnosed with HL during a 10-year study period from 2012 to 2022. During the last 10 years, 25 children (ages 0-14) were diagnosed with HL at UHC "Mother Theresa," Tirana. From the demographic data of our study, most patients (68%) were in the age group of 10-14. The male-to-female ratio was 2.12:1. The first clinical presentation was mainly because of lymphadenopathy in 92% of patients, with the presence of B symptoms in 68%.In most cases, the CBC was not affected, yet 24% of patients had high platelets, and 12% had low RBCs, while WBCs increased in 16% of patients and decreased in 12%.Lymphopenia and monocytosis were found in more than half of cases. Around 68% of patients had high levels of LDH and CRP. ESR and ALP were high in 64% of patients, Ferritin was high in 32%, and fibrinogen level was high in 28%.According to the Ann Arbor system, most of our patients were at stage II (32%), followed closely by stage I (28%) and stage III (24%), and only 16% were at stage IV upon presentation.The most common histopathologic type was nodular sclerosis classical HL, presented in 44% of cases. Conclusion: HL is a relatively frequent pediatric malignancy in young adults, affecting mainly males, and is diagnosed at a relatively early stage in our country.
The Influence of the Time Factor and Marital Status on the Quality of Life of Patients After Kidney Transplantation in Uzbekistan
Authors: Usmanova Dilnoza , Alimov Ulugbek , Daminov Botir , Ibragimov Aziz
Published: March 2024

Background: Currently, compared to program hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation is considered to be the preferred method of renal replacement therapy in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in terms of patient survival and improvement in their quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to investigate the influence of the post-transplantation period and marital status on the health-related QOL of patients with CKD who underwent kidney transplantation.Methods and Results: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 78 patients who had received a kidney transplant from living related donors in the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation between January and April 2022. Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) were divided into four groups depending on the time after kidney transplantation: 3, 6, 12 months, and 2 years or more after surgery. The study used 2 questionnaires. The first included questions about the sociodemographic data of patients; the second was the standardized health-related QOL questionnaire SF-36. This study of the QOL of KTRs, residents of the Republic of Uzbekistan, showed an improvement in most scales of physical and mental health components 12 months and 2 years or more after kidney transplantation. On the scales of physical and mental health components, unmarried KTRs had a higher self-assessment of QOL than married KTRs, and among married KTRs, those with children had higher QOL indicators.Conclusion: Clarifying how the time after kidney transplantation and individual sociodemographic and medical factors influence QOL indicators requires further research (including longitudinal studies) in a wider КTR population.
Comparative genomics unravels a rich set of biosynthetic gene clusters with distinct evolutionary trajectories across fungal species farmed by termites
Authors: Schmidt Suzanne , Murphy Robert , Vizueta Joel , Schierbech Signe , Conlon Benjamin , Kreuzenbeck Nina , Vreeburg Sabine , de Peppel Lennart van , Aanen Duur , Kolotchèlèma Silue , Kone N'golo , Beemelmanns Christine , Weber Tilmann , Poulsen Michael
Published: March 2024

The use of compounds produced by hosts or symbionts for defence against antagonists has been identified in many organisms, including in fungus-farming termites (Macrotermitinae). The obligate mutualistic fungus Termitomyces plays a central role in the symbiosis through plant biomass decomposition and as the main food source for these termites. Several specialised (secondary) metabolites have been isolated from different Termitomyces species, suggesting that they may also aid in antimicrobial defence. Yet, we have a fragmented understanding of Termitomyces’ natural product repertoire. To determine the biochemical potential encoded by diverse Termitomyces species, we comparatively analysed 22 published and 17 newly generated genomes, spanning 21 of 52 described Termitomyces species and five of the 11 termite host genera. After extensive assembly and annotation optimisation, we employed fungiSMASH to detect 754 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) coding for specialised metabolites. BiG-SCAPE analysis and manual curation allowed us to assign 660 of these BGCs to 61 distinct biosynthetic gene cluster families (GCFs), spanning five compound classes. Seven GCFs were shared by all 21 Termitomyces species, 21 GCFs were present in all genomes of several subsets of species, while the remaining 33 GCFs were inconsistently distributed across species. The 25 most abundant GCFs were subjected to codon-based evolutionary constraint analyses to evaluate their evolutionary histories and revealed two GCFs with consistent positive selection in the same gene across the phylogeny and seventeen genes with Termitomyces species-specific episodic positive selection. These patterns of selection indicate that millions of years of termite-fungus symbiosis have led to distinct evolutionary trajectories of biosynthetic gene clusters, ample putative chemical novelties, and uncover a vast non-random and largely unknown chemical potential of Termitomyces.
Effect of milling and baking processes on bread quality: a case in Kamise, Ethiopia
Authors: Asmellash Tihitinna , Geleta Tollosa , Kibatu Girma
Published: March 2024

Milling and baking are processes which determine bread quality. Proximate compositions of wheat grains and flour samples from one central milling factory and bread samples from different bakeries in Kamise, Ethiopia were determined using standard methods in the laboratory. The fat and ash contents decreased by milling wheat grains; whereas, the moisture, protein and fat contents of the wheat flours increased in bread samples after baking. Highest amounts of Mg (243.25 ± 2.5 mg/Kg) and Ca (350.40 ± 2.2 mg/Kg) were found in the bread; while lowest concentrations of Mg (81.25 ± 0.15 mg/Kg) and a higher Ca concentrations (110.75 ± 0.2mg/Kg) were observed in flour samples. Significantly highest amount iron was obtained in the grains than in the flour and bread samples; indicating loss of iron in milling and baking processes. Lead was found on bread samples than in the grain or flour samples, indicative of the presence of contamination during baking processes. The variations between samples due to milling and differences in baking processes which could be as a result of differences in water used, additives and fermentation parameters. The evaluation of milling and baking processes in affecting nutrient composition are important to control the nutritional quality of bread.
Association between assisted living facility context and resident pain during the COVID-19 pandemic: A repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Hoben Matthias , Shrestha Shovana , Dampf Hana , Hogan David B , McGrail Kimberlyn , Knopp-Sihota Jennifer , Maxwell Colleen J
Published: March 2024

Background
Resident pain has been a common quality issue in congregate care for older adults, and COVID-19-related public health restrictions may have negatively affected resident pain. Most studies have focused on nursing homes (NHs), largely neglecting assisted living (AL). AL residents are at similar risk for pain as NH resident, but with AL providing fewer services and staffing resources. Our study examined whether potentially modifiable AL home characteristics were associated with resident pain during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This repeated cross-sectional study linked AL home surveys, collected in COVID-19 waves 1 (March-June 2020) and 2 (October 2020-February 2021) from a key contact, to administrative Resident Assessment Instrument – Home Care (RAI-HC) records in these homes. Surveys assessed preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks, availability of a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, direct care staff shortages, decreased staff morale, COVID-19 outbreaks, confinement of residents to their rooms, supporting video calls with physicians, facilitating caregiver involvement. The dependent variable (moderate daily pain or pain of a severe intensity) and resident covariates came from the RAI-HC. Using general estimating equations, adjusted for repeated resident assessments and covariates, we assessd whether AL home factors were associated with resident pain during the pandemic.
Results
We included 985 residents in 41 facilities (wave 1), and 1,134 residents in 42 facilities (wave 2). Pain prevalence [95% confidence interval] decreased non-significantly from 20.6% [18.6%-23.2%] (March-June 2019) to 19.1% [16.9%-21.6%] (October 2020-February 2021). Better preparedness (odds ratio = 1.383 [1.025–1.866]), confinement of residents to their rooms (OR = 1.616 [1.212–2.155]), availability of a nurse practitioner (OR = 0.761 [0.591–0.981]), and staff shortages (OR = 0.684 [0.527–0.888]) were associated with resident pain.
Conclusions
AL facility-level factors were associated with resident pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policy and management interventions can and must address such factors, providing potentially powerful levers for improving AL resident quality of care.
Andean bear tree selectivity for scent-marking in Ecuadorian cloud forests
Authors: Filipczykova Eva , Clapham Melanie , Horn Russell C. Van , Nevin Owen T , Barros Jorge Luis Armijos , Vorel Aleš
Published: March 2024

Olfactory signaling is the most efficient mode of animal communication when the interval between signaller and receiver is delayed. Scent-marking requires selective strategies to increase the likelihood that these signals persist in the environment and are successfully received. Bears are solitary, non-territorial carnivores, which scent-mark trees, substrate, and other objects to communicate with conspecifics. Signallers place scent-marks on trees to increase the detectability of their signals, possibly also to communicate their size and status. We assessed scent-marking tree selectivity of Andean bears, Tremarctos ornatus, in Ecuadorian cloud forests at two spatial scales: the individual-tree level and at a local scale. We recorded characteristics of marked and unmarked trees along bear trails (5.49 km in total) in the Eastern Cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, near the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve. To decrease dimensionality and multicollinearity before explanatory analyses, we performed Principal Component Analysis on data from 467 trees of 48 tree species. We then used Generalized Linear Models, model selection, and model averaging to discover that Andean bears preferred rubbing leaning trees, aromatic tree species, and hardwood trees with smaller and thicker leaves containing less nitrogen. Ten of 59 marking sites contained multiple marked trees, but site-level data do not indicate why bears marked multiple trees at some sites but not others. We thus encourage further analyses of marked-tree cluster sites and their relationship to productive food resources and reproduction, which might present important communication hubs for ursids.
Risk Factors for Maxillary Central Incisors Torque Loss in Orthodontic Treatment of Premolar Extraction Cases with Clear Aligners：a retrospective study
Authors: wang jiangting
Published: March 2024

Background：Torque loss of maxillary central incisor teeth occurs frequently during space closure with clear aligners (CA).The aim of this study was to analyse the percentage reduction in upper incisor lingual inclination and risk factors for upper incisor angle after Invisalign treatment in extraction cases.
Methods：Records were obtained from 52 patients (average age 27.6 years) who initiated with Invisalign at four different orthodontic practices. Data was collected from cephalometric radiographs, doctors' case notes, and CA Web site databases. All patients who were treated with CAs were divided into maxillary incisors Lingual tipping (L) and non-maxillary incisors Lingual tipping (NL) groups based on whether U1-NA(°) was less than 17.1 (Mean -1 SD). Cephalometric data before and after therapy were analysed using a paired t-test. Differences between the L and NL groups were examined through independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Correlation factors, including CC difficulty scores, age, gender, pre-treatment upper central incisor inclination, skeletal classification, divergence, orthodontist, treatment length, and refinements number, were identified using univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.
Results：After treatment, 61.5% of the patients experienced upper incisor lingual inclination. Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the number of refinements, treatment length, and age (P＜0.05). The number of refinements was directly proportional to the duration of treatment. A statistical difference was observed between orthodontists and the number of refinements. However, adolescents had significantly less refinement. A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed negative correlations between age (P=0.002), treatment length (P=0.002), and different orthodontists (P=0.013) with the reduction of the upper incisor angle after treatment.
Conclusions：The upper central incisors exhibit torque loss in extraction cases treated with Invisalign. The risk of a reduction in the angle of the upper incisors after treatment is increased by factors such as the patient's age (older patients), longer treatment times, and young orthodontists. It is recommended that these factors be closely monitored and guided during clinic visits.
A real world test of Portfolio Optimizationwith Quantum Annealing
Authors: Sakuler Wolfgang , Oberreuter Johannes M. , Aiolfi Riccardo , Asproni Luca , Roman Branislav , Schiefer Jürgen
Published: March 2024

In this note, we describe an experiment on portfolio optimization using the Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulation. The dataset we use is taken from a real-world problem for which a classical solution is currently deployed and used in production. In this work, carried out in a collaboration between the Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) and Reply, we derive a QUBO formulation, which we solve using various methods: two D-Wave hybrid solvers, that combine the employment of a quantum annealer together with classical methods, and a purely classical algorithm. Particular focus is given to the implementation of the constraint that requires the resulting portfolio’s variance to be below a specified threshold, whose representation in an Ising model is not straightforward. We find satisfactory results, consistent with the global optimum obtained by the exact classical strategy. However, since the tuning of QUBO parameters is crucial for the optimization, we investigate a hybrid method that allows for automatic tuning.
Injury-dependent wound care behavior in the desert ant Cataglyphis nodus
Authors: Beydizada Narmin I. , Abel Antonia , Schultheiss Patrick , Frank Erik T.
Published: March 2024

Ants often face injuries during foraging, or interspecific competition, elevating infection risk and mortality among the wounded. To avoid this, ants engage in wound care on injured nestmates as a form of social immunity. In this study, we show that Cataglyphis nodus desert ants perform differentiated wound care behavior, depending on wound location and state. Leg-injured ants received significantly more wound care than antenna-injured ants. However, leg wounds with induced infections received barely any wound care from nestmates, leading to similar levels of mortality in isolation and inside the nest. Instead, such leg-infected ants are expelled from the nest, emphasizing the care-kill dichotomy in social immunity. Infections of antennal wounds showed no change in the level of wound care, nor increased mortality. Our results suggest that the level of wound care in ants can be flexibly adjusted to the perceived mortality risk of injuries. Leg injuries pose a greater risk of infection and mortality compared to antennal injuries, likely because of the larger wound area and increased vascular circulation, necessitating intensive prophylactic care to prevent infection. This study is the first to show wound care in Cataglyphis ants despite their short lifespan and offers significant insights into social immunity mechanisms.
Causal Relationships between Overall and Abdominal Obesity and Varicose Veins: A Two- Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Tan Shuo , Peng Kuang , Feng Juling , Li Zhihui , Zhao Feiyu , Li Boling , Tan Xiaotong , Ma Jingfeng , Zhao Lei
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The association between obesity and varicose veins is recognized; however, the specific causal links between different types of obesity and varicose veins remain unclear. Our study explores the causal effects of general and abdominal obesity on varicose veins through Mendelian randomization.
Methods
We conducted univariable (UVMR) and multivariable (MVMR) Mendelian randomization, using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) as proxies for general and abdominal obesity, respectively. The Mendelian randomization analysis utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from the UK Biobank (UKB) and FinnGen. Instrumental variables were identified from SNP data, requiring strong association (P < 5e–8) and independence (r2 < 0.001). Inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis was the primary method for causal inference. Extensive sensitivity analyses were also performed to confirm the validity of our results.
Results
UVMR showed a causal link between higher BMI and increased incidence of varicose veins (OR = 1.304, CI = 1.209–1.407, P = 6.778e-12), while WC was similarly associated (OR = 1.478, CI = 1.335–1.636, P = 5.092e-14). In MVMR analyses controlling for BMI, WC was found to have a direct causal effect on varicose veins (OR = 1.654, 95% CI: 1.066–2.568, P = 0.0248). After adjusting for WC, the data did not support a direct causal link between BMI and varicose veins (OR = 0.899, 95% CI: 0.632–1.277, P = 0.0551).
Conclusion
This study suggests that WC might be a more precise indicator of the relationship between obesity and varicose veins compared to BMI.
Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sentinel Surveillance in Commercial COVID-19 Testing Sites Targeting Asymptomatic Individuals During Japan’s Seventh Epidemic Wave
Authors: Shiino Teiichiro , Takeuchi Junko S , Ohyanagi Hajime , Kimura Moto , Kazuyama Yukumasa , Ikeda Masato , Sugiura Wataru
Published: March 2024

Eight peaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak occurred in Japan, each associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern. The National Epidemiological Surveillance of Infectious Diseases (NESID) analyzed viral genome sequences from symptomatic patients and submitted the results to GISAID. Meanwhile, commercial testing services occasionally sequence samples from asymptomatic individuals. We compared a total of 1,248 SARS-CoV-2 full-genome sequences obtained from the SB Coronavirus Inspection Center Corp. (SBCVIC) during Japan’s seventh wave, which was dominated by Omicron variants, with 1,764 sequences obtained in Japan from GISAID during the same period using chronological phylogenies and molecular transmission networks. The number of SBCVIC sequences was consistent with the number of cases reported by NESID. The SBCVIC detected a shift in the PANGO lineage from BA.2 to BA.5 earlier than that of GISAID. BA.2 lineages from the SBCVIC were distributed at different locations in the transmission network dominated by GISAID entries, whereas BA.5 lineages from SBCVIC and GISAID often formed distinct subclusters. Test-based sentinel surveillance of asymptomatic individuals may be a more manageable approach compared to notifiable disease surveillance; however, it may not necessarily capture all infection populations throughout Japan.
Improving cervical maturation degree classification accuracy using a multi-stage deep learning approach
Authors: Motie Parisa , Mohammad-Rahimi Hossein , Hassanzadeh-Samani Sahel , Razzaghi Negar , Behnaz Mohammad , Shahab Shahriar , Motamadian Saeed-Reza
Published: March 2024

Classifying the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) degree is helpful in determining the peak period of growth and predicting the growth rate and pattern. The current study proposed a multistage framework for automated CVM classification.The dataset consisted of 2325 lateral cephalograms. Two orthodontists independently classified the images into six classes. One object detection (Faster RCNN) and two classification models (ResNet 101) were designed using the Python programming language and PyTorch library. The First classification model classified images into two main groups (i.e., C1-C3 and C4-C6) based on the C4 vertebrae shape. The second one classified each group into its subcategories. Each classification model was trained and tested using a 10-fold cross-validation strategy. The general framework reached an accuracy of 82.96%. The object detection of ROI extraction reached the mAP50 and mAP75 of 100%. The first classifier model had an accuracy of 99.10% on the hold out test set. The classifier of C1-C3 images had higher accuracy than the C4-C6 classification model (86.49% versus 82.80%) The accuracy of this fully automated framework was promising. Considering the gradual changes in cervical vertebrae morphology the use of visualized data by gradient-weighted class activation maps (Grad-CAM) is suggested to improve the model’s performance.
Structural investigation of interactions between newly synthesized halogenated flavonoids and the lipid membrane along with their role as cytotoxic agents
Authors: Dudek Anita , Szulc Natalia , Pawlak Aleksandra , Strugała-Danak Paulina , Krawczyk-Łebek Agnieszka , Perz Martyna , Kostrzewa-Susłow Edyta , Pruchnik Hanna
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on understanding the structural and molecular changes in lipid membranes under the influence of six halogenated flavonoid derivatives differing in the number and position of substitution of chlorine and bromine atoms (D1-D6). Utilizing various analytical techniques, including fluorometric methods, dynamic light scattering (DLS), attenuated Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR- FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, the research seeks to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the interaction of flavonoids with cell membranes. Additionally, the study includes in silico analyses to explore the physicochemical properties of these compounds and their potential pharmaceutical applications, along with toxicity studies to assess their effects on cancer, normal, and red blood cells. Our study showed the ability of halogenated derivatives to interact mostly with the outer part of the membrane, especially in the lipid heads region however, some of them were able to penetrate deeper into the membrane and affect the fluidity of hydrocarbon chains. The potential to reduce cancer cell viability, the lack of toxicity towards erythrocytes, and the favourable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties make these halogenated flavonoids potential candidates for exploring their potential for medical use.
Microbial Compositions and Nutritional Properties of Commercial and Local Yoghurts in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M. Shaminur , Chowdhury Susmita Roy , Chakrovarty Tanay , Kador S. M. , Islam Khondoker Tanjim , Bhuiyan Mohammad Imtiaj Uddin , Islam Md. Tanvir , Islam Ovinu Kibria
Published: March 2024

Yogurt is a widely consumed traditional fermented food. The health benefits and shelf life of yogurt depend on the type and magnitude of fermenting microorganisms, the proportion of physicochemical parameters, and the presence of microbial and metal contaminants. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties and bacterial diversity of sour and sweet yogurts, commercially and locally produced in Bangladesh. A total of 38 samples, 19 each for sour and sweet yogurts, randomly collected from several commercial and local brands in Bangladesh. The most standard AOAC methods were used to perform proximate analysis, AAS to determine minerals, and high-throughput Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to conduct metagenomic analysis. For statistical and bioinformatic analysis, R and QIIME 2 were used, respectively, to perform OTU extractions and rarefaction, alpha and beta diversity, and spearman correlation. Sweet yogurts contained significantly greater pH, fat, moisture, TS, SNF content (%, w/w) and Streptococcus spp.(%) than sour samples, whereas sour yogurts contained more moisture, ash, minerals content (Zn, Na, Ca and Mg) and Lactobacillus spp. (% ). Sour samples had more bacterial diversity, along with probiotics and potentially harmful opportunistic path-ogens, including Enterobacter, Lactococcus, Aeromonas and Acinetobacter. Also, commercial brands exhibited higher abundance of some well-known probiotic strains than the local brands. The more the ash content, the more amount of Ca was exhibited. The relative abundance of most of the bacterial genera, except Lactobacillus, was positively correlated with each other. Except for Lactobacillus, fat (%) had negatively, whereas pH and moisture had positively influenced the growth of other bacterial genera. The presence of Hafnia in yogurt positively influenced the bioavailability of all minerals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Na, k, Ca and Mg). Nutritional parameters were varied based on the taste of yogurt samples with sour ones having greater nutritional values and bacterial diversity. These findings would help understand in consuming yogurts for health benefits.
Australian preferences for influenza vaccine attributes and cost: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Fifer Simon , Toh Lili , Yu Daniel , Young Katherine , Menche Jason
Published: March 2024

Background
People in Australia have access to different influenza vaccines, but may be unaware of available options and their features. There is a lack of preference studies for differentiated influenza vaccines including cell-based vaccines, particularly in Australia. This study investigated which influenza vaccine attributes people in Australia value, and the associated marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) using a discrete choice experiment (DCE).
Methods
Adults in Australia ineligible for free influenza vaccine, had been vaccinated in the last 5 years and intended to be vaccinated against influenza completed an online survey with a DCE. Participants were presented three influenza vaccine profiles described by eight attributes. Half of the DCE scenarios described influenza season severity to be the same as last year, and the other half as more severe. DCE data was analysed using a mixed multinomial logit (MMNL) model.
Results
N = 1203 adults completed the survey. All eight attributes significantly predicted vaccine choice (p < .05). Regardless of influenza season severity, preference was higher for a vaccine: with greater protection, designed to be an exact match to circulating influenza strains (match), using modern vaccine technology, manufactured by an Australian company, able to be received at a pharmacy, preferred by health care professionals (HCP), government funded for high-risk individuals, and having lower cost. Ranked on relative attribute importance, the top three were protection, match, and cost. Participants were willing to pay more for match and higher protection when simulating preference shares. The MWTP for the most important attributes, not including cost, were $1.61/$2.18 for each additional percent in protection (same/more severe season respectively), $25.37/$32.37 for match, and $4.06/$15.97 for HCP preference.
Conclusions
Taken together, findings suggest match, protection, cost and HCP preference are key influences on vaccine choice, highlighting the importance of shared decision-making.
Willingness, Socio-Demographic Factors and Perceptions Influencing Specialization Among Environmental Health Practitioners in the Public Sector: A Case Study of South Africa
Authors: Mbazima Setlamorago Jackson , Mbonane Thokozani Patrick
Published: March 2024

Background
Environmental health is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary profession with a broad scope that offers opportunities for specialisation. The objective of this study was to determine the willingness, socio-demographic factors and perceptions influencing specialization among environmental health practitioners (EHPs) specialisation among in South Africa.
Methods
Using a purposive sampling strategy, a self-administered questionnaire was sent electronically to EHPs working in the public sector. Spearman correlation was used to determine the relationship between specialisation in environmental health (EH) and sociodemographic factors. Binary logistic regression was also used to determine the factors influencing specialisation among EHPs.
Results
One hundred and seventy-six EHPs, consisting of 109 females and 67 males, participated in the study. EHPs had a good understanding of specialisation, and 93% of them were willing to specialise in EH. Correlation analysis indicated that being a generalist demotivated EHPs (p = 0.01). A strong positive statistically significant difference (r = 0.23, p ˃ 0.01) was found between specialisation and education. Specialisation also had a positive statistically significant relationship with the position of EHPs (r = 0.03, p = 0.04), policy-making role (r = 0.11, p = 0.05), years in the current position (r = 0.07, p = 0.03) and having received specialised training (r = 0.18, p = 0.02). Education was the only socio-demographic factor that influenced specialisation in EH (p = 0.04, CI: 0.16–9.99).
Conclusions
The current scope of practice in EH is too broad and makes it difficult for EHPs to be productive and efficient. There is a need to improve the current approach to rendering EHSs in South Africa by introducing specialisation.
Autophagy-mediated ferroptosis is involved in development of severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: li hongyao , wu ding , zhang haidan , liu shixian , zhen jiahui , yan yufen , li peiwu
Published: March 2024

Ferroptosis is a newly recognized form of regulatory cell death characterized by severe lipid peroxidation triggered by iron overload and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the role of ferroptosis in severe acute pancreatitis has not been fully elucidated. Our study found that ferroptosis occurs during the development of severe acute pancreatitis, such as iron and lipid peroxidation in pancreatic tissues, decreased levels of reduced glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX 4) and glutathione (GSH), and increased MDA and significant mitochondrial damage. In addition,ferroptosis related proteins such as GPX4, SLC7A11 and FTH1 were significantly decreased. Next, the pathogenesis of ferroptosis in SAP was studied. First, treatment with the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 significantly alleviated ferroptosis in SAP. Interestingly, autophagy occurs during the pathogenesis of SAP, and autophagy promotes the occurrence of ferroptosis in SAP. Moreover, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) inhibition of autophagy can significantly reduce iron overload and ferroptosis in SAP. Taken together, our results suggest that ferroptosis is a novel pathogenesis of SAP and is dependent on autophagy. This study provides a new theoretical basis for the study of SAP.