bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of recurrent chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma
Authors: Christianty Finna , Wahyudiono Ahmad Dian
Published: October 2023

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a chronic inflammation involving the middle ear space and it became a burden especially in developing countries. Mastoidectomy remains the main treatment in CSOM with cholesteatoma. Recurrent cholesteatoma and suppurating process indicated the need of revision mastoidectomy. Purpose: Until now, study about the mechanism of recurrent cholesteatoma and its management still need further research. Case report:  This paper reports a case of chronic suppurative otitis media with recurrent cholesteatoma which underwent revision mastoidectomy. Clinical Question : What are the factors associated with the occurrence of recurrent cholesteatoma and how to managed it? Methods: Evidence base literature study about chronic suppurative otitis media with recurrent cholesteatoma and surgery treatment was performed through PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar database. Results: Recurrent cholesteatoma that occurred after mastoidectomy can be caused by residue of the cholesteatoma itself or new forming of retraction pocket. Revision mastoidectomy is necessary to evacuated the cholesteatoma and provide good drainage to the mastoid. Conclusion: Routine follow up after mastoidectomy is an important thing to help prevent recurrence of CSOM especially with cholesteatoma.
Pediatrik Spinal Kitlelerin Retrospektif Analizi
Authors: ALTUNYUVA Oğuz , ESER OCAK Pınar , DOĞAN Şeref , TAŞKAPILIOĞLU M Özgür
Published: October 2023

Pediatrik spinal tümörler tüm pediatrik santral sinir sistemi tümörlerinin %10’undan azını oluşturmaktadır. Sıklıkla metastatik vasıfta olan bu tümörler spinal korda bası yaparak nörolojik defisite ve dolayısı ile morbiditeye neden olmaktadırlar. Erken tanı ve tedavi hasta sağ kalımını önemli oranda etkilemektedir. Çalışmamızda kliniğimizde Mayıs 2010– Kasım 2021 tarihleri arasında opere edilen pediatrik yaş grubundaki spinal kitleli olgular retrospektif incelendi. 47 pediatrik spinal kitle olgusu (26 E, 21 K) değerlendirildi. 24 (%51) olguda kitle ekstradural, 13 (%27,7) olguda intradural ekstramedüller, 10 (%21,3) olguda ise intramedüller yerleşimliydi. En sık başvuru semptomu 41 (%87,2) olgu ile ağrı idi. 4 (%8,5) olguda biyopsi, 12 (%25,5) olguda subtotal eksizyon, 31 (%66) olguda total eksizyon yapıldı. En sık patolojiler; intradural ekstramedüller yerleşimli (n=8; %17) dermoid-epidermoid tümör, ekstradural yerleşimli (n=7; %14,9) Ewing sarkomu ve intramedüller yerleşimli (n=6; %12,8) astrositoma olarak izlendi. Toplamda 7 (%14,9) olguya adjuvan kemoterapi; 1 (%2,1) olguya ise radyoterapi; 12 (%25,6) olguya ise kombine kemoradyoterapi prosedürü uygulandı. Ortalama 37,3± 32,7 ay olan takip süresi boyunca 7 (%14,9) olgu nüks/rezidü tümör, 3 (%6,4) olgu ise yara yeri enfeksiyonu sebebiyle tekrar opere edildi. Pediatrik spinal tümörler neden olduğu morbiditeler, geç tanı konması ve dolayısıyla da erken ve etkili tedavi gerekliliği açısından nöroşirürji pratiğinde önemli bir yere sahiptir. Tedavi şekli tümörün patolojik tanısına göre yapılır ancak cerrahi rezeksiyon esastır. Etkin tedavi modalitelerinde cerrahinin yanı sıra adjuvan kemoterapi ve radyoterapi birlikte kullanılmalıdır.
Ethnocaring of Elderly with Dementia in Rural Java
Authors: Yohana Budi Winarni*  , Atik Triratnawati
Published: October 2023

Currently, Indonesia is entering the aging population phase. Along with increasing welfare, the life expectancy of the population is getting higher but the quality of a healthy life is low due to the cycle of recurring diseases in old age. One of the cycles of disease that requires long-term care is the elderly with dementia. In rural Java, senility as a disease is not widely known. The term senility is equivalent to dementia. The elderly that suffered from dementia are treated instinctively according to local customs. The way of caring is simple, only based on instinct when seeing symptoms without clinical medical indications. This paper discusses ethnocaring, a community knowledge perspective in the care of the elderly with dementia which describes natural care habits based on experience. The research was conducted in March-May 2023 in Bantul using a purposive sampling method and obtaining 5 caregivers in the selected villages consisting of family and community members. The results showed that senility was treated based on the status of the relationship between caregivers and elderly with dementia and the role of the philosophy of "mikul dhuwur mendhem jero'' which animates behavior and determines its role in quality and type of care.
INDEX OF THE CYCLE OF MONEY - THE CASE OF UKRAINE FROM 1992 TO 2020
Authors:   National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Challoumis Constantinos
Published: October 2023

This paper studies the cycle of money in an actual case scenario like this of the economy of Ukraine, considering a wide period, from 1992 to 2020. The estimations of the index of the cycle of money in Ukraine are compared with the period of the last decade 2010 to 2020. The results reveal that Ukraine has an appropriate rate according to the average global value. Ukraine has a fine economy and can face an economic crisis, with an appropriate dynamic. This is the first published work, for Ukraine according to this theory for the period from 1992 to 2020. Should be mentioned that for the estimations of the general index of the cycle of money are used the bank deposits, and the GDP per capita, PPP (Purchasing Power Parity).
Creating a Forum for Library Professionals: A Case Study of CALA Canada Chapter
Authors: Jin Lei , Liu Guoying , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the establishment, growth, achievements, and future planning of the CALA Canada Chapter. Since its inception in June 2018, the Chapter has experienced significant growth, with the number of members doubling, and the number of life members also doubling. Currently there are a total of thirty members in the Chapter, comprising ten life members, eight overseas members, and seven student members, with the majority residing or working in Ontario. The Chapter has achieved notable milestones, including the organization of successful events such as conferences, workshops, and networking sessions. The Chapter has also contributed to the development of the library profession in Canada, particularly by promoting diversity and inclusivity. Looking forward, the Chapter plans to expand its reach and increase its membership by promoting itself in other regions of the country. The Chapter aims to continue providing valuable resources, programs, and opportunities for its members to enhance their professional development and foster collaboration. Through these efforts, the Canada Chapter aims to play an essential role in advancing the library profession in Canada and promoting its growth and innovation.

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A Ship Without a Captain: Political Disengagement and the Failings of Sanctuary City Policy in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Hudson Graham
Published: October 2023

Cities across the world are contending with the human rights and policy consequences of exclusionary national and international migration regimes. Those in federal states have distinctive opportunities to create safe and inclusive (sub-)urban environments and to provide access to sub-national social services, like health, housing, and social assistance. But they also risk provoking hostile reactions from national governments and heated jurisdictional conflicts that can carry serious political and fiscal consequences. This is certainly true of cities in the United States, but it has not been true of Canada whose short history of sanctuary is defined by conflict avoidance. The federal government has not once taken an official stance on the legality of sanctuary city policies, while Mayors and City councils have carved off from broader struggles over the authority to govern migration and borders. This strategy has not served non-status migrants for whom avoiding contact with the federal government is their primary self-interest every day well; above all else, they need municipalities to stand up, intervene, and defend their right to the city. Drawing on empirical research on Toronto, Canada, this chapter reflects on the practical and political failings of localist approaches to sanctuary. Set in the context of struggles for control over data, legal space, and political identity, Toronto’s experience with sanctuary has been defined by the absence of political stewardship marked by an unwillingness to risk conflicts with the federal government. The failings of these policies, and of provincial conceptions of sanctuary, may serve as a lesson to cities in other national jurisdictions.
Risk Assessment, Risk Identification, and Control in The Process Of Steel Smelting Using the Hiradc Method
Authors: Rahardja Untung
Published: October 2023

Workplace accidents include illnesses brought on by working conditions, accidents on the way to and from work,and other incidents. Steel smelting, an operation that involves melting steel to produce an iron rod (billet), which issubsequently molded into different materials needed, is one of the work environments where accidents can happenwith risks ranging from low to severe. Using the HIRADC approach, work safety can undoubtedly be evaluated.Using a scale based on the potential outcome, this method can identify the risks, dangers, and assessments that mayarise throughout the steel-smelting process. The HIRADC approach will be used in this study to identify risks andgauge the likelihood of accidents in the Indonesian steel smelting process. As a result, 36 dangers with varyinglevels of low, medium, and high risk exist. Various additional safety tools must be owned because Indonesia's levelof safety control is still quite poor
Evaluating Organizational Performance Using SmartPLS: A Management Perspective
Authors: Moscato Jason
Published: October 2023

In the face of complex challenges in the global business environment, organizational performance is a major concern. Evaluation of organizational performance plays an important role in modern management. This research integrates the management perspective with a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach using SmartPLS. Through keywords such as leadership, organizational culture, employee motivation, and other variables, this study identifies key factors that affect organizational performance. The results provide an in-depth view of how organizational management can influence and improve their performance. This research has significant practical implications for different types of organizations. This article details the methodology, variables, data analysis, and expected findings, all in the context of combining management and SEM for organizational performance evaluation.
Options for modifying UK alcohol and tobacco tax: A rapid scoping review of the evidence over the period 1997–2018
Authors: Hatchard Jenny , Buykx Penny , Brennan Alan , Gillespie Duncan
Published: October 2023

Background: Increased taxation is recognised worldwide as one of the most effective interventions for decreasing tobacco and harmful alcohol use, with many variations of policy options available. This rapid scoping review was part of a NIHR-funded project (‘SYNTAX’ 16/105/26) and was undertaken during 2018 to inform interviews to be conducted with UK public health stakeholders with expertise in alcohol and tobacco pricing policy. Methods: Objectives: To synthesise evidence and debates on current and potential alcohol and tobacco taxation options for the UK, and report on the underlying objectives, evidence of effects and mediating factors. Eligibility criteria: Peer-reviewed and grey literature; published 1997–2018; English language; UK-focused; include taxation interventions for alcohol, tobacco, or both. Sources of evidence: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google, stakeholder and colleague recommendations. Charting methods: Excel spreadsheet structured using PICO framework, recording source characteristics and content. Results: Ninety-one sources qualified for inclusion: 49 alcohol, 36 tobacco, 6 both. Analysis identified four policy themes: changes to excise duty within existing tax structures, structural reforms, industry measures, and hypothecation of tax revenue for public benefits. For alcohol, policy options focused on raising the price of cheap, high-strength alcohol. For tobacco, policy options focused on raising the price of all tobacco products, especially the cheapest products, which are hand-rolling tobacco. For alcohol and tobacco, there were options such as levies that take money from the industries to help reduce the societal costs of their products. Due to the perceived social and economic importance of alcohol in contrast to tobacco, policy options also discussed supporting pubs and small breweries. Conclusions: This review has identified a set of tax policy options for tobacco and alcohol, their objectives, evidence of effects and related mediating factors. The differences between alcohol and tobacco tax policy options and debates suggest an opportunity for cross-substance policy learning.
Lexicon of Polish and Ukrainian active phraseology
Authors: Tymoshuk Roman , Sosnowski Wojciech , Jaskot Maciej , Ganoshenko Yurii
Published: October 2023

Publication of the Lexicon of Polish and Ukrainian active phraseology gyi is an extremely important phenomenon in modern Slavic studies. Lexicon is the first work in the history of Polish and Ukrainian lexicography, which represents semantic correspondences of Polish and Ukrainian phraseological units. Among other types of word combinations, such language units are distinguished by their complex semantics, highly oriented to the national linguistic picture of the world. The advantage of Lexicon is that to its register included the most common phraseological units in the modern language, as well as phraseological innovations that had not been recorded in Polish and Ukrainian phraseological dictionaries until now.
Implementasi Data Mining dengan Metode Naive Bayes Untuk Memprediksi Penerimaan Siswa Baru di MTS NU Islamiyah Asembagus
Authors: Santoso Firman , Sunardi  , Lukman Hifni Zainul
Published: October 2023

Penerimaan siswa baru adalah langkah awal yang signifikan dalam memasuki dunia pendidikan. Salah satunya di MTs NU Islamiyah, sebuah lembaga pendidikan di Desa Trigonco, Kecamatan Asembagus. Meski mampu menerima siswa baru setiap tahunnya, fluktuasi jumlah siswa yang masuk dan tidak menjadi tantangan bagi lembaga ini. Fenomena ini mempengaruhi perencanaan kebijakan di masa mendatang, termasuk persiapan sarana dan prasarana yang optimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan membangun sistem prediksi penerimaan siswa baru di MTS NU Islamiyah dengan metode Naive Bayes menggunakan Python. Tujuannya ialah meningkatkan akurasi prediksi jumlah siswa baru yang akan masuk setiap tahun. Data siswa yang digunakan sebanyak 623 data training dan 82 data testing digunakan sebagai dasar prediksi. Metode Naive Bayes digunakan untuk mengklasifikasikan data dengan menghitung probabilitas berdasarkan data historis. Hasil prediksi yang diperoleh bahwa prediksi tidak masuk class precision sebesar 0% dan Support 11 model memiliki performa tidak baik dalam memprediksi class tidak masuk. Sedangkan untuk prediksi yang masuk class presicion sebesar 87% dan support 71. model memiliki performa yang baik dalam memprediksi kelas yang masuk.
Design Thinking's Role in Enhancing User Experience on Fashion Campus with Attractive UI/UX Design
Authors: Rasmila Rasmila , Walillah M. Hafizin Syahid
Published: October 2023

Since the Covid pandemic, it has become popular to purchase used clothing. However, there are still obstacles to purchasing used apparel, such as limited selection, quality, and lack of product information. To address this issue, Fashion Campus, a platform for purchasing and selling used clothing with an attractive UI and excellent UX, was developed. UI/UX design is essential for ensuring a positive user experience, and Figma, a web-based vector design application, is being utilized for collaborative efforts. The Design Thinking method is used to increase the efficiency of collaboration and reduce development time. This iterative process permits researchers to gain a deeper understanding of users, to challenge presumptions, and to redefine existing problems in order to identify strategies and solutions. By focusing on the user experience, Design Thinking can lead to the creation of UI/UX Fashion Design by identifying new methods to enhance that experience.
PENGEMBANGAN MOBILE LEARNING BERBASIS GAMIFIKASI PADA SMK 2 TRIPLE J BOGOR
Authors: Sukmadewi Novia , Ani Arnomo Sasa
Published: October 2023

Teknologi di era revolusi industri 4. 0 saat ini berkembang sangat pesat. Hal ini juga mempengaruhi banyak bidang kehidupan, salah satunya bidang pendidikan. Berkembangnya teknologi menuntut guru untuk melakukan inovasi dalam kegiatan belajar mengajar, salah satunya dengan media pembelajaran. Media pembelajaran digunakan dibeberapa sekolah salah satunya di SMK 2 Triple J. SMK 2 Triple J merupakan salah satu sekolah menengah kejuruan yang berlokasikan di Bogor. Pembelajaran yang dilakukan di sekolah masih dilakukan secara manual khususnya di jurusan Teknik Komputer dan Jaringan (TKJ), yakni guru memberikan penjelasan materi melalui PowerPoint. Hal tersebut membuat penyampaian menjadi monoton tanpa adanya interaksi sehingga siswa kurang antusias dan kurang termotivasi dalam melakukan proses pembelajaran. Oleh karena itu penelitian ini akan melakukan pengembangan mobile learning berbasis gamifikasi dengan menggunakan metode prototyping. Hasil penelitian ini adalah sebuah mobile learning berbasis gamifikasi dengan konsep terdapat quiz per sub yang menghasilkan poin untuk siswa, serta terdapat peringkat siswa dari setiap quiz tersebut. Pengujian sistem dilakukan menggunakan blackbox testing serta user acceptance test (UAT) dan hasil UAT mendapatkan nilai sebesar 89.3% dengan kategori sangat layak.
Preclinical evaluation of alternatives to oral immunotherapy for food allergies
Authors: Johnson-Weaver Brandi T.
Published: October 2023

The increasing food allergy incidence has led to significant interest in developing therapies for allergic diseases. Oral allergen-specific immunotherapy (OIT) is a recently FDA-approved therapeutic to treat peanut allergies. OIT utilizes daily allergen dosing to reduce allergic reactions to peanuts. However, there is diminished enthusiasm for daily OIT, potentially due to the strict regimen required to induce desensitization and the risks of severe adverse events. Thus, there remains a need for safe and effective food allergy treatments that are well-received by allergic individuals. Preclinical research studies investigate methods to induce allergen desensitization in animals and support clinical studies that address the limitations of current food allergy OIT. Because allergic reactions are triggered by allergen doses above an individual's activation threshold, immunotherapy regimens that induce allergen desensitization with lower allergen doses or without the requirement of daily administrations may expand the use of food allergy immunotherapy. Administering allergen immunotherapy by alternative routes is a strategy to induce desensitization using lower allergen doses than OIT. Several animal models have evaluated oral, sublingual, epicutaneous, and intranasal immunotherapy routes to treat food allergies. Each immunotherapy route may require different allergen doses, formulations, and treatment schedules to induce desensitization. This article will discuss scientific findings from food allergy immunotherapy animal studies that utilize various immunotherapy routes to induce allergen desensitization to support future clinical studies that enhance the safety and efficacy of allergen immunotherapy to treat food allergies.
Dynamic segmental kinematics of the lumbar spine during diagnostic movements
Authors: McMullin Paul , Emmett Darian , Gibbons Andrew , Clingo Kelly , Higbee Preston , Sykes Andrew , Fullwood David T. , Mitchell Ulrike H. , Bowden Anton E.
Published: October 2023

Background:In vivo measurements of segmental-level kinematics are a promising avenue for better understanding the relationship between pain and its underlying, multi-factorial basis. To date, the bulk of the reported segmental-level motion has been restricted to single plane motions.

Methods: The present work implemented a novel marker set used with an optical motion capture system to non-invasively measure dynamic, 3D in vivo segmental kinematics of the lower spine in a laboratory setting. Lumbar spinal kinematics were measured for 28 subjects during 17 diagnostic movements.

Results: Overall regional range of motion data and lumbar angular velocity measurement were consistent with previously published studies. Key findings from the work included measurement of differences in ascending versus descending segmental velocities during functional movements and observations of motion coupling paradigms in the lumbar spinal segments.

Conclusion: The work contributes to the task of establishing a baseline of segmental lumbar movement patterns in an asymptomatic cohort, which serves as a necessary pre-requisite for identifying pathological and symptomatic deviations from the baseline.
Differences in running biomechanics between young, healthy men and women carrying external loads
Authors: Rubio Jose E. , Tong Junfei , Sundaramurthy Aravind , Subramani Adhitya V. , Kote Vivek Bhaskar , Baggaley Michael , Edwards W. Brent , Reifman Jaques
Published: October 2023

During U.S. Army basic combat training (BCT), women are more prone to lower-extremity musculoskeletal injuries, including stress fracture (SF) of the tibia, with injury rates two to four times higher than those in men. There is evidence to suggest that the different injury rates are, in part, due to sex-specific differences in running biomechanics, including lower-extremity joint kinematics and kinetics, which are not fully understood, particularly when running with external load. To address this knowledge gap, we collected computed tomography images and motion-capture data from 41 young, healthy adults (20 women and 21 men) running on an instrumented treadmill at 3.0 m/s with loads of 0.0 kg, 11.3 kg, or 22.7 kg. Using individualized computational models, we quantified the running biomechanics and estimated tibial SF risk over 10 weeks of BCT, for each load condition. Across all load conditions, compared to men, women had a significantly smaller flexion angle at the trunk (16.9%–24.6%) but larger flexion angles at the ankle (14.0%–14.7%). Under load-carriage conditions, women had a larger flexion angle at the hip (17.7%–23.5%). In addition, women had a significantly smaller hip extension moment (11.8%–20.0%) and ankle plantarflexion moment (10.2%–14.3%), but larger joint reaction forces (JRFs) at the hip (16.1%–22.0%), knee (9.1%–14.2%), and ankle (8.2%–12.9%). Consequently, we found that women had a greater increase in tibial strain and SF risk than men as load increases, indicating higher susceptibility to injuries. When load carriage increased from 0.0 kg to 22.7 kg, SF risk increased by about 250% in women but only 133% in men. These results provide quantitative evidence to support the Army’s new training and testing doctrine, as it shifts to a more personalized approach that shall account for sex and individual differences.
Delivery of adipose-derived growth factors from heparinized adipose acellular matrix accelerates wound healing
Authors: Ru Jiangjiang , Zhang Qian , Zhu Shaowei , Cai Junrong , He Yunfan , Lu Feng
Published: October 2023

Dermal white adipocytes are closely associated with skin homeostasis and wound healing. However, it has not been fully investigated whether adipose-derived products improve wound healing. Here, we obtained adipose acellular matrix (AAM) and adipose-derived growth factors (ADGFs) from human adipose tissue and fabricated an ADGF-loaded AAM via surface modification with heparin. The product, HEP-ADGF-AAM, contained an adipose-derived scaffold and released ADGFs in a controlled fashion. To test its efficacy in promoting wound healing, mice with full thickness wound received three different treatments: HEP-ADGF-AAM, AAM and ADM. Control mice received no further treatments. Among these treatments, HEP-ADGF-AAM best improved wound healing. It induced adipogenesis in situ after in vivo implantation and provided an adipogenic microenvironment for wounds by releasing ADGFs. HEP-ADGF-AAM not only induced adipocyte regeneration, but also enhanced fibroblast migration, promoted vessel formation, accelerated wound closure, and enhanced wound epithelialization. Moreover, there was a close interaction between HEP-ADGF-AAM and the wound bed, and collagen was turned over in HEP-ADGF-AAM. These results show that HEP-ADGF-AAM might substantially improve re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and skin appendage regeneration, and is thus a promising therapeutic biomaterial for skin wound healing.
New insights in application of mesenchymal stem cells therapy in tumor microenvironment: pros and cons
Authors: Afkhami Hamed , Mahmoudvand Golnaz , Fakouri Arshia , Shadab Alireza , Mahjoor Mohamad , Komeili Movahhed Tahereh
Published: October 2023

Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely accepted as a useful tool for cell-based therapy of various diseases including malignancies. The therapeutic effects of MSCs are mainly attributed to their immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive properties. Despite the promising outcomes of MSCs in cancer therapy, a growing body of evidence implies that MSCs also show tumorigenic properties in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which might lead to tumor induction and progression. Owing to the broad-spectrum applications of MSCs, this challenge needs to be tackled so that they can be safely utilized in clinical practice. Herein, we review the diverse activities of MSCs in TME and highlight the potential methods to convert their protumorigenic characteristics into onco-suppressive effects.
Regional water cycle sensitivity to afforestation: synthetic numerical experiments for tropical Africa
Authors: Arnault Joël , Mwanthi Anthony Musili , Portele Tanja , Li Lu , Rummler Thomas , Fersch Benjamin , Hassan Mohammed Abdullahi , Bahaga Titike Kassa , Zhang Zhenyu , Mortey Eric Mensah , Achugbu Ifeany Chukwudi , Moutahir Hassane , Sy Souleymane , Wei Jianhui , Laux Patrick , Sobolowski Stefan , Kunstmann Harald
Published: October 2023

Afforestation as a climate change mitigation option has been the subject of intense debate and study over the last few decades, particularly in the tropics where agricultural activity is expanding. However, the impact of such landcover changes on the surface energy budget, temperature, and precipitation remains unclear as feedbacks between various components are difficult to resolve and interpret. Contributing to this scientific debate, regional climate models of varying complexity can be used to test how regional climate reacts to afforestation. In this study, the focus is on the gauged Nzoia basin (12,700 km2) located in a heavily farmed region of tropical Africa. A reanalysis product is dynamically downscaled with a coupled atmospheric-hydrological model (WRF-Hydro) to finely resolve the land-atmosphere system in the Nzoia region. To overcome the problem of Nzoia river flooding over its banks we enhance WRF-Hydro with an overbank flow routing option, which improves the representation of daily discharge based on the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency and Kling-Gupta efficiency (from −2.69 to 0.30, and −0.36 to 0.63, respectively). Changing grassland and cropland areas to savannas, woody savannas, and evergreen broadleaf forest in three synthetic numerical experiments allows the assessment of potential regional climate impacts of three afforestation strategies. In all three cases, the afforestation-induced decrease in soil evaporation is larger than the afforestation-induced increase in plant transpiration, thus increasing sensible heat flux and triggering a localized negative feedback process leading to more precipitation and more runoff. This effect is more pronounced with the woody savannas experiment, with 7% less evapotranspiration, but 13% more precipitation, 8% more surface runoff, and 12% more underground runoff predicted in the Nzoia basin. This study demonstrates a potentially large impact of afforestation on regional water resources, which should be investigated in more detail for policy making purposes.
Current challenges and potential solutions to the use of digital health technologies in evidence generation: a narrative review
Authors: Mumtaz Hassan , Riaz Muhammad Hamza , Wajid Hanan , Saqib Muhammad , Zeeshan Muhammad Hamayl , Khan Shaheer Ellahi , Chauhan Yesha Rajendrabhai , Sohail Hassan , Vohra Laiba Iman
Published: October 2023

Digital health is a field that aims to improve patient care through the use of technology, such as telemedicine, mobile health, electronic health records, and artificial intelligence. The aim of this review is to examine the challenges and potential solutions for the implementation and evaluation of digital health technologies. Digital tools are used across the world in different settings. In Australia, the Digital Health Translation and Implementation Program (DHTI) emphasizes the importance of involving stakeholders and addressing infrastructure and training issues for healthcare workers. The WHO's Global Task Force on Digital Health for TB aims to address tuberculosis through digital health innovations. Digital tools are also used in mental health care, but their effectiveness must be evaluated during development. Oncology supportive care uses digital tools for cancer patient intervention and surveillance, but evaluating their effectiveness can be challenging. In the COVID and post-COVID era, digital health solutions must be evaluated based on their technological maturity and size of deployment, as well as the quality of data they provide. To safely and effectively use digital healthcare technology, it is essential to prioritize evaluation using complex systems and evidence-based medical frameworks. To address the challenges of digital health implementation, it is important to prioritize ethical research addressing issues of user consent and addressing socioeconomic disparities in access and effectiveness. It is also important to consider the impact of digital health on health outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of service delivery.
Between valleys, plateaus, and mountains: unveiling livestock altitudinal mobility in the Iron Age Iberian Peninsula (3rd c. BC) through a multi-isotope approach
Authors: Messana Chiara , Tornero Carlos , Madgwick Richard , Lamb Angela L. , Evans Jane , Colominas Lídia
Published: October 2023

Seasonal altitudinal mobility has been a key practice among pastoral societies in the north-eastern Iberian Peninsula to cope with the unpredictable Mediterranean climate. The existence of a massive and regulated mobile herding system in this area dates back to the 12th century. Nevertheless, early herd connections between the lowlands and the Pyrenees during the Roman period have been documented. The available information regarding the potential adoption of sheep's mobile pastoralism by Iberian societies prior to the Romans' arrival is limited. This study aims to provide fundamental new insights into livestock altitudinal mobility during this period through a biogeochemical approach. Sequential analysis of carbon and oxygen isotope values is combined with strontium isotope ratios from sheep second and third lower molars from four Catalan sites (Mas Castellar de Pontós, Tossal de Baltarga, Sant Esteve d'Olius, Turó de la Rovira). The results reveal evidence of migrations across different altitudinal and geological areas, unveiling the great adaptability of mobile livestock strategies by Iberian populations. The first evidence of descending herds' mobility from the Pyrenees to the lowlands prior to the Roman conquest is also attested. Finally, the effectiveness of multi-isotope analysis (δ18O, δ13C,87Sr/86Sr) in detecting seasonal livestock movements is demonstrated. Thus, this study provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complexity of sheep livestock management of the north-eastern Iberian societies during the Middle/Late Iron Age. Moreover, the research points to a more integrated and connected Ibero-Pyrenean world with contemporary lowland communities than so far suggested. However, animal mobility was not widely practised and was possibly determined by the environmental conditions, economic needs, and political decisions of each settlement.
Correlations between the expression of molecules in the TGF-β signaling pathway and clinical factors in adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Jin Lu , Cai Kefan , Wu WenTao , Xiao Youchao , Qiao Ning , Liu Fangzheng , Ru Siming , Cao Lei , Zhu Haibo , Bai Jiwei , Liu Chunhui , Li Chuzhong , Zhao Peng , Zhang Yazhuo , Gui Songbai
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinical and pathological factors associated with preoperative hypothalamus invasion and postoperative outcomes of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (ACPs) after the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) resection.

Methods

Ninety-three specimens of ACPs, consisting of 71 primary and 22 recurrent tumors, were investigated for the expression of TGF-β1, SMAD2, SMAD3, and β-catenin by immunohistochemistry staining. The clinical information of relevant patients, including the extent of resection, hypothalamus invasion, endocrinopathy, complications, and prognosis, was reviewed. The relationships between the expression of these immunopathological markers and clinical factors were analyzed.

Results

Endocrinological dysfunctions were more common in recurrent patients and primary patients with hypothalamus invasion in the comparisons. For recurrent patients, the rate of gross total resection (GTR) was significantly lower than for primary patients (63.6% vs. 90.1%, P = 0.007). According to radiological and intraoperative findings, invasive ACPs (IACPs) included 48 (67.6%) cases in primary tumors. The expression of TGF-β1 and β-catenin was significantly higher in recurrent tumors (P = 0.021 and P = 0.018, respectively) and IACPs (P = 0.008 and P = 0.004, respectively). The expression level of TGF-β1 was associated with hypothalamus involvement (Puget grade, P = 0.05; Vile grade, P = 0.002), postoperative endocrinopathy (P = 0.01), and pituitary stalk preservation (P = 0.008) in primary patients. In addition, the extent of resection, treatment history, hypothalamic invasion, and level of TGF-β1 expression had significant influences on tumor recurrence/progression after surgery separately.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated the potential role of TGF-β1 in the regulation of hypothalamus invasion in ACPs and the prediction of prognosis after EEA surgery. The TGF-β signaling pathway may represent a crucial mechanism in the aggressive behavior and progression of ACPs.
In vivo retinal imaging is associated with cognitive decline, blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammation in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Majimbi May , McLenachan Samuel , Nesbit Michael , Chen Fred K. , Lam Virginie , Mamo John , Takechi Ryu
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with chronic inflammation and neurovascular changes that lead to functional impairment and atrophy in neural-derived tissue. A reduction in retinal thickness is an early indicator of diabetic retinopathy (DR), with progressive loss of neuroglia corresponding to DR severity. The brain undergoes similar pathophysiological events as the retina, which contribute to T2D-related cognitive decline.

Methods

This study explored the relationship between retinal thinning and cognitive decline in the LepRdb/dbmodel of T2D. Diabetic db/db and non-diabetic db/+ mice aged 14 and 28 weeks underwent cognitive testing in short and long-term memory domains andin vivoretinal imaging using optical coherence tomography (OCT), followed by plasma metabolic measures andex vivoquantification of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and microvascular leakage.

Results

At 28 weeks, mice exhibited retinal thinning in the ganglion cell complex and inner nuclear layer, concomitant with diabetic insulin resistance, memory deficits, increased expression of inflammation markers and cerebrovascular leakage. Interestingly, alterations in retinal thickness at both experimental timepoints were correlated with cognitive decline and elevated immune response in the brain and retina.

Discussion

These results suggest that changes in retinal thickness quantified within vivoOCT imaging may be an indicator of diabetic cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation.
Determinants of the heart rate variability in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hajdu Máté , Garmpis Konstandia , Vértes Vivien , Vorobcsuk-Varga Noémi , Molnár Gergő Attila , Hejjel László , Wittmann István , Faludi Réka
Published: October 2023

Background

Evaluation of heart rate variability (HRV) detects the early subclinical alterations of the autonomic nervous system. Thus, impaired HRV is the earliest subclinical marker of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Objectives

We aimed to explore the HRV parameters in asymptomatic T1DM patients and compare them with the results obtained in healthy subjects. Potential associations between HRV parameters and the established risk factors for CAN and cardiovascular diseases were also investigated.

Methods

Seventy T1DM patients (38 ± 12 years, 46 females) and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled into the study. For HRV analysis, beat-to-beat heart rate was recorded for 30 min. The less noisy 5-min segment of the recording was analyzed by Bittium Cardiac Navigator HRV analysis software. Time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear indices were calculated.

Results

Regarding ratio of low to high frequency component (LF/HF), no differences were found between the two populations (p = 0.227). All the further, time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear HRV indices were significantly lower in T1DM patients (each p < 0.001). In multiple linear models, disease duration remained the only independent predictor of LF/HF ratio (p = 0.019). HbA1c was found to be significant independent predictor of all further time domain (SDNN, p < 0.001; rMSSD, p < 0.001), frequency domain (VLF, p < 0.001; LF, p = 0.002; HF, p = 0.006; Total Power, p = 0.002), and nonlinear indices (SD1, p = 0.006; SD2, p = 0.007), alone, or in combination with other factors, such as age or body mass index.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic T1DM patients have significantly reduced overall HRV as compared with healthy subjects, indicating subclinical CAN. Quality of the glycemic control is important determinant of HRV among T1DM patients. This relationship is independent of other risk factors for CAN or cardiovascular diseases.
Connections between serum Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO), a gut-derived metabolite, and vascular biomarkers evaluating arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis in children with obesity
Authors: Mihuta Monica Simina , Paul Corina , Borlea Andreea , Roi Cristina Mihaela , Pescari Denisa , Velea-Barta Oana-Alexandra , Mozos Ioana , Stoian Dana
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Childhood obesity leads to early subclinical atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness. Studying biomarkers like trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), linked to cardio-metabolic disorders in adults, is crucial to prevent long-term cardiovascular issues.

Methods

The study involved 70 children aged 4 to 18 (50 obese, 20 normal-weight). Clinical examination included BMI, waist measurements, puberty stage, the presence of acanthosis nigricans, and irregular menstrual cycles. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by measuring the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and the arterial stiffness was evaluated through surrogate markers like the pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and peripheral and central blood pressures. The blood biomarkers included determining the values of TMAO, HOMA-IR, and other usual biomarkers investigating metabolism.

Results

The study detected significantly elevated levels of TMAO in obese children compared to controls. TMAO presented positive correlations to BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio and was also observed as an independent predictor of all three parameters. Significant correlations were observed between TMAO and vascular markers such as CIMT, PWV, and peripheral BP levels. TMAO independently predicts CIMT, PWV, peripheral BP, and central SBP levels, even after adding BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, puberty development and age in the regression model. Obese children with high HOMA-IR presented a greater weight excess and significantly higher vascular markers, but TMAO levels did not differ significantly from the obese with HOMA-IR<cut-offs. TMAO did not correlate to HOMA-IR and insulin levels but presented a negative correlation to fasting glucose levels. An increase in TMAO was shown to be associated with an increase in the probability of the presence of acanthosis nigricans. TMAO levels are not influenced by other blood biomarkers.

Conclusion

Our study provides compelling evidence supporting the link between serum TMAO, obesity, and vascular damage in children. These findings highlight the importance of further research to unravel the underlying mechanisms of this connection.
Borderline personality disorder and thyroid diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Peijin , Qi Shuo , Yuan Jiaojiao , Ding Zhiguo
Published: October 2023

Background

Previous studies have shown that there is a correlation between diseases of the thyroid gland and mental illnesses; however, any causal relationship between them remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the causal relationship between borderline personality disorder and four thyroid diseases.

Methods

The causal relationship was inferred using double-sample Mendelian randomization analysis of appropriate instrumental variables from genome-wide association studies. We calculated the estimated value of the effect using various statistical methods.

Results

Borderline personality disorder was a risk factor for non-toxic single thyroid nodules with each increase in standard deviation increasing the risk of a non-toxic single thyroid nodule by 1.13 times (odds ratio = 1.131; 95% confidence interval, 1.006-1.270; P=0.039). There was no evidence of a correlation between borderline personality disorder and hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis.

Conclusion

This study showed that there is a positive causal correlation between borderline personality disorder and non-toxic single thyroid nodules but not with other thyroid diseases. This means that thyroid status should be monitored in patients with borderline personality disorder. However, the possibility of a causal relationship between other mental illnesses and thyroid diseases requires further research.
Neuropeptide hormone bursicon mediates female reproduction in the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Yu Hao , Yang Bin , Wang Liuhao , Wang Sijia , Wang Kui , Song Qisheng , Zhang Hongwei
Published: October 2023

Bursicon, a neuropeptide hormone comprising two subunits-bursicon (burs) and partner of burs (pburs), belongs to the cystine-knot protein family. Bursicon heterodimers and homodimers bind to the lucine-rich G-protein coupled receptor (LGR) encoded by rickets to regulate multiple physiological processes in arthropods. Notably, these processes encompass the regulation of female reproduction, a recent revelation in Tribolium castaneum. In this study we investigated the role of burs/pburs/rickets in mediating female vitellogenesis and reproduction in a hemipteran insect, the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. Our investigation unveiled a synchronized expression of burs, pburs and rickets, with their transcripts persisting detectable in the days following eclosion. RNAi-mediated knockdown of burs, pburs or rickets significantly suppressed the transcript levels of vitellogenin (Vg) and Vg receptor in the female whiteflies. These effects also impaired ovarian maturation and female fecundity, as evidenced by a reduction in the number of eggs laid per female, a decrease in egg size and a decline in egg hatching rate. Furthermore, knockdown of burs, pburs or rickets led to diminished juvenile hormone (JH) titers and reduced transcript level of Kruppel homolog-1. However, this impact did not extend to genes in the insulin pathway or target of rapamycin pathway, deviating from the results observed in T. castaneum. Taken together, we conclude that burs/pburs/rickets regulates the vitellogenesis and reproduction in the whiteflies by coordinating with the JH signaling pathway.
Enhancing energy efficiency with smart grid technology: a fusion of TCN, BiGRU, and attention mechanism
Authors: Wang Rujun
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Smart Grid (SG) as an intelligent system has become a key element in the efficient operation of the electrical grid. With the continuous increase in global energy demand and escalating environmental concerns, the importance of energy conservation and sustainable energy sources has become increasingly prominent. Especially in energy-intensive sectors such as large-scale buildings, energy supply and management face challenges. These structures require a significant amount of energy supply at specific times, but may encounter energy wastage issues at other times.

Method: Smart Grid technology establishes a network that can transmit both electricity and data. By making full use of this data, intelligent decision-making is achieved, optimizing grid operations. Therefore, the application of Smart Grid technology to energy conservation has attracted attention and become a research focus. This study utilizes the TCN-BiGRU model, leveraging spatiotemporal sequence data and incorporating an attention mechanism to predict future energy consumption.

Results: The research results indicate that the integration of Smart Grid technology, TCN, BiGRU, and the attention mechanism contributes to accurately and stably predicting energy consumption demands. This approach helps optimize energy scheduling, enhance energy utilization efficiency, and realize more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable energy management and utilization strategies.

Discussion: This study provides an innovative solution for applying Smart Grid technology to energy conservation in large-scale buildings. This approach holds the potential to improve the efficiency of energy supply and management, promote sustainable energy utilization, and address the growing global energy demand and environmental issues.