bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the underlying aspects of successful COVID-19 prevention and control in Thailand through factor analysis: Lessons we have not yet learned from village health volunteers
Authors: Nawsuwan Kittiporn , Oupra Roshinee , Singweratham Noppcha , Thepaksorn Phayong
Published: October 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a global challenge, leading different nations to adopt diverse strategies for prevention and control. In Thailand, Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) have played a pivotal role in the fight against the virus. As the pandemic unfolded, the critical role of VHVs became apparent, prompting a closer examination of their practices and the underlying factors contributing to their effectiveness.
Objective: This study aimed to uncover the underlying factors and indicators contributing to the successful prevention and control of COVID-19 by VHVs in Thailand.
Methods: The sample group included 10,400 VHVs nationwide. Data were collected from October 2020 to February 2021 using five-point Likert rating scale online questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Exploratory Factor Analysis technique, with Principal Component Analysis and the orthogonal Varimax method.
Results: The study revealed nine effective factors and 52 indicators contributing to the prevention and control of COVID-19 in Thailand. The identified factors are as follows: 1) Personal precautions, 2) Proactive disease control strategy, 3) Awareness of COVID-19 severity, 4) Pride and job motivation, 5) Adequate medical equipment and support, 6) Communication, planning, and monitoring processes, 7) Self-care for health, 8) Data collection, record maintenance, and report submission, and 9) Proper hand washing.
Conclusion: This research emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to community-based health interventions. It highlights the crucial role of VHVs in disseminating information, ensuring preparedness, and fostering a sense of responsibility among community members. This strategic approach will effectively contribute to ongoing efforts to successfully prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 and potential future outbreaks.
Knowledge and attitude towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender healthcare concerns: A cross-sectional survey among undergraduate nursing students in a Philippine state university
Authors: Oducado Ryan Michael F.
Published: October 2023

Background: Recently, there has been an increasing concern regarding matters concerning the LGBT community that should not be overlooked. Even though the Philippines is among the Asian nations with strong public tolerance towards homosexuals, numerous individuals still encounter discrimination. And while studies have been conducted elsewhere, the literature is limited among Filipino nursing students.
Objective: This research assessed the knowledge and attitude towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) healthcare concerns among nursing students in the Philippines.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among nursing students (N = 354) in a public university in the Philippines. The Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes of LGBT Health Concerns was used to gather survey data online in April 2022, and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 software.
Results: While a large majority of nursing students had positive attitudes, many had only low to moderate knowledge about LGBT healthcare concerns, although no significant correlation (p = 0.081) was found between knowledge and attitude. There were significant differences in knowledge based on gender (p = 0.049), religious affiliation (p = 0.023), and academic year level (p <0.001). A significant difference was also identified in attitude based on sexual orientation (p <0.001).
Conclusion: Certain measures should be taken to address the gaps in the curricular content of undergraduate nursing programs directed at the LGBT topic to deliver culturally competent care grounded in evidence-based practices for LGBT individuals.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling in Predictive Testing of Cancer
Authors: SVOBODA M , LOHAJOVA BEHULOVA R , SLAMKA T , SEBEST L , REPISKA V
Published: October 2023

Despite the rapid progress in the field of personalized medicine and the efforts to apply specific treatment strategies to patients based on the presence of pathogenic variants in one, two, or three genes, patient response to the treatment in terms of positive benefit and overall survival remains heterogeneous. However, advances in sequencing and bioinformatics technologies have facilitated the simultaneous examination of somatic variants in tens to thousands of genes in tumor tissue, enabling the determination of personalized management based on the patient's comprehensive genomic profile (CGP). CGP has the potential to enhance clinical decision-making and personalize innovative treatments for individual patients, by providing oncologists with a more comprehensive molecular characterization of tumors. This study aimed to highlight the utility of CGP in routine clinical practice. Here we present three patient cases with various advanced cancer indicated for CGP analysis using a combination of SOPHiA Solid Tumor Solution (STS, 42 genes) for DNA and SOPHiA RNAtarget Oncology Solution (ROS, 45 genes and 17 gene fusions with any random partners) for RNA. We were able to identify actionable genomic alterations in all three cases, thereby presenting valuable information for future management of these patients. This approach has the potential to transform clinical practice and greatly improve patient outcomes in the field of oncology.
Development of Problem-Based Learning (PBL)-Based Digital Books (E-Books): Public Administration at SMK NU Lamongan
Authors: Arum Diyah , Wulandari Siti Sri
Published: October 2023

This paper discusses the e-book development process based on Problem-based Learning in public administration learning material, produces and tests product feasibility, and finds out students’ responses to e-book development. The type of research is RnD (Research and Development) with IDI procedural type method (Instructional, Development, Institute), which consists of three stages, namely define, develop, and evaluation stages. Research data are e-book development and e-book quality acquisition through validation sheets and students’ questionnaire responses. The product validation stage is carried out by design experts, material experts, and linguists by giving a score of 0-100 while the students’ questionnaire responses are interviews. The average of assessment results from validation sheets by design experts is 73,25%, which means valid and feasible. The average score of material experts is 83,12%, which means valid and feasible. The average score from linguists is 92,25%, which means very feasible. Thus, the final score of the three validations is 84,3%. It can be concluded that the use of e-books is valid and feasible. It is reinforced by the results of the students’ questionnaire response questionnaire results indicated an average score of 93.5%, which means that the digital book is valid and feasible to use.
The Effect of Edutainment Learning Methods on Fifth-Grade Students’ Learning Outcomes in Theme 8 of Our Friend Environment
Authors: Siregar Eanassyalili Jasika , Silaban Patri Janson , Gultom Candra Ronitua , Raja Bogor Lumban , Gaol Rumiris Lumban
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the effect of using the Edutainment learning method on students’ learning outcomes on theme 8 of our friend environment in class V at SD Negeri 068006 Simalingkar in the academic year 2022/2023. The research uses quantitative methods. The research population was 245 students from all grades I-VI at SD Negeri 068006 Simalingkar. Sampling uses a purposive sample and the sample used involved 30 fifth-grade students. The research results indicate that students’ learning outcomes using the Edutainment learning method are included in the very good category with an average score of 81.86 with a correlation test result of 0.634, which means rcount (0.634) ≥ rtable (0.361), thus Ha is accepted. Therefore, there is a considerable effect between the use of the Edutainment learning method and students’ learning outcomes in class V at SD Negeri 068006 Simalingkar. It can be seen from the research results of the T-test, where rcount 4.335 ≥ rtable 2.048, Ha is also accepted. It implies that there is a significant positive effect from the use of the Edutainment learning method on students’ learning outcomes in theme 8 of our friend environment in class V at SD Negeri 068006 Simalingkar in the academic year 2022/2023.
Türkiye Merkezli Yapılan Destan Çalışmalarını Türkiye Cumhuriyetinin Kuruluş İdeolojisi, “Ulus-Devlet” Düşüncesi Bağlamında Okuma
Authors: GÜVEN Filiz
Published: October 2023

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti'nin ilk yüzyılındaki millileşme çabaları, Türk toplumunun ulusal kimlik oluşturma ve modern ulus devletin inşasında kritik bir rol oynamıştır. Bu çabalar, Osmanlı İmparatorluğu'nun çöküşünden sonra Türkiye'nin siyasi, sosyal ve kültürel dönüşümünü şekillendiren girişimlerden oluşmaktadır. Dünya siyasetinde büyük ölçüde savaşların ve ekonomik krizlerin etkili olduğu ilk dönem, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devleti’nin ulus devlet olma amacını birçok manada sekteye uğratmıştır. Yine de Türkiye Cumhuriyeti tarihinin ilk dönemleri ulus devlet inşasına yönelik adımların atıldığı önemli bir dönemdir. Özellikle dili, kültürü ve tarihi millileştirme adımları, modern bir ulus devletin temellerini atmıştır. Bu bakımdan Mustafa Kemal Atatürk dönemi, toplumu etnik temelli bağlardan daha ziyade milli bir kimlik etrafında birleşmeye amaçlamıştır. Bu dönemde Türk dilinin, tarihinin ve kültürünün korunması için kurumlar kurulmuş, milli eğitim politikaları geliştirilmiş, halk kültürünün ehemmiyetine dikkat çekilerek toplumsal kolektivizmin oluşturulması amaçlanmıştır.

Bu bağlamda bu çalışmanın sınırlılığını Türkiye Cumhuriyetinin millileşme hamleleri oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmada millileşme süreci ilk olarak tarihsel, kültürel alanlarda ele alınacak daha sonra, Türkiye’de yapılmış destan çalışmaları millileşme ile birlikte değerlendirilecektir. Çalışma, destan anlatı türü hakkında yapılmış akademik çalışmaları kolektivizm ve köken inşası çerçevesinde incelerken Türkiye ve dünyadaki önemli tarihsel süreçleri de odak noktasına alacak ve ulus devletin inşa sürecine dolaylı veya doğrudan etki edebilecek tarihsel, siyasal, ekonomik olay/durumları birlikte değerlendirecektir. Dolayısıyla çalışmada, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devletini içte ve dışta etkileyen tarihsel, siyasal, ekonomik olaylara yer verilmiştir. Bu detayların tamamı değerlendirme ve sonuç bölümünde ulus devlet, millileşme, köken arayışı gibi kavramlar çerçevesinde okunacaktır.
Analysis of the environmental state and the use of land plots occupied with container sites for the collection of MSW in small cities of Siberia (by the example of the city of Tara, Omsk region)
Authors:   Tara branch of the Omsk State Agrarian University named after P. A. Stolypin, Eliseeva N. S. , Bankrutenko A. V. ,   Tara branch of the Omsk State Agrarian University named after P. A. Stolypin
Published: October 2023

The article deals with the issue of using land plots occupied by container sites for the collection of MSW (municipal solid waste) in small towns of Siberia on the example of the city of Tara, Omsk region. An analysis of the organization of activities for the collection, transportation, processing, placement and disposal of waste in small towns of Siberia was carried out and shortcomings in its work were identified. The existing layout of container sites for the collection of MSW in the city of Tara was analyzed and its compliance was established in accordance with the requirements of SanPiN 42-128-4690-88 "General principles for organizing the collection and removal of MSW". Project proposals have been developed for the rational use of land for the placement of container sites for the collection of MSW. The object of the study is the land plots used for the placement of container sites and MSW landfills on the territory of the municipality. The subject of the study is the organizational and economic relations that arise in the process of managing the treatment of MSW in the territory of the municipality in the city of Tara. The purpose of the study is to analyze the existing scheme for the use of land plots for container sites in the city of Tara. The results of the research can be used in the development and implementation of programs for the efficient use of land for the placement of container sites for the collection of MSW, which, in turn, will reduce the damage caused to the environment during improper organization of activities for the collection, transportation, processing, placement and disposal of waste.
Approbation of the land monitoring methodology on the example of the Samarovsky Chugas nature park, Khanty-Mansi autonomous okrug-Yugra
Authors:   Industrial University of Tyumen, Okmyanskaya V. M.
Published: October 2023

The study is aimed at assessing the negative impact on the natural park of regional significance "Samarovskiy Chugas", located in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, based on the methodol-ogy proposed by the author for monitoring the lands of specially protected natural areas of the Tyu-men region. The article attempts to analyze the economic use of the natural park and determine the main factors of influence on the protected area, taking into account regional characteristics. On the example of the Samarovsky Chugas natural park, an algorithm for assessing the negative impact on nature protection areas was tested, and the values of indicators for monitoring the lands of urban specially protected natural areas were calculated. The data obtained and the results of calculations can be used by state authorities at the level of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation, local governments, environmental organizations for subsequent monitoring studies, planning measures for environmental protection.
Relevance of scientific-methodological and informational support development for judicial land management expertise
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Parkhomenko D. V.
Published: October 2023

The article considers the problems of some methodological support of judicial land management ex-pertise, including the study and the complexity of its interpretation as a real estate object and as a territory question; it discusses the lack of the unified methods both for main types of research and unique ones. This gives rise to a decrease in the quality of land management expertise. The issue of the need to create a methodology for the development of author's research methods for unique studies and the develop-ment of methods for typical situations is highlighted. The question is raised about the verification of the study results and the possibility of checking the results both by a wide range of people and by persons with special knowledge. The need to approve verification methods is indicated. The article describes one of the options for solving data verification issues in the area of information support for judicial land management expertise, that is, generalization in the information of the Unified State Register of Real Estate data, information about which is necessary in most expertise.
Analysis of variations in the movement of the north pole to improve accuracy of coordinate-time definitions
Authors:   West-Siberian branch of Federal State Unitary Enterprise ", Tissen V. M. ,   Russian Scientific Research Institute  Physico-technical and Radio Measurements", Shuvalov G. V. ,   West-Siberian branch of Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Russian Scientific Research Institute  Physico-technical and Radio Measurements", Simonova G. V. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies
Published: October 2023

This article considers a method for predicting the coordinates of the north pole, taking into account the influence of trend, quasi-periodic, regular and high-frequency variations. The necessary graphic material is given, illustrating the picture of the listed variations from 2000 to the present. In particular, a regular change in the amplitude of the Chandler period (СP) is shown. So, from 2006 to 2017, the amplitude of the СP gradually decreases from the maximum to zero, and from 2020 to the present, it has been steadily increasing. Based on the analysis of the behavior of trend changes in the pole coordinates, it is shown that at present the movement of the average pole is directed towards the Greenwich meridian, and not towards North America, as it is given in a number of literary sources. The practical implementation of the proposed method resulted in the creation of programs for predicting the coordinates of the pole and Universal Time for periods from one to 90 days. At the same time, the accuracy of forecasts calculated using these programs exceeds the accuracy of similar forecasts posted on the website of the International Earth Rotation Service. The problem of high-precision prediction of the coordinates of the pole and the Universal Time has now acquired particular relevance, especially in the light of the adopted Federal Target Program for the development of GLONASS up to 2030. In the field of improving the accuracy of ephemeris-time support (ETS).
My life in SSUGT and its most significant stages
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Zolotarev I. I.
Published: October 2023

The author, the graduate and well-known specialist of SSUGT, long-term head of its Economics and Management Department, characterized his professional path at the university, to which he devoted more than 50 years of his life and all these years successfully combined his main activity with public work, which especially brightly appeared in the last decade – the leadership of the University Center for History and Culture and the Public Council of Veterans, which have become truly business-like and professionally and socially attractive centers of historical and scientific knowledge, cultural cooperation, mutual assistance and support.
Geodesy and technosphere safety – the main content of my profession
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Muchin P. V.
Published: October 2023

The author, a graduate of the Tomsk Topographic College and NIIGAiK, associate professor, director of the SGUGiT labor safety center, participant in the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, presents the main stages of his activity in the geodetic industry and the university, where he has been successfully working for more than 45 years. The article contains fragments of memories of working at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, solving problems of organizing labor protection at the university and the Novosibirsk region, establishing an educational process in life safety, participating in social work, interacting with like-minded people and friends.
Targeting phosphoinositide signaling in cancer: relevant techniques to study lipids and novel avenues for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Llorente Alicia , Loughran Ryan M. , Emerling Brooke M.
Published: October 2023

Phosphoinositides serve as essential players in numerous biological activities and are critical for overall cellular function. Due to their complex chemical structures, localization, and low abundance, current challenges in the phosphoinositide field include the accurate measurement and identification of specific variants, particularly those with acyl chains. Researchers are intensively developing innovative techniques and approaches to address these challenges and advance our understanding of the impact of phosphoinositide signaling on cellular biology. This article provides an overview of recent advances in the study of phosphoinositides, including mass spectrometry, lipid biosensors, and real-time activity assays using fluorometric sensors. These methodologies have proven instrumental for a comprehensive exploration of the cellular distribution and dynamics of phosphoinositides and have shed light on the growing significance of these lipids in human health and various pathological processes, including cancer. To illustrate the importance of phosphoinositide signaling in disease, this perspective also highlights the role of a family of lipid kinases named phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinases (PI5P4Ks), which have recently emerged as exciting therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. The ongoing exploration of phosphoinositide signaling not only deepens our understanding of cellular biology but also holds promise for novel interventions in cancer therapy.
Adsorption performance and mechanism of Li+ from brines using lithium/aluminum layered double hydroxides-SiO2 bauxite composite adsorbents
Authors: Qian Cheng , Zheng Mianping , Zhang Yongsheng , Xing Enyuan , Gui Baoling
Published: October 2023

A combined method of solid-phase alkali activation and surface precipitation was used to prepare the lithium/aluminum layered double hydroxides-SiO2 loaded bauxite (LDH-Si-BX) and applied to adsorb Li+ in brines. In the study, various characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, BET, Zeta potential, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were applied to characterize and analyze the adsorbents. The adsorption-desorption performance of LDH-Si-BX for Li+ in brines was systematically investigated, including adsorption temperature, adsorption time, Li+ concentration, and regeneration properties. The results indicated that the adsorption kinetics were better fitted by the pseudo-second-order model, whereas the Langmuir model could match the adsorption isotherm data and the maximum Li+ capacity of 1.70 mg/g at 298K. In addition, in the presence of coexisting ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+), LDH-Si-BX showed good selective adsorption of Li+, and the pH studies demonstrated that the adsorbents had better Li+ adsorption capacity in neutral environments. In the adsorption process of real brines, LDH-Si-BX had a relatively stable adsorption capacity, and after 10 cycles of adsorption and regeneration, the adsorption capacity decreased by 16.8%. It could be seen that the LDH-Si-BX adsorbents prepared in this report have the potential for Li+ adsorption in brines.
Disentangling artificial and natural benthic weathering in organic rich Baltic Sea sediments
Authors: Fuhr Michael , Wallmann Klaus , Dale Andrew W. , Diercks Isabel , Kalapurakkal Habeeb Thanveer , Schmidt Mark , Sommer Stefan , Böhnke Stefanie , Perner Mirjam , Geilert Sonja
Published: October 2023

Enhanced mineral dissolution in the benthic environment is currently discussed as a potential technique for ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. This study explores how biogeochemical processes affect the dissolution of alkaline minerals in surface sediments during laboratory incubation experiments. These involved introducing dunite and calcite to organic-rich sediments from the Baltic Sea under controlled conditions in an oxic environment. The sediment cores were incubated with Baltic Sea bottom water. Findings reveal that the addition of calcite increased the benthic alkalinity release from 0.4 μmol cm−2 d−1 (control) to 1.4 μmol cm−2 d−1 (calcite) as well as other weathering products such as calcium. However, these enhanced fluxes returned to lower fluxes after approximately 4 weeks yet still higher than the un-amended controls. Microbial activity appeared to be the primary driver for lowering pore water pH and thus enhanced weathering. In several sediment cores, pH profiles taken at the start of the experiments indicated activity of sulfur oxidizing Beggiatoa spp, which was verified by RNA-profiling of 16S rRNA genes. The pH profiles transitioned to those commonly associated with the activity of cable bacteria as the experiments progressed. The metabolic activity of cable bacteria would explain the significantly lower pH values (~5.6) at sediment depths of 1–3 cm, which would favor substantial calcite dissolution. However, a high abundance of cable bacteria was not reflected in 16S rRNA sequence data. Total alkalinity (TA) fluxes in these cores increased by a factor of ~3, with excess TA/calcium ratios indicating that the enhanced flux originated from calcite dissolution. The dissolution of dunite or the potential formation of secondary minerals could not be identified due to the strong natural flux of silicic acid, likely due to biogenic silica dissolution. Furthermore, no accumulation of potentially harmful metals such as nickel was observed, as highlighted as a potential risk in other studies concerning OAE. Given the complexity of sediment chemistry and changes of the benthic conditions induced by the incubation, it remains challenging to distinguish between natural and enhanced mineral weathering. Further investigation, including the identification of suitable tracers for mineral dissolution, are necessary to assess the feasibility of benthic weathering as a practical approach for OAE and climate change mitigation.
The effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on blood pressure in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Vajdi Mahdi , Noshadi Nooshin , Hassanizadeh Shirin , Bonyadian Atefeh , Seyedhosseini-Ghaheh Hooria , Askari Gholamreza
Published: October 2023

Introduction

There have been various clinical studies on the effect of Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on blood pressure (BP), but the findings from these are contradictory. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis to summarize the relation of ALA supplementation and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and ProQuest up to July 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of ALA on SBP and DBP were included. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) of included trials was estimated using a random-effects model. The dose-dependent effect was also assessed.

Results and discussion

A total of 11 RCTs with the participation of 674 patients were included. The result of the meta-analysis indicated that using ALA supplementation significantly reduced the SBP (WMD = −5.46 mmHg; 95% CI: −9.27, −1.65; p < 0.001) and DBP (WMD = −3.36 mmHg, 95% CI: −4.99, −1.74; p < 0.001). The ALA administrations significantly reduced SBP and DBP at the dosages of <800 mg/day, when administered for ≤12 weeks. The present meta-analysis revealed that ALA supplementation could exert favorable effects on SBP and DBP. Further well-designed studies with larger samples are needed to ascertain the long-term effects of ALA on BP.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=447658, identifier PROSPERO: CRD42023447658.
Students’ propositional logic thinking in higher education from the perspective of disciplines
Authors: Fehér Zoltán , Jaruska Ladislav , Szarka Katarína , Tóthová Tarová Eva
Published: October 2023

Logic and logical thinking are present and play an important role in most of the disciplines at the university level but in different ways. In our research, which has been ongoing for several years, we are investigating the use of propositional logic among university students in different study programmes. Our current study evaluated data from 1,429 respondents involving students from 15 universities. The non-standardised knowledge test was previously pilot-tested and consisted of 15 tasks from selected elements of propositional logic in a different natural science subject-specific context. Significant differences in average results were found in terms of students’ gender, age, type of secondary school leaving exam and parents’ highest education level. Our research mainly aimed to compare students’ test scores by students’ fields of study. On average, mathematics-informatics students had the highest success rate of 67.4%, compared to students in engineering (61.0%), economics (57.9%), education (56.6%), science (56.5%) and humanities (54.7%). The result is significant (F = 13.521, p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, we found that the students performed differently in three selected areas of formal logic (F = 1108, df = 2, p < 0.001), with the lowest performance on statement negation tasks. The difference in means across groups of tasks is significant by the gender of the students and by their secondary education level.
Interpreting growth hormone and IGF-I results using modern assays and reference ranges for the monitoring of treatment effectiveness in acromegaly
Authors: Clemmons David R. , Bidlingmaier Martin
Published: October 2023

Standard treatment for acromegaly focuses on the achievement of target absolute levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I). The appropriateness of these targets when measured using modern assay methods is not well defined. This paper reviews biochemical status assessed using methods available at the time and associated clinical outcomes. GH measurements were shown to provide an indication of changes in tumor size, and failure of GH suppression after glucose stimulation is associated with tumor recurrence. IGF-I levels were more closely associated with changes in symptoms and signs. Reduced GH and IGF-I concentrations were shown to be associated with increased longevity, although the degree of increase has only been analyzed for GH. Lowering of GH and IGF-I has consistently been associated with improved outcomes; however, absolute levels reported in previous studies were based on results from methods and reference ranges that are now obsolete. Applying previously described absolute thresholds as targets (e.g. “normal” IGF-I level) when using current methods is best applied to those with active acromegaly symptoms who could benefit from further lowering of biochemical markers. In asymptomatic individuals with mild IGF-I or GH elevations, targeting biochemical “normalization” would result in the need for combination pharmacotherapy in many patients without proven benefit. Measurement of both GH and IGF-I remains an essential component of diagnosis and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment in acromegaly; however, treatment goals based only on previously identified absolute thresholds are not appropriate without taking into account the assay and reference ranges being employed. Treatment goals should be individualized considering biochemical improvement from an untreated baseline, symptoms of disease, risks, burdens and costs of complex treatment regimens, comorbidities, and quality of life.
A mini review on phytoremediation of fluoride-contaminated waters: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Vaz Lucas Rafael Lommez , Conesa Juan Antonio , Borges Alisson Carraro
Published: October 2023

Traditional techniques for removing fluoride (F−) from water are costly and complex, whereas phytoremediation is a less expensive method that can be adopted as an ecotechnological tool to control not only fluorine, but also other pollutants in urban and agricultural watersheds. Phytoremediation as a strategy for defluoridation is little used and still has a long way to go. Therefore, it is important to get a picture that describes scientific achievements and trends around this topic and support decision-making processes to move forward. Hence, the aim of this study was to collect bibliometric data on the use of phytoremediation to remove F−, from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Data collected considered the scenario of related publications regarding countries and researchers that publish the most, the chronological evolution of the publications, the co-occurrence of terms to point out overall focus and interests of researches and collaboration initiatives around the subject. India has the highest number of publications on F− phytoremediation, which can be explained by the high incidence of fluorosis in that country. The number of publications per year, although still small, has grown over the last 5 years. A cluster map showing the co-occurrence of terms indicated research focused on the effects of F− on plant metabolism, and the correlation of this contaminant when in the presence of heavy metals and with issues of sanitation. Different studies also seek species of accumulator plants, and investigate physical and chemical parameters of the environment that influence the absorption of the F− anion. New approaches to optimize the process and phytoremediation overall are on the rise like the use of phytohormones, growth-promoting bacteria, sorption processes and genetic manipulation.
Numerical investigation of the influence of mineral mesostructure on quasi-static compressive behaviors of granite using a breakable grain-based model
Authors: Pan Cheng , Zhao Guangming , Meng Xiangrui , Dong Chunliang , Gao Pengfei
Published: October 2023

The mesostructure of brittle rocks, such as granite, plays a vital role in determining their mechanical properties and failure mode. Understanding the influence of rock mesostructure on mechanical behavior requires a realistic representation of grain size distribution, grain shape, and average grain size. In this study, we developed a breakable polygonal discrete element model that incorporates mineralogical composition, grain size distributions, and grain shape to simulate the rock mesostructure. Numerical specimens with varying mesostructures were created to represent different grain size, shape, and distribution characteristics. Quasi-static uniaxial compressive loading tests were conducted on these specimens to analyze their peak strength and macroscopic failure modes. The results revealed a strong linear relationship between the quasi-static compressive strength of the rock and mesostructure parameters, including average grain size, grain size coefficient, and grain roundness. Additionally, the simulation results demonstrated that the rock mesostructure significantly influenced the quasi-static compression failure mode. The proposed breakable polygonal discrete element model has the potential to predict the macroscopic behavior of brittle rocks accurately. It provides a reliable method for studying the effect of mesostructure on the quasi-static compressive mechanical behavior of rocks.
CRISPR gene editing to improve crop resistance to parasitic plants
Authors: Jhu Min-Yao , Ellison Evan E. , Sinha Neelima R.
Published: October 2023

Parasitic plants pose a significant threat to global agriculture, causing substantial crop losses and hampering food security. In recent years, CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) gene-editing technology has emerged as a promising tool for developing resistance against various plant pathogens. Its application in combating parasitic plants, however, remains largely unexplored. This review aims to summarise current knowledge and research gaps in utilising CRISPR to develop resistance against parasitic plants. First, we outline recent improvements in CRISPR gene editing tools, and what has been used to combat various plant pathogens. To realise the immense potential of CRISPR, a greater understanding of the genetic basis underlying parasitic plant-host interactions is critical to identify suitable target genes for modification. Therefore, we discuss the intricate interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts, highlighting essential genes and molecular mechanisms involved in defence response and multilayer resistance. These include host resistance responses directly repressing parasitic plant germination or growth and indirectly influencing parasitic plant development via manipulating environmental factors. Finally, we evaluate CRISPR-mediated effectiveness and long-term implications for host resistance and crop improvement, including inducible resistance response and tissue-specific activity. In conclusion, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities CRISPR technology provides to combat parasitic plants and provides insights for future research directions to safeguard global agricultural productivity.
Predicting leukemic transformation in myelodysplastic syndrome using a transcriptomic signature
Authors: Guo Chao , Gao Ya-Yue , Li Zhen-Ling
Published: October 2023

Background: For prediction on leukemic transformation of MDS patients, emerging model based on transcriptomic datasets, exhibited superior predictive power to traditional prognostic systems. While these models were lack of external validation by independent cohorts, and the cell origin (CD34+ sorted cells) limited their feasibility in clinical practice.

Methods: Transformation associated co-expressed gene cluster was derived based on GSE58831 (‘WGCNA’ package, R software). Accordingly, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was implemented to establish a scoring system (i.e., MDS15 score), using training set (GSE58831 originated from CD34+ cells) and testing set (GSE15061 originated from unsorted cells).

Results: A total of 68 gene co-expression modules were derived, and the ‘brown’ module was recognized to be transformation-specific (R2 = 0.23, p = 0.005, enriched in transcription regulating pathways). After 50,000-times LASSO iteration, MDS15 score was established, including the 15-gene expression signature. The predictive power (AUC and Harrison’s C index) of MDS15 model was superior to that of IPSS/WPSS in both training set (AUC/C index 0.749/0.777) and testing set (AUC/C index 0.933/0.86).

Conclusion: By gene co-expression analysis, the crucial gene module was discovered, and a novel prognostic system (MDS15) was established, which was validated not only by another independent cohort, but by a different cell origin.
QUFIND: tool for comparative prediction and mining of G4 quadruplexes overlapping with CpG islands
Authors: Kaur Baljeet , Sharma Priya , Arora Pooja , Sood Vikas
Published: October 2023

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are secondary structures in DNA that have been shown to be involved in gene regulation. They play a vital role in the cellular processes and several pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and viruses have also been shown to possess G4s that help them in their pathogenesis. Additionally, cross-talk among the CpG islands and G4s has been shown to influence biological processes. The virus-encoded G4s are affected by the mutational landscape leading to the formation/deletion of these G4s. Therefore, understanding and predicting these multivariate effects on traditional and non-traditional quadruplexes forms an important area of research, that is, yet to be investigated. We have designed a user-friendly webserver QUFIND (http://soodlab.com/qufinder/) that can predict traditional as well as non-traditional quadruplexes in a given sequence. QUFIND is connected with ENSEMBL and NCBI so that the sequences can be fetched in a real-time manner. The algorithm is designed in such a way that the user is provided with multiple options to customize the base (A, T, G, or C), size of the stem (2–5), loop length (1–30), number of bulges (1–5) as well as the number of mismatches (0–2) enabling the identification of any of the secondary structure as per their interest. QUFIND is designed to predict both CpG islands as well as G4s in a given sequence. Since G4s are very short as compared to the CpG islands, hence, QUFIND can also predict the overlapping G4s within CpG islands. Therefore, the user has the flexibility to identify either overlapping or non-overlapping G4s along with the CpG islands. Additionally, one section of QUFIND is dedicated to comparing the G4s in two viral sequences. The visualization is designed in such a manner that the user is able to see the unique quadruplexes in both the input sequences. The efficiency of QUFIND is calculated on G4s obtained from G4 high throughput sequencing data (n = 1000) or experimentally validated G4s (n = 329). Our results revealed that QUFIND is able to predict G4-quadruplexes obtained from G4-sequencing data with 90.06% prediction accuracy whereas experimentally validated quadruplexes were predicted with 97.26% prediction accuracy.
A novel immune-nutritional score predicts response to neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy after minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Feng Jifeng , Wang Liang , Yang Xun , Chen Qixun , Cheng Xiangdong
Published: October 2023

Background

The role of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) has gradually attracted attention in recent years. To date, sensitive and reliable blood indicators to forecast the therapeutic response are still lacking. This study aimed to conduct a novel predictive score based on a variety of peripheral hematological immune-nutritional indicators to predict the therapeutic response in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) receiving NICT.

Methods

There were 206 ESCC patients receiving NICT retrospectively recruited. With pathological complete response (pCR) as the dependent variable, independent risk variables of various peripheral blood immune-nutritional indexes were screened by logistic regression analyses to establish an integrative score.

Results

By logical regression analyses, lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and body mass index (BMI) were independent risk factors among all immune-nutritional indices. Then, an integrative score named BMI-LMR score (BLS) was established. Compared with BMI or LMR, BLS was related to complications, especially for respiratory complication (P=0.012) and vocal cord paralysis (P=0.021). Among all patients, 61 patients (29.6%) achieved pCR after NICT. BLS was significantly related to pCR [odds ratio (OR)=0.269, P<0.001)]. Patients in high BLS cohort demonstrated higher 3-year overall survival (OS) (89.9% vs. 67.9%, P=0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (81.2% vs. 62.1%, P=0.001). BLS served as an independent factor of DFS [hazard ratio (HR) =2.044, P =0.020) and OS (HR =2.960, P =0.019).

Conclusion

The BLS, based on immune-nutritional indicators of BMI and LMR, employed as a straightforward, accurate, and useful indicator of pCR and prognostic prediction in ESCC patients undergoing NICT.
Tuft cells utilize taste signaling molecules to respond to the pathobiont microbe Ruminococcus gnavus in the proximal colon
Authors: Lei Hao , Yu Defu , Xue Yan-Bo , Li Yi-Hong , Gong Shi-Meng , Peng Yuan-Yuan , Liu Kai-Fang , Buratto Damiano , Yang Yisen , Zhang Sai-Sai , Wu Min , Zhou Ruhong , Huang Liquan
Published: October 2023

Tuft cells are a type of rare epithelial cells that have been recently found to utilize taste signal transduction pathways to detect and respond to various noxious stimuli and pathogens, including allergens, bacteria, protists and parasitic helminths. It is, however, not fully understood how many different types of pathogens they can sense or what exact molecular mechanisms they employ to initiate targeted responses. In this study, we found that an anaerobic pathobiont microbe, Ruminococcus gnavus (R. gnavus), can induce tuft cell proliferation in the proximal colon whereas the microbe’s lysate can stimulate these proximal colonic tuft cells to release interleukin-25 (IL-25). Nullification of the Gng13 and Trpm5 genes that encode the G protein subunit Gγ13 and transient receptor potential ion channel Trpm5, respectively, or application of the Tas2r inhibitor allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), G protein Gβγ subunit inhibitor Gallein or the phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2) inhibitor U73122 reduces R. gnavus-elicited tuft cell proliferation or IL-25 release or both. Furthermore, Gng13 conditional knockout or Trpm5 knockout diminishes the expression of gasdermins C2, C3 and C4, and concomitantly increases the activated forms of caspases 3, 8 and 9 as well as the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells in the proximal colon. Together, our data suggest that taste signal transduction pathways are not only involved in the detection of R. gnavus infection, but also contribute to helping maintain gasdermin expression and prevent apoptotic cell death in the proximal colon, and these findings provide another strategy to combat R. gnavus infection and sheds light on new roles of taste signaling proteins along with gasdermins in protecting the integrity of the proximal colonic epithelium.
Immunomodulatory properties of morphine and the hypothesised role of long-term opioid use in the immunopathogenesis of tuberculosis
Authors: Bataduwaarachchi Vipula R. , Hansanie SMN , Rockwood Neesha , D'Cruz Leon Gerard
Published: October 2023

Epidemiological studies have shown high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence among chronic opioid users. Opioid receptors are found on multiple immune cells and immunomodulatory properties of opioids could be a contributory factor for ensuing immunosuppression and development or reactivation of TB. Toll-like receptors (TLR) mediate an immune response against microbial pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterial antigens and opioids co-stimulate TLRs 2/4/9 in immune cells, with resulting receptor cross-talk via multiple cytosolic secondary messengers, leading to significant immunomodulatory downstream effects. Blockade of specific immune pathways involved in the host defence against TB by morphine may play a critical role in causing tuberculosis among chronic morphine users despite multiple confounding factors such as socioeconomic deprivation, Human immunodeficiency virus co-infection and malnutrition. In this review, we map out immune pathways involved when immune cells are co-stimulated with mycobacterial antigens and morphine to explore a potential immunopathological basis for TB amongst long-term opioid users.
Cytotoxic CD4+ T cells in chronic viral infections and cancer
Authors: Malyshkina Anna , Brüggemann Alicia , Paschen Annette , Dittmer Ulf
Published: October 2023

CD4+ T cells play an important role in immune responses against pathogens and cancer cells. Although their main task is to provide help to other effector immune cells, a growing number of infections and cancer entities have been described in which CD4+ T cells exhibit direct effector functions against infected or transformed cells. The most important cell type in this context are cytotoxic CD4+ T cells (CD4+ CTL). In infectious diseases anti-viral CD4+ CTL are mainly found in chronic viral infections. Here, they often compensate for incomplete or exhausted CD8+ CTL responses. The induction of CD4+ CTL is counter-regulated by Tregs, most likely because they can be dangerous inducers of immunopathology. In viral infections, CD4+ CTL often kill via the Fas/FasL pathway, but they can also facilitate the exocytosis pathway of killing. Thus, they are very important effectors to keep persistent virus in check and guarantee host survival. In contrast to viral infections CD4+ CTL attracted attention as direct anti-tumor effectors in solid cancers only recently. Anti-tumor CD4+ CTL are defined by the expression of cytolytic markers and have been detected within the lymphocyte infiltrates of different human cancers. They kill tumor cells in an antigen-specific MHC class II-restricted manner not only by cytolysis but also by release of IFNγ. Thus, CD4+ CTL are interesting tools for cure approaches in chronic viral infections and cancer, but their potential to induce immunopathology has to be carefully taken into consideration.