bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the Detrimental Impacts and Coping Mechanisms under Salinity Stress in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: . Sinky , . Sarita , . Sapna , Soni Aarti , Ahlawat Pooja , Sharma Kamal Dutt
Published: June 2023

Global food production is seriously threatened by salinity stress, which is becoming more severe due to human activity. For the majority of people worldwide, mungbean is a significant pulse crop and a rich source of protein and calories and hence is rightly marked as “Poor man’s meat” and “rich man’s vegetables”. Salt stress, on the other hand, negatively affects the productivity of the mungbean since it causes decreased germination, reduced growth and development, interrupted photosynthesis, hormonal imbalance and eventually decreased yields. Consequently, developing mitigation strategies to deal with salt stress requires a greater understanding of how plants respond to salinity stress. The present review highlights the detrimental effects of salt stress and the physiological and biochemical tolerance mechanisms in mungbean.
Literature Review: Pola Asuh, Ketahanan Pangan dan Status Gizi Pada Balita
Authors: Oktaviana Linda , Herdiani Novera
Published: June 2023

Peran pola asuh orang tua yang tidak baik menjadi perhatian khusus dalam waktu dekat ini untuk menunjang status gizi balita. Data dari Riskesdas tahun 2018 status gizi di Indonesia mencapai nilai 17,7%. Hal ini juga bisa disebabkan dengan masalah ketahanan pangan 15,8% dalam kategori rendah. Tujuan penulisan literature review adalah untuk menganalisis pola asuh, ketahanan pangan dan status gizi pada balita. Penelitian ini adalah studi traditional literature review. Sumber data berasal dari database yakni google scholar dan portal garuda tahun 2017-2022. Kata kunci yang digunakan adalah “pola asuh, ketahanan pangan dan status gizi balita”. Jurnal yang digunakan tidak berbayar, artikel terpilih akan direview untuk mengangkat masalah topik penelitian ini. Hasil penelusuran yang didapatkan pada portal garuda 13 artikel dan google scholar 5 artikel, didapatkan 18 artikel yang sesuai dan menjadi bahan analisis penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan sebagian besar pola asuh dalam kategori baik sebesar 76,8%, untuk ketahanan pangan menunjukkan kategori tahan sebanyak 74,3% dan untuk status gizi sebagian besar dalam kategori baik sebesar 86%. Kesimpulan pada literature review ini yakni terdapat keterkaitan antara pola asuh, ketahanan pangan dan status gizi pada balita. Oleh karena itu, diharapkan tenaga kesehatan memberikan edukasi secara berkelanjutan kepada orang tua balita terkait pola asuh dan memantau status gizi balita pada saat melakukan posyandu.
İngiliz Romantik Şiirinin Yapay Zekâ Teknolojisiyle Görselleştirilmesi
Authors: AYDOĞDU ÇELİK Merve , ÇELİK Yarkın
Published: June 2023

Yapay zekâ teknolojisi gerek bireylerin gerek doğadaki diğer canlıların davranışlarını ve onların yararlandıkları araçları taklit edebilmesinden dolayı çağımızda ekonomi, spor, sanat, eğitim gibi birçok mecrada etkin olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu teknoloji temelde bilgisayar bilimleriyle alakalı olmakla birlikte, interdisipliner bir kavram olarak da kabul görmektedir. Aynı doğrultuda, sanatın doğuşundan bugüne değin insanoğlunun yeni olana duyduğu merak ve keşfetme dürtüsü de bireylerin ait oldukları çağda var olan teknolojik araçlarla etkileşime girmelerine yol açmıştır. Nitekim dijital sanatların ortaya çıkmasında bilgi çağının mühim araçlarından olan bilgisayar ile sanatın iş birliği rol oynamıştır. Bu bağlamda, bu çalışma, edebiyat ürünlerinde bulunan doğa betimlemelerinin yapay zekâ uygulaması tarafından nasıl görselleştirildiğini ortaya koymayı hedeflemektedir. Çalışmada, doğa ve insan arasındaki temasa odaklanan 19. yüzyıl İngiliz Romantik döneminde kaleme alınmış şiir türüne mensup belirli örnekler seçilmiştir. Şiirlerdeki doğa betimlemeleri yapay zekâ uygulaması ile görselleştirilmiştir. İlgili şiirlerde tasvir edilen doğanın yapay zekâ ile ne şekilde resmedildiği ele alınmıştır.
Case Report of a Challenging Diagnosis of Nasal Tuberculosis
Authors: Ida Dias Joana , Nóbrega Pinto Ana , Sousa Vieira Francisco , Meireles Luís
Published: June 2023

N/a.
A regulação sanitária nos tratados de investimentos brasileiros
Authors: Esis Villarroel Ivette Susana , Achtschin Leonardo Vieira Arruda
Published: June 2023

A pandemia de Covid-19 tem imposto aos Estados desafios regulatórios em termos de saúde pública, ressoando no direito dos investimentos com o questionamento do tradicional foco na proteção do investidor. A problemática do artigo questiona se o Acordo de Cooperação e Facilitação de Investimentos possui instrumentos normativos garantidores do direito de regular em saúde pública. Para isso, a investigação analisa o trinômio “legitimação-reforço-concretização”. Primeiramente, investiga-se a exceção de saúde pública como legitimação do direito de regular estatal. Depois, investiga-se a responsabilidade social corporativa como reforço desse direito de regular. Por fim, analisa-se o sistema de  governança institucional como mecanismo de garantia concreta do direito de regular estatal. O método utilizado é o qualitativo-teórico, a partir de fontes primárias e secundárias. Conclui-se, ao final, que o modelo brasileiro se reveste de potencialidade para promover uma conciliação entre os interesses do investidor e a necessidade do Estado de regular a saúde pública.
The impact of lymphadenectomy on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma management and prognosis: a comprehensive review
Authors: Gavriilidis Paschalis , Bath Natalie M. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: June 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a rare liver cancer generally associated with poor patient outcomes. Curative intent liver resection has been established as a standard treatment of care of resectable disease. However, the role of lymphadenectomy, including the extent of resection and therapeutic value, continues to be an area of controversy. The objective of this review was to highlight the role of lymph node dissection (LND) relative to therapeutic value and prognosis in the surgical management of iCCA. A comprehensive review was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed. Search terms included “intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma”, “bile duct cancer”, lymphadenectomy”, “lymph node metastasis”, and lymph node staging”. Treatment for iCCA should include an R0 resection with regional lymphadenectomy. The prognostic and therapeutic value of regional lymphadenectomy has been an increased area of research and debate. An increased number of lymph node metastases has correlated with inferior overall survival versus lymph node-negative disease. In addition to surgical resection, regional lymphadenectomy with the removal of at least six lymph nodes in the appropriate nodal basins based on primary tumor location should be standard. The identification of lymph node metastasis provides additional important information to guide providers in determining adjuvant therapy and surveillance strategies.
180° head-to-head flat domain walls in single crystal BiFeO3
Authors: Ge Wanbing , Beanland Richard , Alexe Marin , Ramasse Quentin , Sanchez Ana M.
Published: June 2023

We investigate flux-grown BiFeO3 crystals using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This material has an intriguing ferroelectric structure of domain walls with a period of approximately 100 nm, alternating between flat and sawtooth morphologies. We show that all domain walls are of 180° type and that the flat walls, lying on (112) planes, are reconstructed with an excess of Fe and a deficiency of Bi. This reconstruction is similar to that observed in several previous studies of deposited layers of BiFeO3. The negative charge of the reconstructed layer induces head-to-head polarisation in the surrounding material and a rigid-body shift of one domain relative to the other. These characteristics pin the flat 180° domain walls and determine the domain structure of the material. Sawtooth 180° domain walls provide the necessary reversal of polarisation between flat walls. The high density of immobile domain walls suppresses the ferroelectric properties of the material, highlighting the need for careful control of growth conditions.
Epitopological Sparse Ultra-Deep Learning: A Brain-Network Topological Theory Carves Communities in Sparse and Percolated Hyperbolic ANNs
Authors: Zhang Yingtao , Zhao Jialin , Wu Wenjing , Muscoloni Alessandro , Cannistraci Carlo Vittorio
Published: June 2023

Sparse training (ST) aims to improve deep learning by replacing fully connected artificial neural networks (ANNs) with sparse ones, akin to the structure of brain networks. Therefore, it might benefit to borrow brain-inspired learning paradigms from complex network intelligence theory. Epitopological learning (EL) is a field of network science that studies how to implement learning on networks by changing the shape of their connectivity structure (epitopological plasticity). One way to implement EL is via link prediction: predicting the existence likelihood of nonobserved links in a network. Cannistraci-Hebb (CH) learning theory inspired the CH3-L3 network automata rule for link prediction which is effective for generalpurpose link prediction. Here, starting from CH3-L3 we propose Epitopological Sparse Ultra-deep Learning (ESUL) to apply EL into sparse training. In empirical experiments, we find that ESUL learns ANNs with sparse hyperbolic topology in which emerges a community layer organization that is ultra-deep (meaning that also each layer has an internal depth due to power-law node hierarchy). Furthermore, we discover that ESUL automatically sparse the neurons during training (arriving even to 30% neurons left in hidden layers), this process of node dynamic removal is called percolation. Then we design CH training (CHT), a training methodology that put ESUL at its heart, with the aim to enhance prediction performance. CHT consists of 4 parts: (i) correlated sparse topological initialization (CSTI), to initialize the network with a hierarchical topology; (ii) sparse weighting initialization (SWI), to tailor weights initialization to a sparse topology; (iii) ESUL, to shape the ANN topology during training; (iv) early stop with weight refinement, to tune only weights once the topology reaches stability. We conduct experiments on 6 datasets and 3 network structures (MLPs, VGG16, Transformer) comparing CHT to sparse training SOTA method and fully connected network. By significantly reducing the node size while retaining performance, CHT represents the first example of parsimony sparse training.
Coronary Vascular (DYS)Function and Invasive Physiology Assessment: Insights of Bolus and Continuous Thermodilution Methods
Authors: Maurina Matteo , Benedetti Alice , Stefanini Giulio , Condorelli Gianluigi , Collet Carlos , Zivelonghi Carlo , Smits Pieter C. , Paradies Valeria
Published: June 2023

A considerable number of patients with angina or myocardial ischemia have no significant coronary artery disease on invasive angiography. In recent years, several steps towards a better comprehension of the pathophysiology of these conditions, angina or ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA/INOCA) have been made. Nevertheless, several gaps in knowledge still remain. This review is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of ANOCA and INOCA with a particular focus on pathophysiology, recent diagnostic innovations, gaps in knowledge and treatment modalities.
Breaking New Ground: Exploring the Promising Role of Solid-State Fermentation in Harnessing Natural Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Porras Roberto Carlos Solano , Artola Adriana , Barrena Raquel , Ghoreishi Golafarin , Matos Cindy Ballardo , Sánchez Antoni
Published: June 2023

Agriculture has been experiencing a difficult situation because of limiting factors in its production, Natural biostimulants (NBs) have emerged as a novel alternative. This study reviews NBs produced through Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) from organic waste, focusing on the processes and production methods. The aim is to highlight their potential for improving agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable agriculture. Through a literature review, the effects of NBS on crops were examined, as well as the challenges associated with their production and application. The importance of standardizing production processes, optimizing fermentation conditions, and assessing their effects on different crops is emphasized. Furthermore, future research areas are identified, such as enhancing production efficiency and evaluating the effectiveness of SSF-produced NBS in different agricultural systems. In conclusion, SSF-produced NBS offers a promising alternative for sustainable agriculture, but further research and development are needed to maximize its efficacy and enable large-scale implementation.
Molecular Regulation for Maintenance of Plant Phosphate Homeostasis in Crop Plants as Basis for Precision Genome Engineering
Authors: Abdullah Siti Nor Akmar , Ariffin Norazrin , Md Hatta Muhammad Asyraf , Kemat Nurashikin Binti
Published: June 2023

Plants attained cellular homeostasis of phosphate (Pi) through an integrated response pathway regulated by different families of transcription factors including MYB, WRKY, bHLH and ZFP. The systemic response to Pi limitation showed the critical role played by inositol pyrophosphate (PP-InsPs) as signaling molecule and SPX (SYG1/PHO81/XPR1) domain proteins as sensor of cellular Pi status. Binding of SPX to PP-InsPs regulates the transcriptional activity of the MYB-CC proteins, phosphate starvation response factors (PHR/PHL) as the central regulator of Pi-deficiency response in plants. Vacuolar phosphate transporter, VPT may sense the cellular Pi status by its SPX domain, and vacuolar sequestration is activated under Pi replete condition and the stored Pi is an important resource to be mobilized under Pi deficiency. Proteomic approaches led to new discoveries of proteins associated with Pi-deficient response pathways and post-translational events that may influence plants in achieving Pi homeostasis. This review provides current understanding on the molecular mechanisms at the transcriptional and translational levels for achieving Pi homeostasis in plants highlighting the importance of DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions. The potential strategies for employing the CRISPR technology to modify the gene sequences of key regulatory and response proteins for attaining plant Pi homeostasis are discussed.
Reviewing Regulations and Standards for Second-Life Batteries
Authors: Rufino Júnior Carlos Antônio , Sanseverino Eleonora Riva , Gallo Pierluigi , Koch Daniel , Kotak Yash , Schweiger Hans-Georg , Zanin Hudson
Published: June 2023

The transportation sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, thus imposing sig-nificant environmental hazards. In response, many nations have begun promoting Electric Vehicles (EVs) as an ecologically sustainable substitute for traditional combustion vehicles. Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs), characterized by their high energy density, extended lifespan, and relatively low self-discharge rate, have become the suitable energy storage system for EVs, advancing the field of sustainable transportation.
The decreasing cost of LIB production has primarily driven this progression, realized through a combination of economies of scale, advancements in electrode materials and cell design, and re-finements in manufacturing processes. All these elements collectively contribute to the cost reduc-tion of LIBs. A foreseeable implication of this trend is an expected surge in LIBs that will exhaust their operational lifespan and, consequently, be cast away into the environment. One mitigating strategy for this impending environmental issue involves collecting these spent EV batteries, re-configuring them, and repurposing them for applications with less rigorous weight, performance, and size prerequisites. This approach would not only prolong the utility life of the batteries but also ameliorate their environmental impacts.
Nevertheless, second-life batteries are anticipated to exhibit a higher rate of gas evolution, necessitating comprehensive testing and readjustments to ensure safe operation in secondary ap-plications. The regulatory framework encompassing the second-life battery sector still needs to be defined regarding norms, technical standards, and legislation.
This paper aims to elucidate the primary regulations and technical standards proposed thus far in the second-life battery marketplace. The results underscore the exigency for neutral evaluative entities, such as universities, research centers, and governmental institutions, to perform an unbi-ased assessment of the second-life battery market. This would pave the way for novel technical standards and legislative measures specifically tailored to this emerging sector.
Analysis of Rigid-Flexible Coupling Characteristics of Pneumatic Modular Soft Joints with Variable Stiffness
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Bian Yuhang , AI Chao , Sun Hongmei , Deng Yijie , Chen Zilong , Chen Xiaorui , Zhang Jingtao
Published: June 2023

Aiming at the problem that soft robots are challenging to take into account both flexibility and bearing capacity, Using the software Pneu-Net driver as the deformation mode, magnetorheological fluid material phase transformation to achieve variable stiffness, A pneumatic modular soft joint structure with dynamically adjustable deformation and stiffness in all directions is proposed. In this paper, mathematical models of deformation and variable stiffness are established. The correspondence between gas pressure and deformation and applied current and joint stiffness is obtained. The finite element analysis method was used to simulate the deformation characteristics and variable stiffness characteristics of modular joints based on the Yeoh model. Finally, the theoretical and simulation results are verified by deformation and variable stiffness tests. It is proved that the modular joint has good rigid-flexible coupling characteristics.
Water Resources Management under Climate Change: A Review
Authors: Ciampittiello Marzia , Marchetto Aldo , Boggero Angela
Published: June 2023

Climate change affects water resources through the decrease of rainfall and the increase in temperatures and evapotranspiration. An indirect impact of climate change is also the increase of water uses by human activities. In this review, 320 papers were retrieved, of which 134 spanning five continents impacts and solutions to be used to better understand the effects of climate change on water resources, ecosystems, human health, security and socio-economic aspects were selected. Here, suggestions and proposals by scientists from around the world towards solutions, tips and ideas to deal with climate change and the best solutions for future water management were presented. The main solutions highlighted concern integrated water resources management, political direction, policies, increase in knowledge and new technologies. Furthermore, most of the papers analyzed underline that water resources management needs to incorporate protection and restoration of ecosystems and their services. Nature-based solutions need to be the starting point of new scientific and innovative ways to deal with climate change and towards future climate adaptation. In this complex evolution of the water resource, where is the management of the water resource in Italy going?
A Comparison of Conical and Cylindrical Implants Inserted in an in vitro Post-Extraction Model Using Low-Density Polyurethane Foam Blocks
Authors: Comuzzi Luca , Tumedei Margherita , Di Pietro Natalia , Romasco Tea , Heydari Sheikh Hossein Hamid , Montesani Lorenzo , Inchingolo Francesco , Piattelli Adriano , Covani Ugo
Published: June 2023

Keywords: artificial bone; conical implants; cylindrical implants; dental implants; implant stability quotient; insertion torque; polyurethane; post-extraction sites; removal torque.
Adjacent Segment Disease After Spinal Fusion
Authors: McDonald Christopher L. , Alsoof Daniel , Glueck Jacob , Osorio Camilo , Stone Benjamin , McCluskey Leland , Diebo Bassel G. , Daniels Alan H. , Basques Bryce A.
Published: June 2023

» Adjacent segment disease is characterized by a degenerative process adjacent to a previously fused spine segment, with new onset of clinical symptoms such as radiculopathy, myelopathy, or instability.

» Etiology is related to the natural history of the disease process, increased biomechanical stress at adjacent segments, clinical factors specific to the individual patient, intraoperative factors, and malalignment.

» Treatment is usually nonoperative, but surgical intervention can be indicated. Decompression and fusion remain the mainstay of operative treatment, and isolated decompression should be considered in specific cases.

» Further randomized controlled trials are needed to establish how the treatment should progress, particularly with the development of minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery.
Wake-induced response of vibro-impacting systems
Authors: Chawla Rohit , Rounak Aasifa , Bose Chandan , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the bifurcation behaviour of wake-induced vibro-impacting systems considering
fluid-structure interaction (FSI). The primary structure and the near wake dynamics are
modelled as a harmonic oscillator a Van der Pol oscillator, respectively, and are weakly coupled
to each other. A non-deformable barrier obstructing the motion of the oscillator gives rise
to the impacting dynamics. Instantaneous velocity reversal occurs when the structure impacts
with this barrier. Qualitative changes in the dynamical behaviour of this system are investigated
in the context of discontinuity-induced bifurcations (DIBs) resulting from the interaction
of fluid flow and non-smoothness from the primary structure. Phenomenological behaviour like
co-existence of attractors and period-adding cascades of limit cycles leading to chaos are examined.
Existence of these phenomena are demonstrated via stability analysis using Floquet theory
and associated Lyapunov spectra. A new approach to capture the impact dynamics of the hybrid
system through a transverse discontinuity map is proposed. Orbits obtained using this new algorithm
is demonstrated to accurately predict both stable and chaotic regimes as observed from
the corresponding bifurcation diagrams. The effect of the presence of non-smoothness on the
lock-in phenomenon in systems that involve fluid-structure interaction is studied for the first time.
The Realization of a Digital Atlas of Wetlands using remote sensing and web mapping case of the Oran region
Authors: Faouzi Berrichi , Djemoui Chamakhi , Naima Benshila
Published: June 2023

Wetlands like any other ecosystem have special conditions that differentiate them from other ecosystems. This difference is reflected by the presence of specific plant species related to these biotopes. Among the humid zones of the wilaya of Oran, the great Sebkha, the marshes of the Macta, the Telamine Lake and the saline of Arzew. These sites are known for their fauna and flora biodiversity. This work aims to develop an operational geomatic approach to delineation, evaluation and exploitation of information on the wetlands of the wilaya of Oran. The Digital Atlas made it possible to discover another aspect of this astonishing diversity of wetlands in the Oran region through a new technique for presenting the results exploited under a web mapping. This presentation shows the importance of wetlands in the Oran region that will allow citizens to become acquainted with the richness, beauty and extent of this heritage, will contribute to the awareness raising of the populations and will constitute a valuable instrument of assessment and evaluation available to decision-makers and professionals in nature management and conservation. The results of this study revealed, among other things, that remote sensing research has many scientific achievements of an operational nature. These can potentially be related to managers' need for tools to inventory and delineate wetlands, monitor the evolution and conservation status of wetland habitats. The Digital Atlas made it possible to discover another aspect of this amazing diversity of wetlands of the Oran region through a new technique of presentation of results exploited under a web mapping.
Melt-quenched Carboxylate Metal–Organic Framework Glasses
Authors: Kim Minhyuk , Lee Hwa-Sub , Seo Dong-Hyun , Jeon Eun-chae , Moon Hoi Ri
Published: June 2023

Although carboxylate-based frameworks are commonly used architectures in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), liquid/glass MOFs have thus far mainly been obtained from azole- or weakly coordinating ligand-based frameworks.1,2 This is because strong coordination bonds of carboxylate ligands to metals block the thermal vitrification pathways of carboxylate-based MOFs.3 In this study, we present the first example of carboxylate-based melt-quenched MOF glasses comprising Mg2+ or Mn2+ and an aliphatic carboxylate ligand, adipate. These MOF have a low melting temperature (Tm) of 284 °C, compared to zeolitic-imidazolate framework (ZIF) glasses,4,5 and superior mechanical properties in terms of hardness and elastic modulus.6 The low Tm is due to the flexibility and low symmetry of the aliphatic carboxylate ligand (raising entropy of fusion (ΔSfus))7,8 and the lack of crystal field stabilization energy on metal ions (reducing enthalpy of fusion (ΔHfus)).9 This research will serve as a cornerstone for the integration of numerous carboxylate-based MOF into MOF glasses.
The Tropical Total Electron Content Enhancement
Authors: Valladares Cesar Enrique , Eccles James Vincent
Published: June 2023

Continuous and regional measurements of total electron content (TEC) over the Americas have revealed that the most significant TEC values during the June solstice frequently reside over Central America. These TEC enhancements are observed during the June solstice afternoon hours, last for a few hours, are constrained to regions of eastward magnetic declination, and occur at magnetic latitudes poleward of 20°. During the December solstice, similar TEC enhancements are seen over the southern coast of Brazil and northern Argentina, also poleward of 20°, but in a region where the declination is westward. Using a physics-based model, it is proposed that the TEC enhancements are produced by an equatorward meridional wind but intensified by the zonal component of the wind, blowing at longitudes where the Earth’s magnetic declination differs from zero. Due to their location near + 23° latitude (tropic of Cancer) in the northern hemisphere and near − 23° latitude (tropic of Capricorn) in the southern hemisphere, the TEC enhancements have been named the tropical TEC enhancement.
Cas13b-mediated RNA targeted therapy alleviates genetic dilated cardiomyopathy in mice
Authors: Li Jiacheng , Kuang Xin , Li Yahuan , Lian Hong , NIE YU
Published: June 2023

Background
Recent advances in gene editing technology have opened up new avenues for in vivo gene therapy, which holds great promise as a potential treatment method for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The CRISPR-Cas13 system has been shown to be an effective tool for knocking down RNA expression in mammalian cells.
Results
In this study, we delivered PspCas13b with hTNNT2R141W gRNA into human TNNT2R141W (hTNNT2R141W) transgenic DCM mouse model using adeno-associated virus (AAV), resulting in effective knockdown of hTNNT2R141W transcripts. Cas13b-mediated knockdown significantly increased myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+, improved cardiac function, and reduced myocardial fibrosis in DCM mice.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that targeting genes through Cas13b represents a promising approach for in vivo gene therapy for genetic diseases caused by aberrant gene expression. Our study provides further evidence of Cas13b's application in genetic disease therapy and paves the way for future applications of genetic therapies for cardiomyopathy.
Better Living with Non-memory Led Dementia: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a web-based caregiver educational programme
Authors: Gonzalez Aida Suarez , John Amber , Brotherhood Emilie , Camic Paul ,   Roberta McKee-Jackson1, Melville Mel , Sullivan Mary Pat ,   Rhiannon Tudor-Edwards4, Windle Gill , Crutch Sebastian , Stott Joshua
Published: June 2023

Background:
Non-memory led dementias such as posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) are low prevalent and often affect individuals under the age of 65. Tailored educational and support resources for caregivers of people living with these dementia phenotypes are scarce and unevenly distributed geographically. Web-based educational programmes are emerging as promising alternatives to improve caregiver self-efficacy and well-being. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a co-produced online educational programme for caregivers of people living PCA, PPA and bvFTD: the Better Living with Non-memory Led Dementia programme.
Methods:
A randomised controlled feasibility trial will be conducted on a sample of 30 caregivers of people living with PCA, PPA and bvFTD. Participants will be recruited among members of the support organisation Rare Dementia Support (based at UCL in the UK). The intervention group will be given access to an 8-week co-produced web-based educational programme consisting of 6 modules addressing education about PCA, PPA and bvFTD, support strategies for the person with dementia, and for the caregiver. The control group will receive treatment as usual (TAU). Feasibility will be measured through feasibility of recruitment, clinical measurement tools and acceptability. Clinical measures will be used to assess preliminary efficacy and data on completion rates, missing data and variability used to decide on measures to be included in a full-scale trial.
Allocation ratio will be 2:1 (intervention: control) stratified by diagnosis. Feasibility of recruitment and acceptability will be assessed. Clinical measures will be administered at baseline and eight weeks and three months post-randomisation. The control group will be offered access to the intervention at the completion of data collection. Participants will be unblinded and all measures will be self-reported online.
Discussion: Online delivered educational programmes show potential for improving care competency of caregivers and may contribute to overcoming geographical inequalities in local provision of support services. This pilot study will inform a fully powered international trial to determine the effectiveness of Better Living with Non-memory led Dementia.
Trial registration: This trial has been registered retrospectively on the Clinical Trials registry on 1st September 2022, registration number NCT05525377.
Preclinical Lymph Node Model for Intraoperative Molecular Imaging of Cancer
Authors: Bou-Samra Patrick , Chang Austin , Arambepola Sachinthani , Guo Emily , Azari Feredun , Kennedy Gregory , Segil Alix , Singhal Sunil
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Lymph node(LN) dissection is part of most oncologic resections. Intraoperatively identifying a positive LN(+ LN), that harbors malignant cells, can be challenging. We hypothesized that intraoperative molecular imaging(IMI) using a cancer-targeted fluorescent prober can identify + LNs. This study aimed to develop a preclinical model of a + LN and test it using an activatable cathepsin-based enzymatic probe, VGT-309.
Procedures
In the first model, we used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), representing the lymphocytic composition of the LN, mixed with different concentrations of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549. Then, they were embedded in a Matrigel® matrix. A black dye was added to mimic LN anthracosis. Model two was created using a murine spleen, the largest lymphoid organ, injected with various concentrations of A549. To test these models, we co-cultured A549 cells with VGT-309. Mean fluorescence intensity(MFI) was. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the average MFI of each A549:negative control ratio.
Results
A significant difference in MFI from our PBMC control was noted when A549 cells were 25% of the LN (p = 0.046) in both 3D cell aggregate models-where the LNs native parenchyma is replaced and the one where the tumor grows over the native parenchyma. For the anthracitic equivalents of these models, the first significant MFI compared to the control was when A549 cells were 9% of the LN (p = 0.002) in the former model, and 16.7% of the LN (p = 0.033) in the latter. In our spleen model, we first noted significance in MFI when A549 cells were 16.67% of the cellular composition.(p = 0.02)
Conclusions
A + LN model allows for a granular evaluation of different cellular burdens in + LN that can be assessed using IMI. This first exvivo + LN model can be used in preclinical testing of several existing dyes and in creating more sensitive cameras for IMI-guided LN detection.
High-intensity focused ultrasound for endometrial ablation in adenomyosis: A clinical study
Authors: Wu Siyun , Liu Jun , Liu Xiaoshan , Han Yanhua
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of endometrial ablation with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for symptom relief in women with adenomyosis. Between July 2014 and July 2020, 167 patients with adenomyosis treated at the Zhongshan City People’s Hospital were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to patient aspirations: the control group, including patients who only underwent ablation of adenomyosis lesions (group A) and the treatment group, including patients who underwent removal of adenomyosis lesions and endometrial ablation (group B). The reduced dysmenorrhea scores (visual analog scale) and menstrual volume scores (pictorial blood assessment chart) were measured before and after treatment. Scores were obtained by subtracting postoperative scores from preoperative scores and were compared to determine whether the symptoms had alleviated. Compared with the menstrual volume of group A, group B showed significant improvements. The average relief rates of dysmenorrhea in the two groups also showed significant improvement. However, the scores in group B showed significant improvement compared with those in group A. Therefore,the findings suggest thatendometrial ablation using HIFU may be superior to conventional therapy for adenomyosis at improving the symptoms of increased menstruation.
Subslab ultra low velocity anomaly uncovered by and facilitating the largest deep earthquake
Authors: Chen Weiwen , Wang Weitao , Wei Shengji
Published: June 2023

It is enigmatic that M8+ earthquakes can take place at depth greater than 600 km inside the slab, where the P-T conditions generally do not favor seismic slip rate (~m/s) on faults. Here we provide new insights to the initial rupture and mechanism of the Mw 8.3 Sea of Okhotsk earthquake by analyzing high-frequency teleseismic array data. We determine the relative location and timing of two early subevents and the geometry and velocity perturbation of a nearby structure anomaly. We found a small-scale (~30x60x60 km) ultralow (-18±2%) P-wave velocity anomaly located beneath the Pacific slab around the 660km discontinuity. The highly melted nature of the anomaly provides significant buoyancy, inducing stress in the slab dramatically closer to the critical condition for thermal runaway weakening that allows the rupture to propagate beyond the metastable olivine wedge, forming M8+ events. Extremely large velocity reduction urges for further mineral physics and geodynamic investigations.
Expression of microRNA-133a and microRNA-208b in acute myocardial infarction; A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ibrahim Sally , Osama Dina , Hegazy Ahmed , Hashmi Hafiz , Abou-Aisha Khaled , Gad Mohammed.Z
Published: June 2023

Background: Myocardial microRNAs (Myo-miR) like MiR-1, miR-133 and miR-208 are specific to cardiac muscles development and function. Diagnostic potential of MiR-1, miR-133 and miR-208 in acute episodes of myocardial infarction is unknown.
Methods: Patient of newly onset of acute myocardial infarction with elevated ST-segment admitted to Ain-Shams university hospital Cairo from May 2013 to December 2022 were enrolled. Written consent was obtained. Circulating MiRNAs were measured at 04, 08, 12, 24, 48 hours from onset of angina by RT-PCR and compare with conventional creatin-kinases for diagnostic potential. Results were analyzed by student t-test, ROC curve calculations and ANOVA were performed using GraphPad-Prism-9Version.
Results: 746 patients admitted with STEMI and 10(1.34%) cases were presented with new-onset episodes of STEMI with mean±SD age 54.2±8.49 year. miR-133a peaks at 8 hours, miR-208b peaks at 12 hours from onset of AMI compared to cTnI and CK-MB peak at 12hrs(P<0.001). ROC-curve for miR-133a AUC was 0.583,0.8,1,0.78 and 0.58 at 4,8,12,24 & 48 hours respectively. AUC for miR-208b was 0.87,0.888,0.888,0.627 compared to AUC of cTnI concentrations 0.59,1,1,0.75,0 and (ROC) curve for CK-MB was 0.59,1,1,0.8&0.73 respectively. Positive correlation was present between miR-133a and cTnI (R=0.926-R2= 0.858 P=0.47), miR-208b and cTnI (R=0.8-R2=0.64 P=0.1) , miR-208b and CK-MB was (R=0.888-R2=0.789 P=0.044) and CK-MB-cTnI (R=0.72) respectively.
Conclusion: We showed miR-133a and miR-208b diagnostic specificity superior over conventional blood biomarkers for acute onset of STEMI. (NCT05692752)
Venetoclax with Decitabine or Azacitidine in Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Bouligny Ian Michael , Murray Graeme , Ho Thuy , Doyel Michael , Patel Tilak , Boron Josh , Tran Valerie , Gor Juhi , Hang Yiwei , Alnimer Yanal , Zacholski Kyle , Venn Chad , Wages Nolan A. , Grant Steven , Maher Keri R.
Published: June 2023

Relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with poor outcomes and resistance to therapy. The addition of venetoclax, a BCL-2 antagonist, to lower-intensity therapies results in improved survival in the first-line setting compared to monotherapy with a hypomethylating agent or low-dose cytarabine. Despite this, much remains unknown about the performance of venetoclax with a hypomethylating agent following the first-line setting. Additionally, while the ELN 2022 guidelines appear to improve the prognostication of AML, clarification is needed to determine how the revision applies to lower-intensity strategies. To investigate this, we retrospectively analyzed the performance of venetoclax with decitabine or azacitidine in relapsed or refractory AML under the ELN 2022 guidelines. We demonstrated that the ELN 2022 revision is not optimized for lower-intensity venetoclax-based strategies. To refine the prognostication schema, we showed significantly improved response and survival benefits for patients with mutated NPM1 and IDH. Relatively, patients with mutated NRAS, KRAS, and FLT3-ITD were associated with inferior response and survival. Furthermore, there is an unmet clinical need for tools to improve the selection of lower-intensity therapy candidates with borderline functional status. Using an incremental survival computation method, we discovered that a CCI score threshold of 5 distinguishes patients at an elevated risk of death. Together, these novel findings highlight areas of refinement to improve survival in relapsed or refractory AML.
An Energy-Efficient and Dynamic Clustering Approach for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Abdolrazzagh-Nezhad Majid , Kherad Mehdi
Published: June 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) consist of multiple sensor nodes that are often randomly distributed in the environment and operate independently without human intervention. However, the limited power supply of these nodes presents a significant challenge for WSNs, making the development of energy-saving algorithms critical to increase network lifespan. Node clustering is a commonly used solution to reduce data transfer nodes and achieve data aggregation. Furthermore, the mobility of nodes in the network is often overlooked but can impact energy consumption. This study proposes a Dynamic Dual Head Clustering algorithm for WSNs (DDHCWSN) to reduce energy consumption. Instead of re-clustering in each round, the DDHCWSN updates existing clusters based on energy and position, allowing normal nodes to send data to the closest cluster head node. The algorithm considers two cluster heads, one for data aggregation and the other for sending data to the base station, which can have a better effect on network power consumption. The proposed algorithm was compared with six different algorithms in six different scenarios, and it performed well.
A novel subspace outlier detection method by entropy-based clustering algorithm
Authors: Zuo Zheng , Li Ziqiang , Cheng Pengsen , Zhao Jian
Published: June 2023

Subspace outlier detection has emerged as a practical approach for outlier detection. Classical full space outlier detection methods become ineffective in high dimensional data due to the “curse of dimensionality”. Subspace outlier detection methods have great potential to overcome the problem. However, the challenge becomes how to determine which subspaces to be used for outlier detection among a huge number of all subspaces. In this paper, firstly, we propose an intuitive definition of outliers in subspaces. We study the desirable properties of subspaces for outlier detection and investigate the metrics for those properties.Then, a novel subspace outlier detection algorithm with a statistical foundation is proposed. Our method adopts an entropy-based clustering algorithm to yield interesting subspace for outlier detection.Outliers are then detected by comparing outlierness of its neighbors, and the method only makes use of a small number of most interesting subspaces for outlier detection. We show by experiments that outliers discovered in a very small number of most interesting subspaces achieves remarkable higher accuracy than in the full space, and that the proposed method outperforms competing subspace outlier detection approaches on real world data sets.
Hypothyroidism Among Children and Adolescents With Nephrotic Syndrome in Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda; a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tumwesige Maureen , Rujumba Joseph , Piloya Thereza , Aujo Carol
Published: June 2023

Background
Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is the commonest glomerular disease among children. It is characterized by heavy proteinuria and is a risk factor for hypothyroidism in the affected children. Hypothyroidism is of concern because it affects the physical and intellectual development of children and adolescents. This study sought to establish the prevalence and factors associated with hypothyroidism among children and adolescents with NS.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was used to study 70 children and adolescents aged 1–19 years diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and being followed up in the kidney clinic in Mulago National Referral Hospital. Questionnaires were used to collect patients’ socio-demographics and clinical information. A blood sample was taken for analysis for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), renal function tests and serum albumin. Hypothyroidism included both overt and subclinical forms. Overt hypothyroidism was defined as TSH level > 10 mU/L and FT4 < 10pmol/L, or FT4 < 10pmol/l with normal TSH, or TSH < 0.5mU/l. Sub-clinical hypothyroidism was defined as TSH ranging between 5 and10 mU/L with normal age appropriate FT4 levels. Urine samples were collected and taken for a dipstick examination. The data was analyzed using STATA version 14 and a p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant.
Results
The mean age (standard deviation) of participants was 9 years (3.8). There were more males; 36 of 70 (51.4%). The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 23% (16/70 participants). Of the 16 children with hypothyroidism, 3 (18.7%) had overt hypothyroidism while 13 had subclinical hypothyroidism. Only low serum albumin, aOR 35.80 (confidence interval 5.97-214.69 and a p value of < 0.001) was associated with hypothyroidism.
Conclusion
The prevalence of hypothyroidism among children and adolescent with nephrotic syndrome attending Mulago Hospital paediatric kidney clinic was 23%. Hypolbuminemia was found to be associated with hypothyroidism. Therefore, children and adolescents that have severely low levels of serum albumin should be screened for hypothyroidism and linked to endocrinologists for care.
A Mixed Methods Exploration of Values and Attitudes of Healthcare Students towards Interprofessional Education involving an Inpatient in an Acute Hospital Setting
Authors: McCarthy Nora , Slattery Amy , Daly Jennifer , Hynes Helen
Published: June 2023

Background
Interprofessional education (IPE) occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other. Involving an inpatient in IPE in an acute hospital setting with patient-centred education may encourage movement between individual communities of practice, improving navigation of the broader clinical landscape of practice.
Methods
Four pilot workshops involving inpatients in an acute hospital occurred. Nine students from later years of their programmes were selected for each workshop by purposive sampling, three each from medicine, nursing and physiotherapy. Each workshop involved three subgroups of mixed disciplines with final full group discussion resulting in documentation of an overall picture of the patient, their clinical care to date and future clinical plan. One subgroup interacted directly with the patient. The other groups accessed relevant hospital documentation about the patient and their admission. A concurrent mixed methods research approach was taken. Semi-structured focus groups occurred with each discipline after each workshop, with subsequent analysis using Braun & Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis process. Students completed the validated ‘Interprofessional Socialisation and Valuing Scale’ (ISPV) pre and post intervention. Inferential statistics compared overall scale and subscale scores pre- and post- intervention.
Results
Three major themes were identified: How are we currently relevant to one another? Who are we in our future professional context and in relation to one another? How do we align our activities and collaborate to develop into practice-ready healthcare professionals? These themes mirror landscapes of practice’s modes of identification of engagement, imagination and alignment, highlighting growth in knowledgeability of the students of the clinical landscape of practice. There was a statistically significant increase in overall interprofessional socialisation levels post-intervention, p < 0.001, with a statistically significant increase in all 3 subscales of the ISPV: Value - p < 0.001; Comfort - p < 0.001; and Ability - p < 0.001.
Conclusions
Through mixed methods research, the values and attitudes of healthcare students towards IPE involving an inpatient in an acute hospital setting were explored. A statistically significant increase in interprofessional socialisation and valuing was demonstrated. Furthermore, students grew in knowledgeability of the clinical landscape of practice, with inpatient involvement central to this growth.