bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 31-Year-Old Man with Primary Hyperparathyroidism Due to Parathyroid Adenoma: A Case Report
Authors: Rahman Md Mahfuzer , Faruquey Zeenat , Rabbani Golam , Ban Akter , Azad Mdabulkalam , Kabir Md Jahangir
Published: June 2024

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an endocrine disorder characterized by chronic elevation of serum concentrations of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). The most frequent forms of clinical presentation are symptomatic renal or skeletal disease with moderate or severe hypercalcemia. The biochemical profile of PHPT is characterized by hypercalcemia and high or inappropriately normal PTH concentrations. Parathyroidectomy is the only definitive cure. Medical treatment with the calcimimeticcinacalcet has been shown to normalize calcemia in a high percentage of cases.
Bangladesh J Medicine 2024; Vol. 35, No. 2, Supplementation: 180-181
Biological studies of Brachymeria lasus (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae)
Authors: Narendran T. C. , Joseph K. J.
Published: June 2024

Brachymeria lasus is a polyphagous parasite attacking the pupal stages of a wide range of pests of crops and vegetables. The adult female lays its eggs one a t a time inside the pupae. There are five larval instars. The duration of the development from the egg to adult takes about 10 to 18 days depending upon the weather. Soon after emergence, the female mates. The females live longer than the males. Females predominate on the proportion of sexes. The developmental history, emergence, mating, oviposition, fecundity, nutrition, longevity, sex-ratio and seasonal history of this important species of Brachymeria are described and discussed.
Observations on the feeding habits of oribatid mites from the soils of Kerala (Acarina:Cryptostigmata) – Panphytophages
Authors: Haq M. A. , Prabhoo N. R.
Published: June 2024

Employing suitable staining procedures analyses of gut contents of ten species of Oribatid mites collected from field were made and it was found that they fed decaying parts of higher plants as well as microflora and were therefore assigned to the category of Panphytophages. Eight species were reared in the laboratory and were offererd about 20 different types of food. Some of these latter species showed feeding reactions which did not agree with the conclusions drawn from gut content analyses of individuals collected from the field. This was thought to be partly due to starvation leading to the acceptance of unnatural diets. None of the species was found to accept animal matter dead or alive as food. Generally, nymphal and adult stages of the same species showed similar preference to food though there were exceptions with regard to some food items. No two species reared in the laboratory were found to have exactly the same food preference. The species considered here were thus found to occupy more or less different food niches. The study also indicated that species like Archegozetes longisetosus could play a significant role in the breakdown of leaf litter.
A new species of Chrysopa (Neuroptera:Chrysopidae) from India
Authors: Ghosh S. K.
Published: June 2024

Chrysopa (chrysoperla) punensis sp. nov. (Neuroptera:Chrysopidae) is described from Maharashtra, India.
Anastatoidae brachartonae gahan, a new pupal parasite of Nephantis serinopa Meyrick
Authors: Joy P. J. , Joseph K. J.
Published: June 2024

A pupal parasite Anastatoidae brachartonae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidae) has been recorded for the first time from Nephamis serinopa Meyrick the black-headed caterpillar pest of coconut in Kerala.
Edukasi Pembuatan Keripik Jambu Kristal dengan Vacuum Frying bagi Petani Buah di Rasau Jaya Kubu Raya Kalimantan Barat
Authors: Gusmalawati Dwi , Lestari Oke Anandika , Alfariz Surya Abi
Published: June 2024

Jambu kristal merupakan buah hasil pertanian bagi masyarakat di Desa Rasau Jaya Kubu Raya Kalimantan Barat. Jambu kristal dipasarkan dalam bentuk buah segar yang bernilai jual relatif tinggi dan stabil. Namun, ketika panen buah melimpah, jambu yang tidak segera diolah/dikonsumsi mudah busuk sehingga menyebabkan petani rugi. Pembuatan keripik buah merupakan upaya pengolahan pascapanen yang dapat meningkatkan nilai jual dan mengatasi kerusakan. Tujuan kegiatan ini adalah mengedukasi petani buah di Rasau Jaya melalui pembuatan keripik jambu kristal untuk pengelolaan buah pascapanen dan peningkatan nilai jual untuk mengurangi kerugian. Mitra dalam kegiatan ini adalah petani buah di Rasau Jaya.  Metode kegiatan edukasi ini berupa pelatihan (Penyampaian teori, demonstrasi dan praktik). Peserta edukasi merasa puas mengikuti kegiatan pembuatan keripik jambu kristal (90%) dan mendapatkan tambahan pengetahuan serta keterampilan (95%). Peserta berharap setelah mengikuti kegiatan ini dapat mengolah jambu kristal menjadi keripik buah sehingga dapat meningkatkan pendapatan dan meminimalisir kerugian akibat kerusakan jambu.
Analisis Model Pembelajaran Inkuiri dan Keterkaitannya dengan Literasi Sains Peserta Didik Pada Mata Pelajaran Biologi
Authors: Khairatunnisa Khairatunnisa , Darussyamsu Rahmawati , Ardi Ardi
Published: June 2024

21st century learning requires students to think critically, find solutions to problems, and also aims to improve students' science literacy skills. The learning model applied by teachers is less varied due to several factors that make teachers less innovative in choosing learning models. The choice of learning model affects the implementation of the learning process in students. This research is an experimental research that aims to analyze the Inquiry Learning Model and its Relationship with the Science Literacy of Learners in High School in Biology Subjects. The inquiry learning model is one of the learning models that involves students' critical thinking skills in asking questions, seeking information, conducting systematic and procedural investigations so that students can formulate their own findings with confidence. This inquiry learning model will be collaborated with science literacy, which is whether it has an influence in improving students' science literacy skills. The research method used is a literature study of related articles. The results showed that there was an increase in science literacy
BUDAYA ORANG BASUDARA DALAM PERSFEKTIF AL-QURA’AN
Authors: Soulisa M. Syafin
Published: June 2024

The article with the theme The Basudara Culture in the Perspective of the Al-Qur'an is an attempt to look at the problems of the Basudara culture in the eyes of the Qur'an. This paper is an attempt to see the culture of the Basudara (Maluku) people according to the view of the Qur'an. The discussion in this paper uses a literature review approach with the main source being the Qur'an and its books of interpretation, both classical and contemporary, using the thematic interpretation model (Maudhu'i). As a conclusion in this paper, it is found that the Qur'an has discussed culture which is characterized by all human activities as perfect creatures of Allah. With the various advantages that Allah has given to humans compared to other creatures, with all their potential, to determine a better way of life. The advantage is the creative potential (culture). The culture of the Basudara Gandong, Pela, Masohi and Sasi people. Gandong is a genealogical concept of family life of the Basudara people. In the perspective of the Qur'an, there are several sentences that focus more on family terminology, namely Al-'Alu, Al-Ahl, Asyirah, Rahm, Rukn, Al-Qurba. Al-Alu . Pela is mentioned in the Qur'an by using the phrase Ukhuwah which comes from the word "Akha-yakhuu" which means to be a brother or friend. Masohi in the study of the Koran is called Ta'awun, While Sasi, the Koran uses the terms Nahyu and al-Amar to indicate prohibitions and orders with a certain time limit.
SPIRIT TAUHID DALAM MEMBANGUN GERAKAN KEMANUSIAAN
Authors: Pattimahu M. Asrul
Published: June 2024

The effects of the spirit of monotheism. Tauhid or unfamiliarity memahaesakan God is a conception which contains the teachings of faith and a call that a man can only devote themselves to God as satau only God worthy of worship. The logical consequence of the spirit of monotheism gave birth to the conception that the worship of other than Allah is the forbidden, so the ideology-ideology such as polytheism, animsiem, dynamism which orients servitude to other than Allah is a false servitude orientation. If the wrong man devote themselves not only to God, then humans will fall into disrepute. Born later than the spirit of pure Tawheed it is a principle that would put humans so as not to oppress, not mutually mengsubordinasi, thus giving birth to the spirit of humanism in which humans have the same status.
COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENT
Authors: Pembelajaran Matematika dan
Published: June 2024

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THE STUDY OF ETHNOMATHEMATIC OBJECTS IN THE DIENG TEMPLE WONOSOBO, CENTRAL JAVA
Authors: Mahmudati Rina , Lailiyah Siti
Published: June 2024

The development of science and technology which is based on mathematics must be balanced with human resources who are sensitive to changing times without leaving the national identity achieved through learning in schools. Exploration of Dieng Temple objects as historical artifacts in Wonosobo can produce knowledge about the structure and architecture of Dieng Temple which can be used as a source of contextual learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the ethnomathematics object contained in the Dieng temple. The research method used is qualitative research. Data collection methods are observation and interviews with 1 archaeologist and 2 local cultural observers. The results of this study indicate that there are ethnomathematics objects that can be applied in mathematics learning in historical buildings, one of which is the Dieng Temple. A well-observed indicator is an activity of generalizing the number sequence pattern and the object configuration sequence pattern
COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENT
Authors: Pembelajaran Matematika dan
Published: June 2024

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Detection of estrogenicity by bioassay on the mouse mammary gland in vivo
Authors: Škarda J
Published: June 2024

The wide chemical diversity of estrogenic compounds precludes an accurate prediction of estrogenic activity on the basis of chemical structure or radioimmunological assay and thus requires that the potency of these compounds is defined by bioassay. The mammary duct growth response in intact prepubertal and adult gonadectomized female and male mice of the C3H/Di strain was used to assess the estrogenicity of synthetic compounds or their derivatives. The vehicle for tested compounds should be free of estrogenic and other hormonal effects. Olive oil or sunflower oil exerted estrogenic activities and were thus unsuitable as vehicles for the tested compounds. The absence of estrogenic activity, high solubility of different steroid hormones, and the low incidence of the inflammatory reactions at the injection site were achieved by using a vehicle containing benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, butylhydroxyanisole, butylhydroxytoluene, ethyl oleate and ethanol. The bioassay was primarily designed to examine the effect of tested compounds on mammogenesis. The duration of hormone treatment was chosen to be long enough for induction of duct growth but too short to induce lobuloalveolar differentiation. Females were treated for 10 days, males for 15 days. The proportional volume occupied by mammary epithelial structures was estimated by the modified Chalkley's technique. The mean coefficient of variation of quantitative evaluation of 10 different mammary glands obtained by two operators varied between 3.2 and 17.4 %. The mean coefficient of variation of quintuplicate determinations of each mammary gland by one operator was 10.1 %, and 11.1 % by the other. The correlation coefficient between results of two operators was 0.994. Estrogens are primarily defined by their ability to increase the mitotic activity of female secondary sex organs. However, our results have shown that progesterone alone, if administered in a high dose, stimulates mammary growth in both intact prepubertal and OV-X female mice similarly as the synthetic progestatial steroid norethindrone with inherent estrogenic properties. In contrast, progesterone alone had no effect, in young intact or adult castrated males, but norethindrone did stimulate mammary growth. These results demonstrated that the mammary gland of males is a suitable model for estrogen screening.
The effects of hyperoxia, hypoxia, and ischemia/reperfusion on the activity of cytochrome oxidase from the rat retina
Authors: Šišková A , Wilhelm J
Published: June 2024

Cytochrome oxidase activity from the retina can be enhanced or depressed by free radical-mediated reactions both in positive and negative aspect. The greatest effect was exerted by ischemia/reperfusion, which significantly increased the fluorescent products of lipid peroxidation (358 %, P<0.01) and inhibited the enzyme activity (14 %, P<0.001). After hyperoxia the fluorescent products slightly increased (192 %, P< 0.05) as well as the enzyme activity (133 %, P<0.05). Hypoxia had no effect on any of these parameters. Specific changes in the composition of fluorophores after ischemia/reperfusion were revealed in the fluorescence spectra. The fact that increased lipid peroxidation after hyperoxia and after ischemia/reperfusion does not produce the same effect upon cytochrome oxidase activity might be explained by changes in the kinetic behavior of cytochrome oxidase. In the control enzyme preparation, two binding sites for cytochrome c were observed. One was of the low-affinity (Km=60 mM) and the other of the high-affinity (Km=1.12 mM). After in vitro-initiated lipid peroxidation, the low-affinity binding site was lost and the activity measured under "optimum" conditions at a single cytochrome concentration was higher than in the controls. This implies that oxidative damage to cytochrome oxidase in vivo can be site-specific and its extent should be estimated by performing detailed kinetic analysis as otherwise the results might be misleading.
In Search of Consensus: Examining the Global South Perspectives on Climate Security in UNSC Debates
Authors: MOHAN VARUN
Published: June 2024

By comprehensively analyzing the discourse of UNSC open debates from 2007 to 2023, the study delves into the complexities of arriving at a unified Global South front on climate security. Two key questions are addressed here: to what extent do states acknowledge climate change as a security concern and how willing are states to support the UNSC’s mandate regarding the same. The article is arranged into five sections: first, a literature review on the Global North-South dichotomy; second, a conceptualization of the term ‘Global South’; third, a description of the methodology using Maarten Hajer’s argumentative discourse analysis and a new and broader definition to the idea of the ‘Global South’, fourth, primary findings with regard to the evolving stance of Global South nations, and fifth, a conclusion summarizing the implications for global climate governance.
Smart Electric Three-Wheeled Unit for the Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Kováč Juraj , Malega Peter , Svetlík Jozef
Published: June 2024

This article presents the design of a smart three-wheeled unit for the manufacturing industry with the aim of optimizing and automating internal logistical processes. It presents an innovative solution that combines the advantages of mobility, intelligent transportation technology, and smart devices to ensure the efficient movement of materials and raw materials in manufacturing facilities. The article describes the design, production, and testing of the tricycle in a real manufacturing environment of the production system and the testing of the proposed smart devices. It evaluates the advantages of the electric smart tricycle, including increased efficiency, reduced costs, and more flexible production processes. The results of this study suggest that the intelligent three-wheeled unit represents a promising technological innovation with the potential to increase competitiveness and productivity in manufacturing enterprises.
Investigating User Experience of an Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation Based on a Gesture-Based User Interface
Authors: Laine Teemu H. , Suk Hae Jung
Published: June 2024

The affordability of equipment and availability of development tools have made immersive virtual reality (VR) popular across research fields. Gesture-based user interface has emerged as an alternative method to handheld controllers to interact with the virtual world using hand gestures. Moreover, a common goal for many VR applications is to elicit a sense of presence in users. Previous research has identified many factors that facilitate the evocation of presence in users of immersive VR applications. We investigated the user experience of Four Seasons, an immersive virtual reality simulation where the user interacts with a natural environment and animals with their hands using a gesture-based user interface (UI). We conducted a mixed-method user experience evaluation with 21 Korean adults (14 males, 7 females) who played Four Seasons. The participants filled in a questionnaire and answered interview questions regarding presence and experience with the gesture-based UI. The questionnaire results indicated high ratings for presence and gesture-based UI, with some issues related to the realism of interaction and lack of sensory feedback. By analyzing the interview responses, we identified 23 potential presence factors and proposed a classification for organizing presence factors based on the internal–external and dynamic–static dimensions. Finally, we derived a set of design principles based on the potential presence factors and demonstrated their usefulness for the heuristic evaluation of existing gesture-based immersive VR experiences. The results of this study can be used for designing and evaluating presence-evoking gesture-based VR experiences.
The Recombinant Lactobacillus Strains with the Surface-Displayed Expression of Amuc_1100 Ameliorate Obesity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Adult Mice
Authors: Zhang Xueni , Jiang Lei , Xie Cankun , Mo Yidi , Zhang Zihao , Xu Shengxia , Guo Xiaoping , Xing Ke , Wang Yina , Su Zhijian
Published: June 2024

Excessive dietary fat intake is closely associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal diseases, and certain types of cancer. The administration of multi-strain probiotics has shown a significantly beneficial effect on the mitigation of obesity induced by high-fat diets (HFDs). In this study, Amuc_1100, an outer membrane protein of Akkermansia muciniphila, was fused with green fluorescent protein and LPXTG motif anchor protein and displayed on the surface of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (pLR-GAA) and Lactobacillus plantarum (pLP-GAA), respectively. The localization of the fusion protein on the bacterial cell surface was confirmed via fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting. Both recombinant strains demonstrated the capacity to ameliorate hyperglycemia and decrease body weight gain in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, daily oral supplementation of pLR-GAA or pLP-GAA suppressed the HFD-induced intestinal permeability by regulating the mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins and inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing gut microbiota-derived lipopolysaccharide concentration in serum and mitigating damage to the gut, liver, and adipose tissue. Compared with Lactobacillus rhamnosus treatment, high-dose pLR-GAA restored the expression level of anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 in the intestine. In conclusion, our approach enables the maintenance of intestinal health through the use of recombinant probiotics with surface-displayed functional protein, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for HFD-induced obesity and associated metabolic comorbidities.
nnSegNeXt: A 3D Convolutional Network for Brain Tissue Segmentation Based on Quality Evaluation
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Song Chongchong , Ning Xiaolin , Gao Yang , Wang Defeng
Published: June 2024

Accurate and automated segmentation of brain tissue images can significantly streamline clinical diagnosis and analysis. Manual delineation needs improvement due to its laborious and repetitive nature, while automated techniques encounter challenges stemming from disparities in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition equipment and accurate labeling. Existing software packages, such as FSL and FreeSurfer, do not fully replace ground truth segmentation, highlighting the need for an efficient segmentation tool. To better capture the essence of cerebral tissue, we introduce nnSegNeXt, an innovative segmentation architecture built upon the foundations of quality assessment. This pioneering framework effectively addresses the challenges posed by missing and inaccurate annotations. To enhance the model’s discriminative capacity, we integrate a 3D convolutional attention mechanism instead of conventional convolutional blocks, enabling simultaneous encoding of contextual information through the incorporation of multiscale convolutional features. Our methodology was evaluated on four multi-site T1-weighted MRI datasets from diverse sources, magnetic field strengths, scanning parameters, temporal instances, and neuropsychiatric conditions. Empirical evaluations on the HCP, SALD, and IXI datasets reveal that nnSegNeXt surpasses the esteemed nnUNet, achieving Dice coefficients of 0.992, 0.987, and 0.989, respectively, and demonstrating superior generalizability across four distinct projects with Dice coefficients ranging from 0.967 to 0.983. Additionally, extensive ablation studies have been implemented to corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed model. These findings represent a notable advancement in brain tissue analysis, suggesting that nnSegNeXt holds the promise to significantly refine clinical workflows.
Cropping Flax for Grain and Fiber: A Case-Study from Italy
Authors: Masella Piernicola , Angeloni Giulia , Galasso Incoronata
Published: June 2024

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) can be grown both as an oil crop and as a fiber crop, and this offers new opportunities when included in the framework of a whole-crop biorefinery, a system in which a range of products are made from portions of grain and straw and in which both of these should be satisfactorily produced. In the present experiment, the effect of flax genotypes (7 varieties), cultivation sites (two locations) and seasons (two years) were tested with a standard randomized complete block design, in search of a compromise for the production performance for both grain and straw, with the aim of reintroducing flax back into the northern Italian environment. Overall, grain yield reaches an average value of about 1.4 t ha−1 (dw), while straw yield reaches 2.77 t ha−1 (dw). The former is strictly dependent on the environmental effects of the growing site and season, while the effect of genotype was not significant. The straw yield also depends on the second-order interaction of the factors analyzed, although the performance of three varieties, Festival, Solal and Linoal, was noteworthy and seemed to respond well in both environments. Overall, it was found that flax can be conveniently grown for both grain and straw production.
Comparing Analogy-Based Methods—Bio-Inspiration and Engineering-Domain Inspiration for Domain Selection and Novelty
Authors: Keshwani Sonal , Casakin Hernan
Published: June 2024

This study aims to support designers in developing transformative solutions in the engineering discipline using the Design-by-Analogy ideation method. Design-by-Analogy involves drawing inspiration from the source domain and applying it to the target domain. Based on the conceptual distance between the two domains, analogies are classified as biological—(natural), cross—(distant-engineering), and within—(near-engineering) domain analogies. Real-world scenarios involve designers selecting analogies after seeking them across multiple domains. These selected analogies significantly influence the produced designs. However, the selection criteria of the analogy domain are unexplored in design research. We address this gap by investigating: (a) the influence of analogy domains on their selection frequency; and (b) the relationship between the frequency of selecting analogies from specific domains and the novelty of designs. The experiment involved twenty-six teams of novice product designers, who solved design problems aided by one analogical source from each domain. The results showed that biological analogies were frequently selected. While biological-domain analogies significantly increased the novelty of designs compared to the within-domain ones; no significant difference was found between the biological- and cross-domain analogies, suggesting that middle-domain analogies can be as effective as far-domain ones. The findings can support technological innovation by aiding the development of analogy search databases.
Cholesterol Dietary Intake and Tumor Cell Homeostasis Drive Early Epithelial Tumorigenesis: A Potential Modelization of Early Prostate Tumorigenesis
Authors: Vialat Marine , Baabdaty Elissa , Trousson Amalia , Kocer Ayhan , Lobaccaro Jean-Marc A. , Baron Silvère , Morel Laurent , de Joussineau Cyrille
Published: June 2024

Epidemiological studies point to cholesterol as a possible key factor for both prostate cancer incidence and progression. It could represent a targetable metabolite as the most aggressive tumors also appear to be sensitive to therapies designed to decrease hypercholesterolemia, such as statins. However, it remains unknown whether and how cholesterol, through its dietary uptake and its metabolism, could be important for early tumorigenesis. Oncogene clonal induction in the Drosophila melanogaster accessory gland allows us to reproduce tumorigenesis from initiation to early progression, where tumor cells undergo basal extrusion to form extra-epithelial tumors. Here we show that these tumors accumulate lipids, and especially esterified cholesterol, as in human late carcinogenesis. Interestingly, a high-cholesterol diet has a limited effect on accessory gland tumorigenesis. On the contrary, cell-specific downregulation of cholesterol uptake, intracellular transport, or metabolic response impairs the formation of such tumors. Furthermore, in this context, a high-cholesterol diet suppresses this impairment. Interestingly, expression data from primary prostate cancer tissues indicate an early signature of redirection from cholesterol de novo synthesis to uptake. Taken together, these results reveal that during early tumorigenesis, tumor cells strongly increase their uptake and use of dietary cholesterol to specifically promote the step of basal extrusion. Hence, these results suggest the mechanism by which a reduction in dietary cholesterol could lower the risk and slow down the progression of prostate cancer.
Navigating Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Management through Fukuoka Consensus vs. European Evidence-Based Guidelines on Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms—A Study on Two European Centers
Authors: Djordjevic Vladimir , Knezevic Djordje , Trotovsek Blaz , Tomazic Ales , Petric Miha , Hadzialjevic Benjamin , Grubor Nikica , Djokic Mihajlo
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the critical need for the accurate diagnosis and management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), which are pancreatic cystic neoplasm types holding a substantial potential for malignancy. It evaluates the diagnostic effectiveness of the Fukuoka consensus guidelines and the European evidence-based guidelines in detecting high-grade dysplasia/invasive carcinoma in IPMNs, utilizing a retrospective analysis of 113 patients from two European medical centers. The methods include a comparative analysis of clinical, radiological, and endoscopic ultrasonography data, alongside an assessment of guideline-driven diagnostic performance. The results demonstrate that both guidelines offer similar accuracy in identifying severe disease stages in IPMNs, with certain clinical markers—such as jaundice, solid mass presence, and an increase in CA 19-9 levels—being pivotal in predicting the need for surgical intervention. This study concludes that while both guidelines provide valuable frameworks for IPMN management, there is an inherent need for further research to refine these protocols and improve patient-specific treatment strategies. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on optimizing diagnostic and treatment paradigms for pancreatic cystic neoplasms, aiming to enhance clinical outcomes and patient care in this challenging medical field.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Temporomandibular Joint Repair: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies
Authors: Jiang Yuanyuan , Shi Jiajun , Di Wenjun , Teo Kristeen Ye Wen , Toh Wei Seong
Published: June 2024

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a heterogeneous group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and associated structures. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapy for TMJ repair. This systematic review aims to consolidate findings from the preclinical animal studies evaluating MSC-based therapies, including MSCs, their secretome, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), for the treatment of TMJ cartilage/osteochondral defects and osteoarthritis (OA). Following the PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies. A total of 23 studies involving 125 mice, 149 rats, 470 rabbits, and 74 goats were identified. Compliance with the ARRIVE guidelines was evaluated for quality assessment, while the SYRCLE risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias for the studies. Generally, MSC-based therapies demonstrated efficacy in TMJ repair across animal models of TMJ defects and OA. In most studies, animals treated with MSCs, their derived secretome, or EVs displayed improved morphological, histological, molecular, and behavioral pain outcomes, coupled with positive effects on cellular proliferation, migration, and matrix synthesis, as well as immunomodulation. However, unclear risk in bias and incomplete reporting highlight the need for standardized outcome measurements and reporting in future investigations.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: A Crucial Factor in Post-Surgical Abdominal Adhesion Formation
Authors: Lu Yuqing , Elrod Julia , Herrmann Martin , Knopf Jasmin , Boettcher Michael
Published: June 2024

Post-surgical abdominal adhesions, although poorly understood, are highly prevalent. The molecular processes underlying their formation remain elusive. This review aims to assess the relationship between neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and the generation of postoperative peritoneal adhesions and to discuss methods for mitigating peritoneal adhesions. A keyword or medical subject heading (MeSH) search for all original articles and reviews was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar. It included studies assessing peritoneal adhesion reformation after abdominal surgery from 2003 to 2023. After assessing for eligibility, the selected articles were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research. The search yielded 127 full-text articles for assessment of eligibility, of which 7 studies met our criteria and were subjected to a detailed quality review using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. The selected studies offer a comprehensive analysis of adhesion pathogenesis with a special focus on the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the development of peritoneal adhesions. Current interventional strategies are examined, including the use of mechanical barriers, advances in regenerative medicine, and targeted molecular therapies. In particular, this review emphasizes the potential of NET-targeted interventions as promising strategies to mitigate postoperative adhesion development. Evidence suggests that in addition to their role in innate defense against infections and autoimmune diseases, NETs also play a crucial role in the formation of peritoneal adhesions after surgery. Therefore, therapeutic strategies that target NETs are emerging as significant considerations for researchers. Continued research is vital to fully elucidate the relationship between NETs and post-surgical adhesion formation to develop effective treatments.
Synthesis of Bismuth Film Assembly on Flexible Carbon Cloth for the Electrochemical Detection of Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Cao Yujie , Zhou Xiangyu , Wang Ziling , Li Yi , Yan Minglei , Zeng Yun , Xiao Jie , Zhao Yang , Fu Jun-Heng
Published: June 2024

The utilization of bismuth as a sensing material for the detection of heavy metal ions has gained significant attention due to its exceptional interfacial activity and selective absorption properties. However, it also poses challenges in terms of agglomeration and its inferior electrical conductivity during the synthesis process. This paper employed a facile in situ synthesis and electrodeposition approach to uniformly grow a bismuth film on a conductive carbon cloth, designated as Bi/Ag@CC. The Bi/Ag@CC electrode material exhibited benign electrochemical properties, enabling its application for detecting Pb2+ in tap water and lake water samples. Furthermore, this work investigated the impact of electrochemical parameters, including electrolyte pH, deposition potential and pre-enrichment time, on the detection performance. The results demonstrated the sensor’s wide linear range (from 20 to 400 ppb) and detection limits (0.15 ppb) for heavy metal ion detection, along with excellent anti-interference capabilities and satisfactory repeatability, with an RSD of less than 2.31% (n = 6). This paper offers a novel strategy for positioning the bismuth-based composite as a promising candidate for practical electrochemical sensing applications.
Nurturing Sustainable Development: The Interplay of Parenting Styles and SDGs in Children’s Development
Authors: Tripon Cristina
Published: June 2024

This study delves into the dynamics of parenting styles and their impact on the cognitive and social–affective development of children within diverse family populations, contextualized within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing from a sample population comprising families from various socio-economic backgrounds and cultural contexts, the research explores the nuanced interactions between parenting approaches—ranging from authoritarian/permissive to democratic—and children’s developmental trajectories. By examining families with different numbers of children, this study elucidates the differential effects of parenting styles on cognitive adaptability and social–emotional skills across varying family structures. Democratic parenting emerges as a critical factor in promoting children’s well-being, equitable access to education, and the fostering of peaceful societies, aligning with SDGs 3, 4, and 16. Furthermore, the research addresses disparities in child development outcomes, shedding light on issues of gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10) within the context of family dynamics. Through a comprehensive analysis of diverse family populations, this study underscores the significance of inclusive and nurturing parenting practices in advancing sustainable development objectives, advocating for collaborative efforts (SDG 17) to support families in fostering optimal child development outcomes for all.
Analysis of Maternal and Congenital Syphilis Rates at a New Jersey University Hospital
Authors: Heiman Paige , Bhandari Vineet , Davenport Sarah , Hunter Krystal , Micallef Melissa , Kushnir Alla
Published: June 2024

Syphilis and congenital syphilis (CS) cases have been rising in the U.S. and internationally since the 2000s. Social factors have been shown to increase the risk of CS transmission. The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to increased syphilis transmission. We aimed to quantify the rise in congenital syphilis (CS) rates at a large urban hospital and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CS rates. We completed a retrospective chart review of 61 pregnant women with a positive test or previous diagnosis of syphilis at an urban academic hospital between 1 January 2016 and 1 June 2022. Maternal syphilis and CS rates increased over the 5 years (p < 0.001), particularly pre- and post-COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Of the mothers studied, 34.6% received adequate prenatal care, 62.7% received adequate screening, and 81.3% received adequate treatment. Stillbirth was noted in 6.6% of pregnancies. Of liveborn infants, 97.6% received appropriate treatment, and 45.1% received adequate follow-up. CS development was significantly associated with homelessness (p = 0.028) and past opioid use (p = 0.031). We concluded that maternal syphilis and CS rates have increased at our hospital, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to prenatal care and timely maternal treatment are target areas for improvement.
Radiochemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Domagała-Haduch Małgorzata , Gorzelak-Magiera Anita , Michalecki Łukasz , Gisterek-Grocholska Iwona
Published: June 2024

Despite the advancements made in oncology in recent years, the treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a challenge. Five-year survival rates for this cancer do not exceed 10%. Among the reasons contributing to poor treatment outcomes are the oligosymptomatic course of the tumor, diagnostic difficulties due to the anatomical location of the organ, and the unique biological features of pancreatic cancer. The mainstay of treatment for resectable cancer is surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. For unresectable and metastatic cancers, chemotherapy remains the primary method of treatment. At the same time, for about thirty years, there have been attempts to improve treatment outcomes by using radiotherapy combined with systemic treatment. Unlike chemotherapy, radiotherapy has no established place in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This paper addresses the topic of radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer as a valuable method that can improve treatment outcomes alongside chemotherapy.
In Vivo and In Vitro Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Acute and Chronic Intracranial Electrodes
Authors: O’Sullivan Kyle , Philip Brian , Baker Jonathan , Rolston John , Orazem Mark , Otto Kevin , Butson Christopher
Published: June 2024

Invasive intracranial electrodes are used in both clinical and research applications for recording and stimulation of brain tissue, providing essential data in acute and chronic contexts. The impedance characteristics of the electrode–tissue interface (ETI) evolve over time and can change dramatically relative to pre-implantation baseline. Understanding how ETI properties contribute to the recording and stimulation characteristics of an electrode can provide valuable insights for users who often do not have access to complex impedance characterizations of their devices. In contrast to the typical method of characterizing electrical impedance at a single frequency, we demonstrate a method for using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to investigate complex characteristics of the ETI of several commonly used acute and chronic electrodes. We also describe precise modeling strategies for verifying the accuracy of our instrumentation and understanding device–solution interactions, both in vivo and in vitro. Included with this publication is a dataset containing both in vitro and in vivo device characterizations, as well as some examples of modeling and error structure analysis results. These data can be used for more detailed interpretation of neural recordings performed on common electrode types, providing a more complete picture of their properties than is often available to users.
Differences in Farmers’ Market Patronage among Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Authors: Blumberg Renata , Fowler Emily , Guerrero Gabrielle , Bai Yeon , Mahadevan Meena , Lal Pankaj
Published: June 2024

In the United States, there is a high prevalence of diet-related diseases in low-income communities that lack access to fresh produce. Greater access to local farmers’ markets may affect individual and household intake of fruits and vegetables. However, barriers to farmers’ market access remain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences between participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) who regularly shop at farmers’ markets and those who do not. We found that regular farmers’ market shoppers tended to consume on average more fruits and vegetables than WIC participants who did not regularly shop at farmers’ markets. Differences in the importance of various store or market characteristics, barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption, and fruit and vegetable procurement methods were also found.
Algorithm Literacy as a Subset of Media and Information Literacy: Competences and Design Considerations
Authors: Frau-Meigs Divina
Published: June 2024

Algorithms, indispensable to understand Artificial Intelligence (AI), are omnipresent in social media, but users’ understanding of these computational processes and the way they impact their consumption of information is often limited. There is a need for Media and Information Literacy (MIL) research investigating (a) how MIL can support algorithm literacy (AL) as a subset of competences and with what working definition, (b) what competences users need in order to evaluate algorithms critically and interact with them effectively, and (c) how to design learner-centred interventions that foster increased user understanding of algorithms and better response to disinformation spread by such processes. Based on Crossover project research, this paper looks at four scenarios used by journalists, developers and MIL experts that mirror users’ daily interactions with social media. The results suggest several steps towards integrating AL within MIL goals, while providing a concrete definition of algorithm literacy that is experience-based. The competences and design considerations are organised in a conceptual framework thematically derived from the experimentation. This contribution can support AI developers and MIL educators in their co-design of algorithm-literacy interventions and guide future research on AL as part of a set of nested AI literacies within MIL.
A Cross-Era Discourse on ChatGPT’s Influence in Higher Education through the Lens of John Dewey and Benjamin Bloom
Authors: Mandai Koki , Tan Mark Jun Hao , Padhi Suman , Pang Kuin Tian
Published: June 2024

Since its release in November 2022, ChatGPT and the related AI technology have disrupted multiple fields of society where people anticipate its pathways with a mixture of hope and fear. Among the affected fields, education, in particular, may incur one of the largest impacts in the future partly due to its nature of learning and teaching knowledge, an element that is more or less questioned by the rise of these technologies. As education can be seen as a component that determines the future of every other field of society, tools such as ChatGPT must be optimally regulated to enhance its gain or mitigate its loss. To contribute to this goal, this paper approaches the state of ChatGPT and its expected impacts on higher education through the lens of two major educational theories—John Dewey’s Reflective-Thought-and-Action model and revised Bloom’s taxonomy—aiming to propose possible evaluative criteria for the optimal usage of ChatGPT in academia. As ChatGPT is a relatively new topic of research yet a topic that requires an immediate focus due to its capabilities, this paper also aims to provide these criteria as one of the concrete starting points of future research in this field.
Evaluating Frequency Stability with a Generic Model for IBR Penetration and the Implementation of Grid-Forming Control Strategies
Authors: Prastiantono Adji , Ramadhan Umar Fitra , Kim Donghwi , Hur Don , Yoon Minhan
Published: June 2024

In recent years, there has been a significant uptick in the integration of Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) into the power grid, driven by the global shift toward renewable energy sources. The Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) has developed standardized models for these inverters to facilitate their representation in system studies, playing a crucial role in evaluating IBRs, especially those modeled as grid-following inverters (GFLs). However, with the increasing prevalence of IBRs, the adjustment of grid interaction between grid-forming inverters (GFMs) and GFLs should be considered in terms of frequency stability assessment. This study investigates the optimization of synchronous generators and IBR operations in more detail. The IBR operation is evaluated with considerations for ratio and penetration. The findings suggest that with over 50% IBR penetration, GFL capacity should be reduced, and GFM capacity should be over 35% of IBR to maintain grid frequency stability. Moreover, this study also explains advanced prediction of frequency nadir, particularly the optimal ratio of WECC generic and GFM through the least squares method. Furthermore, the small-signal dynamic characteristics of WECC are studied at various gain values to investigate frequency droop control.
Voltage and Current Unbalance Reduction in Power Networks with Distributed Generation and Electric Vehicles
Authors: Dobrzynski Krzysztof , Czapp Stanislaw
Published: June 2024

The current development of prosumer microsources and the expected spread of electric vehicles may cause the appearance of significant current and voltage unbalance in low-voltage (LV) networks. This unbalance, which is an unfavorable phenomenon, may occur when using single-phase photovoltaic (PV) microsources and single-phase home chargers for electric vehicles. This paper presents a proposal for the symmetrization of the LV network using devices for the reconfiguration of phases in the power supply. Both the different locations of these devices and the different objective functions for device implementation are analyzed. The research was carried out on an example LV network, taking into account several variants of the development of PV microsources and home chargers for electric vehicles. The analysis indicates that the appropriate location of phase reconfiguration devices and the use of an appropriate objective function leads to a significant reduction in unfavorable unbalancing in the LV network.
Signal Order Optimization of Interconnects Enabling High Electromagnetic Compatibility Performance in Modern Electrical Systems
Authors: Illiano Ludovica , Liu Xiaokang , Wu Xinglong , Grassi Flavia , Pignari Sergio Amedeo
Published: June 2024

Flexible flat cables (FFCs) are a typical form of interconnect in modern electrical and electronic systems that facilitate signal transmission between components while minimizing harness volume. FFCs offer a practical connectivity solution in energy management applications, where sensors and displays are essential for monitoring power consumption and performing advanced digital control. In FFCs, signal lines run parallel to each other, and the proximity between lines can cause interference among adjacent signals. Therefore, the arrangement of signals along different lines can significantly influence the overall transmission performance. In this paper, the order of signals within the FFC is optimized to ensure optimal transmission performance, avoiding electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and signal integrity (SI) issues. The problem is tackled by implementing a multi-objective optimization (MOO) approach, whose aim is to minimize near-end and far-end crosstalk, namely NEXT and FEXT. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by considering a minimized interconnection system involving an FFC. The Pareto-optimal solutions are identified, and worst-case and best-case conditions are highlighted. The results show improvements in EMC and SI, underlining the relevance of the proposed optimization strategy. The proposed strategy provides a valuable tool for designing high-performance interconnections in electrical and electronic systems.