bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Фотонная и нейтринная материя
Authors: Stetsenko V. Yu.
Published: April 2024

Показано, что элементарными строительными частицами фотонной материи являются отрицательный, положительный и нейтральный фотоны. Из них образуются фотонные электроны и позитроны, из которых формируются фотонные протоны и нейтроны. Последние образуют фотонные ядра. Они захватывают фотонные электроны и формируют атомы фотонной материи, из которых образуется вещественная материя, изучаемая и используемая людьми. Из фотонной материи состоит тело человека и весь вещественный мир. Элементарными строительными частицами нейтринной материи являются отрицательный, положительный и нейтральный нейтрино. Образуемые из них нейтринные электроны и позитроны формируют нейтринные протоны и нейтроны – основу нейтринного ядра. Они захватывают нейтринные электроны и формируют атомы нейтринной материи, из которых образуется духовная материя, не изучаемая людьми. Из нейтринной материи состоит душа человека и весь духовный мир. Показано, что душа человека в 10000 раз легче его тела. Нейтринная материя значительно меньше подвержена воздействию гравитации, чем фотонная материя.
Methods for Assessing the Accuracy of Video Camera Gyroscopic Stabilization Systems on a Moving Object
Authors: Matveev V. V. , Behler I. A. , Ponitkov E. I. , Pogorelov M. G.
Published: April 2024

Video camera, are installed on platforms of gyroscopic stabilization systems in order to improve the quality of visual information and provide the required orientation of the optical axis. The goal of the work was to develop a mathematical description that allows evaluating accuracy of gyroscopic stabilization systems for a video camera on a moving object, built on micromechanical sensors for primary information. A biaxial system for gyroscopic stabilization of a video camera on a moving object is considered. A mathematical description of the channel of the stabilization system with control over angle and angular velocity is given. Measuring the angle of deviation of the platform from the horizontal plane and its angular velocity is provided by micromechanical accelerometers and gyroscopes, respectively. Physical nature of the synchronous errors' occurrence in the stabilization system during angular vibrations of a moving object is explained. An assessment of the synchronous error of the stabilization system when the object oscillates with a frequency of 30 Hz is given. An analytical relationship is presented for estimating of the stabilization system errors is caused by random errors of gyroscopes and accelerometers. It is shown that if the platform is stabilized only by gyroscope signals containing random errors such as white noise in the measurements, this will lead to the platform drifting with a standard deviation proportional to the square root of time. In this case, the constant disturbing moment is not processed. A mathematical description of the “blurring” of the video camera image during platform vibrations caused by random errors in inertial sensors is given. Effect of image blur for various platform oscillation parameters is illustrated.
Determination of the Concentration of Tm3+ and Ho3+ Ions in the Glass and Crystalline Phases in Oxyfluoride Glass Ceramics by Absorption Spectra Analysis
Authors: Yasukevich A. S. , Kisel V. E. , Trusova E. E. , Rachkovskaya G. E. , Zakharevich G. B. , Podbolotov K. B. , Gurin V. S.
Published: April 2024

Optical glass ceramics based on oxyfluoride glasses activated by rare earth ions have attractive properties for development of lasers and near-infrared amplifiers, since they combine properties of fluoride crystals with low phonon frequencies and chemical and mechanical properties of oxide matrices. Spectroscopic properties of activator ions in crystalline and glass phases of glass-ceramics can differ significantly. Thus, it is possible to determine impurity ions’ distribution between these phases by means of absorption or luminescence spectra analysis. The main goal of this work was to develop a method for determining the concentration of Tm3+ and Ho3+ ions in the crystalline, PbF2 and glassy phases of glass ceramics after secondary thermal treatment of thulium-doped and thulium-holmium co-doped oxyfluoride glasses. Spectroscopic characteristics of oxyfluoride glasses activated by Tm3+ ions and co-activated by Tm3+ and Ho3+ ions, as well as glass ceramics obtained from the original glasses as a result of secondary heat treatment were studied. It was established by X-ray phase analysis method that under certain heat treatment conditions crystalline β-PbF2 phase is formed in those glasses. Absorption and luminescence spectra of Tm3+ and Ho3+ impurity ions in the original glass and in β-PbF2 crystals were compared with their ones in glass ceramics. A method for determining the concentration of ions in the crystalline and glass phases of glass ceramics was proposed on the basis of this comparison. Dependence of Tm3+ and Ho3+ ions distribution between the glass and crystalline phases on different regime of glasses' secondary heat treatment was studied.
Nanostructured Coatings Based on Langmuir–Blodgett Films of Perfluorodecanoic Acid for Flexible Sensors for the Analysis of Lead Ions in Water
Authors: Melnikova G. B. , Sapsaliou D. V. , Tolstaya T. N. , Korolkov I. V. , Chizhik S. A. , Zhumanazar N. N. , Baranova A. S. , Zdorovets M. V.
Published: April 2024

As a result of anthropogenic activities, the environment is polluted by heavy metals. The most important task is to find methods to control their content in water. Track-etched membranes (TeMs) can be relatively easily modified by nanometer layers of functional materials with using the Langmuir‒Blodgett technique, which makes it possible to specifically change the structural, selective properties of the membrane surface and obtain new materials with desired properties. The aim of the work was to develop flexible sensors for the analysis of lead ions in water based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) TeMs with perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) nanolayers. Techniques for modifying TeMs based on PET with a monolayer coating based on PFDA by the Langmuir‒Blodgett method, and with two-layer coatings, formed by soaking PET TeMs/PFDA in xylenol orange solutions have been developed. The microstructure and local mechanical properties of the sensor surface were studied by atomic force microscopy, and the wettability and values of the specific surface energy of PET TeMs before and after modification were evaluated using the ''sessile'' drop method. Based on the measurement of  electrochemical  characteristics,  it  was  found  that PET TeMs/PFDA have a higher response of electrochemical characteristics compared to PET TeMs and PET TeMs/PFDA/XO. The limit of detection for lead ions in aqueous solutions at pH = 12 was of 0.652 µg/l within 5 measurements.
The Influence of Road Adhesion Coefficient on Energy Consumption and Dynamics of Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Le Nhan Thanh , Dam Phuc Hoang , Le Tai Minh Hue , Kharytonchyk S. V. , Kusyak V. A. , Nguyen Cong Thanh
Published: April 2024

Currently, in economically developed countries, electric vehicles are considered as a solution to the problematic issue of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from road vehicles. The level of energy consumption is a critical factor in determining the overall performance of an electric vehicle. The article analyzes the influence of tire adhesion coefficient on the energy consumption of a battery electric vehicle when operating in typical standard driving cycles. In order to estimate the energy consumption during driving with different tire adhesion coefficients an electric vehicle longitudinal dynamic model is used, which allows taking into account various driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport) and sliding of the drive wheels in contact with the road surface. The proposed model, based on submodels of such main components of an electric vehicle as an electric motor and a traction battery, includes tire and vehicle body dynamics submodels, as well as a human-driver submodel with PID controller in the control circuit to track given trajectories. A series of experiments with the VinFast Vf e34 passenger electric vehicle on a dynamometer test bench were carried out to determine the electric motor’s performance characteristics at various operating modes and identify many other input parameters for simulation and verifying the mathematical model accuracy. The simulation results of the distance traveled by an electric vehicle on a single charge are compared withthe manufacturer's experimental data during operating the test vehicle in the standard European driving cycle. Simulation scenarios with different accelerating modes are proposed to analyze the influence of the adhesion coefficient on the EV’s dynamic characteristics and the level of energy consumption. The simulation results on the determination of the energy consumed by an electric vehicle when moving in various driving cycles with road adhesion coefficients are presented in the activity. The given results show the significant impact of the adhesion coefficient on electric vehicle energy consumption in various standard driving cycles, especially on low-grip roads.
Um estudo da expressão da evidencialidade por meio do verbo notar no espanhol
Authors: Rosário Pablo Jardel Oliveira do , Pedro Carolina da Costa
Published: April 2024

Neste trabalho, propomos um estudo da expressão lexical da evidencialidade na língua espanhola por meio do verbo notar quando toma orações completivas, buscando explorar a polissemia expressa por esse verbo no campo evidencial e o reflexo que seus diferentes significados têm na combinatória temporal entre a oração matriz e a encaixada. A perspectiva teórica assumida é da Gramática Discursivo-Funcional, de Hengeveld e Mackenzie (2008), que contempla quatro níveis de representação das expressões linguísticas: Interpessoal, Representacional, Morfossintático e Fonológico. O corpus utilizado é o Corpus del Español del Siglo XXI, base de dados da Real Academia Española. A análise nos mostra que, no espanhol, o verbo notar é prototipicamente meio de expressão dos subtipos evidenciais de Percepção de Evento e Dedução.
Inventário de candidatos a homônimos verbais destinados aos DMHE: princípios teóricos e metodológicos
Authors: Anjos Bruna Aparecida Oliva Ferreira dos , Rodrigues-Pereira Renato
Published: April 2024

Neste artigo, apresentamos alguns dos princípios teóricos que têm alicerçado o inventário de candidatos a homônimos verbais destinados ao DMHE – Diccionario monolingüe de formas homónimas en español para aprendices brasileños, assim como os procedimentos metodológicos que temos adotado. Para tanto, temos nos orientado por princípios teóricos e metodológicos da Lexicografia e uma de suas vertentes, a Lexicografia Pedagógica, em especial nas contribuições de Biderman (1984, 1991, 2001), Haencsh (1982), Hartmann (2001), Porto Dapena (2002), Molina García (2006); e pela Semântica, a partir de Ullmann (1964), Biderman (2001), Soares da Silva (2006), Pereira (2018) e Rodrigues-Pereira e Nadin (2020), entre outros. O resultado das escolhas teóricas e dos procedimentos metodológicos adotados tem proporcionado à equipe do DMHE uma importante nomenclatura que está sendo revisada para a organização da macroestrutura do referido dicionário.
Por que não li antes? Da vergonha ao orgulho de ler em postagens de jovens leitores na rede SKOOB
Authors: Silva Andrei Cezar da , Curcino Luzmara
Published: April 2024

Partindo do pressuposto de que a ordem dos discursos não apenas define o “que” e o “como” se deve/se pode enunciar, mas também as emoções que convêm ao que se enuncia sobre uma dada prática, neste artigo analisamos discursos sobre a leitura compartilhados por jovens internautas inscritos na maior rede social digital de leitores no Brasil, a rede SKOOB. Descrevemos enunciados em que, direta ou indiretamente, são materializadas certas emoções relacionadas à condição leitora, em especial aquelas da ‘vergonha’ ou do ‘orgulho’, manifestas pela reiteração de um dos discursos bastante recorrente em relação a essa prática: o da adequação ou não ao tempo ideal previsto para a leitura de certos títulos e autores, sob a forma ora de retratação do atraso ora de ostentação da precocidade na leitura. Para tanto, apoiamo-nos em princípios da Análise do Discurso e da História Cultural da leitura.
Aspectos históricos da mudança prosódica na língua portuguesa
Authors: Netto Waldemar Ferreira
Published: April 2024

Este ensaio estabelece a hipótese de que a mudança rítmica consolidou a língua portuguesa na Antiguidade Tardia, tornando a prosódia seu epicentro. Duração vocálica e consonantal que eram tratadas no âmbito fonológico tornaram-se fatos prosódicos, provocando mudança tipológica. A formação silábica estabeleceu novos limites: ataque da sílaba posterior se tornou Coda da anterior. A restrição de Coda consonantal acompanhou essa mudança. A simultaneidade desses processos vem ao encontro do modelo de pontuação de Robert Dixon. Os falantes do latim como língua estrangeira teriam como padrão prosódico uma formação silábica que priorizaria Coda e ritmo trocaico, e restrição de Coda consonantal, com solução por epêntese vocálica e síncope consonantal.
O subjuntivo na língua latina: uma forma, muitas funções
Authors: Mazzanti Jr. Alex
Published: April 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir as muitas funções do subjuntivo latino e como a bibliografia tem descrito tal diversidade. Para tal, a origem protoindo-europeia do subjuntivo latino é apresentada, já que essa é a base para as descrições das gramáticas tradicionais, as quais são brevemente revisitadas e, em seguida, comparadas com a abordagem funcionalista da recente sintaxe de Pinkster (2015, 2021), usando orações completivas como um estudo de caso. Após breve apresentação do conceito de modalidade, é feita uma sinopse dos principais usos do subjuntivo em latim, em orações principais e subordinadas, conforme estão no livro de Pinkster em sua abordagem sincrônica. Por fim, subjuntivos complementando verbos de temor são tomados como um novo estudo de caso, mostrando que descrições exclusivamente sincrônicas podem ser incompletas e que há casos em que somente a inter-relação entre sincronia e diacronia é capaz de oferecer uma descrição explicativa satisfatória.
Exploring Innovative Applications of Evaporative Cooling for High-Total-Dissolved-Solids Produced-Water Treatment
Authors: Mathews Tanya A. , Kaishentayev Damir , Augsburger Nicolas , Lefers Ryan , Hascakir Berna
Published: April 2024

This research delves into the pioneering application of evaporative cooling (EC) to address the challenge of reducing total dissolved solids (TDS) in produced water generated during hydraulic fracturing operations in the Permian Basin. In this study, we used a meticulously designed laboratory-scale EC system comprising three cooling pads, a fan, a water reservoir, and a pump. Through a systematic series of experiments, both synthetic and authentic produced-water samples were treated, shedding light on the potential of this novel approach.

The EC system efficiently processed untreated produced water, circulating it through the cooling pads, all while closely monitoring crucial variables such as inlet and outlet temperatures, relative humidity, and remaining water volume, utilizing a state-of-the-art temperature and humidity meter. Control experiments were systematically conducted to probe the influence of varying salinities, achieved by introducing NaCl into distilled water, encompassing a wide range from 0 ppm to 70,000 ppm. In addition, we extended our evaluation to real produced-water samples collected from diverse regions within the Permian Basin (Delaware, Northern Midland, and Southern Midland), reflecting the system’s capability to manage high salinity and the diverse impurities inherent to oil and gas production. A comparative analysis of energy consumption was undertaken, positioning EC against conventional thermal evaporation techniques.

The findings revealed a compelling insight that differences in EC efficiency between synthetic and real oilfield brines were primarily attributed to the presence of sodium (Na+) and chlorine (Cl-) contents rather than the overall TDS concentration. Across all experiments, the system consistently achieved remarkable TDS removal efficiencies, hovering around the 100% mark for both synthetic and authentic produced-water samples. Moreover, the study unveiled a significant advantage of EC, as it proved to be significantly less energy-intensive when juxtaposed with conventional thermal evaporation methods. In addition, our experiments revealed that divalent ions like CaCl2 tend to lower the treatment efficiency compared to monovalent ions, adding a crucial dimension to our understanding of EC in water treatment.

The EC system demonstrated remarkable efficiency, achieving nearly 100% TDS removal in both synthetic and real samples while being significantly less energy-intensive than conventional thermal evaporation methods. This research underscores EC’s potential as an effective, sustainable, and economical solution for high-TDS water treatment, with promising applications in industrial settings. The study also draws parallels between EC and air conditioning systems, suggesting its versatility in various industrial applications.
Detection, quantification, and typing of enteroviruses in wastewater
Authors: Carcereny Albert , Garcia-Pedemonte David , Bosch Albert , Pintó Rosa M , Guix Susana
Published: April 2024

Wastewater analysis serves as a complementary tool to clinical data in monitoring both the quantity and diversity of circulating enteroviruses among the population. While enterovirus infections typically result in asymptomatic or mild disease, certain types can lead to severe symptoms, highlighting the importance of tracking their prevalence and distribution.

Here we present both a RTqPCR assay targeting a conserved region in the 5’ end of the enterovirus genome to detect and quantify its presence in sewage along with a sequencing pipeline based in MinION platform (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) to characterize circulating enterovirus types in samples with sufficient virus load (Cq≤33). Two sequencing approaches are possible: one targeting all enterovirus types (1), and the other specifically focusing on Cluster C enterovirus (2), including poliovirus. The obtained data are processed using a designed pipeline to quantify the proportions of different enterovirus types, providing valuable insights into the spread of potentially severe types.
The impact of urban environment on spatial navigation in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Santos-Rocha Pedro , Bonifácio Ana , Almeida André , Alcobia Paulo , Erskine Andrew , Conceição Marta , Marques-Reis João Pedro , Burghardt Tyson , Morgado Paulo , Miranda Bruno
Published: April 2024

Spatial cognition deficits are particularly prevalent in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Previous research using simplistic virtual reality (VR) settings was able to show such navigation impairments. However, the degree to which such results apply to more naturalistic environments remains unknown. Our study aims to test the hypothesis that spatial navigation in an elderly population with MCI could be improved by re-designing an urban space. Twenty-five MCI patients and a similar group of age- and gender-matched controls will be recruited to perform an urban spatial navigation VR task (uSNT). The uSNT is a modified version of the well-known virtual supermarket paradigm (designed to assess both egocentric and allocentric orientation processes), but the VR environment will be a real neighborhood of Lisbon. Specific interventions will be performed to various key parameters (street-level complexity, land-use, design, and green areas) and potential confounding elements (colors, textures, street occupation) of the urban scenario. Furthermore, eye tracking and electroencephalography data will be collected. Details of our task design and methodological approach to compare the navigation performance of both groups will be provided. In the future, we expect that the urban (re-)design interventions will positively impact on the navigation performance of MCI participants, being a clear proof-of-principle, that customize urban planning/design is key to enhance the autonomy and quality of life of such patients. Additionally, this research will establish the feasibility of replicating experimental conditions and ensuring consistency across different studies and subjects.
xECGArch: A trustworthy deep learning architecture for interpretable ECG analysis considering short-term and long-term features
Authors: Goettling Marc , Hammer Alexander , Malberg Hagen , Schmidt Martin
Published: April 2024

Deep learning-based methods have demonstrated high classification performance in the detection of cardiovascular diseases from electrocardiograms (ECGs). However, their blackbox character and the associated lack of interpretability limit their clinical applicability. To overcome existing limitations, we present a novel deep learning architecture for interpretable ECG analysis (xECGArch). For the first time, short- and long-term features are analyzed by two independent convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and combined into an ensemble, which is extended by methods of explainable artificial intelligence (xAI) to whiten the blackbox. To demonstrate the trustworthiness of xECGArch, perturbation analysis was used to compare 13 different xAI methods. We parameterized xECGArch for atrial fibrillation (AF) detection using four public ECG databases (n = 9,854 ECGs) and achieved an F1 score of 95.43 % in AF versus non-AF classification on an unseen ECG test dataset. A systematic comparison of xAI methods showed that deep Taylor decomposition provided the most trustworthy explanations (+24 % compared to the second-best approach). xECGArch can account for short- and long-term features corresponding to clinical features of morphology and rhythm, respectively. Further research will focus on the relationship between xECGArch features and clinical features, which may help in medical applications for diagnosis and therapy.
Quantifying the biodiversity pressures of fruit and vegetable consumption in the United Kingdom, India, and South Africa
Authors: Chapman Abbie , Green Rosemary , Hadida Genevieve , Kennard Harry , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Scheelbeek Pauline , Dalin Carole
Published: April 2024

Globally, fruit and vegetable consumption must increase to improve human health. Production must increase to meet demand, potentially pressuring biodiversity. Here, we describe new biodiversity-pressure metrics, which we use to compare the biodiversity pressures associated with fruits and vegetables consumed in the United Kingdom (UK), India, and South Africa. We found that biodiversity pressure for individual crops varies greatly with origin. In all three countries, imported fruits are typically associated with greater pressure than domestically grown fruits. In India and South Africa, domestically supplied vegetables generally have a greater biodiversity pressure than those which are imported. Oranges, popular in the UK and South Africa, have a biodiversity pressure (mean: 391 species.hectares/tonne; SD: 446) almost three times higher than bananas (mean: 141 species.hectares/tonne; SD: 148) - a favourite in the UK and India. Our findings provide evidence to support decisions to develop sustainable food systems for better planetary health.
Cerebra: A Computationally Efficient Framework for Accurate Protein Structure Prediction
Authors: Gong Haipeng , Hu Jian , Wang Weizhe
Published: April 2024

Remarkable progress has been made in the field of protein structure prediction in the past years. State-of-the-art methods like AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAFold2 achieve prediction accuracy close to experimental structural determination, but at the cost of heavy computational consumption for model training. In this work, we propose a new protein structure prediction framework, Cerebra, for improving the computational efficiency of protein structure prediction. In this innovative network architecture, multiple sets of atomic coordinates are predicted parallelly and their mutual complementary is leveraged to rapidly improve the quality of predicted structures through a novel attention mechanism. Consequently, Cerebra markedly reduces the model training consumption, achieving a training acceleration of at least 7 folds, in comparison to OpenFold, the academic version of AlphaFold2. When evaluated on the CAMEO and CASP15 sets, the Cerebra model insufficiently trained on a single GPU only shows slight performance inferiority to the published OpenFold model.
Knowledge mapping of MIRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma from 2012-2022:a bibliometric analysis
Authors: liu bowen , li xiaobin , ma 贵萍 , li Feng , yi fan , hu shiping
Published: April 2024

Background: This study aims to reveal the research hotspots, scientific preface, and future trends in this field by conducting a metrological analysis of the literature related to miRNA research in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods: Articles related to miRNA research in hepatocellular carcinoma in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) were searched. The annual distribution, countries, institutions, authors, journals, citations, and keywords of published articles from 2012-2022 were visualized and analyzed by CiteSpace and VOSviewer software.
Results: A total of 7065 English-language articles published between 2012 and 2022 were collected, with the majority of publications coming from China (n=2419), followed by the United States and Egypt, with Sun Yat-sen University having the highest number of publications of all institutions (n=153). The top published and co-cited authors were Chen, Gang, and Bartel DP, respectively. articles were mainly published in Oncotarget (n=119). Initially, the hotspots were "hbv", "mir-21", "akt3" and "beta-catenin ", while in recent years the focus has shifted to "sorafenib resistance", "exosome", "stem cell " and "pi3k".
Conclusion:miRNAs are of great research importance in elucidating HCC occurrence, progression, treatment, and prognosis prediction, and have become prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC. Therefore, actively exploring the detailed mechanisms of miRNA-mediated HCC onset and progression may offer promising prospects for future improvements in the clinical outcomes of HCC patients.
Over-activation of STING Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis via Binding Affinity with IP3R in Salivary Gland Cells of Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Xu Jiabao , Yin Junhao , Chen Changyu , Xie Lisong , Wang Zhijun , Wang Baoli , Zhao Ruowen , Zheng Lingyan , Fu Jiayao , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: April 2024

Background
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and cell death of salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs). However, the connection between immune signaling to the fate of SS remains unclear.
Methods
We demonstrated that high lactate levels induces the cGAS-STING singaling transduction in SGECs of SS patients. Furthermore, in vitro study in salivary gland A253 cell line and in vivo study of NOD/Ltj mice model show that lactate-induced abnormal activation of STING results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.
Results
Mechanistically, we found that overactivated STING disrupts Ca2+ homeostasis in ER by altering its interaction with the inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), consequently causing ER damage, triggering ER stress and cell apoptosis.
Conclusion
This research sheds new light on the mechanism of SS but also reveals the pivotal roles of STING-IP3R binding, providing novel avenues for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
A multicentre phase III study comparing efficacy & safety of novel extended-release vs. conventional formulation of Dydrogesterone in Indian patients with endometriosis
Authors: Sasikala T , Kushwaha Shikha , Agarwal Mukta , Jain Vandana , Bawa Deepti , Narayan Suchitra , Daultani PavanKumar , Jaiswal Ashok , Chinda Monika , Singh Anit
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of novel once-daily extended-release (ER) dydrogesterone 20 mg versus conventional twice-daily dydrogesterone 10 mg in Indian patients with endometriosis
Method: A phase III prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-dummy, two-arm, active-controlled, parallel, multicenter study was performed in six gynecology centers across India. The patients of 18 to 45 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis on ultrasonography (USG) and having endometriosis-associated pelvic pain score (EAPP) of at least 30mm on a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) were randomly assigned to a 1:1 ratio to either once-daily dydrogesterone ER 20 mg or twice-daily dydrogesterone 10 mg arms for a treatment period of 90 days. The primary outcome was a change from baseline in EAPP score at the end of the treatment.
Results: A total of 288 patients with a mean age of 31.8 ± 6.9 years were enrolled in the study. At day 90, both the treatment arms showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in EAPP score from baseline (i.e. –34.2 ± 15.3mm and –33.1 ± 14.8mm in once daily dydrogesterone ER and twice daily dydrogesterone 10 mg, respectively), with no significant difference between the two arms (p=0.53). With both formulations, patients experienced a significant reduction in the size of endometrioma, serum vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) levels, use of rescue analgesics, and significant improvement in the health-related quality-of-life parameters. A favorable safety profile of dydrogesterone was confirmed, and no significant safety concerns were reported during the study.
Conclusion: Once daily dydrogesterone ER 20 mg and twice daily dydrogesterone 10 mg demonstrated a significant and similar reduction in EAPP and all other secondary parameters along with marked improvements in parameters related to quality of life.
Registration Number: CTRI/2023/03/050698
A mixed methods evaluation of the effect of confidence-based versus conventional multiple-choice questions on student performance and the learning journey
Authors: Chong Luke X , Hockley Nick , Wood-Bradley Ryan J , Armitage James A
Published: April 2024

Background
Traditional single best answer multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are a proven and ubiquitous assessment tool. By their very nature, MCQs prompt students to guess a correct outcome when unsure of the answer, which may lead to a reduced ability to reliably assay student knowledge. Moreover, the traditional Single Best Answer Test (SBAT) offers binary feedback (correct or incorrect) and therefore offers no feedback or enhancement of the student learning journey. Confidence-based Answer Tests (CBATs) are designed to improve reliability because participants are not forced to guess where they cannot choose between two or more alternative answers which they may favour equally. CBATs enable students to reflect on their knowledge and better appreciate where their mastery of a particular subject may be weaker. Although CBATs can provide richer feedback to students and improve the learning journey, their use may be limited if they significantly alter student scores or grades, which may be viewed negatively. The aim of this study was to compare performance across these test paradigms, to investigate if there are any systematic biases present.
Methods
Thirty-four first-year optometry students and 10 lecturers undertook a test comprising 40 questions. Each question was completed using two specified test paradigms; for the first paradigm, they were allowed to weight their answers based on confidence (CBAT), and a single best answer (SBAT). Upon test completion, students undertook a survey comprising both Likert scale and open-ended responses regarding their experience and perspectives on the CBAT and SBAT multiple-choice test paradigms. These were analysed thematically.
Results
There was no significant difference between paradigms, with a median difference of 1.25% (p = 0.313, Kruskal-Wallis) in students and 3.33% (p = 0.437, Kruskal-Wallis) in staff. The survey indicated that students had no strong preference towards a particular method.
Conclusions
Since there was no significant difference between test paradigms, this validates implementation of the confidence-based paradigm as an equivalent and viable option for traditional MCQs but with the added potential benefit that, if coupled with reflective practice, can provide students with a richer learning experience. There is no inherent bias within one method over another.
Satellite mapping reveals complex patterns of agricultural intensification in the Sahel
Authors: Tong Xiaoye , Brandt Martin , Rasmussen Laura , Hiernaux Pierre , Herrmann Stefanie , Bruun Thilde , Reiner Florian , Abdi Abdulhakim , Li Sizuo , Fensholt Rasmus
Published: April 2024

The scarcity of spatial data on agricultural intensification often results in a reliance on cropland expansion as the sole quantifiable variable for assessing food production, being especially the case for smallholder farming systems in drylands. Here, we demonstrate that a new generation of satellite data and computer science technologies can be applied to derive key cropping system metrics, used to categorize seven archetypes of cropping systems in western Sahel for the year 2019. On a large scale, we document a widespread existence of extensive, yet distinct different patterns of agricultural intensification. In Senegal, for instance, 67% of croplands experienced intensification with no obvious decline in soil fertility while in contrast, Niger experienced only 13% intensification. The variations between countries can be attributed to historical agrarian cultures and development trajectories. Our approach provides a step forward in identifying agricultural intensification of smallholder farmers in drylands, with the findings emphasizing the adaptability to local environmental conditions.
Use of Estonian Biobank Data and Participant Recall to Improve Wilson’s Disease Management
Authors: Nurm Miriam , Reigo Anu , Annilo Tarmo , Toomsoo Toomas , Nõukas Margit , Nikopensius Tiit , Pankratov Vasili , Reisberg Tuuli , Hudjašov Georgi , Team Estonian Biobank Research , Haller Toomas , Tõnisson Neeme
Published: April 2024

Population-based biobanks enable genomic screening to support initiatives that prevent disease onset or slow its progression and to estimate the prevalence of genetic diseases in the population. Wilson’s disease (WD) is a rare genetic copper-accumulation disorder for which timely intervention is crucial, as treatment is readily available. We studied WD in the Estonian Biobank population to advance patient screening, swift diagnosis, and subsequent treatment. Combined analysis of genotype and phenotype data from electronic health records (EHRs) consolidated at the Estonian biobank led to the identification of 17 individuals at high risk of developing WD, who were recalled for further examination and deep phenotyping. All recall study participants, regardless of phenotype, age, and prior WD diagnosis, had low serum ceruloplasmin and copper levels, and 87% also exhibited signs of early to late neurodegeneration. The p.His1069Gln variant in ATP7B, a prevalent pathogenic mutation, showed a striking four- to five-fold enrichment in Estonians compared with other populations. Based on our analysis of genetic and nationwide health registry data, we estimate that WD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in Estonia. Our study demonstrates that personalized medicine, implemented with the collaboration of medical professionals, has the potential to reduce the healthcare burden by facilitating the accurate diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. To our knowledge, this report is the first to describe a large-scale national biobank–based study of WD.
Penetrating Trauma Resulting in Strangulated Small Bowel Evisceration: A Case report
Authors: Atri Souhaib , brahim Maryem ben , aifia Rani el , Hammami Mahdi , Kacem Montassar
Published: April 2024

Introduction : Evisceration of the small intestine following a stab wound is a rare and life-threatening complication resulting from severe abdominal trauma. This case report presents the clinical experience of a patient with small intestine evisceration after a stab wound, providing valuable insights into clinical manifestations, management, and care outcomes of this exceptional condition. Case report We present the case of a 24-year-old patient who was the victim of a penetrating trauma, leading to the strangulated evisceration of a segment of the small bowel. Upon clinical examination revealed a right flank abdominal wound as the site of strangulated small bowel evisceration. Given these clinical findings, the decision to perform an immediate exploratory laparotomy was imperative. A midline incision was made, and an exploratory laparotomy was performed. The strangulated bowel segment was well perfused, and no additional digestive lesions were identified. Consequently, abdominal lavage was carried out. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the third day after surgery. Discussion: This case report emphasizes the urgency and significance of immediate surgical intervention in post-traumatic strangulated small bowel evisceration, particularly in cases involving sharp object injuries. The rarity of this condition should not undermine its critical nature, necessitating a meticulous clinical examination for timely assessment. Laboratory and radiological tests should not delay emergency surgery, considering the time sensitivity and potential consequences like intestinal necrosis. The choice between laparotomy and laparoscopy depends on the nature and severity of the injury, with laparoscopy offering diagnostic and therapeutic benefits in select cases. Overall, this case underscores the life-saving potential of prompt surgical intervention in managing this challenging condition Conclusion Post-traumatic strangulated small bowel evisceration represents a potentially grave condition. Nevertheless, prognosis primarily hinges on the severity of accompanying injuries. In cases of isolated post-traumatic strangulated small bowel evisceration, a favorable outcome can be achieved with prompt and appropriate intervention, involving immediate emergency laparotomy to address strangulation and perform a thorough evaluation of injuries.
Establishment and validation of a risk prediction model for the occurrence of frailty in elderly patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Wang Sen , Min Xiaoyan , Chen Xi , Pang Sisi , Zha Zhimin , Zhou Chuanwei , Guo Yan , Wang Xiangming
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the determinants of frailty in elderly patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and to develop and validate a predictive nomogram for frailty incidence.
Methods: The study enrolled 206 elderly patients with chronic HFpEF, admitted to the Department of Geriatric Cardiology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from September 2021 to August 2023. The Fried frailty phenotype scale was used to evaluate all patients, who were then categorized into frailty and non-frailty groups. The participants were randomly allocated to either the training or validation group in a 7:3 ratio. Clinical data between the two groups were compared, and a univariate analysis was conducted using 52 clinical variables as independent variables. Predictive factors were selected from those with statistically significant differences in the univariate analysis through LASSO regression, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The HFpEF frailty predictive nomogram was developed using R 4.2 software. The nomogram's performance was assessed using ROC curve analysis, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, calibration curve, and clinical decision curve.
Results: Following LASSO regression selection, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, grip strength, MNA score, albumin, and tricuspid regurgitation velocity were independent risk factors for frailty incidence in HFpEF patients. The nomogram was developed based on these logistic regression results. The AUC of the ROC curve for the nomogram in the training set was 0.950 (95% CI: 0.911-0.869), and in the validation set, it was 0.932 (95% CI: 0.882-0.867), demonstrating strong discriminant performance of the model. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test indicated a good fit of the nomogram (χ2=4.761, P=0.783). The decision curve analysis (DCA) curve showed a significant net clinical benefit of the model.
Conclusion: The predictive model developed in this study exhibits strong predictive value for frailty incidence in HFpEF patients, offering a foundation for precise treatment of elderly HFpEF patients.
XGBoost-SHAP-based interpretable diagnostic framework for early cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shao Yuan , Gu Chaofei , Xu Hanwen , Shu Zhenyu , Hu Ye , Song Yingxiang
Published: April 2024

Objective To develop and validate a radiomic-clinical model to assess early cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using the XGBoost algorithm.
Methods We retrospectively enrolled 193 patients with T2DM from two medical centers. According the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), patients were categorized into normal control (NC) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) groups. We used ComBat to normalize and gather the data distributions of two centers. The Elastic Net Regression were used to filter redundant and irrelevant features. Based on the eXtreme Gradient Boosting Machine algorithm (XGBoost), clinical factors and radiomic features was used to construct the combined model. The SHAP method explained the model by prioritizing the importance of features, in terms of assessment contribution.
Results The radscore, along with two clinical factors (education level and drinking), were used to build the combined model. The AUCs for predicting MCI in the training set, testing set, and validation set were 0.802, 0.817, and 0.852, respectively. The radscore was the most important feature for discriminating MCI/NC classification, and higher SHAP values of radscore were associated with a higher risks of MCI onset. Conversely, higher SHAP values of education level and drinking were associated with a lower risks of MCI onset. However, the contribution of drinking to the model was minimal.
Conclusion The radiomic-clinical model, utilizing the XGBoost algorithm, can be an auxiliary tool for predicting early cognitive impairment in T2DM.
ClC-1 Inhibition as a Novel Mechanism for Accelerating Recovery of Skeletal Muscle Function After Neuromuscular Block in an Experimental Rat Model
Authors: Pedersen Thomas , Skals Marianne , Broch-Lips Martin , Skov Martin , Riisager Anders , Ceelen Judith , Nielsen Ole , Brull Sorin , de Boer Hans
Published: April 2024

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are commonly used to induce skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery. While muscle relaxation facilitates surgical procedures and tracheal intubation, adequate recovery of muscle function after surgery is required to support pulmonary function, and even mild residual neuromuscular block increases the risk of severe postoperative pulmonary complications. While recovery of muscle function after surgery involving NMBAs can be monitored and, in addition, be accelerated by use of current antagonists (reversal agents), there is a clear clinical need for a safe drug to antagonize all types of NMBAs. Here we show that inhibition of the skeletal muscle-specific chloride ion (Cl-) channel, the ClC-1 channel, markedly accelerates recovery of both single contraction (twitch) and physiologically important sustained contractions (tetanic) in a novel rat model mimicking NMBA-induced muscle block used during surgery. ClC-1 inhibition was found to reverse any NMBA with superior properties to existing reversal agents. This suggests ClC-1 inhibition as a novel mechanism for fast and efficacious reversal from neuromuscular block.
Digitally supported physical activity counselling for people with chronic back pain: A randomized controlled parallel feasibility study
Authors: Lindner Nicole , Kornder Nele , Heisig Julia , Becker Annette , Wardt Veronika van der , Viniol Annika
Published: April 2024

Background Guiding individuals with chronic back pain (CBP) to initiate and adhere to physical activity (PA) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using the digital consultation app ExPa (Exercise against Pain) to support PA consultations for CBP and its potential for a future effectiveness trial. The ExPa app shows the effect of PA on pain and provides individually tailored support to increase PA.Methods In a 2-arm randomised controlled feasibility study, we recruited 9 physicians and 37 CBP patients in Hesse (Germany). Using computer assisted cluster randomisation, 14 patients received ExPa counselling from their physician, while 17 patients received standard treatment. Main outcomes focused on study procedures and software use, with secondary outcome including pre- and post-intervention measurements of PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), pain and mood (Short Form-12 (SF-12), Von Korff pain intensity and disability score and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). Additionally, project-tailored questionnaires and qualitative interviews assessed study procedures and software performance.Results Study procedures were generally feasible. However, they took more time and dropouts as well as missing data presented challenges. This provided valuable insights for planning an effectiveness trial. Quantitative and qualitative data indicated that ExPa could have benefits for increasing PA and reducing pain.Conclusions Results from the feasibility study suggested that ExPa could have a positive influence on PA and pain. A larger randomised controlled study with improved procedures needs to confirm these findings.
SmartPlus: A Computer-based Image Analysis Method to Predict Continuous-valued Vascular Abnormality Index in Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Sharafi Sayed Mehran , Ebrahimiadib Nazanin , Roohipourmoallai Ramak , Farahani Afsar Dastjani , Fooladi Marjan Imani , Gharehbaghi Golnaz , Pour Elias Khalili
Published: April 2024

Plus disease is characterized by abnormal changes in retinal vasculature of premature infants. Presence of Plus disease is an important criterion for identifying treatment-requiring in Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). However, diagnosis of Plus disease has been shown to be subjective and there is wide variability in the classification of Plus disease by ROP experts, which is mainly because experts have different cut points for distinguishing the levels of vascular abnormality. This suggests that a continuous ROP Plus disease severity score may reflect more accurately the behavior of expert clinicians and may better standardize the classification. The effect of using quantitative methods and computer-based image analysis to improve the objectivity of Plus disease diagnosis have been well established. Nevertheless, the current methods are based on discrete classifications of the disease severity and lack the compatibility with the continuous nature of abnormal changes in retinal vasculatures. In this study, we developed a computer-based method that performs a quantitative analysis of vascular characteristics associated with Plus disease and utilizes them to build a regression model that outputs a continuous spectrum of Plus severity. We evaluated the proposed method against the consensus diagnosis made by four ROP experts on 76 posterior ROP images. The findings of our study indicate that our approach demonstrated a relatively acceptable level of accuracy in evaluating the severity of Plus disease, which is comparable to the diagnostic abilities of experts.