bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Monitoring and Control System for a Rowed Electrific Seeder
Authors:   FGBOU VO “Michurinsky State Agrarian University”, A.I. Zavrazhnov , A.N. Zazulya ,   FGBNU VNIITIN
Published: September 2023

A study was carried out to develop a software and hardware complex for a control and monitoring system for row seeders with electric drives. New algorithms have been developed to detect skips, doubles and crushed seeds, control the speed of rotation of the sowing disc depending on the speed of the sowing unit and automatically control the position of the doubles puller. Key words: row seeder, seeding control system, seeding management, seeding quality.
Challenges of Digitalization of Small Credit Point Courses for Large Classes
Authors: Koliskina Valentina , Kolyshkin Andrei
Published: September 2023

The paper is devoted to the development of digital competences of second year bachelor students at the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology of the Riga Technical University for the course in numerical methods. The structure of the course is described in detail. The key component in the organization of the lectures and lab sessions is interactivity. Many interactive components (presentations, tests) in H5P format are available for students. The digital proficiency Levels 7 and 8 in accordance with DigComp 2.1 framework is expected to be achieved by carefully selecting topics and practical tasks to be solved during the course. The e-book written for the course and published by the Publishing house of the Riga Technical University is one of the teaching resources available to students. The course is fully digitalized so that it can be given in any of the three formats: (a) classroom and lab instruction, (b) fully online course or (c) mixed mode (blended learning). The preference is given to option (c). Both synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods are used. The organization of tests and exams (in the form of online tests) allows instructors to organize the grading effectively without spending too much time on it but at the same time effectively testing students’ knowledge.
Revisão de literatura: O difícil manejo do trauma de face
Authors: Sá Thayse Maciel , Monteiro Maria Vitória Coelho , Fontes Carolina do Carmo , Ferreira Bruna Cardoso , Siqueira Andréia Sousa Gomes , Silva Miguel Claudio Braga Reis , Lustosa Maria Aparecida Lira Gomes , Téo Ana Sara Negre , Sobrinho Nilo Francisco de Sales , Ferro Maria Clara Amaral de Arruda Falcão , Siqueira Vinicius Silva
Published: September 2023

Os traumas de face na atualidade estão diretamente ligados ao uso de álcool, drogas, a direção perigosa dos veículos e do crescente aumento da violência urbana, que fazem parte da realidade do mundo. Este estudo tem como objetivo evidenciar a importância do médico clínico conhecer os processos patológicos que envolvem os traumas de face, assim como suas complicações. Desta forma, a mutação sofrida pelas causas do trauma de face acompanhou a modernidade e a gravidade da distribuição temporal devendo ser considerado prioridade no estudo tratamento e na prevenção dessas lesões. Este estudo evidencia-se como um estudo qualitativo descritivo, de nome revisão narrativa da literatura, pois é um instrumento relevante na comunicação dos resultados de pesquisas, facilitando o uso desses resultados na análise dos dados, pois proporciona uma síntese do conhecimento já produzido e fornece contribuições para a melhoria na busca por entendimento dos fenômenos históricos. Os traumas de face na atualidade estão diretamente ligados ao uso de álcool, drogas, a direção perigosa dos veículos e do crescente aumento da violência urbana, que fazem parte da realidade do mundo. Desta forma, a mutação sofrida pelas causas do trauma de face acompanhou a modernidade e a gravidade da distribuição temporal devendo ser considerado prioridade no estudo tratamento e na prevenção dessas lesões. Portanto, após esta análise dos trabalhos publicados, fica evidente a importância da realização das políticas públicas de saúde voltadas para controlar e prevenir a ocorrência de traumatismos, podendo ser direcionada a paz no trânsito, e o controle de violência urbana, assim como controle de consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e drogas entre a população jovem adulta.
Determinan Persepsi Ibu Hamil Terhadap Senam Dan Yoga Prenatal Di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Syaripah Rosita , Marlina Endah Dian
Published: September 2023

Pregnant women are a group of people who are vulnerable to infection with the Covid-19 virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused restrictions on routine health services including maternal and neonatal health services so optimal physical activity is needed in the form of prenatal exercise and yoga that can be done at home to improve maternal fitness as a form of increasing immunity for pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of pregnant women on prenatal exercise and yoga during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a cross-sectional design from July – September 2022. The sample of this study was 100 people, taken by random sampling, the data were analyzed by Chi-square. The variables related to the perception of the vulnerability of pregnant women to exercise and yoga during the COVID-19 pandemic were income with a P value (0.05) and the amount of parity (p-value 0.01), as well as the determinant of the perception of the benefits of pregnant women's behavior, namely the type of education (p Value 0.045), it can be concluded that there is a relationship between income, parity ,and education on the perception of pregnant women towards Prenatal gymnastics and yoga during the COVID-19 pandemic at Karang Kitri Public Health Center and Mustika Jaya Health Center Bekasi City
Pendidikan Kesehatan Dengan Media Booklet Meningkatkan Perilaku Personal Hygiene Pada Ibu Nifas
Authors: Istiqomah Henik , Putri Dinda Destiyani , Satiyem Satiyem
Published: September 2023

One of the reproductive health problems during the puerperium is the lack of knowledge about reproductive health so that it affects unsupportive behavior related to personal hygiene of intimate organs during the puerperium. Personal hygiene in postpartum mothers is very important in order to avoid various reproductive health disorders, especially infections of the female area during the postpartum period. The research design was pre-experimental with a one-group pre-test post-test approach. Collecting data using observation sheets. The sampling technique used was accidental sampling with a sample of 32 postpartum mothers. Techniques of data analysis using the Wilcoxon test. From the results of the study, it was found that all respondents experienced an increase after being given health education through booklets as many as 32 people. The results of the Wilcoxon test analysis obtained p value = 0.000 <0.05. So it can be interpreted that there is a significant influence in providing personal hygiene education for intimate organs with booklet media on improving behavior in postpartum mothers at PMB in the Takeran Magetan Health Center area. So it was concluded that there was an effect of Personal Hygiene Health Education on Intimate Organs with Media Booklets on Behavior Improvement in Postpartum Mothers in PMB in the Takeran Magetan Health Center area.
Failure Analysis of Transformers under Impulse Test
Authors: Yelamanchi Dharmesh , Pandian G.
Published: September 2023

Transformers are the most critical and costly components in AC power systems. Insulation is the weakest link in transformers, and the design and quality of a transformer's insulation system shall be confirmed by performingdielectric tests according to National or International standards. The impulse test is more critical among the dielectric tests, as it verifies the integrity of the whole insulation system of the transformer. However, concluding the impulse test result is difficult when minor discrepancies exist in the earth's current waveforms. This paper presents two such case studieswith distribution class transformers.
Telehealth Suicide Assessment and The Emergency Order of Detention (EOD) Process: A Systematic Review
Authors: Diebold Kathryn L. , Graham Christopher , Laventure Martine , Williams NaKeisha , Savani Shahnaz
Published: September 2023

Background: Emergency orders of detention (EOD) are used to hold potential suicidal individuals against their will. The COVID-19 pandemic altered the way these evaluations are conducted as virtual telehealth conferences became more frequently utilized. The purpose of this review is to identify screening practices of telehealth providers, describe assessment discrepancies used in telehealth versus in-person visits, and identify variance in EOD hospital admission rates. Methods: A systematic review of literature was conducted utilizing the PRISMA model. Five electronic databases were searched for articles related to suicide, EOD, and telehealth spanning from 2001 to 2021. Of the eight (n=8) articles returned by the search, three (n=3) met inclusion criteria. Results: Findings of this review reveal that there is virtually no research on standardized suicide screening tools used to make EOD determinations. Additionally, the research does not comment on discrepancies between suicide evaluations via telehealth or in-person. Research on telehealth evaluation and involuntary hospitalization rates is limited. Discussion: Little is described in the current research about the types of assessment tools used in the EOD process when conducted via telehealth. Overall, this review found that protecting citizens by telehealth EOD is noticeably under-researched.
Do The Core Stability and Position Sense of Trunk Affect Balance in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis?
Authors: ÖZKAN Taşkın , GÜÇLÜ GÜNDÜZ Arzu , SOKE Fatih , ÖZKUL Çağla , APAYDIN Yasemin , ELDEMİR Kader , İRKEÇ Ceyla
Published: September 2023

Objective: The trunk is known to be the most important key point where sensory inputs are received and motor responses occur, necessary for the maintenance of balance and postural control. The aims of the present study were to investigate the relationship between balance with core stability and position sense of trunk in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and to compare core stability, position sense of trunk and balance in PwMS and healthy controls.

Methods: The study was completed with 45 PwMS and 29 healthy controls with matching age and gender. Balance was assessed with Postural Stability Test (PST) and Modified Sensory Organization Test (MSOT) by using Biodex Balance System®. Core stability was evaluated with core endurance tests according to McGill procedure. Position sense of trunk was evaluated with the lumbosacral (LS) reposition tests by using Dualer IQTM digital inclinometer.

Results: PST, MSOT and LS repositioning tests scores were higher (p
Correlation Between the Level od Atherosclerosis and Pathological Features of Coronary Artery Disease: A Study of 100 Autopsy Cases
Authors: TURAN YURTSEVER Nurşen , EKEMEN Süheyla , KETENCİ Hüseyin Çetin
Published: September 2023

Objective: Atherosclerosis is a generalized, chronic disease of large and medium-sized muscular elastic arteries. Relation between intensity of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, and risk factors of atherosclerosis could not been revealed completely by autopsy studies. We aimed to renew this shortage of knowledge with our autopsy study prospectively.

Methods: One hundred cases were autopsied within 48 h after death. Atherosclerotic risk factor data were collected including age, gender, height, weight, smoking and any chronic coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis severity was evaluated macroscopically by examining the inner surfaces of the vascular lumens and revealed with postmortem pathological findings of coronary artery disease.

Results: The mean age was 42 ± 22 years. Seventy-four percent of cases were male, while 26% were female. Smoking duration ranged from 1 to 50 years with a mean duration of 17 ± 12 years. Existence of atherosclerosis in main vessels were also in correlation with age, duration of smoking and BMI (Body Mass Index) (p
Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Studies on Peganum harmala L.: An Overview of the Last Decade
Authors: GÖKKAYA İçim , RENDA Gülin , SUBAŞ Tuğba , ÖZGEN Ufuk
Published: September 2023

Objective: Plants have been used to treat ailments since the dawn of humanity. The use of medicinal plants for various purposes such as preventing diseases, treating diseases and supporting medical treatment is increasing day by day. On the other hand, medicinal plants are important sources of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. It has been demonstrated that Peganum harmala L. and the phytochemicals it contains have a wide variety of pharmacological activities. P. harmala and its active ingredients can be an important resource for the pharmaceutical industry. In this review, the phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, clinical studies, and toxicity of P. harmala are discussed under the current information.

Methods: Studies on P. harmala were searched using Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct databases, and Google Scholar search engine. As a result of the searches, 96 articles were included in the study.

Results: The main group of secondary metabolites responsible for the biological activities of P. harmala is alkaloids. The plant and its isolated secondary plant compounds have been shown to have many pharmacological actions, counting antiamnestic, anticancer, antidepressant, antiinflammatory, cardiovascular, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and vasodilator activities. Studies evaluating the plant's clinical effects have been carried out in recent years. However, it has been recorded in the literature that the use of P. harmala causes poisoning with symptoms such as neurosensory symptoms, visual hallucination, bradycardia, hypotension, agitation, tremor, ataxia, and vomiting. Conclusion: Considering the pharmacological effects, the number of studies on the efficacy and safety of P. harmala and its secondary metabolites should be increased.
Cellular, Behavioral, and Locomotor Effects of Oral Nicotine in Male Rats with Bilateral Lesions in the Ventrolateral Striatum Induced with 6-OHDA
Authors: SARICA  DAROL Elif , KARSON Ayşe , KÖKTÜRK Sibel , İŞERİ Pervin
Published: September 2023

Objective: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease having a spectrum of non-motor to motor symptoms. Unrelated to motor symptoms of sensory, autonomic, and neuropsychiatric symptoms often appear early in the course of the disease. It is a remarkable observation that patients in the premotor phase can easily quit smoking without help. This study was intended to investigate the interrelation between nicotine and the partial loss of dopaminergic innervation in the ventrolateral striatum induced by 6-OHDA.

Methods: We used an experimental premotor parkinsonism model. The oral nicotine preference of rats was investigated with the two-bottle free choice method. The behaviors related to locomotor activity and emotional state were evaluated with a locomotor activity test, elevated plus maze, and forced swimming test. Histopathological evaluation was performed in the striatum by staining techniques using hematoxylin+eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry markers (caspase-3, and MAP-2).

Results: Bilateral 6-OHDA lesions did not lead to a significant alteration in the total locomotor activity or nicotine preference. Nicotine increased horizontal but decreased vertical movements in addition to increasing anxiolytic but also depressive effects in the OHDA lesion group. The number of apoptotic cells was significantly lower in the lesion group receiving nicotine compared to those not receiving nicotine.

Conclusion: Our experimental study points to the role of oral nicotine in male rats with bilateral striatal 6-OHDA lesions in the ventrolateral striatum. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between loss of dopaminergic innervation in the striatum and nicotine consumption.
Improving Knowledge of Posyandu Cadres in Monitoring Toddler Growth
Authors: Adhyanti  , Nurjaya  , Rezkiana Fidya , Candriasih Putu , Hafid Fahmi
Published: September 2023

Posyandu merupakan salah satu bentuk Upaya Kesehatan Berbasis Masyarakat (UKBM) yang dapat digunakan untuk mempercepat penurunan angka kematian ibu dan bayi. Program Posyandu tidak akan efektif atau berjalan dengan semestinya tanpa adanya dukungan dari pihak lain termaksud salah satunya adalah kader Posyandu. Tugas kader Posyandu cukup berat dalam mengelola dan melayani masyarakat, karena Posyandu merupakan sarana yang diciptakan dan dikembangkan atas kesadaran dan upaya sendiri atas partisipasi sosial setiap komunitas di desa dan di kota. Kurangnya pengetahuan dan keterampilan kader posyandu berakibat kurang baiknya pemantauan tumbuh kembang balita sehingga kesehatan anak tidak akan termonitor dengan baik. Pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan kader posyandu dalam pengukuran tinggi badan dan berat badan balita agar tidak terjadi kesalahan dalam penentuan status gizi balita. Pengabdian masyarakat ini dilakukan dengan melakukan observasi, penyuluhan, praktek pengukuran serta pengukuran pengetahuan kader posyandu. Hasil kegiatan ini menunjukan rata-rata nilai peserta sebelum mengikuti pelatihan 46,6 dan meningkat menjadi 76 setelah mengikuti pelatihan. Selain itu, berdasarkan hasil analisis diperoleh rata-rata peningkatan sebesar 11,5. Pengetahuan kader dalam pengukuran tinggi badan dan berat badan mengalami peningkatan, begitu juga dalam praktek penerapan pengukurannya. Peningkatan pengetahuan dapat meningkatkan pemahaman dan keterampilan kader posyandu dalam pengukuran tinggi badan dan berat badan balita sehingga tumbuh kembang balita dapat dimonitor.
Multiple introductions and human-aided dispersal of the UK’s most widespread non-native amphibian
Authors: Ball Sarah E. , Gupta Mollie , Aldridge Sarah J. , Allen Bryony E. , Faulkner Sally C. , Oteo-García Gonzalo , Griffiths Richard A. , Hill Peter , Morris Nicola J. , Stevens Michael C. A. , Wilkinson John , Garner Trenton W. J.
Published: September 2023

The alpine newt Ichthyosaura alpestris has achieved a widespread distribution as a non-native (alien) species in Britain since its initial introduction over a century ago, but the patterns of its release and subsequent dispersal have never yet been collectively analysed. We employed a multi-disciplinary combination of methods, using geographic profiling to estimate the likely number and locations of introductions, and mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms to investigate the likely geographic source of primary introductions, including the potential role of the pet trade. In parallel we used population genetic analysis and coalescence-based modelling to infer the demographics and directionality of dispersal from founding populations. Our results show that alpine newts have been released at multiple sites. We found a close resemblance between patterns of mtDNA haplotypes in the pet trade and those of established alpine newt populations, suggesting a relationship between trade, releases, and dispersal. Results from demographic modelling using Approximate Bayesian Computation are also consistent with multiple independent introductions with limited local dispersal, and additionally suggest that releases may occur from intermediate sources, such as captive populations. Our results support the hypothesis that deliberate human activity is largely responsible for both introductions of alpine newts into the UK and their wider dispersal post-introduction. The likely involvement of the international pet trade highlights the risk that ongoing releases of I. alpestris may expose native species to pathogens, whether pre-existing or novel.
Smoking, immunity, and cardiovascular prognosis: a study of plasma IgE concentration in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Lili , Zhu Yanrong , Meng Xin , Zhang Yifan , Ren Qian , Huang Dong , Chen Zhong
Published: September 2023

Background

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is implicated in the pathogenesis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and smokers often exhibit elevated plasma IgE levels. However, it remains uncertain whether the role of smoking in the development and prognosis of AMI is influenced by IgE levels. This study aimed to investigate the potential contribution of IgE in mediating the association between smoking and AMI.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study involving 348 consecutive patients with chest discomfort who underwent coronary angiography. Plasma cotinine, an alkaloid present in tobacco, and IgE levels were measured. The patients were followed up for mean 39-months to assess their long-term prognosis based on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Results

Our findings indicate that patients with AMI had higher plasma levels of cotinine and IgE. Univariate analyses demonstrated a positive association between plasma cotinine (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.27–2.26, P < 0.001) and IgE (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.75–4.39, P < 0.001) with AMI. Receiver operating characteristics analyses showed that the combined use of cotinine and IgE (AUC: 0.677) had a larger predictive performance compared to cotinine alone (AUC: 0.639) or IgE alone (AUC: 0.657), although the improvement did not reach statistical significance. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a positive association between plasma cotinine and AMI (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.04–2.78, P = 0.036). Furthermore, the inclusion of plasma IgE in the regression model led to a decrease in the OR and 95% CI of plasma cotinine (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.01–2.73, P = 0.048). Process mediation analyses showed a significant indirect effect of plasma cotinine on AMI mediated through increased plasma IgE. Kaplan–Meier analysis during a mean 39-months follow-up revealed that higher plasma levels of IgE were associated with an increased risk of MACCE following AMI (P = 0.047). However, in the context of the COX regression analysis, no significant correlation was observed between IgE, cotinine and AMI.

Conclusion

Cotinine exhibits a positive association with AMI, wherein IgE plays a mediating role. Elevated plasma levels of IgE was positively associated with AMI and poor prognosis, which further confirms the adverse role of smoking on the incidence of AMI and prognosis. (Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR2100053000).
Integrated 16S rRNA sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics analysis to reveal the mechanisms of Yu-Ye Tang on type 2 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: Ma Ziang , Sun Wenjuan , Wang Lixin , Wang Yuansong , Pan Baochao , Su Xiuhai , Li Hanzhou , Zhang Hui , Lv Shuquan , Wang Hongwu
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Yu–Ye Tang (YYT) is a classical formula widely used in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the specific mechanism of YYT in treating T2DM is not clear.

Methods

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of YYT on T2DM by establishing a rat model of T2DM. The mechanism of action of YYT was also explored through investigating gut microbiota and serum metabolites.

Results

The results indicated YYT had significant therapeutic effects on T2DM. Moreover, YYT could increase the abundance of Lactobacillus, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, UCG-005, Bacteroides and Blautia while decrease the abundance of and Allobaculum and Desulfovibrio in gut microbiota of T2DM rats. Nontargeted metabolomics analysis showed YYT treatment could regulate arachidonic acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, phenylalanine metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism in T2DM rats.

Discussion

In conclusion, our research showed that YYT has a wide range of therapeutic effects on T2DM rats, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, YYT corrected the altered gut microbiota and serum metabolites in T2DM rats. This study suggests that YYT may have a therapeutic impact on T2DM by regulating gut microbiota and modulating tryptophan and glycerophospholipid metabolism, which are potential key pathways in treating T2DM.
Do large thyroid nodules (≥4 cm) without suspicious cytology need surgery?
Authors: Kang Seokmin , Kim Eunjin , Lee Sunmin , Kim Jin Kyong , Lee Cho Rok , Kang Sang-Wook , Lee Jandee , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee-Hyun , Chung Woong Youn
Published: September 2023

Background

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a good diagnostic tool for thyroid nodules; however, its high false-negative rate for giant nodules remains controversial. Many clinicians recommend surgical resection for nodules >4 cm owing to an increased risk of malignancy and an increased false-negative rate. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of this approach and investigate the incidence of malignancy in thyroid nodules >4 cm without suspicious cytology based on medical records in our center.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 453 patients that underwent preoperative FNAB for nodules measuring >4 cm between January 2017 and August 2022 at Severance Hospital, Seoul.

Results

Among the 453 patients, 140 nodules were benign and 119 were indeterminate. Among 259 patients, the final pathology results were divided into benign (149) and cancerous (110) groups, and the prevalence of malignancy was 38.9% in the benign group and 55.5% in the indeterminate group. Among the malignancies, follicular carcinoma and follicular variants of papillary carcinoma were observed in 83% of the cytologically benign group and 62.8% of the indeterminate group.

Conclusion

Preoperative FNAB had high false-negative rates and low diagnostic accuracy in patients with thyroid nodules >4 cm without suspicious cytologic features; therefore, diagnostic surgery may be considered a treatment option.
From goals to engagement—evaluating citizen science project descriptions as science communication texts
Authors: Golumbic Yaela N. , Oesterheld Marius
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Attracting and recruiting volunteers is a key aspect of managing a citizen science initiative. Science communication plays a central role in this process. In this context, project descriptions are of particular importance, as they are very often, the first point of contact between a project and prospective participants. As such, they need to be reader-friendly, accessible, spark interest, contain practical information, and motivate readers to join the project.

Methods: This study examines citizen science project descriptions as science communication texts. We conducted a thorough review and analysis of a random sample of 120 English-language project descriptions to investigate the quality and comprehensiveness of citizen science project descriptions and the extent to which they contain information relevant to prospect participants.

Results: Our findings reveal information deficiencies and challenges relating to clarity and accessibility. While goals and expected outcomes were frequently addressed, practical matters and aspects related to volunteer and community management were much less well-represented.

Discussion: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of citizen science communication methods and provides valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and impact of citizen science.
Reducing carbon emissions in the architectural design process via transformer with cross-attention mechanism
Authors: Li HuaDong , Yang Xia , Zhu Hai Luo
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The construction industry is one of the world’s largest carbon emitters, accounting for around 40% of total emissions. Therefore, reducing carbon emissions from the construction sector is critical to global climate change mitigation. However, traditional architectural design methods have some limitations, such as difficulty in considering complex interaction relationships and a large amount of architectural data, so machine learning can assist architectural design in improving design efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Methods

This study aims to reduce carbon emissions in the architectural design by using a Transformer with a cross-attention mechanism model. We aim to use machine learning methods to generate optimized building designs that reduce carbon emissions during their use and construction. We train the model on the building design dataset and its associated carbon emissions dataset and use a cross-attention mechanism to let the model focus on different aspects of the building design to achieve the desired outcome. We also use predictive modelling to predict energy consumption and carbon emissions to help architects make more sustainable decisions.

Results and discussion

Experimental results demonstrate that our model can generate optimized building designs to reduce carbon emissions during their use and construction. Our model can also predict a building’s energy consumption and carbon emissions, helping architects make more sustainable decisions. Using Transformers with cross-attention mechanism models to reduce carbon emissions in the building design process can contribute to climate change mitigation. This approach could help architects better account for carbon emissions and energy consumption and produce more sustainable building designs. In addition, the method can also guide future building design and decision-making by predicting building energy consumption and carbon emissions.
eoPred: predicting the placental phenotype of early-onset preeclampsia using public DNA methylation data
Authors: Fernández-Boyano I. , Inkster A. M. , Yuan V. , Robinson W. P.
Published: September 2023

Background: A growing body of literature has reported molecular and histological changes in the human placenta in association with preeclampsia (PE). Placental DNA methylation (DNAme) and transcriptomic patterns have revealed molecular subgroups of PE that are associated with placental histopathology and clinical phenotypes of the disease. However, the clinical and molecular heterogeneity of PE both across and within subtypes complicates the study of this disease. PE is most strongly associated with placental pathology and adverse fetal and maternal outcomes when it develops early in pregnancy. We focused on placentae from pregnancies affected by preeclampsia that were delivered before 34 weeks of gestation to develop eoPred, a predictor of the DNAme signature associated with the placental phenotype of early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE).

Results: Public data from 83 placental samples (HM450K), consisting of 42 EOPE and 41 normotensive preterm birth (nPTB) cases, was used to develop eoPred—a supervised model that relies on a highly discriminative 45 CpG DNAme signature of EOPE in the placenta. The performance of eoPred was assessed using cross-validation (AUC = 0.95) and tested in an independent validation cohort (n = 49, AUC = 0.725). A subset of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and late-PE cases showed a similar DNAme profile at the 45 predictive CpGs, consistent with the overlap in placental pathology between these conditions. The relationship between the EOPE probability generated by eoPred and various phenotypic variables was also assessed, revealing that it is associated with gestational age, and it is not driven by cell composition differences.

Conclusion: eoPred relies on a 45-CpG DNAme signature to predict a homogeneous placental phenotype of EOPE in a discrete or continuous manner. Using this classifier should 1) aid in the study of placental insufficiency and improve the consistency of future placental DNAme studies of PE, 2) facilitate identifying the placental phenotype of EOPE in public data sets and 3) importantly, standardize the placental diagnosis of EOPE to allow better cross-cohort comparisons. Lastly, classification of cases with eoPred will be useful for investigating the relationship between placental pathology and genetic or environmental variables.
Differentially activated B cells develop regulatory phenotype and show varying immunosuppressive features: a comparative study
Authors: Zheremyan Elina A. , Ustiugova Alina S. , Uvarova Aksinya N. , Karamushka Nina M. , Stasevich Ekaterina M. , Gogoleva Violetta S. , Bogolyubova Apollinariya V. , Mitkin Nikita A. , Kuprash Dmitry V. , Korneev Kirill V.
Published: September 2023

Regulatory B lymphocytes (Bregs) are B cells with well-pronounced immunosuppressive properties, allowing them to suppress the activity of effector cells. A broad repertoire of immunosuppressive mechanisms makes Bregs an attractive tool for adoptive cell therapy for diseases associated with excessive activation of immune reactions. Such therapy implies Breg extraction from the patient’s peripheral blood, ex vivo activation and expansion, and further infusion into the patient. At the same time, the utility of Bregs for therapeutic approaches is limited by their small numbers and extremely low survival rate, which is typical for all primary B cell cultures. Therefore, extracting CD19+ cells from the patient’s peripheral blood and specifically activating them ex vivo to make B cells acquire a suppressive phenotype seems to be far more productive. It will allow a much larger number of B cells to be obtained initially, which may significantly increase the likelihood of successful immunosuppression after adoptive Breg transfer. This comparative study focuses on finding ways to efficiently manipulate B cells in vitro to differentiate them into Bregs. We used CD40L, CpG, IL4, IL21, PMA, and ionomycin in various combinations to generate immunosuppressive phenotype in B cells and performed functional assays to test their regulatory capacity. This work shows that treatment of primary B cells using CD40L + CpG + IL21 mix was most effective in terms of induction of functionally active regulatory B lymphocytes with high immunosuppressive capacity ex vivo.
Prospective assessment of pre-existing and de novo anti-HLA IgE in kidney, liver, lung and heart transplantation
Authors: Mucha Jasmin , Cho Ara , Weijler Anna Marianne , Muckenhuber Moritz , Hofmann Amun Georg , Wahrmann Markus , Heinzel Andreas , Linhart Birgit , Gattinger Pia , Valenta Rudolf , Berlakovich Gabriela , Zuckermann Andreas , Jaksch Peter , Oberbauer Rainer , Wekerle Thomas
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Antibody mediated rejection (ABMR) is a major factor limiting outcome after organ transplantation. Anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSA) of the IgG isotype are mainly responsible for ABMR. Recently DSA of the IgE isotype were demonstrated in murine models as well as in a small cohort of sensitized transplant recipients. In the present study, we aimed to determine the frequency of pre-existing and de novo anti-HLA IgE antibodies in a cohort of 105 solid organ transplant recipients.

Methods

We prospectively measured anti-HLA IgE antibodies in a cohort of kidney (n=60), liver, heart and lung (n=15 each) transplant recipients before and within one-year after transplantation, employing a single-antigen bead assay for HLA class I and class II antigens. Functional activity of anti-HLA IgE antibodies was assessed by an in vitro mediator release assay. Antibodies of the IgG1-4 subclasses and Th1 and Th2 cytokines were measured in anti-HLA IgE positive patients.

Results

Pre-existing anti-HLA IgE antibodies were detected in 10% of renal recipients (including 3.3% IgE-DSA) and in 4.4% of non-renal solid organ transplant recipients (heart, liver and lung cohort). Anti-HLA IgE occurred only in patients that were positive for anti-HLA IgG, and most IgE positive patients had had a previous transplant. Only a small fraction of patients developed de novo anti-HLA IgE antibodies (1.7% of kidney recipients and 4.4% of non-renal recipients), whereas no de novo IgE-DSA was detected. IgG subclass antibodies showed a distinct pattern in patients who were positive for anti-HLA IgE. Moreover, patients with anti-HLA IgE showed elevated Th2 and also Th1 cytokine levels. Serum from IgE positive recipients led to degranulation of basophils in vitro, demonstrating functionality of anti-HLA IgE.

Discussion

These data demonstrate that anti-HLA IgE antibodies occur at low frequency in kidney, liver, heart and lung transplant recipients. Anti-HLA IgE development is associated with sensitization at the IgG level, in particular through previous transplants and distinct IgG subclasses. Taken together, HLA specific IgE sensitization is a new phenomenon in solid organ transplant recipients whose potential relevance for allograft injury requires further investigation.
RETRACTED: Macrophages depletion alleviates lung injury by modulating AKT3/GXP4 following ventilator associated pneumonia
Authors: Zhu Youfeng , Chen Yang , Xie Di , Xia Dong , Kuang Huanming , Guo Xinmin , Ning Bo
Published: September 2023

Background

AKT3 appears to play a role in lung cancer. However, its role in ventilator-associated pneumonia is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of AKT3 in macrophages during ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Methods

The mRNA level of AKT3, Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), The data is analyzed using the Xiantao academic analysis tool. Additionally, the roles of AKT3 in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) were investigated through in vivo experiments.

Results

AKT3 was differentially expressed in various normal and tumor tissues. Functional enrichment analysis indicated the immunomodulatory function and inflammatory response of AKT3 in lung cancer. Depletion of macrophages protected against lung epithelial cells and significantly decreased MMP9, MMP19, FTH, and FTL expression levels and increased GPX4 expression levels, while partially reversing the changes in macrophage. Mechanistically, macrophage depletion attenuates ferroptosis of lung epithelial cells by modulating AKT3 following VAP.

Conclusion

Collectively, this study suggests the need for further validation of the immunoregulatory function of AKT3 in lung cancer. Additionally, macrophage depletion mitigates lung injury by modulating the AKT3/GPX4 pathway in the context of VAP.
The evolution of China’s policies on marine and coastal ecosystems in climate change adaptation
Authors: Bai Jiayu , Li Xiaoyu
Published: September 2023

Marine and coastal ecosystems play a crucial role in adjusting the process of climate change. Mitigation and adaptation activities involve interdependent carbon and water cycles. Excessive carbon emissions burden the carbon storage capacity of the ocean and then affect the balance and stability of marine ecosystems, leading to global ocean issues such as ocean acidification and the calcification of marine life. While many studies have been conducted on this issue, there is a lack of policy analysis on how countries deal with climate change, particularly in the area of marine and coastal ecosystems’ policies. In 1992, China ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and China actively participated in the governance of marine and coastal ecosystems adapting to climate change. This article reviews and textually analyses China’s policies related to the adaptation of marine and coastal ecosystems to climate change in 1992–2023. It adopts policy-oriented jurisprudence to illustrate natural and social factors which drive the evolution of China’s policies on marine and coastal ecosystems in climate change adaptation. To achieve the optimal policy results, this article recommends further enhancing the mechanism of policy implementation and management, innovating the system of policy incentives and supervision, and optimizing the framework of policy effectiveness evaluation on the basis of further policy goals.
Potential molecular targets for intervention in pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Wu Xia , Liu Xiaochun , Li Tingting
Published: September 2023

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a concerning gynecological benign illness in middle-aged and senior women. Its etiology is complex, the incidence rate is high, symptoms are clinically subjective, and its influence tends to be polarized. At present, for those who need medical treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, complications cannot be ignored, and treatment effect needs to be optimized. However, there is a lack of accurate molecular biological interventions for the prevention, diagnosis, progression delay, and treatment of POP. Here, we reviewed the current state of understanding of the molecular mechanisms and factors associated with POP etiology. These factors include cyclins, matrix metal peptidases/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, microRNAs, homeobox A11, transforming growth factor β1, insulin-like growth factor 1, fibulin 5, lysyl oxidase-like 1, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, estrogen, and other potential biomarkers associated with POP. In addition, relevant molecular targets that may be used to intervene in POP are summarized. The aim of this review was to provide more information to identify accurate potential biomarkers and/or molecular targets for the prevention, diagnosis, progression delay, and treatment of POP, with the goal of improving medical treatment for patients at-risk for POP or having POP. Continued research is needed to identify additional details of currently accepted molecular mechanisms and to identify additional mechanisms that contribute to POP.
Virtual reality to improve low-back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy: a pilot RCT for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: García-López Francisco-José , Pastora-Bernal José-Manuel , Moreno-Morales Noelia , Estebanez-Pérez María-José , Liñán-González Antonio , Martín-Valero Rocío
Published: September 2023

A significant proportion of women experience low back and pelvic pain during and after pregnancy, which can negatively impact their daily lives. Various factors are attributed to these complaints, and many affected women do not receive adequate healthcare. However, there is evidence to support the use of different physiotherapeutic interventions to alleviate these conditions. Virtual reality is a promising complementary treatment to physiotherapy, particularly in improving pain perception and avoidance. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a four-week program combining VR and physiotherapy compared to standard physiotherapy in pregnant women with low back and pelvic pain, in terms of improving pain avoidance, intensity, disability, and functional level. The study also aims to investigate patient satisfaction with the VR intervention. This research will be conducted through a multi-center randomized controlled clinical trial involving pregnant patients residing in the provinces of Seville and Malaga with a diagnosis of low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. The alternative hypothesis is that the implementation of a Virtual Reality program in combination with standard physiotherapy will result in better clinical outcomes compared to the current standard intervention, which could lead to the development of new policies and interventions for these pathologies and their consequences.

Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05571358.
Patient-reported outcomes of serum eye drops manufactured from Australian blood donations and packaged using Meise vials
Authors: Gemelli Carley N. , Mondy Phillip , Kakkos Athina , O’Donovan Justine , Diaz Perfecto , Knight Elizabeth , Hirani Rena
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Serum eye drops (SED) are an effective treatment for dry eye syndrome. However, autologous serum collection can have challenges. Patient-tailored (allogeneic) SED (PT-SED) can be made from healthy blood donors. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has manufactured both autologous SED (Auto-SED) and PT-SED and, in May 2021, introduced Meise vial packaging. This study aimed to explore SED patient-reported outcomes and vial packaging satisfaction.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted with recruitment between 1 November 2021 and 30 June 2022. Participants completed the dry eye questionnaire (DEQ5), health-related quality-of-life (SF-8™), functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-treatment satisfaction-general (FACIT-TS-G), and general wellbeing surveys. Existing patients completed these once, and new patients were surveyed at baseline, 3 months post-treatment, and 6 months post-treatment.

Results

Participants who completed all study requirements were 24 existing and 40 new Auto-SED and 10 existing and 8 new PT-SED patients. Auto-SED patients were younger [56.2 (±14.7) years] than PT-SED patients [71.4 (±10.0) years]. Participants used a mean of 1.8 (±1.1) SED, 5.3 (±2.9) times per day. In new patients, DEQ5 scores improved within 6 months from 14.0 (±2.9) to 10.6 (±3.4) for Auto-SED and from 12.9 (±3.7) to 11.4 (±2.8) for PT-SED. General wellbeing measures improved in the new Auto-SED from 7.0 (±1.9) to 7.8 (±1.7) but were reduced for new PT-SED from 6.7 (±2.9) to 6.1 (±2.9).

Discussion

SED improved dry eye symptoms in most patients, regardless of the serum source. Patients using PT-SED showed decreases in some quality-of-life measures; however, recruitment was reduced due to operational constraints, and concurrent comorbidities were not assessed. General feedback for SED and vial packaging was positive, with some improvements identified.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared through microbial mediated synthesis for therapeutic applications: a possible alternative for plants
Authors: Murali Mahadevamurthy , Gowtham H. G. , Shilpa N. , Singh S. Brijesh , Aiyaz Mohammed , Sayyed R. Z. , Shivamallu Chandan , Achar Raghu Ram , Silina Ekaterina , Stupin Victor , Manturova Natalia , Shati Ali A. , Alfaifi Mohammad Y. , Elbehairi Serag Eldin I. , Kollur Shiva Prasad
Published: September 2023

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized through biogenic methods have gained significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in various biological fields. Unlike chemical and physical approaches that may lead to environmental pollution, biogenic synthesis offers a greener alternative, minimizing hazardous environmental impacts. During biogenic synthesis, metabolites present in the biotic sources (like plants and microbes) serve as bio-reductants and bio-stabilizers. Among the biotic sources, microbes have emerged as a promising option for ZnO-NPs synthesis due to their numerous advantages, such as being environmentally friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible. Various microbes like bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and yeast can be employed to synthesize ZnO-NPs. The synthesis can occur either intracellularly, within the microbial cells, or extracellularly, using proteins, enzymes, and other biomolecules secreted by the microbes. The main key advantage of biogenic synthesis is manipulating the reaction conditions to optimize the preferred shape and size of the ZnO-NPs. This control over the synthesis process allows tailoring the NPs for specific applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, environmental remediation, and more. Some potential applications include drug delivery systems, antibacterial agents, bioimaging, biosensors, and nano-fertilizers for improved crop growth. While the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs through microbes offers numerous benefits, it is essential to assess their toxicological effects, a critical aspect that requires thorough investigation to ensure their safe use in various applications. Overall, the presented review highlights the mechanism of biogenic synthesis of ZnO-NPs using microbes and their exploration of potential applications while emphasizing the importance of studying their toxicological effects to ensure a viable and environmentally friendly green strategy.