bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF HOME OWNERSHIP LOANS BANK INTEREST RATES IN INDONESIA WITH NEWTON'S INTERPOLATION METHOD
Authors: Natalia Bela Desy , Ditasona Candra , Vania Ruth Ririn , Zebua Kornelius Anugrah
Published: February 2024

The demand of the Indonesian society to own homes and properties is increasing along with the growth of Indonesia's population. This has led to an increase in population density, causing property prices to rise. The way to own property or a house in accordance with monthly income is by using bank housing loans. Three Indonesian banks renowned for housing loan applications, namely BTN, Mandiri, and BSI, were selected as samples in this study. These three banks have their own advantages and different bank interest rates. Therefore, this research was created as a tool for consumers to make decisions by considering the advantages obtained when applying for a loan at one of the three banks. This study employs the Newton's interpolation method to generate formulas that can help solve consumer problems. The results of this study generally indicate that Mandiri bank has an advantage in terms of lower installment costs compared to BTN and BSI.
A Study on the Music Acceptance Method by Personality Type (MBTI): Focusing on the Survey of Young People
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kang Shinjeong , Han Kyunghoon
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to study the way music is accepted by personality type. A survey was conducted on young people (19-34 years old) living in Korea, and 288 subjects were involved. For survey statistics, IBM SPSS Statistics 27 version was used. The K-squared test is used to verify the relationship between categorical data, and in this study, music preference and personality type were analyzed as categorical variables, respectively. Through this, statistical results can be obtained as to whether music has an association with a specific personality type or whether there is a difference in music preference according to personality type. Research on the music acceptance method considering the audience's personality type could open a new horizon in music therapy, education, marketing, and even the music industry as a whole.
A Study on Burnout and Music Use Among Pastors' Wives
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Yu Miseon , Park Hyeyoung , Cho Miran
Published: February 2024

This research study investigates the utilization of music according to burnout among women who were currently active as the wives of pastors. A questionnaire, with a total of 62 items was created (ten about basic information, 14 about the current utilization of music in daily life, 22 about the perceptions of music utilization related to burnout, and 15 about burnout). Questionnaires were distributed and 194 were returned. After four were excluded for containing insufficient responses, 190 were analyzed. The findings are as follows: first, wives of pastors usually utilized church music such as CCM and hymns for self-consolation in the church; second, they perceived that music appreciation, songs, and instrument playing all had positive effects on their self-care to manage their burnout; finally, the study analyzed group differences in music utilization according to the degree of burnout and found no overall differences in music appreciation, but there were significant differences in the mood of singing and instrument playing. When selecting songs for burnout management, the group of high burnout perceived the importance of musical elements and themes more than the group of low burnout. The present study provides basic data to develop a music program for the management of burnout among the wives of pastors by examining their burnout and music utilization.
Study on the Dokdo Region as a Sustainable Education Environment: Focusing on the Ecomuseum
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kang Kyunglee
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to study the Dokdo region as a sustainable education environment. This study introduced the ecomuseum concept and proposed ways to apply it to the Dokdo region as an education environment. As a result of the study, the meaning of the Dokdo region is the expansion of spaces from the Dokdo experience center to the Dokdo region, expansion of times from the Dokdo experience center exhibits to the Dokdo region over time, and expansion of subjects from visitors to local residents. The structure of the Dokdo region was revealed through the construction of a space road map centered on the Dokdo region, the composition of storytelling contents that reflected temporal changes in the Dokdo region, and the collaboration of education subjects regarding Dokdo education. The application plan for the Dokdo region as an educational environment was found to be establishing an educational environment for historical education about Dokdo in the past, cultural education about Dokdo in the present, and education focused community about Dokdo in the future.
Study on the Improvement of Youth Resilience: Focusing on the Analysis of Integrated Art Therapy Trends
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Yeaji , Yoon Mira , Sim Hyekyung
Published: February 2024

This study explores the effects of integrated art therapy on adolescents' mental health and resilience. Integrated art therapy can improve resilience by strengthening emotional expression, self-identification, and communication skills through art media. However, there may be differences in effectiveness depending on the characteristics of each adolescent, requiring a customized approach, and in some areas, there may be accessibility problems due to lack of resources. Cooperation between the government, educational institutions, art therapy experts, and local communities is necessary, and efforts are needed. Therefore, customized access, resource expansion, and cooperation are needed to improve the resilience of adolescents using integrated art therapy. Through this, it is expected that more adolescents will be able to have enhanced mental health and resilience.
The Effects of College Freshmen’s Student Engagement and Self-efficacy on Digital Citizenship
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jeong Yeonjae , Joo Soyoung
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of student engagement and selfefficacy on digital citizenship among college freshmen. To this end, correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted on 219 freshman basic compulsory courses students at a four-year I university located in Incheon Metropolitan City from 8 May 2023 to 10 May 2023. The results are as follows. First, student engagement and self-efficacy of college freshmen were significantly correlated with cognitive, justice, and behavioural dimensions of digital citizenship. Second, when examining the impact of student engagement and self-efficacy on digital citizenship of college freshmen, it was found that academic challenge, peers and learning, effective teaching, and self-regulatory efficacy and confidence of self-efficacy explained 46% of the cognitive dimension and 41% of the justice dimension. In addition, academic challenge, peers and learning, effective teaching, and self-regulatory efficacy of self-efficacy explained 46% of the behavioural component of student engagement. The findings of this study can be applied to the design of educational programs at the undergraduate level to foster digital citizenship.
Memórias da velhice:
Authors: De Oliveira Barros Jussiara , Araújo dos Reis Luciana
Published: February 2024

Recebido: 12/09/2021

Aprovado: 27/04/2022

profissionais da Atenção Primária de Saúde (APS) que atuam na Equipe de Saúde da Família (ESF). Pesquisa de campo, qualitativa, com coleta dos dados por entrevista semiestruturada, no qual utilizou-se os pressupostos teórico-metodológicos da Análise do Discurso (AD). A abordagem seguiu de maneira entrelaçada com o pensamento de memória coletiva por Halbwachs, tendo em vista a perspectiva da construção social da velhice. No contexto trazido pelas memórias dos profissionais da ESF são produzidos sentidos às suas práticas no cotidiano dos serviços de saúde da APS, vistas através da proximidade familiar no convívio com a pessoa idosa ou na formação profissional – graduação/capacitações. Conclui-se que ainda é necessário criar estratégias para redirecionar o foco na organização do processo de trabalho dos profissionais na atenção integral à saúde da pessoa idosa.

Palavras-Chave: Equipe de saúde da família; Memória; Saúde do idoso.
Redução de Danos e a Construção De Imagens Estigmatizadas dos Usuários de Substâncias Psicoativas:
Authors: Bullos Cerqueira Júnior Marcelo Antonio , Guilherme Vitorino Juliana Mércia
Published: February 2024

Recebido: 15/10/2021

Aprovado: 17/04/2022

Este artigo é uma revisão teórica sobre Redução de Danos, com enfoque na construção de estigmas, por óticas do pós-estruturalismo e evidencia a necessidade de descolonizar padrões proibicionistas que estruturam nossa sociedade. Serão mobilizados conceitos como cuidado de si (Foucault), pontos de singularidade (Deleuze), colonialidade (Quijano) e subalternidade (Castro-Gómez e Grosfoguel). Buscou-se investigar e esclarecer pontos críticos e moldados por uma estrutura vigente em relação ao uso de substâncias psicoativas (SPAs), aos usuários, sobre a Redução de Danos (RD) e sobre a comunicação – ou a falta da mesma – do tema. Adentramos no escopo da subversividade no uso de drogas, subalternidades causadas pelo proibicionismo e os estigmas aos usuários. Sendo assim, questiona-se: Que reflexões podemos fazer sobre a relação da sociedade sobre o uso de drogas? O poder vigente e suas leis fazem realmente sentido ou estão cercados de preconceito racial, social e uma biopolítica reversa?

Palavras-chave: Redução de Danos. Substâncias Psicoativas. Pós-estruturalismo. Subalternidades. Subversividades.
Cena Muda, Eu sei tudo:
Authors: S. C. Maynard Andreza , C. S. Maynard Dilton
Published: February 2024

Recebido: 15/11/2022

Aprovado: 07/12/2022

Este artigo traça um breve histórico de A Cena Muda, analisando sua vinculação às revistas de fãs e a conexão estabelecida com o mercado editorial brasileiro entre 1921 e 1955. Durante a investigação foram consultadas fontes documentais a exemplo de periódicos publicados no Brasil e nos Estados Unidos, bem como foi realizado um levantamento da produção acadêmica acerca do tema. Mais do que apenas difundir os filmes e os astros hollywoodianos, A Cena Muda esteve atenta às transformações que ocorriam no país. Além de promover os astros e os filmes estadunidenses, de buscar estabelecer uma relação próxima com os leitores, a revista se manteve atualizada a respeito dos movimentos culturais, sobretudo aqueles relacionados ao cinema nacional e ao rádio, que tiveram seu espaço ampliado na publicação com o passar dos anos.

Palavras-chave: História e cinema, A Cena Muda, revista de fã, Hollywood, história da imprensa no Brasil.
Quando a vontade é luta:
Authors: Oliveira Farias Sara
Published: February 2024

Recebido: 16/02/2022

Aprovado: 28/07/2022

O presente artigo analisa aspectos do Movimento de Educação de Base (MEB), destacando a prática sindical rural na Bahia através dos relatos orais de memória. São também analisados discursos produzidos pelo material didático, utilizados nas aulas do MEB, compreendendo como as produções discursivas foram produzidas pelo movimento e, como contribuíram na luta dos trabalhadores e trabalhadoras rurais por uma vida com direitos.

Palavras-chave: MEB; sindicato; relatos; discursos; educação popular.
Afinal, a que corresponde o Governo Bolsonaro?
Authors: De Melo Mattos Michele Morgane
Published: February 2024

Recebida: 21/01/2022

Aprovada: 15/06/2022
Mapa Conceitual, Totalitarismo e Ensino de História:
Authors: Alinor Hoissa Benfica Tiago
Published: February 2024

Recebido: 12/01/2022

Aprovado: 28/05/2022

O texto busca refletir sobre uma experiência didática na aula de História usando o software CmapCloud em turmas do terceiro ano do ensino médio, abordando os conteúdos regimes políticos totalitários e a Segunda Guerra Mundial. No início do texto, encontra-se a discussão sobre a definição e a apresentação da proposta da metodologia do uso do mapa conceitual; na sequência há a exposição das etapas desenvolvidas durante a atividade com os alunos, e também os comentários acerca de quatro mapas conceituais de autoria de discentes. Por fim, foram expressas limitações e expectativas para futuras investidas com o uso do mapa conceitual em escolas de ensino médio.

Palavras-chave: Experiência didática. Ensino de História. Informática.
Desgraça Nacional:
Authors: Herbert Neto Helcio
Published: February 2024

Recebido: 06/03/2023

Aprovado: 13/05/2023

O radialista Gagliano Neto foi o responsável pelas transmissões dos jogos da seleção que representou o Brasil na III Copa do Mundo de futebol, disputada em 1938 na França. Este artigo pretende examinar a repercussão de suas narrações a partir da perspectiva de A Invenção do Trabalhismo, livro da pesquisadora Angela de Castro Gomes sobre a organização dos trabalhadores no século XX. As reações decorrentes da experiência do locutor na Europa colocam em questão a identidade nacional no Estado Novo.

Palavras-chave: A Invenção do Trabalhismo; Gagliano Neto; Identidade nacional.
Going ballistic: The dynamics of the imagination and the issue of intentionalism
Authors: Morales Carbonell Felipe
Published: February 2024

Do we have control over the content of our imaginings? More precisely: do we have control over what our imaginings are about? Intentionalists say yes. Until recently, intentionalism could be taken as the received view. Recently, authors like Munro & Strohminger (2021) have developed some arguments against it. Here, I tentatively join their ranks and develop a new way to think about the way in which imaginings develop their contents that also goes against intentionalism. My proposal makes use of what we may call a ballistic framework for mental dynamics, which I sketch to some length. In this model, imaginings are articulated by ballistic events sensitive to constraints that modify the trajectories that imaginings trace in a special working space. This framework leaves room for alternatives to pre-assigned-content models, such as Kung’s (2016). In the ballistic-based models sketched here, and against intentionalism, imaginings can fail to be about what we intend them to be about. The framework also has applications beyond the intentionalism debate, some of which I will sketch.
Predicting shock-induced cavitation using machine learning: implications for blast-injury models
Authors: Marsh Jenny L. , Zinnel Laura , Bentil Sarah A.
Published: February 2024

While cavitation has been suspected as a mechanism of blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) for a number of years, this phenomenon remains difficult to study due to the current inability to measure cavitation in vivo. Therefore, numerical simulations are often implemented to study cavitation in the brain and surrounding fluids after blast exposure. However, these simulations need to be validated with the results from cavitation experiments. Machine learning algorithms have not generally been applied to study blast injury or biological cavitation models. However, such algorithms have concrete measures for optimization using fewer parameters than those of finite element or fluid dynamics models. Thus, machine learning algorithms are a viable option for predicting cavitation behavior from experiments and numerical simulations. This paper compares the ability of two machine learning algorithms, k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and support vector machine (SVM), to predict shock-induced cavitation behavior. The machine learning models were trained and validated with experimental data from a three-dimensional shock tube model, and it has been shown that the algorithms could predict the number of cavitation bubbles produced at a given temperature with good accuracy. This study demonstrates the potential utility of machine learning in studying shock-induced cavitation for applications in blast injury research.
Selective synthesis of rebaudioside M2 through structure-guided engineering of glycosyltransferase UGT94D1
Authors: Yang Lifeng , Yang Mengliang , Deng Zhiwei , Hou Xiaodong , Zheng Xiangting , Ping Qian , Rao Yijian , Shi Jinsong , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2024

Rebaudioside M2 (Reb M2), a novel steviol glycoside derivative, has limited industrial applications due to its low synthetic yield and selectivity. Herein, we identify UGT94D1 as a selective glycosyltransferase for rebaudioside D (Reb D), leading to the production of a mono β-1,6-glycosylated derivative, Reb M2. A variant UGT94D1-F119I/D188P was developed through protein engineering. This mutant exhibited a 6.33-fold improvement in catalytic efficiency, and produced Reb M2 with 92% yield. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that UGT94D1-F119I/D188P exhibited a shorter distance between the nucleophilic oxygen (OH6) of the substrate Reb D and uridine diphosphate glucose, along with an increased Ophosphate-C1-Oacceptor angle, thus improving the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Therefore, this study provides an efficient method for the selective synthesis of Reb M2 and paves the way for its applications in various fields.
Construction of a prognostic prediction model in liver cancer based on genes involved in integrin cell surface interactions pathway by multi-omics screening
Authors: Yu Xiang , Zhang Hao , Li Jinze , Gu Lu , Cao Lei , Gong Jun , Xie Ping , Xu Jian
Published: February 2024

Background: Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor with an increasing incidence in recent years. We aimed to develop a model by integrating clinical information and multi-omics profiles of genes to predict survival of patients with liver cancer.

Methods: The multi-omics data were integrated to identify liver cancer survival-associated signal pathways. Then, a prognostic risk score model was established based on key genes in a specific pathway, followed by the analysis of the relationship between the risk score and clinical features as well as molecular and immunologic characterization of the key genes included in the prediction model. The function experiments were performed to further elucidate the undergoing molecular mechanism.

Results: Totally, 4 pathways associated with liver cancer patients’ survival were identified. In the pathway of integrin cell surface interactions, low expression of COMP and SPP1, and low CNVs level of COL4A2 and ITGAV were significantly related to prognosis. Based on above 4 genes, the risk score model for prognosis was established. Risk score, ITGAV and SPP1 were the most significantly positively related to activated dendritic cell. COL4A2 and COMP were the most significantly positively associated with Type 1 T helper cell and regulatory T cell, respectively. The nomogram (involved T stage and risk score) may better predict short-term survival. The cell assay showed that overexpression of ITGAV promoted tumorigenesis.

Conclusion: The risk score model constructed with four genes (COMP, SPP1, COL4A2, and ITGAV) may be used to predict survival in liver cancer patients.
Clinical assessment of an AI tool for measuring biventricular parameters on cardiac MR
Authors: Salehi Mahan , Maiter Ahmed , Strickland Scarlett , Aldabbagh Ziad , Karunasaagarar Kavita , Thomas Richard , Lopez-Dee Tristan , Capener Dave , Dwivedi Krit , Sharkey Michael , Metherall Pete , van der Geest Rob , Alabed Samer , Swift Andrew J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is of diagnostic and prognostic value in a range of cardiopulmonary conditions. Current methods for evaluating CMR studies are laborious and time-consuming, contributing to delays for patients. As the demand for CMR increases, there is a growing need to automate this process. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to CMR is promising, but the evaluation of these tools in clinical practice has been limited. This study assessed the clinical viability of an automatic tool for measuring cardiac volumes on CMR.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent CMR for any indication between January 2022 and October 2022 at a single tertiary centre were included prospectively. For each case, short-axis CMR images were segmented by the AI tool and manually to yield volume, mass and ejection fraction measurements for both ventricles. Automated and manual measurements were compared for agreement and the quality of the automated contours was assessed visually by cardiac radiologists.

Results

462 CMR studies were included. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated between any automated and manual measurements (p > 0.05; independent T-test). Intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis showed excellent agreement across all metrics (ICC > 0.85). The automated contours were evaluated visually in 251 cases, with agreement or minor disagreement in 229 cases (91.2%) and failed segmentation in only a single case (0.4%). The AI tool was able to provide automated contours in under 90 s.

Conclusions

Automated segmentation of both ventricles on CMR by an automatic tool shows excellent agreement with manual segmentation performed by CMR experts in a retrospective real-world clinical cohort. Implementation of the tool could improve the efficiency of CMR reporting and reduce delays between imaging and diagnosis.
Wind turbines as a metamaterial-like urban layer: an experimental investigation using a dense seismic array and complementary sensing technologies
Authors: Pilz Marco , Roux Philippe , Mohammed Shoaib Ayjaz , Garcia Raphael F. , Steinmann Rene , Aubert Coralie , Bernauer Felix , Guéguen Philippe , Ohrnberger Matthias , Cotton Fabrice
Published: February 2024

The deflection and the control of the effects of the complex urban seismic wavefield on the built environment is a major challenge in earthquake engineering. The interactions between the soil and the structures and between the structures strongly modify the lateral variability of ground motion seen in connection to earthquake damage. Here we investigate the idea that flexural and compressional resonances of tall turbines in a wind farm strongly influence the propagation of the seismic wavefield. A large-scale geophysical experiment demonstrates that surface waves are strongly damped in several distinct frequency bands when interacting at the resonances of a set of wind turbines. The ground-anchored arrangement of these turbines produces unusual amplitude and phase patterns in the observed seismic wavefield, in the intensity ratio between stations inside and outside the wind farm and in surface wave polarization while there is no metamaterial-like complete extinction of the wavefield. This demonstration is done by setting up a dense grid of 400 geophones and another set of radial broadband stations outside the wind farm to study the properties of the seismic wavefield propagating through the wind farm. Additional geophysical equipment (e.g., an optical fiber, rotational and barometric sensors) was used to provide essential explanatory and complementary measurements. A numerical model of the turbine also confirms the mechanical resonances that are responsible for the strong coupling between the wind turbines and the seismic wavefield observed in certain frequency ranges of engineering interest.
Hypothyroidism is a causal determinant of age-related cataract risk in European population: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Shu , Sun Qi , Gu Qingwei , Bao Yujie , Wang Wei , Qin Xiaodong , Yuan Xinran
Published: February 2024

Objective

To determine whether there is a causal relationship between thyroid dysfunction and the risk of age-related cataract (ARC) in the European population.

Design

A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

Methods

Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, free thyroxine (fT4), and thyrotropin (TSH) were selected as exposures. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were obtained from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the IEU database, including 337,159 subjects. Data for fT4 and TSH (72,167 subjects) were extracted from the ThyroidOmics Consortium. ARC was used as the outcome. The SNPs associated with ARC were selected from a GWAS of 216,362 individuals in the FinnGen database. The main method used was the inverse variance-weighted method, together with four complementary methods. Sensitivity analyses were performed using Cochran’s Q test, MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger regression and leave-one-out test. MR pleiotropy was used to test for pleiotropy. MR Steiger test was used to test for the directionality.

Results

Two-sample MR analysis revealed a positive association between genetically predicted hypothyroidism and risk of ARC (OR = 2.501, 95% CI: 1.325-4.720; P = 0.004). Hyperthyroidism, circulating fT4 and TSH levels did not have a significant causal effect on ARC (P > 0.05). The results were robust and reliable, and no horizontal pleiotropy was found after sensitivity analyses. In the MR Steiger test, we found no reverse causal effects of hypothyroidism on the ARC (P <0.001).

Conclusions

Our study provides strong evidence that hypothyroidism is a causal determinant of ARC risk.
Optimal timing of GnRH antagonist initiation in IVF-ET: a retrospective cohort study on advanced maternal age women
Authors: Han Qiao-Song , Zhou Yue , Xu Ying , Ai Kai-Liang , Song Jing-Yan , Sun Zhen-Gao
Published: February 2024

Background

Several studies have compared the effects of fixed and flexible gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocols during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). However, which GnRH-ant initiation strategy is better remains controversial. Moreover, no studies have assessed the optimal timing of GnRH-ant initiation in women of advanced maternal age (AMA).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 472 infertile women aged ≥ 35 years old undergoing their first IVF cycle from August 2015 to September 2021 at a tertiary academic medical center were recruited, of whom 136 followed fixed GnRH-ant protocol and 336 followed flexible GnRH-ant protocol. The primary outcomes measured were the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per IVF cycle and the time to live birth (TTLB) from the date of oocyte retrieval. Cox proportional models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of CLBR regarding GnRH-ant timing.

Results

No significant difference in CLBR was found between the fixed and flexible GnRH-ant groups (27.9% vs 20.5%, p=0.105). The TTLB was also comparable between groups (10.56 vs 10.30 months, p=0.782). The Kaplan-Meier analysis for CLBR also showed comparable results between groups (P=0.351, HR=0.83; 95%CI: 0.56-1.23). After establishing a multiple Cox proportional hazard model, the fixed GnRH-ant group still had comparable CLBR with the flexible GnRH-ant group (HR=0.85; 95%CI: 0.53-1.38; P=0.518). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses also demonstrated similar results.

Conclusion

GnRH-ant protocols can be tailored to the needs of AMA women, and timing of GnRH-ant initiation can be adjusted flexibly.
Multifaceted role of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins in lung injury
Authors: Zheng Guoping , Qiu Guanguan , Qian Huifeng , Shu Qiang , Xu Jianguo
Published: February 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the third human coronavirus to cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and contains four structural proteins: spike, envelope, membrane, and nucleocapsid. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that all four structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are capable of causing lung injury, even without the presence of intact virus. Therefore, the topic of SARS-CoV-2 structural protein-evoked lung injury warrants more attention. In the current article, we first synopsize the structural features of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins. Second, we discuss the mechanisms for structural protein-induced inflammatory responses in vitro. Finally, we list the findings that indicate structural proteins themselves are toxic and sufficient to induce lung injury in vivo. Recognizing mechanisms of lung injury triggered by SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins may facilitate the development of targeted modalities in treating COVID-19.
Aberrant NK cell profile in gestational diabetes mellitus with fetal growth restriction
Authors: Xiong Yujing , Wang Yazhen , Wu Mengqi , Chen Shuqiang , Lei Hui , Mu Hui , Yu Haikun , Hou Yongli , Tang Kang , Chen Xutao , Dong Jie , Wang Xiaohong , Chen Lihua
Published: February 2024

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a gestational disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, that can lead to dysfunction of diverse cells in the body, especially the immune cells. It has been reported that immune cells, specifically natural killer (NK) cells, play a crucial role in normal pregnancy. However, it remains unknown how hyperglycemia affects NK cell dysfunction thus participates in the development of GDM. In this experiment, GDM mice were induced by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) after pregnancy and it has been found that the intrauterine growth restriction occurred in mice with STZ-induced GDM, accompanied by the changed proportion and function of NK cells. The percentage of cytotoxic CD27-CD11b+ NK cells was significantly increased, while the proportion of nourished CD27-CD11b- NK cells was significantly reduced in the decidua of GDM mice. Likewise, the same trend appeared in the peripheral blood NK cell subsets of GDM patients. What’s more, after intrauterine reinfusion of NK cells to GDM mice, the fetal growth restriction was alleviated and the proportion of NK cells was restored. Our findings provide a theoretical and experimental basis for further exploring the pathogenesis of GDM.
An modified intelligent real-time crack detection method for bridge based on improved target detection algorithm and transfer learning
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Long , Yao Gang , Du Hongbo , Chen Yuxiao , Wu Linjun
Published: February 2024

The combination of UAV camera and intelligent algorithm is a promising method for non-contact bridge crack detection. In this paper, an inspection tool based on UAV Image Acquisition Technology (UAVIAT) and Improved Intelligent Target Detection Technology (IITDT) called Improved Intelligent Real-Time Crack Detection Method for Bridges (IIRTCDMB) is proposed for efficient crack detection. The contributions of this paper are (1) The Squeeze-Excitement (SE) attention module is integrated into the target detection algorithm - You Only Look Once version 7 (YOLOv7) model to improve the learning ability of the feature channel. A Focal-efficient intersection over union (Focal-EIoU) loss function is also introduced to improve the regression accuracy of the model. As a result, a new crack image detection algorithm, YOLOv7-CD, is proposed. (2) A training process based on two-stage transfer learning (TSTL) is established, and hyper-parameter optimization of YOLOv7-CD is carried out. The feasibility and excellent performance of the proposed method are verified by applying it on the Cuntan Yangtze River Bridge. The results show that the average precision (AP) of the YOLOv7-CD model is improved by 3.19% compared with the original YOLOv7 model. After TSTL and hyperparameter optimization, the AP of the YOLOv7-CD model for bridge crack detection reaches 98.01%, which is higher than that of the popular target detection models. The IIRTCDMB proposed in this paper can acquire bridge surface images more safely and efficiently, and provide inspectors with more accurate structural crack information with lower computational and hardware requirements, which can provide technical support for the assessment of structural safety conditions and the formulation of maintenance programs.
Abnormal quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test results in patients with tinnitus as a possible indicator of small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Lee Hye Lim , Lyou Hyun Ji , Song Jae-Jun , Kim Chi Kyung
Published: February 2024

A few cases of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) and tinnitus (TN) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 have been reported. However, the relationship between SFN and TN has not been studied. This study investigated a possible relationship between SFN and patients with TN (PwTNs) using autonomic function tests (AFTs) including quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests (QSART). We performed QSARTs and other AFTs such as the Sympathetic skin response (SSR), Valsalva ratio (VR), and heart rate variability (HRV). The QSART results, obtained at seven hospitals using same protocols, were compared between PwTNs and healthy controls. We confirmed the abnormalities in SSR, VR, and HRV in PwTNs, although those parasympathetic AFTs were not performed in healthy controls. Additionally, we checked Tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) scores for PwTNs and ~50% of PwTNs had low-grade disability, whereas 9.3% had high-grade disability. Data from 57 PwTNs and 122 healthy controls were analyzed. The sweat volumes of QSART in the older age group tended to be higher in the PwTNs than in age-matched healthy controls, and significant differences between the PwTN and control groups were observed in the feet in both sexes (p < 0.001) and in the arms in women (p = 0.013). In the younger age group, the sweat volumes in the feet of men were higher in PwTNs than in healthy controls (p = 0.017). No association was observed between THI and QSART scores. In this study, the sweat volumes in QSARTs were higher in PwTNs than in healthy controls. However, abnormal SSR, HRV, and VR results were not commonly observed in PwTNs. Although the results should be interpreted with caution because of limitations in study, PwTNs might also have SFN apart from dysautonomia. This is the first study to perform QSART with other parasympathetic AFTs in PwTNs. However, larger and more rigorously controlled studies will be needed to reveal the relationship between SFN and TN in the future.
Adhesion-clutch between DCC and netrin-1 mediates netrin-1–induced axonal haptotaxis
Authors: Qiu Zhen , Minegishi Takunori , Aoki Daichi , Abe Kouki , Baba Kentarou , Inagaki Naoyuki
Published: February 2024

The growth cone, a motile structure located at the tip of growing axons, senses extracellular guidance cues and translates them into directional forces that drive axon outgrowth and guidance. Axon guidance directed by chemical cues on the extracellular adhesive substrate is termed haptotaxis. Recent studies reported that netrin-1 on the substrate functions as a haptotactic axon guidance cue. However, the mechanism mediating netrin-1–induced axonal haptotaxis remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that substrate-bound netrin-1 induces axonal haptotaxis by facilitating physical interactions between the netrin-1 receptor, DCC, and the adhesive substrates. DCC serves as an adhesion receptor for netrin-1. The clutch-linker molecule shootin1a interacted with DCC, linking it to actin filament retrograde flow at the growth cone. Speckle imaging analyses showed that DCC underwent either grip (stop) or retrograde slip on the adhesive substrate. The grip state was more prevalent on netrin-1–coated substrate compared to the control substrate polylysine, thereby transmitting larger traction force on the netrin-1–coated substrate. Furthermore, disruption of the linkage between actin filament retrograde flow and DCC by shootin1 knockout impaired netrin-1–induced axonal haptotaxis. These results suggest that the directional force for netrin-1–induced haptotaxis is exerted on the substrates through the adhesion-clutch between DCC and netrin-1 which occurs asymmetrically within the growth cone.
Restricted carbohydrate diets below 45% energy are not associated with risk of mortality in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2018
Authors: Angelotti Austin , Kowalski Corina , Johnson LuAnn K. , Belury Martha A. , Conrad Zach
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are the leading causes of death for people living in the United States. Dietary strategies, such as restricting carbohydrate intake, are becoming popular strategies for improving health status. However, there is limited and often contradictory evidence on whether restricting carbohydrate intake is related to all-cause, CMD, or cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

Methods

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between restricted carbohydrate diets (<45%en) and mortality from all-causes, CMD, and CVD, stratified by fat amount and class. Data were acquired using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2018) linked with mortality follow-up until December 31, 2019 from the Public-use Linked Mortality Files. Multivariable survey-weighted Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios for 7,958 adults (≥20 y) that consumed <45%en from carbohydrates and 27,930 adults that consumed 45-65%en from carbohydrates.

Results

During the study period a total of 3,780 deaths occurred, including 1,048 from CMD and 1,007 from CVD, during a mean follow-up of 10.2 y. Compared to individuals that met carbohydrate recommendations (45-65%en), those that consumed carbohydrate restricted diets (<45%en) did not have significantly altered risk of mortality from all-causes (HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.87, 1.11), CMD (1.18; 0.95, 1.46), or CVD (1.20; 0.96, 1.49). These findings were maintained when the restricted carbohydrate diet group was stratified by intake of total fat, saturated fat (SFA), monounsaturated fat (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA).

Discussion

Carbohydrate restriction (<45%en) was not associated with mortality from all-causes, CVD, or CMD. Greater efforts are needed to characterize the risk of mortality associated with varied degrees of carbohydrate restriction, e.g., low (<26%en) and high (>65%en) carbohydrate diets separately.
Oat-based milk alternatives: the influence of physical and chemical properties on the sensory profile
Authors: McCarron Roisin , Methven Lisa , Grahl Stephanie , Elliott Ruan , Lignou Stella
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Oat-based milk alternatives (OMAs) have become increasingly popular, perhaps due to their low allergenicity and preferred sensory attributes when compared to other milk alternatives. They may also provide health benefits from unique compounds; avenanthramides, avenacosides, and the dietary fibre beta-glucan. This has led to a variety of commercial options becoming available. Being a fairly new product, in comparison to other plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs), means little research has been undertaken on the sensory profile, and how it is influenced by the physical and chemical properties.

Methods

This study investigated the sensory, physical and chemical profiles of current commercially available OMAs, that varied in fortification, use of stabilisers, and oat content. The volatile compounds and their respective aromas were analysed using solid phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography—olfactometry (GC-O). Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for identification of avenanthramides and avenacosides. Particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) were analysed using a Mastersizer and Zetasizer, respectively, with colour analysis carried out using a colourimeter, and viscosity measurements using a rheometer. Descriptive sensory profiling was used to assess the impact on the sensory characteristics of the different samples and the sensory data acquired were correlated with the instrumental data.

Results

Samples with smaller particle size appeared whiter–both instrumentally and perceptually. The only clear plastic packaged product differed substantially in volatile profile from all other products, with a higher abundance of many volatile compounds, and high overall perceived aroma. Avenanthramides and avenacosides were present in all samples, but differed significantly in abundance between them.

Discussion

The results suggested smaller particle size leads to whiter colour, whilst differences in processing and packaging may contribute to significant differences in aroma. Astringency did not differ significantly between samples, suggesting that the variation in the concentrations of avenacosides and avenanthramides were below noticeable differences.
The value of a risk model combining specific risk factors for predicting postoperative severe morbidity in biliary tract cancer
Authors: Ye BaoLong , Xie JunFeng , Xi KeXing , Huang ZhiShun , Liao YanNian , Chen ZiWen , Ji Wu
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Several surgical risk models are widely utilized in general surgery to predict postoperative morbidity. However, no studies have been undertaken to examine the predictive efficacy of these models in biliary tract cancer patients, and other perioperative variables can also influence morbidity. As a result, the study’s goal was to examine these models alone, as well as risk models combined with disease-specific factors, in predicting severe complications.

Methods

A retrospective study of 129 patients was carried out. Data on demographics, surgery, and outcomes were gathered. These model equations were used to determine the morbidity risks. Severe morbidity was defined as the complication comprehensive index ≥ 40.

Results

Severe morbidity was observed in 25% (32/129) patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that four parameters [comprehensive risk score ≥1, T stage, albumin decrease value, and international normalized ratio (INR)] had a significant influence on the probability of major complications. The area under the curve (AUC) of combining the four parameters was assessed as having strong predictive value and was superior to the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress System (E-PASS) alone (the AUC value was 0.858 vs. 0.724, p = 0.0375). The AUC for the modified E-PASS (mE-PASS) and Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM) in patients over the age of 70 was classified as no predictive value (p = 0.217 and p = 0.063, respectively).

Conclusion

The mE-PASS and POSSUM models are ineffective in predicting postoperative morbidity in patients above the age of 70. In biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients undergoing radical operation, a combination of E-PASS and perioperative parameters generates a reasonable prediction value for severe complications.
Can they touch? A novel mental motor imagery task for the assessment of back pain
Authors: Coslett H. Branch , Medina Jared , Goodman Daria Kliot , Wang Yuchao , Burkey Adam
Published: February 2024

Introduction

As motor imagery is informed by the anticipated sensory consequences of action, including pain, we reasoned that motor imagery could provide a useful indicator of chronic back pain. We tested the hypothesis that mental motor imagery regarding body movements can provide a reliable assessment of low back pain.

Methods

Eighty-five subjects with back pain and forty-five age-matched controls were shown two names of body parts and asked to indicate if they could imagine moving so that the named body parts touched. Three types of imagined movements were interrogated: movements of arms, movements of legs and movements requiring flexion and/or rotation of the low back.

Results

Accuracy and reaction times were measured. Subjects with back pain were less likely to indicate that they could touch body parts than age-matched controls. The effect was observed only for those movements that required movement of the low back or legs, suggesting that the effect was not attributable to task difficulty or non-specific effects. There was an effect of pain severity. Compared to subjects with mild pain, subjects with severe pain were significantly less likely to indicate that they could move so that named body parts touched. There was a correlation between pain ratings and impaired performance for stimuli that involved the lower but not upper body.

Discussion

As the Can They Touch task is quick, easy to administer and does not require an explicit judgment of pain severity, it may provide useful information to supplement the assessment of subjects with chronic pain.
Scaling up production of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor in an Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) plysS strain and evaluation of its pro-wound healing efficacy
Authors: Li Le , Yu Bingjie , Lai Yingji , Shen Siyuan , Yan Yawei , Dong Guojun , Gao Xiangyun , Cao Yanrong , Ge Caojie , Zhu Liqin , Liu Huan , Tao Shanhui , Yao Zhiang , Li Shijun , Wang Xiaojie , Hui Qi
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Human basic fibroblast growth factor (hbFGF) is a highly valuable multifunctional protein that plays a crucial role in various biological processes. In this study, we aim to accomplish the scaling-up production of mature hbFGF (146aa) by implementing a high cell-density fermentation and purification process on a 500-L scale, thereby satisfying the escalating demands for both experimental research and clinical applications.

Methods: The hbFGF DNA fragment was cloned into a mpET-3c vector containing a kanamycin resistance gene and then inserted into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) plysS strain. To optimize the yield of hbFGF protein, various fermentation parameters were systematically optimized using BOX-Behnken design and further validated in large-scale fermentation (500-L). Additionally, a three-step purification protocol involving CM-Sepharose, heparin affinity, and SP-Sepharose column chromatography was developed to separate and purify the hbFGF protein. Isoelectric focusing electrophoresis, MALDI-TOF/MS analysis, amino acid sequencing, CD spectroscopy, and Western blotting were performed to authenticate its identity. The biological efficacy of purified hbFGF was evaluated using an MTT assay as well as in a diabetic deep second-degree scald model.

Results: The engineered strain was successfully constructed, exhibiting high expression of hbFGF and excellent stability. Under the optimized fermentation conditions, an impressive bacterial yield of 46.8 ± 0.3 g/L culture with an expression level of hbFGF reaching 28.2% ± 0.2% was achieved in 500-L scale fermentation. Subsequently, during pilot-scale purification, the final yield of purified hbFGF protein was 114.6 ± 5.9 mg/L culture with RP-HPLC, SEC-HPLC, and SDS-PAGE purity exceeding 98%. The properties of purified hbFGF including its molecular weight, isoelectric point (pI), amino sequence, and secondary structure were found to be consistent with theoretical values. Furthermore, the purified hbFGF exhibited potent mitogenic activity with a specific value of 1.05 ± 0.94 × 106 AU/mg and significantly enhanced wound healing in a deep second-degree scald wound diabetic rat model.

Conclusion: This study successfully established a stable and efficient large-scale production process of hbFGF, providing a solid foundation for future industrial production.