bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Salt, Potassium and Iodine Intake in Croatian Adult Population Using 24-Hour Urinary Collection: EH-UH 2 Study
Authors: Marinović Glavić Mihaela , Bilajac Lovorka , Bolješić Marta , Bubaš Marija , Capak Krunoslav , Domislović Marija , Džakula Aleksandar , Fuček Mirjana , Gellineo Lana , Jelaković Ana , Josipović Josipa , Jukić Tomislav , Juraga Denis , Pećin Ivan , Prelević Vladimir , Radunović Danilo , Reiner Željko , Rukavina Tomislav , Šušnjara Petar , Vasiljev Vanja , Vidranski Valentina , Jelaković Bojan
Published: July 2024

Cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in Croatia, are linked to the high prevalence of hypertension. Both are associated with high salt intake which was determined almost two decades ago when Croatian Action on Salt and Health (CRASH) was launched. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate salt, potassium, and iodine intake using 24-hour urine samples in a random sample of adult Croatian population, and to analyse trends in salt consumption after the CRASH has intensively started. Methods: In this national population-based EH-UH 2 study performed in 2018-2021 (participation rate 72 %) in which we analysed a single 24-hour urine sample, 1067 adult participants (mean age 57.12 (SD 13.9), men 35%) were included. Results: Mean salt and potassium intakes were 8.6 g/day (IQR 6.2-11.2) and 2.8 g/day (IQR 2.1-3.5), respectively, with sodium-to-potassium ratio of 2.6 (IQR 1.8-3.3). We detected a decrease of 17.6% (2 g/day less) in salt consumption compared to our previous salt-mapping study. However, only 13.7%, and 8.9 % met the WHO salt and potassium recommended target of 5 g/day, and 3.5 g/day, respectively. Salt intake was higher, and potassium ingestion was lower in rural vs. urban regions, and in continental vs. Mediterranean parts of Croatia. Moderate to severe iodine insufficiency was determined in only 3% adult participants. Conclusion: In the last fifteen years, salt consumption has been significantly reduced in Croatian adult population because of intensive and broad CRASH program led by the Croatian Society of Hypertension and the Croatian Hypertension League. However, salt intake is still too high, and potassium ingestion is too low. With expected more active engagement and help of the government, obtained results could be significantly improved. Salt reduction programs are most cost-effective methods of cardiovascular disease prevention and should be considered more seriously by the government and health policy makers.
Bacterial Communities Associated with the Leaves and
the Roots of salt marsh plants of Daphne, Alabama, USA
Authors: Majeed Aqsa , Liu Jinbao , Knight Adelle J , Pajerowska-Mukhtar Karolina M. , Mukhtar M. Shahid
Published: July 2024

Salt marshes are highly dynamic and biologically diverse ecosystems that serve as natural habitats for numerous salt-tolerant plants (halophytes). We investigated the bacterial communities associated with the roots and leaves of plants growing in the coastal salt marshes of the Daphne Bay area in Alabama, United States. We compared external (epiphytic) and internal (endophytic) communities of both leaf and root plant organs. Using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing methods, we identified 10 bacterial phyla and 59 different amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) at the genus level. Bacterial strains belonging to the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were highly abundant in both leaf and root samples. At the genus level, sequences of the genus Pseudomonas were common across all four sample types, with the highest abundance found in the leaf endophytic community. Additionally, Pantoea was found to be dominant in leaf tissue compared to roots. Our study revealed that plant habitat (internal vs. external for leaves and roots) was a determinant of the bacterial community structure. Co-occurrence network analyses enabled us to discern the intricate characteristics of bacterial taxa. Our network analysis revealed varied levels of ASV complexity in the epiphytic networks of roots and leaves compared to the endophytic networks. Overall, this study advances our understanding of the intricate composition of the bacterial microbiota in habitats (epiphytic and endophytic) and organs (leaf and root) of coastal salt marsh plants and suggests that plants might recruit habitat- and organ-specific bacteria to enhance their tolerance to salt stress.
A Meta-Analytical Way of Systematizing the Use of Hyaluronan Gels for the Relief of Osteoarthritis, Compared with New Treatment Alternatives
Authors: Pinteala Tudor , Maier Stelian Sergiu , Forna Norin , Savin Liliana , Sirbu Mihnea Theodor , Popescu Dragos Cristian , Cionca Viorel Dan , Putineanu Dan Constantin , Sirbu Paul Dan
Published: July 2024

Hyaluronic acid, in the form of a gel or viscoelastic colloidal solution, is currently used for viscosupplementation of joints affected by osteoarthritis, but its effectiveness is under debate in relation to newer alternatives. Based on meta-analytical arguments, the present article reinforces the opinion that there are still no decisive arguments for its complete replacement, but for its use adapted to the peculiarities of the disease manifestation and of the patients. A “broad” comparison is first made with almost all alternatives studied in the last decade, and then a meta-regression study is performed to compare and predict the effect size induced by viscosupplementation and platelet-rich plasma therapies. If they are computerized, the developed models can represent tools for clinicians in determining the appropriateness of the option or not for viscosupplementation, in a manner adapted to the pain felt by the patients, to their age, or to other clinical circumstances. The models were generated using the latest algorithms for meta-analysis and meta-regression implemented in the R language and assembled in different R packages. All primary data and necessary R scripts are provided in accordance with the philosophy of reproducible research. Finally, HA-based products, currently under circumspection, are still clinically useful.
Projections on the Spatiotemporal Bioclimatic Change over the Phytogeographical Regions of Greece by the Emberger Index
Authors: Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Droulia Fotoula , Kokkoris Ioannis P. , Dimopoulos Panayotis
Published: July 2024

Unquestionably the rapidly changing climate and, therefore, alterations in the associated bioclimate, constitute an alarming reality with implications in daily practice and natural capital management. In this research the present and projected bioclimate evolution over the phytogeographical regions of Greece is displayed. For this purpose, ultrahigh-resolution computation results on the spatial distribution of the Emberger index’s Q2 classes of bioclimatic characterisation are analysed and illustrated for the first time. The assessments are performed over the reference period (1970–2000) and two future time frames (2021–2040; 2041–2060) under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. By 2060 and under the extreme RCP8.5, intense xerothermic trends are demonstrated owing to the resulting significant spatial evolution mainly of the Arid-Hot, Semi-Arid-Very Hot, Semi-Arid-Hot and Semi-Arid-Temperate Q2 classes, respectively, over the phytogeographical regions of Kiklades (up to 29% occupation), Kriti and Karpathos (up to 30%), West Aegean Islands (up to 26%), North East (up to 56%)–North Central (up to 31%). The RCP8.5 long-term period exhibits the strongest impacts over approximately the right half of the Greek territory the bioclimate of which appears as more dry-thermal in the future.
Genetic Characterization of Some Accessions of Barley in Algeria with Microsatellites (SSR) Markers
Authors: Taibi Warda , Henkrar Fatima , Udupa Sripada Mahabala , Gaouar Suheil bechir semir
Published: July 2024

A total of 27 microsatellites markers , scattered all over the genom of barley, were used for characterization,and diversity analysis in 33 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) accessions and cultivars of Algeria.Over the 27 genetic loci studied, 110 alleles were identified with a mean of 4.1 alleles per locus and the average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.46,the marker Ebma0806 showed the greatest value of PIC with 0.83.Genetic diversity at 27 microsatellite loci varied from 0 to 0.84 (Mean=0.50) for 33 Algerian cultivars. The genetic distance among the cultivars ranged from 0.2 to 0.85. Cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on the SSR data clearly differentiate the all genotypes studied.
Exploring the Relationship Between Fundamental Movement Skills and Health-Related Fitness Among First and Second Graders in Korea: Implications for Childhood Health Development
Authors: Park Se-Won , Yoon Sung-Ho , Lee Seung-Man
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the relationship between fundamental movement skills (FMSs) and health-related fitness (HRF) among first and second graders in South Korean elementary schools. It aimed to provide foundational data for developing physical education programs tailored to the motor development stages and fitness levels of younger elementary school students. In October 2023, FMSs (jumping, running, hopping, static balance, dynamic balance, overhand throwing, and kicking) and HRF (muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility) were evaluated among 291 first and second graders. The collected data were analyzed through frequency and multiple regression analyses performed using the SPSS software. The results revealed that higher scores in jumping and hopping are associated with greater muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility. Running had no significant effect on HRF elements. Higher scores in static balance (single-leg stance) were associated with increased muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility, but dynamic balance (balance beam walking) did not have a significant effect. Higher scores in overhand throwing were associated with greater muscular strength and cardiorespiratory endurance, but kicking did not show a significant association. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing jumping and static balance in physical education for the well-rounded health development of first and second graders.
Innovative Data Management Strategies in Point of Sale Application Development: Increasing Business Productivity
Authors: Uriawan Wisnu , Zaini Faroj Rifky , Addiva Hadid Risyad , Khoirunnisa Salma , Julianto Sigit , Rahman Sopian Arif
Published: July 2024

Point of Sales (POS) systems are an important component of sales and inventory management for many businesses. This article discusses the development of a POS application designed to simplify the process of selling products in stores. The application uses PHP for the server, JavaScript for the client, Bootstrap for responsive design, and MySQL as the database. Its main features include a dashboard with daily sales summary, visual graphs, product category management, product addition and editing, admin and access rights management, ease of sales transaction processing, access to sales reports and analyses by leaders, and provision of sales reports in various formats. The clean and easy-to-use interface is expected to improve the efficiency of sales and inventory management, and assist businesses in making data-driven decisions.
Developing an Intelligent Drone Management System for Smart City Transportation Networks
Authors: Nguyen D. Dung , Dang Q. Dat
Published: July 2024

Drones have experienced rapid technological advancements, leading to the proliferation of small, low-cost, remotely controlled, and autonomous aerial vehicles with diverse applications, from package delivery to personal transportation. However, integrating these drones into the existing air traffic management (ATM) system poses significant challenges. The current ATM infrastructure, designed primarily for traditional manned aircraft, requires enhanced capacity, workforce, and cost-effectiveness to coordinate the large numbers of drones expected to operate at low altitudes in complex urban environments. To address this critical issue, this study aims to develop an intelligent, highly automated drone management system for integration into smart city transportation networks. The key objectives include: i) Developing a conceptual framework for an intelligent total transportation management system tailored for future smart cities, focusing on incorporating drone operations; ii) Designing an advanced air traffic management and flight control system capable of managing individual drones and drone swarms in complex urban environments; iii) Improving drone management methods by leveraging drone-following models and emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Internet of Drones (IoD); and iv) Investigating the landing processes and protocols for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enable safe and efficient operations.
Retrospective Study of the Epidemiological-Clinical Characteris-Tics of Burns Treated in a Hospital Emergency Service (2018–2022)
Authors: Alcala-Cerrillo María , González-Santos Josefa , González-Bernal Jerónimo J. , Peláez Mirian Santamaría , Solana Jessica Fernández , Sánchez-Gómez Sara M. , Gomez-Martin Ana
Published: July 2024

Background: Burns are a common and severe medical emergency requiring immediate specialized care to minimize damage and prevent complications. Burn severity depends on depth, extent, and location, with more complex care needed for burns on critical areas or extensive burns. Nursing is essential in burn management, providing immediate care, adapting treatments, managing pain, preventing infections, and offering emotional support for recovery. Methods: Retrospective, observational study that analyzed burn cases treated at the Hospital Complex of Cáceres (Spain) 2018-2022. Inclusion criteria were based on ICD-10 codes for burns, excluding severe cases not treated in this service. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student's t-tests, Chi-square tests, and ANOVA. Results: 220 patients, with a mean age of 47 years and 60.9% male. Most burns (95.5%) affected the external body surface, with a mean hospital stay of 7.86 days. Medical treatment was provided to 75.5% of patients, and 24.5% required surgical intervention. Significant differences in treatment procedures were observed according to age, skin thickness, and burn degree. Older patients had more procedures and longer hospital stays. Excision and transfer procedures were more common in full-thickness and severe burns. Conclusions: The findings align with previous research on burn demographics and treatment approaches. Treatment differences by age and burn severity highlight the need for tailored interventions. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive burn management, including psychological support for improved long-term outcomes. Further research could explore the impact of socio-economic factors on burn incidence and treatment.
Objective Parameters for Evaluating Internal Nasal Valve Compromise: Beyond the Angle Perspective
Authors: Kim Su Jin , Bang Je Ho , Lee Kun Hee
Published: July 2024

Objectives. Nasal valve surgery for internal nasal valve (INV) compromise has become increasingly popular. However, this rise in popularity has sparked debates regarding its indications and disputes over insurance coverage, primarily due to the lack of a gold-standard evaluation method. Therefore, we aimed to identify objective parameters for the INV compromise.Methods. We analyzed 186 INVs in 93 patients who underwent nasal valve surgery. The data comprised facial computed tomography (CT) images, acoustic rhinometry, the modified Cottle test, and symptom scores. Patients were categorized based on their symptoms and the results of the modified Cottle test. We measured the INV angle, area, volume, lateral wall thickness, septal angle, and nasal bone area using CT.Results. The compromised INV group, characterized by nasal obstruction with a positive modified Cottle test, exhibited smaller INV areas in both coronal and axial views, reduced INV volume in the axial view, and a thinner lateral wall in the coronal view (all P<0.05). Acoustic rhinometry indicated a smaller minimal cross-sectional area and volume in the compromised INV group (both P<0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated significant associations between a compromised INV and reduced INV area on the axial view, as well as the minimal cross-sectional area measured by acoustic rhinometry.Conclusion. Relying solely on the INV angle in CT scans has limitations in assessing compromised INV. Alternatively, the INV area on axial CT scans and the minimal cross-sectional area measured by acoustic rhinometry may serve as objective parameters for evaluating INV compromise.
TRANSFORMATION OF GENEALOGY AS AN ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE: THE CASE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ
Authors: Bolom Kotari Martina
Published: July 2024

The author shares her personal, almost a quarter of a century long, experience with genealogy and its teaching at the universities. As a student, she experienced “the standard courses” where genealogy was given only a minimal space. She encountered a very similar situation after becoming a university teacher at another university. After few years of “standard” teaching, she started to try to change the perception of genealogy as a kind of “leisure-time discipline”. And finally, during the last five years, she has begun to turn her ideals into reality in the role of a guarantor of the Bachelor’s degree study program of Historical Sciences at the Philosophical Faculty of the University of Hradec Králové. She explains why – from her point of view – genealogy used to be marginalized as an academic discipline and what the consequences have been.
VYBRANÉ ÚMRTNOSTNÍ UKAZATELE OBYVATELSTVA V RAKOUSKÉM SLEZSKU NA PODKLADĚ ZDRAVOTNÍCH STATISTIK (1896–1908)
Authors: Lipovski Radek
Published: July 2024

In this article, health statistics were used primarily as a source of information for the study of some mortality phenomena in Austrian Silesia at the turn of the 20th century. The period is determined by the preservation of the sources, as these are statistics stored in the Provincial Archives in Opava, i.e., the original written sources compiled by the district doctors. These sources made it possible to track the numbers of births and deaths in the individual political districts and statutory towns in Austrian Silesia. In the birth statistics, the share of children born with qualified obstetric assistance was examined. In the death statistics, the composition of deaths by age and cause of death was monitored. Additionally, the seasonal distribution of these phenomena was also examined to the extent permitted by the data sources. At the beginning of the study, a thorough check of the credibility of the sources, i.e., health statistics, was conducted.
Elaboration of Persuasive Health Protocol Messages During The Adaptation of New Habits of Covid-19
Authors: Azis Hasbullah
Published: July 2024

The increasing number of victims caused by COVID-19 has driven the Indonesian government to implement policies for COVID-19 handling and prevention through various strategies, one of which is implementing health protocols. Advisory notices to follow health protocols were responded to by the public with multiple attitudes, such as compliance and rejection. Young people are believed to have low compliance and tend to ignore health behavior, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. By using the Elaboration Likelihood theoretical approach, this study aimed to identify the extent to which young people process adherence messages of health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic delivered by the Indonesian government. As many as 174 young people were surveyed and found that health protocols were applied through central dan peripheral channels simultaneously. The messages are conveyed elaborately in a simple and less critical matter.
Analysis of Semarang City Disbudpar Instagram Content Strategy in the New Era of Covid 19
Authors: Indainanto Yofiendi
Published: July 2024

Efforts to grow tourism in the new era of Covid-19 in Semarang City have encouraged the Semarang City Culture and Tourism Office to promote tourism through various media platforms. One strategy is to promote tourism content through social media Instagram @disbudparkotasemarang. Accessibility encourages tourists to search for information on Instagram. This condition encourages content planning not only to display various destinations. This study aims to find out how to analyze the Semarang City Disbudpar Instagram Content Strategy in the New Era of Covid 19?. The method used is qualitative descriptive using The Circular Model of SoMe to analyze the findings. The results show that the @disbudparkotasemarang Instagram account has basically gone through four important stages in planning content, namely: Share, Optimaze, Manage and Engage. The content strategy is carried out by interacting with posts, displaying cultural events, and tours. This strategy is able to attract user attention as seen from the number of likes and comments that are very different. It's just that the implementation hasn't shown good performance, with the engagement rate still at a moderate level of 1.28 percent. Although, there has been an increase, posts, followers and users during 2022. It is important to plan content by paying attention to the level of engagement which is indicated by interactive communication.
Examining Indonesia’s Aggression towards Malaysia over Tari Pendet Dispute in Youtube Comments: The Role of Collective Narcissism
Authors: Hendra Sarah Pricillia
Published: July 2024

This study analyses themes that emerged in discussions on YouTube comments by Indonesian regarding the 2009 Pendet Dance controversy. The research uses netnography methods with a qualitative approach. Using Netlytic, corpus was collected from YouTube under 'Malaysian Pendet Dance' keyword. There are 1030 comments gathered from 4 relevant videos. The corpus was selected and eliminated to 52 comments. For comparison, the corpus is divided based on the upload period, marked by the time Discovery Channel apologized to Indonesia. Based on collective narcissism understanding, researcher frames the emerging themes and sub-themes related to the nature of collective narcissism. The themes and sub-themes of the comments were then coded, compared, and projected with the help of NVivo software. The results show that there is a development of stacking narcissism themes across periods. The collective narcissism themes found in the 2009 period were aggressiveness; desire for justification and other nations’ recognition of own culture; prejudice which causes hostility. Meanwhile, during the commentary period from 2010 to present, the same themes are found, with the addition of sub-themes and three new main themes namely the hardship of forgetting old wounds; see oneself as a tortured victim; and radicalism-to which brought another issue. The conflict between the Indonesian and Malaysian began in 1963 in the Borneo conflict and still ongoing. The collective narcissism that Indonesian society displays towards Malaysia is mediated by the ideology of blind patriotism and the perceived threat to the group by external aggression.
Mapping The Characteristics of Medical Influencer on Social Media: A Study from Indonesia
Authors: Ernungtyas Niken Febrina , Boer Rino Febrianno , Femmy Femmy
Published: July 2024

Social media have a crucial role in health discourse and have become a health information source in Indonesia. Health professionals have actively shared information, updated the situation and regulations, explained the cases by answering users’ questions, and combated the hoax through their accounts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health professionals are still perceived as credible and trusted sources to provide health information and messages to the public. This study aims to describe the credibility and expertise aspect of a medical doctor on social media, particularly Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. The research uses a quantitative approach capturing the bio and content from the accounts of medical influencers. The research findings reveal that health professionals on social media have transformed into microcelebrities, where some receive pay to promote and self-promote themselves.
Muhammad's Prophecy in Christianity and Islam: Debate and Controversy
Authors: Prayogo Tonny Ilham , Sari Westi Wiliyana , Damayanti Nadiyah Ayu
Published: July 2024

The cross-religious debate that is most often discussed is about the claim of the apostle as the final Prophets, which is believed in Christianity that it never happened. The apostle was Muhammad Pbuh, an ordinary human being given advantages and privileges and elevated above all creatures. Contrary to the Christian belief that Isa or Jesus in the Christian belief is their greatest human being, the Bible is written about the arrival of a great figure that was promised. Therefore, this paper seeks to reveal the truth in Christian teachings regarding Muhammad as the complement of previous teachings. By including evidence from several figures from these two heavenly religions, namely Christianity and Islam, supported by evidence found in the Bible and al-Qur’an. The descriptive analysis method is used in this research to analyze the understanding of the two major religions of the world and related cross-religious teachings and doctrines. It’s supported by comparative methods that make it easier to see and know the comparisons found in both Islam and Christianity. A theological approach is used in this qualitative literature review, where the perspective of this writing is taken from studies that analyze scripts from holy books, discussing interfaith concepts and matters related to doctrine in religion. With this research it is hoped that further researchers will be able to take the value if necessary to be refined with an explanation broader and complete the deficiencies contained in this writing.
Mapping Evidence in Teaching Palliative Care in Undergraduate Curriculum of Healthcare Professionals Qualification: A Systematic Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Nkambule Sphamandla Josias , Gaede
Published: July 2024

Background
Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend interprofessional collaboration in palliative care. However, healthcare profession educators lack clear curricular guidance, particularly for undergraduate programs, to adequately train future professionals for effective participation in such teams.
Objective
This systematic scoping review protocol aims to address this gap by: (i) mapping evidence on key characteristics of teaching palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care to undergraduate healthcare and social care students, and (ii) identifying the nature and effectiveness of educational interventions for improving palliative care education in the undergraduate curriculum.
Methods and Expected Outputs
The protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-P-ScR) guidelines, while the proposed systematic scoping review study will be conducted based on methods and steps identified by Arksey and O’Malley and experts in the field. We will conduct systematic searches across five EBSCOhost databases using relevant search terms. Additionally, a limited grey literature search will be conducted on the first 100 results of Google Scholar and Open-Grey. The selection process will follow PRISMA-Extension for Scoping Reviews. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts for eligibility. Data extraction will be done on standardized forms in duplicate with cross-checking by a third reviewer. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach, combining thematic and directed content analysis, will be employed for analysis. Intervention effectiveness will be narratively summarized based on the TIDieR checklist. Meta-analysis will be considered if applicable and data is homogeneous.
Discussion
Palliative care education (PCE) is a crucial element of undergraduate health professions education. This study's findings may aid educators in fostering optimal learning among healthcare students, who can then positively influence community health outcomes.
Ethics and dissemination
The protocol was submitted for ethical clearance to the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Biomedical Research Ethics Committee and granted exemption from ethics review (00024289). We will disseminate findings through scientific journal publication and by sharing a summary with relevant institutions and attendees at health promotion and interprofessional education conferences.
Protocol registration number: CRD42023481892
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/export_details_pdf.php
Generation of hypoimmunogenic universal iPSCs through HLA-type gene knockout
Authors: Ju Ji Hyeon , Kim Juryun , Nam Yoojun , Jeon Doyeong , Choi Yujin , Choi SeonJu , Hong Chang Pyo , Jung Hyerin , Park Narae , Sohn Yeowon , Rim Yeri Alice
Published: July 2024

Hypoimmunogenic universal induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated through the targeted disruption of key genes, including human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR alpha (DRA), using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This approach aimed to minimize immune recognition and enhance the potential of iPSCs for allogeneic therapy. Heterozygous iPSCs were used for guide RNA (gRNA) design and validation to facilitate the knockout (KO) of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRA genes. Electroporation of iPSCs using the selected gRNAs enabled the generation of triple-KO iPSCs, followed by single-cell cloning for clone selection. Clone A7, an iPSC with a targeted KO of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRA genes, was identified as the final candidate. mRNA analysis revealed robust expression of pluripotency markers, such as octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2), Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), Lin-28 homolog A (LIN28), and Nanog homeobox (NANOG), while protein expression assays confirmed the presence of OCT4, stage-specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA4), NANOG, and tumor rejection antigen 1–60 (TRA-1-60). Karyotype examination demonstrated no anomalies, and three germ layer differentiation assays confirmed differentiation potential. Following interferon-gamma (INF-γ) stimulation, the gene-corrected clone A7 exhibited the absence of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR protein expression. Immunogenicity testing further confirmed the hypoimmunogenicity of Clone A7, which was evidenced by the absence of proliferation in central memory T cells (TCM) and effector memory T cells (TEM). In conclusion, Clone A7, a triple KO iPSC clone that demonstrates immune evasion properties, retained its intrinsic iPSC characteristics and exhibited no immunogenicity.
Crosstalk between adult human retinas: exploring neurovascular coupling through photic stimulation for contralateral retina reflex insights.
Authors: Bernardes Rui , Jordão João , Figueira João , Morgado Miguel , Guimarães Pedro , Serranho Pedro , Farias Daniela Castro , DeBuc Delia Cabrera , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Paques Michel
Published: July 2024

Crosstalk mechanisms between retinas were never documented in humans despite being documented for several other species, including non-human primates. Here, we report the results of the first-in-human study that documents the crosstalk between retinas by measuring the vascular response in one retina to the photic stimulation of the contralateral eye in health and disease. We developed a stimulation apparatus and integrated it into an adaptive-optics fundus camera to image 22 healthy control (HC) subjects and 7 type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. We documented both the ipsilateral and the contralateral neurovascular coupling effect and established criteria to consider an actual response to find positive and negative responses. Eight (36.4%) and two (9.1%) subjects of the HC group presented contralateral positive and negative responses, respectively, and two (28.6%), one positive and one negative responses, were found for the DM group. Also, statistically significant differences in the ipsilateral and contralateral responses were found for the HC group, rejecting the null (non-response) hypothesis. This finding raises the need to revisit the current knowledge of neurovascular coupling mechanisms and the association between its dysregulation and neurological disorders. Further studies involving distinct populations and imaging centers are necessary to validate the findings herein.
Western U.S. snowfall loss derived from regional climate model large ensemble
Authors: Norris Jesse , Rahimi Stefan , Huang Lei , Bass Benjamin , Thackeray Chad , Hall Alex
Published: July 2024

The western United States is dependent on winter snowfall over its major mountain ranges, which gradually melts each year, serving as a natural reservoir for water resources. In a future warmer climate, much of this snowfall could be replaced by rain, making it more challenging to capture and store water. In this study, we utilize an ensemble of dynamically downscaled simulations forced by 12 global climate models (GCMs). These GCMs project wildly different futures, in terms of both temperature and precipitation change, producing significant uncertainty in snowfall projections. Here we exploit the robust statistics of the downscaled ensemble, and diagose the sensitivity of end-of-century snowfall loss across the region to both warming and regional wetting/drying in the driving GCM. The windward slopes of the Sierra Nevada and Cascades are particularly sensitive to warming (losing ∼15% annual snowfall per degree warming), with little influence of precipitation. By contrast, snowfall loss in the inter-mountain west is less sensitive to warming (∼5%/K), but is significantly offset/exacerbated by precipitation changes (∼0.5% snow per 1% precipitation). Combining such sensitivities with the warming and regional precipitation signals in the full CMIP6 ensemble, we can fully quantify likely snowfall loss and its uncertainty at any location, for any emissions scenario. We find that the western U.S. as a whole will lose 34±8% of its total volumetric snowfall by end-of-century under the high-emissions SSP3-7.0 scenario, but 25±6% and 17±6% under the lower-emissions SSP2-4.5 and SSP1-2.6 scenarios.
Voriconazole-induced periostitis in a child with finger pain and nodules: case report and literature review
Authors: Urakawa Hiroshi , Ikuta Kunihiro , Sakai Tomohisa , Koike Hiroshi , Fujito Takeo , Nishida Yoshihiro , Imagama Shiro
Published: July 2024

Background
Voriconazole-induced periostitis is predominantly reported in adults, with pediatric cases being exceedingly rare.
Case presentation:
This report describes an 8-year-old boy with voriconazole-induced periostitis presenting with finger pain and nodules, initially suspected to be bone tumors. The patient had been on voriconazole for three years to treat Aspergillus pneumonia and had been hospitalized for six months due to chronic graft-versus-host disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and total body irradiation for severe congenital neutropenia. The patient presented with a five-month history of pain and a one-month history of a mass in the middle finger of his right hand. Radiographs revealed bone formation outside the cortical bone in the proximal phalanx of the right middle finger and the distal ulna. Differential diagnoses included benign bone-forming tumors, such as osteochondroma post-total body irradiation, and bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation. The diagnosis of voriconazole-induced periostitis was confirmed as multiple bone lesions and new bone formation became apparent during the disease course.
Conclusions
Voriconazole-induced periostitis should be considered, even in pediatric patients, when multiple nodular periosteal reactions are observed in immunosuppressed patients undergoing long-term voriconazole therapy.
Unveiling the Uncommon: Fallopian Tube Cavernous Hemangioma in pregnancy with endometriosis background – a case report and literature review
Authors: Ntalianis Konstantinos Malligiannis , Hulipas Gladys , Mohanraj Hemapriya , Resta Christina Anastasia , Nayar Anitha , Sathiyathasan Sahathevan
Published: July 2024

This case report presents a fallopian tube cavernous hemangioma, a highly rare benign tumour, which was found during a caesarean section. Previous medical and gynaecology histories involved endometriosis, adenomyosis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Fallopian tube hemangiomas are sporadic benign vascular tumours, with only 16 cases documented in the literature. These tumours are typically small, ranging from 5 mm to 30 mm in size. The aetiology of hemangiomas is still unclear, but it is commonly believed that the growth of fallopian tube hemangiomas is stimulated by oestrogens, which promote blood vessel growth. Most hemangiomas, which are mainly asymptomatic, are discovered incidentally during surgeries for other conditions or complications. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first ever case of cavernous haemangioma of the fallopian tube identified in pregnancy.
Mechanism of EHMT2-mediated genomic imprinting associated with Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Jiang Yong-hui , Wang Sung Eun , Cheng Yubao , Lim Jaechul , Jang Mi-Ae , Forrest Emily , Kim Yuna , Donahue Meaghan , Qiao Sheng-Nan , Xiong Yan , Jin Jian , Wang Siyuan
Published: July 2024

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is caused by loss of expression of paternally expressed genes in the human 15q11.2-q13 imprinting domain. A set of imprinted genes that are active on the paternal but silenced on the maternal chromosome are intricately regulated by a bipartite imprinting center (PWS-IC) located in the PWS imprinting domain. In past work, we discovered that euchromatic histone lysine N-methyltransferase-2 (EHMT2/G9a) inhibitors were capable of un-silencing PWS-associated genes by restoring their expression from the maternal chromosome. Here, in mice lacking the Ehmt2 gene, we document unsilencing of the imprinted Snrpn/Snhg14 gene on the maternal chromosome in the late embryonic and postnatal brain. Using PWS and Angelman syndrome patient derived cells with either paternal or maternal deletion of 15q11-q13, we have found that chromatin of maternal PWS-IC is closed and has compact 3D folding confirmation. We further show that a new and distinct noncoding RNA preferentially transcribed from upstream of the PWS-IC interacts with EHMT2 and forms a heterochromatin complex to silence gene expression of SNRPN in CIS on maternal chromosome. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that allele-specific recruitment of EHMT2 is required to maintain the maternal imprints. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights and support a new model for imprinting maintenance of the PWS imprinted
domain.
Evaluating LRRC15 as a Dual Prognostic and Therapeutic Biomarker in Glioma
Authors: Zhu Junrou , Wang Heng , Wang Haiyang , Zhang Li , Zhang keyang , Xue Letian , Yu Wenhua
Published: July 2024

Background Glioma is the most common type of malignant brain tumor, presenting substantial treatment challenges. LRRC15, a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein and a type I transmembrane protein, has been linked to cancer progression but its specific role in glioma has not been fully elucidated.Methods This research examined LRRC15 expression in various cancers with a focus on glioma, utilizing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We explored the correlation between LRRC15 expression and survival (both overall and disease-specific) in glioma patients, and investigated the relationship of LRRC15 with immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Functional impacts of LRRC15 on glioma cell proliferation, motility, and invasiveness were assessed through colony formation assays, transwell migration tests, and wound healing assays.Results LRRC15 expression was notably elevated in glioma among other cancers. Higher levels of LRRC15 correlated with adverse survival outcomes in glioma patients. Functionally, reducing LRRC15 expression in glioma cell lines diminished their proliferative, motile, and invasive properties.Conclusions Our findings highlight LRRC15 as a significant prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in glioma. Inhibiting LRRC15 could decelerate tumor progression and enhance clinical outcomes, representing a promising advancement in glioma therapy.
Can Irrigants Affect the MTA Sealing in the Furcal Perforations? (An In-Vitro Study)
Authors: Tolibah Yasser Alsayed , Dayyoub Ghaffar , Al-Tayyan Mouhammad , Achour Hassan
Published: July 2024

Objective
This study aimed to assess the impact of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) on ProRoot MTA used in treating furcal perforations compared to no application of any solution on the MTA, employing the dye penetration (DP) method.
Materials and Methods
The study included 29 intact mandibular molars in the furcal area (FA) with well-spaced roots. Using Dental Operating Microscopes, perforations were created at the FA of the molars with a 1.2 mm diameter. Subsequently, ProRoot MTA (Dentsply, Germany) was applied to seal the perforations. After 24 hours, the samples were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A (n = 12), irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl; Group B (n = 12), irrigated with 2% CHX; and Group C (n = 5), without irrigation (control group). Specimens' pulp chambers were immersed in 2% methylene blue for 24 hours. Buccal-lingual sections were performed, and the depth of marginal dye leakage was assessed using a stereomicroscope at 20x magnification. Data analysis employed the One-Way ANOVA test and Bonferroni post-hoc test (α = 0.05).
Results
The study revealed significant differences in DP values between groups (P-value < 0.01). DP values in the control group (no irrigation) were lower than both NaOCl (P < 0.05) and CHX (P < 0.01) groups. Furthermore, DP values in the CHX group were higher than those in the NaOCl group (P < 0.01), suggesting the order: No irrigation < NaOCl < CHX (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The sealing ability of MTA was compromised when irrigated with 2% CHX and 5.25% NaOCl. CHX significantly impacted the marginal leakage and sealing ability of MTA. Care should be taken when resuming endodontic treatment after the application of MTA in cases of furcal perforations as the use of CHX and NaOCl may affect the marginal leakage of MTA.
Environmentally friendly strategy for discovering the toxicity and mechanisms of nerve injury induced by acrylamide via network toxicology combined with molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Jin Xupeng , Huang Yuanzhi , Zhang Yan , Hu Wanting , Yu Jiahui , Wu Wei , Wang Shuzheng
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to explore an efficient and low-cost toxicological analysis method for environmental pollutants by taking the mechanism of acrylamide induced nerve injury as an example. Potential targets of acrylamide were retrieved by combining the ChEMBL, Super-PRED, SwissTargetPrediction, Similarity ensemble approach, and STITCH databases. The GeneCards and OMIM databases were searched to identify the potential gene pool related to neurotoxicity and to identify intersecting genes. These genes were subsequently entered into the STRING database to construct a protein interaction network. GO and KEGG analyses were conducted by using the DAVID platform, and the molecular docking of intersection targets was assessed by using AutoDock 1.5.7 software. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation was used to verify the stability of the optimal binding model for molecular docking. After screening, 142 intersection targets were obtained, with TP53, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, PTK2, and GRB2 being the key targets of acrylamide-induced nerve injury. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses results showed that the mechanism of action is related mainly to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and microRNAs involved in cancer pathogenesis. Molecular docking confirmed that acrylamide was strongly bound to key targets. The stability of the interaction between acrylamide and TP53 was verified by molecular dynamics simulation. The proposed strategy not only reduces the initial experimental cost of identifying new pollutants and increases the amount of information on the toxic effects of environmental pollutants but also improves the efficiency of regulatory authorities in identifying environmental pollutant hazards.
The superior thyroid artery origin pattern: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Triantafyllou George , Paschopoulos Ioannis , Duparc Fabrice , Tsakotos George , Tsiouris Christos , Olewnik Łukasz , Georgiev Georgi , Zielinska Nicol , Piagkou Maria
Published: July 2024

Purpose
The current systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to investigate the pooled prevalence of the superior thyroid artery (STA) pattern of origin (distinct or fused-common origin with adjacent arteries in the form of a common trunk). The standard and uncommon variants were also studied, considering the STA's exact surface of origin and the relationship with the upper border of the thyroid cartilage (TC, reference point), considering the laterality effect. Thus, the STA topographical anatomy was considered.
Methods
An evidence-based systematic review with meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A literature search was conducted in four online databases using specific keywords, the pooled prevalence was calculated using statistical analysis in the R programming language, and multiple subgroup analyses were performed.
Results
The most common distinct origin of the STA was from the external carotid artery (ECA) (56.94% pooled prevalence), and the rarest one was from the internal carotid artery (ICA) (< 0.01%). Common trunks were also investigated, with the thyrolingual trunk emanating from the ECA estimated at 0.61%, representing the most common. Subgroup analysis based on the nationality, type of study, and sample size, as well as a comparison between left and right sides and males and females, were investigated.
Conclusions
The most common STA origin was estimated as the ECA (56.94%), the medial surface of origin (47.96%), and above the TC upper border (66.14%). Adequate knowledge of STA origin is paramount for surgeons, especially during thyroidectomy, not to cause iatrogenic injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.
AI Predictive Modeling of Survival Outcomes for Renal Cancer Patients Undergoing Targeted Therapy
Authors: Yu Yaoqi , Niu Jirui , Yu Yin , Xia Silong , Sun Shiheng
Published: July 2024

Background: Renal clear cell cancer (RCC) is a complex and heterogeneous disease, posing significant challenges in predicting patient outcomes. The introduction of targeted drug therapy has improved treatment outcomes, but there is still a pressing need for personalized and effective treatment planning. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool in addressing this challenge, enabling the development of predictive models that can accurately forecast patient survival periods. By harnessing the power of AI, clinicians can be empowered with decision support, enabling patients to receive more tailored treatment plans that enhance both treatment efficacy and quality of life.
Methods: To achieve this goal, we conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) and categorized RCC patients receiving targeted therapy into two groups: Group 1 (anticipated lifespan exceeding 3 years) and Group 2 (anticipated lifespan of less than 3 years). We utilized the UPerNet algorithm to extract pertinent features from CT markers of tumors and validate their efficacy. The extracted features were then used to develop an AI-based predictive model that was trained on the dataset.
Results: The developed AI model demonstrated remarkable accuracy, achieving a rate of 93.66% in Group 1 and 94.14% in Group 2.
Conclusions: In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of AI technology in predicting the survival time of RCC patients undergoing targeted drug therapy. The established prediction model exhibits high predictive accuracy and stability, serving as a valuable tool for clinicians to facilitate the development of more personalized treatment plans for patients. This study highlights the importance of integrating AI technology in clinical decision-making, enabling patients to receive more effective and targeted treatment plans that enhance their overall quality of life.