bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PET imaging and quantification of small animals using a clinical SiPM-based camera
Authors: Desmonts Cédric , Lasnon Charline , Jaudet Cyril , Aide Nicolas
Published: October 2023

Background

Small-animal PET imaging is an important tool in preclinical oncology. This study evaluated the ability of a clinical SiPM-PET camera to image several rats simultaneously and to perform quantification data analysis.

Methods

Intrinsic spatial resolution was measured using 18F line sources, and image quality was assessed using a NEMA NU 4-2018 phantom. Quantification was evaluated using a fillable micro-hollow sphere phantom containing 4 spheres of different sizes (ranging from 3.95 to 7.86 mm). Recovery coefficients were computed for the maximum (Amax) and the mean (A50) pixel values measured on a 50% isocontour drawn on each sphere. Measurements were performed first with the phantom placed in the centre of the field of view and then in the off-centre position with the presence of three scattering sources to simulate the acquisition of four animals simultaneously. Quantification accuracy was finally validated using four 3D-printed phantoms mimicking rats with four subcutaneous tumours each. All experiments were performed for both 18F and 68Ga radionuclides.

Results

Radial spatial resolutions measured using the PSF reconstruction algorithm were 1.80 mm and 1.78 mm for centred and off-centred acquisitions, respectively. Spill-overs in air and water and uniformity computed with the NEMA phantom centred in the FOV were 0.05, 0.1 and 5.55% for 18F and 0.08, 0.12 and 2.81% for 68Ga, respectively. Recovery coefficients calculated with the 18F-filled micro-hollow sphere phantom for each sphere varied from 0.51 to 1.43 for Amax and from 0.40 to 1.01 for A50. These values decreased from 0.28 to 0.92 for Amax and from 0.22 to 0.66 for A50 for 68 Ga acquisition. The results were not significantly different when imaging phantoms in the off-centre position with 3 scattering sources. Measurements performed with the four 3D-printed phantoms showed a good correlation between theoretical and measured activity in simulated tumours, with r2 values of 0.99 and 0.97 obtained for 18F and 68Ga, respectively.

Conclusion

We found that the clinical SiPM-based PET system was close to that obtained with a dedicated small-animal PET device. This study showed the ability of such a system to image four rats simultaneously and to perform quantification analysis for radionuclides commonly used in oncology.
Comparison of two different orthokeratology lenses and defocus incorporated soft contact (DISC) lens in controlling myopia progression
Authors: Li Na , Lin Weiping , Liang Ruixue , Sun Ziwen , Du Bei , Wei Ruihua
Published: October 2023

Background

To compare axial elongation in 8–11-year-old myopes wearing orthokeratology (OK) lenses with different back optic zone diameters (BOZD), defocus incorporated soft contact (DISC) lenses, and single-vision soft contact lenses (SCLs).

Methods

A total of 122 children (aged 8–11 years) with spherical equivalent refraction (SER) between − 1.00 D and − 4.00 D were enrolled in this prospective study and randomly assigned to four groups: 5.0 mm-BOZD OK, 6.2 mm-BOZD OK, DISC, and single-vision SCLs. Children in each group were further divided into subgroups stratified by the average baseline SER: low myopic eyes (SER: − 1.00 D to − 2.50 D) and moderate myopic eyes (SER: − 2.50 D and over). Axial length (AL) was measured at baseline and after one year.

Results

The 5.0 mm-BOZD OK, 6.2 mm-BOZD OK, and DISC groups exhibited significantly slower AL elongation than the SCL group. The proportion of slow progressors (AL elongation ≤ 0.18 mm/year) in the first three groups was 42%, 23%, and 29%, respectively. Furthermore, one-year AL elongation was significantly smaller in the 5.0 mm-BOZD OK group compared with the 6.2 mm-BOZD OK group. Regardless of SER, children in the 5.0 mm-BOZD OK and DISC groups showed comparably slower AL elongation than those in the SCL group. However, fitting with 6.2 mm-BOZD OK lenses significantly retarded AL elongation in moderate myopic eyes, but not in low myopic eyes.

Conclusions

Overall,5.0 mm-BOZD OK lenses, 6.2 mm-BOZD OK lenses, and DISC lenses were effective in retarding AL elongation in 8–11-year-old myopes compared with single-vision SCLs, but for children with SER less than − 2.50 D, fitting with 5.0 mm-BOZD OK lenses and DISC lenses yielded better myopia control efficacy compared to wearing single-vision SCLs or 6.2 mm-BOZD OK lenses.
Sublobar resection utilizing near-infrared thoracoscopy with intravenous indocyanine green for intralobar pulmonary sequestration: a case report and literature review
Authors: Kanno Chiaki , Kudo Yujin , Amemiya Ryosuke , Matsubayashi Jun , Furumoto Hideyuki , Takahashi Satoshi , Maehara Sachio , Hagiwara Masaru , Kakihana Masatoshi , Nagao Toshitaka , Ohira Tatsuo , Ikeda Norihiko
Published: October 2023

Background

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare pulmonary malformation, with intralobar pulmonary sequestration being the most common subtype. Lobectomy has generally been performed for its treatment, owing to unclear boundaries of the lesion. However, recent reports have introduced lung resection using intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) as a treatment for pulmonary sequestrations.

Case description

A 34-year-old woman presented with chest pain, and enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) displayed a solid mass of 4.5 × 3.1 cm in the right S10 area. An aberrant artery was found running from the celiac artery through the diaphragm to the thoracic cavity. The patient was diagnosed as having pulmonary sequestration Pryce type III, and surgical resection was performed. Intrathoracic findings demonstrated that the precise area of the pulmonary sequestration could not be clearly identified, and a 5-mm aberrant artery was present in the pulmonary ligament. Following the separation of the aberrant artery, intravenous injection of ICG clearly delineated the border between the normal lung tissue and the pulmonary sequestration. Wedge resection was then performed without any postoperative events, and the pathological diagnosis was also pulmonary sequestration.

Conclusions

We herein reported a case of a patient who underwent sublobar resection for intrapulmonary sequestration using intravenous ICG injection, together with a literature review. Our case suggests that a comprehensive understanding of abnormal vessels and pulmonary vasculature in pulmonary resection for intrapulmonary sequestrations, complemented with the use of ICG, might potentially avoid unnecessary pulmonary resection and enable sublobar surgical resection.
Injectable hydrogel nanoarchitectonics with near-infrared controlled drug delivery for in situ photothermal/endocrine synergistic endometriosis therapy
Authors: Tian Wei , Wang Chenyu , Chu Ran , Ge Haiyan , Sun Xiao , Li Mingjiang
Published: October 2023

Background

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease in women of childbearing age. Commonly used treatment methods, such as endocrine and surgical therapies, display poor therapeutic effects with a high relapse probability. Thus, novel treatments for endometriosis are required.

Methods

In our study, polydopamine (PDA), letrozole (LTZ), and agarose (AG) hydrogels were combined to construct an injectable hydrogel with near-infrared controlled drug delivery named LTZ-PDA@AG hydrogel for endometriosis treatment. The release of letrozole can be accurately controlled by the near-infrared light intensity, exposure duration, polydopamine concentration, and hydrogel composition. Meanwhile, we isolated endometrial stromal cells from endometrium in patients with endometriosis, and constructed the rats’ model of endometriosis to verify the biological effects of LTZ-PDA@AG hydrogel.

Results

Owing to the sufficiently deep penetration of near-infrared light, the LTZ-PDA@AG hydrogel displayed a high temperature increase for efficient photothermal therapy. In addition, high local temperatures can further enhance the diffusion and penetration of letrozole, thereby achieving excellent therapeutic effect in vivo. Importantly, the in vivo and vitro test demonstrated the capacity of the nanocomposite hydrogel for endocrine-photothermal synergistic therapy and the biocompatibility.

Conclusion

Our work proposes a novel concept for precision endometriosis therapy by photothermal-enhanced endocrine therapy for endometriosis, which is proposed for the first time for the treatment of endometriosis and demonstrates excellent potential for further clinical translation.

Trial registration

Not applicable.

Graphical Abstract

LTZ-PDA@AG hydrogels were synthesized and displayed a high temperature increase for efficient photothermal therapy under NIR. The present study shows the capacity of the nanocomposite hydrogel for endocrine-photothermal synergistic therapy and the biocompatibility.
Unusual severe hypoxemia due to unilateral pulmonary edema after conventional cardiopulmonary bypass salvaged by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report
Authors: Fukuda Masataka , Sakai Hiroaki , Koh Keito , Sakuraba Sonoko , Ando Nozomi , Hayashida Masakazu , Kawagoe Izumi
Published: October 2023

Background

We report a case in which veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) saved the life of a patient who developed severe hypoxemia due to unusual unilateral pulmonary edema (UPE) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Case presentation

A 69-year-old man underwent aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. Following uneventful weaning off CPB, he developed severe hypoxemia. The ratio of arterial oxygen tension to inspired oxygen fraction (PaO2/FiO2) decreased from 301 mmHg 5 min after CPB to 42 mmHg 90 min after CPB. A chest X-ray revealed right-sided UPE. Immediately established V-V ECMO increased PaO2/FiO2 to 170 mmHg. Re-expansion pulmonary edema (REPE) was likely, as the right lung remained collapsed during CPB following the accidental opening of the right chest cavity during graft harvesting.

Conclusions

V-V ECMO was effective in improving oxygenation and saving the life of a patient who had fallen into unilateral REPE unusually developing after conventional CPB.
Sustained high-efficiency daily diafiltration using a mediator-adsorbing membrane in Burkitt lymphoma with a very high risk of tumor lysis syndrome: a case series with literature review
Authors: Kawaji Takahiro , Okamoto Akinao , Moriyama Kazuhiro , Hayakawa Seiko , Tomita Akihiro , Hara Yoshitaka , Kuriyama Naohide , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Nishida Osamu
Published: October 2023

Background

Tumor lysis syndrome is an oncological emergency triggered by the rapid release of intracellular materials from lysed malignant cells. Intensive chemotherapy is challenging for patients with severe renal dysfunction and a high risk of tumor lysis syndrome. Sustained high-efficiency daily diafiltration using a mediator-adsorbing membrane (SHEDD-fA) could work not only as a renal replacement therapy, but also as a novel method to control intracellular materials, including cytokines and damage-associated molecular patterns. We aimed to describe two cases of patients with Burkitt’s lymphoma with a very high risk of tumor lysis syndrome who were successfully treated with a combination of chemotherapy and SHEDD-fA.

Case presentation

The first case was of a 67-year-old man who was admitted to the intensive care unit for respiratory failure and diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma. Extremely high lactate dehydrogenase levels and anuria, indicating severe acute kidney injury, are considered to be associated with a very high risk of tumor lysis syndrome. SHEDD-fA was initiated prophylactically to prevent exacerbation of tumor lysis syndrome. To ensure the blood concentration of antitumor drugs, SHEDD-fA was stopped temporarily and restarted 6 h after the completion of chemotherapy. No tumor lysis syndrome-related complications were observed. The second case involved a 68-year-old man who was admitted to the intensive care unit due to exacerbation of Burkitt’s lymphoma complicated by severe pneumonia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The patient exhibited metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, and anuria. SHEDD-fA was performed immediately. As in the first case, we temporarily discontinued SHEDD-fA before chemotherapy and restarted it 6 h after the completion of chemotherapy. No tumor lysis syndrome-associated complications were observed and renal function recovered. Interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and high-mobility group box-1 protein levels in the blood were lower on the outlet side than on the inlet side.

Conclusions

SHEDD-fA allows safe and effective administration of chemotherapy in patients with severe renal dysfunction and a very high risk of tumor lysis syndrome. Our findings indicate that blood purification modality may need to be selected according to tumor lysis syndrome severity.
High day and night temperatures impact on cotton yield and quality—current status and future research direction
Authors: Saini Dinesh K. , Impa S. M. , McCallister Donna , Patil Gunvant B. , Abidi Noureddine , Ritchie Glen , Jaconis S. Y. , Jagadish Krishna S. V.
Published: October 2023

Heat waves, and an increased number of warm days and nights, have become more prevalent in major agricultural regions of the world. Although well adapted to semi-arid regions, cotton is vulnerable to high temperatures, particularly during flowering and boll development. To maintain lint yield potential without compromising its quality under high-temperature stress, it is essential to understand the effects of heat stress on various stages of plant growth and development, and associated tolerance mechanisms. Despite ongoing efforts to gather data on the effects of heat stress on cotton growth and development, there remains a critical gap in understanding the distinct influence of high temperatures during the day and night on cotton yield and quality. Also, identifying mechanisms and target traits that induce greater high day and night temperature tolerance is essential for breeding climate-resilient cotton for future uncertain climates. To bridge these knowledge gaps, we embarked on a rigorous and comprehensive review of published literature, delving into the impact of heat stress on cotton yields and the consequential losses in fiber quality. This review encompasses information on the effects of heat stress on growth, physiological, and biochemical responses, fertilization, cotton yield, and quality. Additionally, we discuss management options for minimizing heat stress-induced damage, and the benefits of integrating conventional and genomics-assisted breeding for developing heat-tolerant cotton cultivars. Finally, future research areas that need to be addressed to develop heat-resilient cotton are proposed.
Are dogs not susceptible to retroviral infections?
Authors: Casseb Jorge , Campos João Henrique , Lopes Luciano Rodrigo
Published: October 2023

Retroviruses have been proven to cause infections and diseases in a series of mammalian hosts but not in dogs. Then, this letter discussed the dog susceptibility to retrovirus infection, encompassing arguments to understand why dogs may have not been infected by retroviruses thus far. The potential resistance of retrovirus in dogs enables this provocative short communication to discuss this question, looking at some evolutive aspects. The lineage of canids has shown, throughout its evolutionary history, a smaller accumulation of retroviruses in canid genomes, classified as endogenous retroviruses. In this context, the genomes of canids seem to offer obstacles, which have been evolutionarily conserved, in the face of retroviral infection.
A MinION-based Long-Read Sequencing Application With One-Step PCR for the Genetic Diagnosis of 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Adachi Eriko , Nakagawa Ryuichi , Tsuji-Hosokawa Atsumi , Gau Maki , Kirino Shizuka , Yogi Analia , Nakatani Hisae , Takasawa Kei , Yamaguchi Tomomi , Kosho Tomoki , Murakami Masanori , Tajima Toshihiro , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Yamada Tetsuya , Morio Tomohiro , Ohara Osamu , Kashimada Kenichi
Published: October 2023

Context

Recently developed long-read sequencing (LRS) technology has been considered an option for CYP21A2 analysis. However, the clinical use of LRS for CYP21A2 analysis is limited.

Objective

This study's objective is to develop an efficient and low-cost LRS system for CYP21A2 screening.

Methods

A DNA fragment library was prepared in a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that covers the entire CYP21A2 gene and all known junctions caused by TNXB gene structural rearrangements, yielding a single 8-kb product of CYP21A2 or CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 chimera. After barcoding, the PCR products were sequenced on a MinION-based platform with Flongle Flow Cell R9.4.1 and R10.4.1.

Results

The reference genotypes of 55 patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) were established using the conventional method with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and nested PCR. LRS using Flongle Flow Cell R9.4.1 yielded consistent results. Additionally, the recently updated LRS “duplex” analysis with Flongle flow cell R10.4.1 was tested to reveal an advantage of accurately sequencing a variant located on the homopolymer region. By introducing a barcode system, the cost was reduced to be comparable to that of conventional analysis. A novel single-nucleotide variation was discovered at the acceptor site of intron 7, c.940-1G > C. We also identified a subtype of the classical chimeric junction CH2, “CH2a,” in the region from the latter part of intron 5 to exon 6.

Conclusion

We successfully established a novel low-cost and highly accurate LRS system for 21OHD genetic analysis. Our study provides insight into the feasibility of LRS for diagnosing 21OHD and other genetic diseases caused by structural rearrangements.
Diabetic Macular Edema Is Predictive of Renal Failure in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ou Shih-Hsiang , Chang Wei-Che , Wu Ling-Ying , Wang Shiow-Ing , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Lee Po-Tsang
Published: October 2023

Context

Chronic hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) causes retinal damage and leakage, resulting in vision loss. Although diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are usually correlated, the relationship between diabetic macular edema (DME) and DKD remains unknown.

Objective

To assess whether DME presence can predict renal failure in patients with DM and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used data from 120 healthcare organizations in the TriNetX network. Electronic medical records of approximately 90 million patients were reviewed. The study population was classified into DME and non-DME cohorts. Primary and secondary outcomes were new-onset end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and all-cause mortality, respectively. Covariate factors were incorporated to reduce confounding effects.

Results

Before matching, the DME cohort used more medication and had poorer renal function and blood sugar control than the non-DME cohort. Subsequently, the 2 groups were well-matched in demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, comorbidities, and medication usage. The DME cohort had a significantly higher risk of ESRD, dialysis, and renal transplantation than the non-DME cohort. Subgroup analyses showed consistent results irrespective of follow-up duration, initial estimated glomerular filtration rate, or glycated hemoglobin levels. Additionally, the DME cohort had a lower risk of all-cause mortality than the non-DME cohort.

Conclusion

Statistically significant 5-year increased risks of ESRD, dialysis, and renal transplantation were observed in patients with concurrent DME. Therefore, close monitoring and follow-up of the renal function in DM patients with DME are necessary and strongly recommended.
Phenotyping Pain in Patients With Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome
Authors: Golden Emma , van der Heijden Hanne , Ren Boyu , Randall Edin T , Drubach Laura A , Shah Nehal , Cay Mariesa , Ebb David , Kaban Leonard B , Peacock Zachary S , Boyce Alison M , Mannstadt Michael , Upadhyay Jaymin
Published: October 2023

Context

Pain is a poorly managed aspect in fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome (FD/MAS) because of uncertainties regarding the clinical, behavioral, and neurobiological underpinnings that contribute to pain in these patients.

Objective

Identify neuropsychological and neurobiological factors associated with pain severity in FD/MAS.

Design

Prospective, single-site study.

Patients

Twenty patients with FD/MAS and 16 age-sex matched healthy controls.

Intervention

Assessments of pain severity, neuropathic pain, pain catastrophizing (pain rumination, magnification, and helplessness), emotional health, and pain sensitivity with thermal quantitative sensory testing. Central nervous system (CNS) properties were measured with diffusion tensor imaging, structural magnetic resonance imaging, and functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Main outcome measures

Questionnaire responses, detection thresholds and tolerances to thermal stimuli, and structural and functional CNS properties.

Results

Pain severity in patients with FD/MAS was associated with more neuropathic pain quality, higher levels of pain catastrophizing, and depression. Quantitative sensory testing revealed normal detection of nonnoxious stimuli in patients. Individuals with FD/MAS had higher pain tolerances relative to healthy controls. From neuroimaging studies, greater pain severity, neuropathic pain quality, and psychological status of the patient were associated with reduced structural integrity of white matter pathways (superior thalamic radiation and uncinate fasciculus), reduced gray matter thickness (pre-/paracentral gyri), and heightened responses to pain (precentral, temporal, and frontal gyri). Thus, properties of CNS circuits involved in processing sensorimotor and emotional aspects of pain were altered in FD/MAS.

Conclusion

These results offer insights into pain mechanisms in FD/MAS, while providing a basis for implementation of comprehensive pain management treatment approaches that addresses neuropsychological aspects of pain.
Plasma Sphingolipid Profile of Healthy Black and White Adults Differs Based on Their Parental History of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mandal Nawajes , Stentz Frankie , Asuzu Peace Chiamaka , Nyenwe Ebenezer , Wan Jim , Dagogo-Jack Sam
Published: October 2023

Context

Ceramides and sphingolipids have been linked to type 2 diabetes (T2D). The Ceramides and Sphingolipids as Predictors of Incident Dysglycemia (CASPID) study is designed to determine the association of plasma sphingolipids with the pathophysiology of human T2D.

Objective

A comparison of plasma sphingolipids profiles in Black and White adults with (FH+) and without (FH−) family history of T2D.

Design

We recruited 100 Black and White FH− (54 Black, 46 White) and 140 FH+ (75 Black, 65 White) adults. Fasting plasma levels of 58 sphingolipid species, including 18 each from 3 major classes (ceramides, monohexosylceramides, and sphingomyelins, all with 18:1 sphingoid base) and 4 long-chain sphingoid base–containing species, were measured by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results

Sphingomyelin was the most abundant sphingolipid in plasma (89% in FH−), and was significantly elevated in FH+ subjects (93%). Ceramides and monohexosylceramides comprised 5% and 6% of total sphingolipids in the plasma of FH− subjects, and were reduced significantly in FH+ subjects (3% and 4%, respectively). In FH+ subjects, most ceramide and monohexosylceramide species were decreased but sphingomyelin species were increased. The level of C18:1 species of all 3 classes was elevated in FH+ subjects.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of sphingomyelin, the major sphingolipids of plasma, and oleic acid–containing sphingolipids in healthy FH+ subjects compared with healthy FH− subjects may reflect heritable elements linking sphingolipids and the development of T2D.
Multivariable Model to Predict an ACTH Stimulation Test to Diagnose Adrenal Insufficiency Using Previous Test Results
Authors: Lawrence Neil Richard , Arshad Muhammad Fahad , Pofi Riccardo , Ashby Sean , Dawson Jeremy , Tomlinson Jeremy W , Newell-Price John , Ross Richard J , Elder Charlotte J , Debono Miguel
Published: October 2023

Context

The adrenocorticotropin hormone stimulation test (AST) is used to diagnose adrenal insufficiency, and is often repeated in patients when monitoring recovery of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis.

Objective

To develop and validate a prediction model that uses previous AST results with new baseline cortisol to predict the result of a new AST.

Methods

This was a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study in patients who had undergone at least 2 ASTs, using polynomial regression with backwards variable selection, at a Tertiary UK adult endocrinology center. Model was developed from 258 paired ASTs over 5 years in 175 adults (mean age 52.4 years, SD 16.4), then validated on data from 111 patients over 1 year (51.8, 17.5) from the same center, data collected after model development. Candidate prediction variables included previous test baseline adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), previous test baseline and 30-minute cortisol, days between tests, and new baseline ACTH and cortisol used with calculated cortisol/ACTH ratios to assess 8 candidate predictors. The main outcome measure was a new test cortisol measured 30 minutes after Synacthen administration.

Results

Using 258 sequential ASTs from 175 patients for model development and 111 patient tests for model validation, previous baseline cortisol, previous 30-minute cortisol and new baseline cortisol were superior at predicting new 30-minute cortisol (R2 = 0.71 [0.49-0.93], area under the curve [AUC] = 0.97 [0.94-1.0]) than new baseline cortisol alone (R2 = 0.53 [0.22-0.84], AUC = 0.88 [0.81-0.95]).

Conclusion

Results of a previous AST can be objectively combined with new early-morning cortisol to predict the results of a new AST better than new early-morning cortisol alone. An online calculator is available at https://endocrinology.shinyapps.io/sheffield_sst_calculator/ for external validation.
Singing in Class: Analysis of Children Learning a New Song
Authors: Hürlimann Anna Elisa
Published: October 2023

Teaching and learning new songs in class is an integral cultural practice. This paper focuses on a singing lesson and studies the complex relations among the target song, children’s song acquisition and the teacher’s instructions. However, instead of simply examining pitch accuracy or ratings, this paper proposes a novel methodology for analysing song learning in class. First, a transcription method is used to document a video-recorded lesson. Second, syllables are identified as both the essential components of the grammar of songs for children and the fundamental units for analysing singing in terms of pitch, timing and articulation. The individual singing of three children, divided into the syllables of the target song, is examined for these three properties. Third, a comparison between the song model and the children’s singing reveals how rule-breaking in the song corresponds to the children’s difficulties in singing. This detailed and subject-related analysis exemplifies the complex dynamic among the teacher, the object and the learner and is a contribution to the research of subject-related didactics.
Learning for Children With Special Needs: The Effect of Visionary Leadership and Organizational Commitment on Teachers’ Performance
Authors: Tawa Angelika Bule , Bafadal Ibrahim , Ulfatin Nurul , Burhanuddin Burhanuddin
Published: October 2023

Inclusive teaching development has provided opportunities for children to study it with special needs to study in the school. Although some parents prefer to enroll their children in schools specifically designed for those with special needs, inclusive learning allows these individuals to participate in the learning process alongside their peers with disabilities. Through inclusive teaching, teachers aim to help children develop their social skills. This research aimed to analyze the influence of visionary leadership and organizational commitment on teacher performance under the visionary leadership of school principals in the implementation of inclusive schools in Malang City. The utilized research methodology was a mixed sequential exploratory, involving data collection through interviews, observations, documentation, and questionnaires. Qualitative data analysis employed content analysis, while quantitative data underwent multiple linear regression inferential statistical analysis. The findings indicated that visionary leadership and organizational commitment influence the instructional efficacy of teachers when working with children having special educational requirements. Therefore, the recommendation to school principals persistently enhances their leadership competencies and reinforces their dedication to cultivating a vibrant teaching environment that promotes inclusive educational advancements.
The Development of Teacher Performance Assessment Instruments in Boarding School
Authors: Saleh Minhayati , Kumaidi Kumaidi , Munadi Sudji , Mardalis Ahmad , Subando Joko
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study is to create a tool for evaluating teachers’ effectiveness in boarding schools. Planning and preparation stages, instrument testing, and measurements were used in this study to implement research on the creation of the Mardapi model instrument. In order to generate instrument items, the planning and preparation stage tasks included a literature assessment of teacher performance appraisal manuals. Data were gathered utilizing documentation approaches, and descriptive and qualitative analysis was performed. Six specialists validated the built instruments, which were subsequently put through limited testing at two boarding schools and extensive trials at nine boarding schools in Surakarta residency area. The Aiken formula was used to examine the expert’s evaluation data, and confirmatory factor analysis was used to analyze the test results. The results of this study indicate that the instrument for assessing teacher performance in boarding schools meets the validity criteria. This is indicated by the existence of loading factor values ranging from .51 to .72 (>.4) and t-sign values ranging from 4.75 to 9.25 (>1.96) and meeting the requirements of a fit model since Chi-square = 1307.95 < 2524 (2*df), p-value = .17956 (>.05), and RSMEA value = .014 (<.08). The instrument items are reliable assessment packages, and this is shown by the reliability value of omega .967 > .70. Because there is a guarantee of validity and reliability, the test can be used to further assess teacher performance in boarding schools.
Semantic Correlation Model of Socio-Formative Data for Curricular Planning Evaluation
Authors: Aristizábal Diego Armando , Mariela Huaita Acha Delsi , Soledad Yangali Vicente Judith
Published: October 2023

The study presents a semantic correlation model (SCM) of socioformative data, which is designed to support the evaluation of curriculum planning (CPE) that is developed from indicators derived from curriculum components such as graduate profile, study plan, area plan and subject plan. The objective of the research was to design a semantic correlation model of socio-formative data to support the evaluation of curriculum planning in accordance with the objectives of sustainable development in education. The study is a quasi-experimental research based in a Likert questionnaire applied on a group of 10 students (16 and 18 years old) belonging to the eleventh grade of the urban official educational institutions of Marsella, in the department of Risaralda in Colombia. The results indicate that the model has an impact on the evaluation of curricular planning, concluding that the design and implementation of a semantic correlation model of sociodemographic data does have an impact on the evaluation of curricular planning of a classroom subject in an educational institution in Marsella.
Driblando a Covid-19: Desafios e dilemas de um empreendedor
Authors: Grezole Bruno , Bueno Giovana
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: investigar as motivações, o perfil e as competências do indivíduo que escolhe empreender; promover a reflexão acerca do posicionamento do empreendedor perante uma grande crise; e buscar resposta para a questão: ser digital influencer é ser empreendedor? Metodologia/ Abordagem: caso de ensino. Principais resultados: nas “notas de ensino”, são sugeridas discussões sobre o empreendedorismo, propriamente dito, o uso do modelo de negócio e a internacionalização de pequenas empresas. Contribuições teórico metodológicas: a própria estrutura do caso contribui metodologicamente para a dinâmica em sala de aula, constituindo-se uma ferramenta a mais de aprendizagem do assunto em questão. Relevância/originalidade: o caso é relevante porque retrata a história de um empreendedor (Breno) que, após realizar seu sonho e criar um negócio promissor (uma agência de viagens), em decorrência de uma grande crise (Covid-19, lockdown e seu impacto no segmento de viagens, bem como a depressão e sentimento de impotência por ela gerados), precisa se reinventar profissionalmente (tornando-se um bem-sucedido consultor on-line para empreendedores). Com o fim da pandemia e a retomada dos negócios, surge o impasse: permanecer como digital influencer ou reativar a antiga empresa (pois o turismo voltou a crescer)? Contribuições sociais para a gestão: o caso retrata a realidade do empreendedor no Brasil e traz questionamentos sobre a regulamentação da profissão de digital influencer.
A General Approach to Modeling Covid-19
Authors: Isea Raul
Published: October 2023

The present work shows that it is possible to analytically solve a general model to explain the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. First, the within-host model is described, and later a between-host model, where the coupling between them is the viral load of SARS-CoV-2. The within-host model describes the equations involved in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, and also the immune response; while that the between-Host model analyzes the dynamics of virus spread from the original source of contagion associated with bats, subsequently transmitted to a host, and then reaching the reservoir (Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan ), until finally infecting the human population.
Pyrexia And Liver Injury After A Second SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination : Macrophage Activation Manifested In Liver
Authors: Ryu Tomiko , Onozato Yusuke , Umeda Ayano , Abe Keiko , Mimori Akio , Miura Hideaki , Komeno Yukiko
Published: October 2023

Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co V-2) has contributed to control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On the other side, vaccination of SARS-CoV-2 could trigger autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. We present a 50-year-old female with well-controlled optic neuromyelitis with prednisolone (PSL) maintained at a dose of 2.5 mg/day. She ran a fever and liver injury was indicated 5 weeks after a second COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2 mRNA/Pfizer ). Liver biopsy showed accumulation of macrophages around the central veins, identified using anti-CD68 antibodies. As the treatment, cyclosporine A improved liver injury. COVID- 19 vaccination may have triggered liver inflammation due to cytokine storm via macrophage activation in the liver.
Analisis Yuridis Rekomendasi Bawaslu Tentang Diskualifikasi Petahana (Studi Kasus Pilkada Kabupaten Tasikmalaya Tahun 2020)
Authors: Jani Nur
Published: October 2023

This research was motivated by the polemic on the recommendation of the General Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) of Tasikmalaya Regency regarding the disqualification of incumbent Tasikmalaya Regent Candidates who allegedly took advantage of government programs during the 2020 Tasikmalaya Regency Regional Head Election (Pilkada). Meanwhile, the General Election Commission (KPU), which did not implement the recommendations, was decided to have acted according to its authority. Demonstrations were rife everywhere which raised the precariousness of the Pilkada at that time. So, the author's research object is the disqualification recommendation documents which are formally and materially reviewed according to Law Number 10 of 2016 concerning the Election of Governors, Regents, Mayors with qualitative research of the type of retrospective case studies collecting recommendation documents disqualified from Bawaslu, KPU, DKPP, sources of legislation, interviews and the mass media. The results showed that the recommendation for disqualification violated authority in terms of time (onbevoegdheid ratione temporis), so that the Bawaslu was considered unprofessional.
Association of diagnostic error education and recognition frequency among Japanese medical students: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Miyagami Taiju , Watari Takashi , Nishizaki Yuji , Shimizu Taro , Tokuda Yasuharu
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Diagnostic errors pose a significant risk to patient safety and have substantial medical and economic consequences. Despite their importance, diagnostic error education is currently lacking in standard pre-graduate curricula. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of diagnostic errors and the frequency of recognition among medical students in Japan.

Methods

A pilot survey was conducted immediately after the General Medicine In-Training Examination (GM-ITE), a comprehensive post-graduation test, administered to new residents right after graduation from medical school. The survey assessed whether they received education on diagnostic errors during their formal undergraduate medical education and whether they recognized diagnostic errors during their clinical training.

Results

Of the 564 examinees, 421 participated in the study. The majority of participants (63.9 %) reported receiving education on diagnostic errors, and 15.7 % recognized diagnostic errors during their clinical training. Significantly, those who received education on diagnostic errors had a higher rate of recognizing such errors compared to those who did not (19.7 vs. 8.6 %; p=0.0017).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the recognition rate of diagnostic errors increases with improved literacy in diagnostic error education. This highlights the importance of incorporating diagnostic error education into medical curricula to develop effective strategies to prevent and manage diagnostic errors, and thereby enhance medical and patient safety. However, this study did not examine the specific educational content of the errors or the details of the recognition, necessitating further investigation in the future.
Fingerprint of magma mixture in the leucogranites: Spectroscopic and petrochemical approach, Kalebalta-Central Anatolia, Türkiye
Authors: Güllü Bahattin , Akşit Asuman
Published: October 2023

Leucogranites of Kalebalta in Central Anatolia are composed of plagioclase, quartz, orthoclase, and biotite and contains mafic microgranular enclaves (MME) in sizes ranging from few cm to 70 cm. In the total alkali-silica diagram, they fall typically in the granite field and show a calc-alkaline nature in the alkalis-iron-magnesium diagram whereas enclaves are Medium K series calc-alkaline, which represents the transition from tholeiitic to calc-alkaline. Leucogranites which have A/CNK(mol%) > 1 are strong peraluminous and seen as the products of magma derived from a metasedimentary source. Signs of magma mixing expressing the mantle inputs are also observed in many bivariation diagrams. Zircon and apatite saturation temperatures calculated on the basis of whole rock chemistry are 744–829°C for leucogranites and 761–832°C for their enclaves. According to the Raman spectra, biotite and plagioclase minerals in leucogranites and their enclaves show similar Raman spectrums. The biotite minerals have Mg–O and/or Fe–O translational (transformation) bonds between 182 and 552 cm−1, Si–O–Si bending between 552 and 1,100 cm−1 and Si–O–Si vibrational bonds between 1,100 and 1,200 cm−1. The results of this study suggest that the leucogranites and enclaves are most probably derived from different magmas. In addition, according to geochemical and spectroscopic data, they may also have fractional crystallization, which is effective after the mixing process.
A frequency, coverage, and dispersion analysis of the academic collocation list in university student writing
Authors: Huang Ping-Yu
Published: October 2023

This study investigates whether cross-disciplinary academic collocation lists are of equal importance to EAP (English for academic purposes) learners across different disciplines. We target Ackermann and Chen’s (Ackermann, Kirsten & Yu-Hua Chen. 2013. Developing the Academic Collocation List (ACL)–A corpus-driven and expert-judged approach. Journal of English for Academic Purposes 12(4). 235–247) Academic Collocation List (ACL) and conduct a frequency, coverage, and dispersion analysis of its 2,464 pairs in the British Academic Written English (BAWE) corpus. Using BAWE data, we also examine whether university students increase use of academic collocations across years. Generally, our results indicate that cover-all academic collocation lists, like academic word lists, show uneven frequency distributions across disciplines; the ACL covers considerably more word combinations in soft than hard sciences. According to our dispersion analysis, furthermore, an important cause for such skewed distributions is that a substantial part of the ACL (i.e., almost 25 %) is in actuality discipline-specific rather than generic collocations. In terms of collocation development, we do observe steady increases across years. Interestingly, university students throughout levels not only use more academic collocations, but display a stronger tendency to raise the proportion of discipline-specific collocations in writing. This study is novel as it systematically examines distributions and developments of academic collocations, and is pedagogically valuable in that it collects 483 ACL entries which are suitable targets for EAP learning.
Nanocoatings for ballistic applications: A review
Authors: Biradar Anand , Arulvel S. , Kandasamy Jayakrishna , Hameed Sultan Mohamed Thariq , Shahar Farah Syazwani , Najeeb Muhammad Imran , Gaff Milan , Hui David
Published: October 2023

The manufacturing of ballistic impact-resistant (BIR) body armours has evolved over the years with the aim of reducing their weight and enhancing their energy-absorbing capacity upon ballistic impacts. The incorporation of nanoparticles into advanced BIR body armour systems is considered one of the promising techniques. The methods employed in incorporating various nanoparticles in the manufacturing of textile-based body armour systems face a research gap in the optimisation of the associated parameters. This article discusses the mechanism involved in the energy absorption of composites and nanocomposites upon ballistic impact. The current review article highlights the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of various nanoparticles incorporated into BIR body armour systems. BIR nanocomposites consisting of carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, nano-silica, nanoclays, nano-alumina, etc., have been discussed herein. In addition, the significance of various techniques for the dispersion of these nanoparticles was also highlighted. Various methods, such as sol–gel, PVD, CVD, thermal spray, and electroless methods for coating the nanoparticles on the surface of the fibre/fabric were also discussed.
Nonsequential double ionization channels control of CO2 molecules with counter-rotating two-color circularly polarized laser field by laser wavelength
Authors: Ge Zhenjie , Bai Lihua , Su Xu , Liu Keying
Published: October 2023

Using the classical ensemble model, we investigate the effect of laser wavelength on the electron dynamics process of nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) for linear triatomic molecules driven by a counter-rotating two-color circularly polarized laser field. Based on the delay time between recollision and final double ionization, two particular ionization channels are separated: recollision-impact ionization (RII) and recollision-induced excitation with subsequent ionization (RESI). Numerical results show that with the increase of the laser wavelength, the triangle structure of the ion momentum distribution becomes more obvious, which indicates that the electron–electron correlation of NSDI is enhanced. In addition, we find that the ratio of the RESI channel gradually decreases with the increase of the laser wavelength, while the ratio of the RII channel is opposite. However, the dominant channel is still RESI. It means that the two ionization channels can be controlled effectively by changing the laser wavelength.
The transmittance properties of the one-dimensional gyroidal superconductor photonic crystals
Authors: Elsayed Hussein A. , Mishra Chandra Sekhar , Almawgani Abdulkarem H. M. , Ali Yahya Ali Abdelrahman , Mehaney Ahmed
Published: October 2023

In this study, the transfer matrix method is used to analyze the optical properties of a layered structure, {Air(SrTiO3/BSCCO)20Substrate}, consisting of air, SrTiO3, BSCCO (bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide) bilayers, and a substrate. This paper aims to investigate the transmittance spectra of two proposed one-dimensional (1D) structures, including a conventional superconductor photonic crystal (PC) and a gyroidal superconductor PC at infrared (IR) wavelengths. A comprehensive analysis has been carried out to provide useful insights into the optical properties and the behavior of the proposed structure, highlighting the impact of many parameters, such as refractive index, filling fraction, and layer thickness. The numerical findings showed that the permittivity of the BSCCO superconductor of a gyroidal geometry takes a different response compared to the conventional one. Notably, the filling fraction and refractive index of the host material have a significant control on both real and imaginary parts of the gyroidal BSCCO permittivity through the considered wavelengths. Thus, the proposed design provides high transmittivity outside the obtained photonic band gap compared to the conventional one. We believe that the designed one-dimensional gyroidal BSCCO photonic crystals could act as an efficient reflector through near IR for optoelectronics and energy applications.
The Effect of Buckling Restraint on Axial Strain Life Fatigue Data
Authors: Su Hongying , Gao Yifei , Liang Xiao , Lu Yanpeng , Lin Chunqing , Cao Zheng
Published: October 2023

Focused on the common problem of easy specimen buckling in the axial strain–controlled fatigue testing of thin automobile steel sheets, a strain fatigue test method for thicknesses less than 2.5 mm is proposed. Because of the unrestrained grip end of specimens between the anti-buckling device and the testing machine fixture, specimens were prone to buckling in this area. In addition, if the designed specimen sizes were unreasonable, buckling may have occurred in the width and thickness directions of the gauge length of the specimen. Both situations can lead to invalid tests. This paper adopted a testing machine fixture and an anti-buckling plate as a mortise-and-tenon structure for the anti-buckling method; the upper and lower fixtures of the testing machine were cut in straight grooves, and the left and right anti-buckling plates were designed to be connected with a mortise and tenon. This is equivalent to narrowing the width of the unrestrained part of the specimen’s grip end to avoid buckling failure due to plane strain. The factors affecting the stiffness of fatigue specimens are also discussed herein. In order to avoid common instability in the thickness and width directions of the gauge length and unconstrained part of the specimen’s grip end at a strain ratio of Re = −1 during testing, six recommended specimen sizes are given on the premise of ensuring maximum specimen stiffness. When using the anti-buckling device, the recommended specimen sizes and test points of this study (i.e., the lower limits for yield strength and thickness of strain control testing) are 110 MPa and 0.5 mm, respectively, with which continuous and smooth stress–strain curves that result in accurate and reliable experimental data can be obtained.