bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-scale hierarchical brain regions detect individual and inter-species variations of structural connectivity in macaque monkeys and humans
Authors: Tsurugizawa Tomokazu , Ouchi Kazuya , Yoshimaru Daisuke , Takemura Aya , Yamamoto Shinya , Hayashi Ryusuke , Higo Noriyuki , Obara Makoto , Sugase-Miyamoto Yasuko
Published: March 2024

Macaques are representative animal models in translational research. However, the distinct shape and location of the brain regions between macaques and humans prevents us from comparing the brain structure directly. Here, we calculated structural connectivity (SC) with multi-scale hierarchical regions of interest (ROIs) to parcel out human and macaque brain into 4 (level 1 ROIs) or 13 (level 2 ROIs) regions, which consist of anatomically and functionally defined level 3 ROIs (around 100 parcellation of the brain) and similar function. The SC with the level 1 ROIs showed lower individual and inter-species variation in macaques and humans. SC with level 2 ROIs shows that the temporal lobe has high individual and inter-species variation in macaques and humans, while the prefrontal and sensory cortices show low individual and inter-species variation. These results provide insights into the suitability of macaques as animal models for humans.
Undiagnosed Cirrhosis and Potential Hepatic Encephalopathy in a National Cohort Of Patients with Dementia
Authors: Silvey Scott , Sterling Richard , French Evan , Godschalk Michael , Gentili Angela , Patel Nilang , Bajaj Jasmohan
Published: March 2024

Dementia and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) have symptom overlap and are challenging to differentiate. The presence of undiagnosed cirrhosis in dementia patients may lead to missed opportunities to treat HE, which was found in a Veterans database, which needs validation. A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2009 and 2019 using national non-Veteran patient data from the TriNetX database. Participants included 68,807 patients with a diagnosis of dementia at ≥2 visits, no prior diagnosis of cirrhosis, and with sufficient laboratory test results to calculate the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index. Rates of high FIB-4 scores (>2.67 and >3.25) were measured within the cohort, and associations between high FIB-4 and comorbidities/demographics were examined. Within the cohort (44.7% male, 78.0% white, mean age 72.73 years (± 11.09)). 7.6% (n = 5815) had a FIB-4 index >3.25 and 12.8% (n = 8683) had FIB-4 >2.67. In multivariable logistic regression models, FIB-4 > 3.25 was associated with male gender (OR: 1.42 [1.33 – 1.51]), congestive heart failure (OR:1.73 [1.59 – 1.87]), viral hepatitis (OR: 2.23 [1.84 – 2.68]), alcohol use disorder (OR: 1.39 [1.22 – 1.58]), and chronic kidney disease (OR: 1.38 [1.28 – 1.48]), and inversely associated with white race (OR: 0.76 [0.71 – 0.82]) and diabetes (OR: 0.82 [0.77 – 0.88]). Similar findings were associated with the FIB-4 > 2.67 threshold. The findings of this national cohort suggest that the FIB-4 index should be utilized to screen for potential undiagnosed cirrhosis in patients with dementia and that HE that might be misdiagnosed as dementia or cause worsening of cognitive function in patients with dementia.
In vivo medical imaging for assessing geroprotective interventions in humans
Authors: Svensson Jonas E. , Schain Martin , Sigray Pontus Plavén
Published: March 2024

There is a growing interest in developing drugs with a general geroprotective effect, aimed at slowing down aging processes in humans. Several candidate compounds have already demonstrated increased lifespan and reduced incidence of age-related disease in short-lived model organisms. The extended lifespan of humans makes it challenging to translate these findings, especially if mortality or onset of age-related morbidity are to be used as trial endpoints. To address this, we propose using a battery of medical imaging protocols that allows for in vivo assessments of multiple age-related pathological processes known to precede onset of age-related disease. These protocols, based on magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission-, computer-, and optical coherence-tomography, are already in use in drug development and are available at most modern hospitals. Here, we outline how an informed use of these techniques allows for detecting changes in the accumulation of age-related pathologies in a diverse set of physiological systems, such as cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic function, periodontal inflammation, retinal or neuro-degeneration, and bone or muscle density. With this in vivo imaging battery, it is possible to screen for efficacy of candidate geroprotective compounds in early phase clinical trials, within reasonable trial durations.
A bibliometric analysis of research on trade remedies
Authors: Tran Viet Long , Phan Thanh Hai
Published: March 2024

This study aims to explore the research landscape and identify the main research directions related to the topic of trade remedies. The research data were collected by accessing the Scopus database with 289 documents and the WoS database with 75 documents published from 1950 to 2023. After processing the data overlap, 290 documents were used as the final sample for the study. The study employed descriptive statistical analysis; bibliometric analysis was conducted using the VOSviewer 1.6.20 software. The results indicate that publications on the topic of trade remedies have been relatively scarce, but diverse research has been conducted in various countries worldwide. The period from 2007 to 2023 has seen significant development in the quantity of both articles and citations related to the topic. Additionally, the study reveals three main research directions related to the development of different aspects of trade remedies. These include research on specific measures of trade remedies (anti-dumping, countervailing measures, safeguard measures, and reactive and preventive trade defense measures), research on the use of tariffs as a tool for implementing trade remedies in the field of renewable energy, and research on resolving international trade disputes in the agricultural sector.
AcknowledgmentThis collaborative research involves scholars from the University of Law – Hue University and Duy Tan University. The authors extend their gratitude to both institutions for their support and assistance in facilitating the publication of this research. 
Means of Lexical Cohesion in Oral Speech: Teenagers Operated for Congenital Heart Disease vs. Apparently Healthy Peers
Authors: Kameneva Veronika , Rabkina Nadezhda , Rumyanceva Aleksandra
Published: March 2024

Cognitive development and speech activity of children operated for congenital heart disease (CHD) remain understudied both from the point of view of psychology and linguistics. The aim was to identify differences in the means of lexical cohesion these groups of teenagers use to create oral texts. This article describes, classifies, and compares the means of lexical coherence in oral texts created by teenagers (13–15 y.o.) with congenital heart disease (focus group, 28 respondents) and their apparently healthy peers (control group, 28 respondents). The material was collected using the diagnostic method introduced by of T. A. Fotekova and T. V. Akhutina: the respondents were asked to talk about their hometown. The statements were analyzed for means of lexical cohesion. The analysis was complicated by the fact that most focus group respondents actually failed to produce a monologue: on average, one response involved 8.5 motivating and encouraging remarks from the interviewer (3.5 in the control group). As a result, cases of lexical cohesion between the interviewer’s questions and the respondent’s answers were not taken into account. The results showed an imbalance of lexical repetition: 64 cases in the focus group vs. 100 cases in the comparison group, 12 cases of synonymous repetition vs. 7, and 11 cases of antonymic repetition vs. 6, respectively. Hyper-hyponymous repetition was poorly represented: only 3 cases in the focus group vs. 6 in the control group. Although lexical repetition was the main means of cohesion, the teenagers with congenital disorders resorted to this method much less often than their apparently healthy peers.
Performance assessment of rainfall forecasting models for urban Guwahati City using machine learning techniques and singular spectrum analysis
Authors: Priya Ashok Shejule , Pekkat Sreeja
Published: March 2024

Rainfall forecasting is pivotal for issuing flood warnings and flood management. Machine learning (ML) models are popular as they can effectively manage extensive data and non-stationarity of the data series with improved performance and cost-effective solutions. However, more studies are required to understand the dynamic characteristics of rainfall. This study proposes a hybrid model and demonstrates its efficiency in improving the daily rainfall forecast. Singular spectrum analysis (SSA) was used as a data pre-processing technique (successfully removing and identifying the nature of noise) and coupled with ML models (artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM)) improving daily scale forecast. Since the current response of the hydrological system depends on previous responses, rainfall at the next time step was derived with the previous 2-, 3-, 5- and 7-day rainfall. Study shows that the first eigen vector derived through SSA is the trend component which has a maximum contribution of 18.75%, suggesting it can explain 18.75% of the given rainfall series. The 16.42% (eigen vector 2-9) contributes to periodicity, with period of 1 year, 6 months, and 4 months within the data. Conclusively, the hybrid SSA-ML model outperformed the single model for daily rainfall forecasts.
Implementing a digital twin for optimized real-time control of Gothenburg's regional sewage system
Authors: Lumley Douglas , Jursic Wanninger Dennis , Magnusson Åsa , I'Ons David , Gustafsson Lars-Göran
Published: March 2024

The emerging challenges facing the City of Gothenburg and surrounding municipalities include the impacts of a variable climate, rapid growth and urbanization, aging infrastructure and changing community values and customer expectations. A digital twin (DT), based on the Future City Flow (FCF) platform, was created for the catchment to address many of these challenges in terms of improved real-time sewerage performance and predictability in the face of storms, improved DT visualization of the regional sewage transport system for operators and greater responsiveness to avoid service interruption. The FCF-based DT provides a sound base for modelling, simulating, forecasting and controlling the catchment. The versatility of the FCF DT makes it useful for gaining insight into catchment dynamics and the simulator can be used to study the effects of different scenarios or changes in the catchment. The predictive control imbedded in the FCF DT recommends setpoints for controlling the catchment that can be used by the operators for decision support or even be directly applied in the control system as model-based predictive control. A DT requires good quality online data from the catchment and, perhaps most importantly, high-quality rain forecasts, especially when prognosing long time horizons.
MEDIAÇÕES NA REDE DE BIBLIOTECAS DO MINISTÉRIO PÚBLICO FEDERAL
Authors: Villela Aldabalde Taiguara , Araujo Periani Hellen Bianca
Published: March 2024

Objetiva-se discutir o tema das mediações da informação e cultural sem perder de vista os desafios e as práticas da Rede de Bibliotecas do Ministério Público Federal (RBMPF). Adotaram-se os seguintes procedimentos metodológicos: pesquisa documental, entrevista e pesquisa bibliográfica. Os resultados apontam que as práxis de atuação sobre “o como” a informação é recepcionada,  compreendida e mediada vai de encontro aos anseios da sociedade. Já os desafios encontrados na Rede apontam a dificuldade de compreender as práticas dentro da mediação como um processo ativo e consciente de intervenção e transformação cultural, organizacional e social. A falta de uma sistematização do funcionamento da Rede levou a uma reestruturação que resultou na desmobilização desta, que a simplificou em práticas de mediação digital, desconsiderando seu acervo, seu pessoal, os espaços e os recursos das comunidades locais. Conclui-se que a análise da mediação como categoria verifica-se na realidade apenas como práticas esporádicas limitadas aos recursos tecnológicos, sem que conste as medições como categoria no planejamento. Assim, embora essas unidades de informação compartilham desafios nas questões de acesso aos recursos digitais e há demandas por democratização, não adotam-se práxis de mediação cultural e da informação.
Revisiting the Mitochondrial Function and Communication in
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wankhede Nitu L. , Kale Mayur B. , Umare Mohit D. , Lokhande Sanket , Upaganlawar Aman B. , Wal Pranay , Taksande Brijesh G. , Umekar Milind J. , Khandige Prasanna Shama , Singh Bhupendra , Sadananda Vandana , Ramniwas Seema , Behl Tapan
Published: March 2024

Neurodegenerative disorders are distinguished by the progressive loss of anatomically or physiologically
relevant neural systems. Atypical mitochondrial morphology and metabolic malfunction are found in
many neurodegenerative disorders. Alteration in mitochondrial function can occur as a result of aberrant mitochondrial
DNA, altered nuclear enzymes that interact with mitochondria actively or passively, or due to unexplained
reasons. Mitochondria are intimately linked to the Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and ER-mitochondrial
communication governs several of the physiological functions and procedures that are disrupted in neurodegenerative
disorders. Numerous researchers have associated these disorders with ER-mitochondrial interaction disturbance.
In addition, aberrant mitochondrial DNA mutation and increased ROS production resulting in ionic
imbalance and leading to functional and structural alterations in the brain as well as cellular damage may have
an essential role in disease progression via mitochondrial malfunction. In this review, we explored the evidence
highlighting the role of mitochondrial alterations in neurodegenerative pathways in most serious ailments,
including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD).
Intestinal Epithelial Cell-specific Knockout of METTL3 Aggravates Intestinal Inflammation in CLP Mice by Weakening the Intestinal Barrier
Authors: Shi Hongzhou , Sun Jiahui , Sun Yaya , Wu Junjie , Jiang Guangqing , Xu Zhaiyue , Shi Xin , Fang Miao
Published: March 2024

Background:

Many studies have demonstrated that the expression of methyltransferase- like 3 (METTL3) is altered in various inflammatory diseases. Its specific mechanistic role in the intestinal inflammatory response during sepsis remains limited and requires further investigation.

Objectives:

Explore the potential mechanism of METTL3 in the intestinal inflammatory response during sepsis.

Materials and Methods:

Immunohistochemical analysis was utilized to detect the expression of METTL3 in the necrotic intestine of patients with intestinal necrosis and the small intestine of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mice. Mice were subjected to the CLP and Sham surgeries, intestine tissue was harvested and performed HE staining, and ELISA to examine intestinal inflammatory responses, while TUNEL staining was applied to detect intestinal cell apoptosis. Additionally, ELISA was used to detect diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) levels in intestinal tissue. Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were also employed to examine the mRNA and protein expression levels of Zona Occludens 1 (ZO-1) and Claudin-1. Finally, transcriptomic sequencing was performed on the small intestine tissues of METTL3 Knock-out (KO) and Wild-type (WT) mice in response to sepsis.

Results:

METTL3 exhibited lower expression level in the necrotic intestine of patients and the small intestine of CLP mice. Loss of METTL3 in CLP mice triggered significantly higher expression of TNF-α and IL-18, down-regulated expression of ZO-1 and claudin-1, and decreased expression of DAO and I-FABP in the intestinal tissue. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the differential genes were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways.

Conclusion:

This study reveals a novel mechanism responsible for exacerbated intestinal inflammation orchestrated by METTL3. Particularly, METTL3 null mice displayed decreased ZO- 1 and Claudin-1 expression, which largely hampered intestinal epithelial barrier function, resulting in bacterial and toxin translocation and intestinal immune activation and inflammation against sepsis.
Therapeutic Potential of Natural Flavonoids: Pharmacological Targets, Signaling Pathways, Molecular Mechanisms, and Clinical Perspective on Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Giri Sushil , Chandra Phool
Published: March 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prominent area of study within the field of neurology, particularly
neurodegenerative disease (ND). The peak incidence of PD occurs in those over the age of
45, and the disease’s prevalence rises continuously with age, the incidence of PD has skyrocketed
over the world. A slow decline in neural function characterizes NDs, but the pathophysiological
mechanisms behind this decline remain elusive. Because the pathophysiological mechanisms behind
neurodegeneration are intricate, the clinical issue of finding efficient, multi-target treatments still exists.
Furthermore, adequate neuroprotective medicines are currently scarce, necessitating the development
of new therapeutic agents. There is currently no medicine for PD that is without side effects.
The ability of natural flavonoids to lower the risk of PD has contributed to an increase in their popularity
in recent years, models both in vivo and in vitro. Flavonoids are multi-target natural substances
that affect distinct pathogenic pathways in neurodegeneration. As a result, the emphasis has turned to
discovering natural product inhibitors for the treatment of PD. The majority of the results pointed to
flavonoids' beneficial role in the treatment of PD and no adverse events were reported. This review
offered scientific data on the protective and preventative functions of flavonoids. It has been demonstrated
that flavonoids have a neuroprotective effect by activating anti-apoptotic mechanisms that
target mitochondrial dysfunction and produce neurotrophic factors. In addition to having antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, and protective dopaminergic neurons. Even though no evidence using flavonoids
as a treatment might reverse the abnormal phenotypes of PD patients, it was also indicated that flavonoids
might be promising natural remedies for PD prevention and could be used as therapeutic
agents against PD.
Multi-omics Profiles are Applicable to Human Diseases and Drug Development
Authors: Espinosa-González Adriana Montserrat , Benítez-Flores José del Carmen , Gómez-Verjan Juan Carlos , Rivero-Segura Nadia Alejandra , Peñalosa Castro Ignacio , Rivera Cabrera Jose Cruz , Estrella-Parra Edgar Antonio
Published: March 2024

Traditional medicine has been a reliable source for the discovery of
molecules with therapeutic activity against human diseases of clinical interest. In the
past, knowledge of traditional medicine was mainly transmitted orally and in writing.
Recently, the advent of “multiomics” tools (transcriptomics, metabolomics,
epigenomics, proteomics, and lipidomics, among others) has increased and merged our
knowledge, both traditional knowledge and that gained with these new multiomics
technologies. In this way, the development of medicines with these 'multiomics
technologies' has allowed pharmaceutical advances in the discovery of new drugs. In
addition, 'multiomics' technologies have made it possible to uncover new biological
activities of drugs that are currently used in clinical therapy. In the same way,
'multiomics' has allowed for the development of 'personalized medicine', that is, a
particular and specific treatment and/or diagnosis of a patient with respect to a disease.
Therefore, 'multiomics' technologies have facilitated the discovery of new clinical
therapeutics for disease, as well as allowing for the diagnosis and/or treatment of
diseases in an individual and personalized way.
Phenolic Compounds with Photo-Chemoprotective Activity
Authors: Nolasco-Ontiveros Erick , Socorro Sánchez-Correa María del , Avila-Acevedo José Guillermo , Serrano-Parrales Rocío , Montserrat Espinosa-González Adriana
Published: March 2024

Skin cancer has one of the highest incidence rates among all types of cancer
and is predominantly caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which
reaches the Earth's surface due to the well-known phenomenon of thinning of the ozone
layer in the stratosphere. To reduce the risk of developing this malignancy, the use of
sunscreens is recommended; however, the synthetic compounds in sunscreens can
cause side effects and harm the environment. To avoid damage to human health and the
environment, the use of different plant secondary metabolites with
photochemoprotective potential has been investigated in recent decades. For this
reason, phenolic compounds are useful alternatives since many of them are capable of
absorbing ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Moreover, some of these compounds have antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and even anticancer activities. This chapter explores the
progress in the study of different phenolic compounds extracted from plants with
potential for use in sunscreen formulations.
Natural Products in Wound Regeneration
Authors: Álvarez-Santos Nallely , Serrano-Parrales Rocío , Guevara-Fefer Patricia , Krengel Felix , García-Bores Ana María
Published: March 2024

The skin is the largest organ in the body that provides protection. When a
wound occurs, the skin structure and its function are damaged, and it can even
compromise life. Damage repair can occur through two mechanisms: healing and
regeneration. When a scar forms, fibrosis occurs in the area, and the skin appendages,
which include the glands and hair follicles, are lost. In regeneration, the functionality of
the skin is partially or totally recovered. Medicinal plants and their active principles
favor the regeneration of skin wounds because they have direct effects on the different
phases of the process. They favor hemostasis, and modulate inflammation, which
allows the following stages of healing to occur in less time, such as proliferation and
remodeling. They favor hemostasis, modulate inflammation, and that the following
stages of healing to occur in less time (proliferation and remodeling). Natural products
can also reduce the risk of wound infections by having antibacterial activity. However,
the bioavailability of the extracts and their metabolites may be limited, and a solution
to this problem is to integrate them into preparations such as hydrogels, nanoparticles,
nanofibers, and nanoemulsions. Research on the therapeutic properties of various
natural products and their integration into the formulations mentioned above for wound
regeneration is described below according to their effect on epithelialization,
regeneration of epidermal appendages, vascularization, and in some cases their
mechanism of action.
Antimicrobial Effect of Natural Products against Bacteria, Fungi, and Yeasts
Authors: Badr Mai M. , Valencia Quiroz Israel
Published: March 2024

Antibiotics are compounds that either halt or destroy bacterial growth. They may be natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic. Secondary metabolites, such as those produced by plants, animals, and microorganisms, are known as natural antimicrobials. The antibacterial/antimicrobial properties of secondary metabolites have been investigated over the past 30 years. Compounds derived from plants and culinary seasonings, including essential oils (EOs), are widely utilized in the food industry as organic agents to inhibit microbial growth in foods and prolong the shelf life of food products. Animal peptides (i.e., polypeptides) also exhibit antimicrobial properties. Certain pathogenic and decaying bacteria may be inhibited by various chemicals produced by numerous microorganisms. Most microbially-derived antibacterial compounds are produced as intermediate byproducts of food fermentation. Numerous factors influence the antibacterial efficacy potential of natural products, including the source of the biological agent, harvesting time, the stage at which it is cultivated, and production methods.
Distintos profissionais
Authors: F. Maia Mário S. , S. Cavalcante Ingrid
Published: March 2024

Esta é uma pesquisa (micro)sociológica sobre profissões jurídicas que recorre ao interacionismo simbólico como inspiração metodológica (Goffman). Realizou-se uma análise do profissionalismo no campo jurídico na sua forma “incorporada”. Analisamos as gravações (68h) em vídeo das interações entre os candidatos e a banca nas arguições da prova oral do 58º concurso para ingresso na carreira do Ministério Público de Minas Gerais. Objetivou-se responder: como os diferentes atores que vivem o cotidiano profissional no “mundo do Direito” constroem, mantém e compartilham uma identidade categorial ou de grupo? A análise nos permitiu fazer considerações sobre o tipo de conservadorismo prevalescente no campo jurídico nacional.
Cardiac Rehabilitation During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Potential for Digital Technology to Support Physical Activity Maintenance: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Park Linda G , Chi Serena , Pitsenbarger Susan , Johnson Julene K , Shah Amit J , Elnaggar Abdelaziz , von Oppenfeld Julia , Cho Evan , Harzand Arash , Whooley Mary A
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Social distancing from the COVID-19 pandemic may have decreased engagement in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and may have had possible consequences on post-CR exercise maintenance. The increased use of technology as an adaptation may benefit post-CR participants via wearables and social media. Thus, we sought to explore the possible relationships of both the pandemic and technology on post-CR exercise maintenance.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to (1) understand CR participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) identify perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity after CR completion, and (3) assess willingness to use technology and social media to support physical activity needs among older adults with cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

We recruited participants aged 55 years and older in 3 different CR programs offered at both public and private hospitals in Northern California. We conducted individual interviews on CR experiences, physical activity, and potential for using technology. We used thematic analysis to synthesize the data.

RESULTS

In total, 22 participants (n=9, 41% female participants; mean age 73, SD 8 years) completed in-depth interviews. Themes from participants’ feedback included the following: (1) anxiety and frustration about the wait for CR caused by COVID-19 conditions, (2) positive and safe participant experience once in CR during the pandemic, (3) greater attention needed to patients after completion of CR, (4) notable demand for technology during the pandemic and after completion of CR, and (5) social media networking during the CR program considered valuable if training is provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals who completed CR identified shared concerns about continuing physical activity despite having positive experiences during the CR program. There were significant challenges during the pandemic and heightened concerns for safety and health. The idea of providing support by leveraging digital technology (wearable devices and social media for social support) resonated as a potential solution to help bridge the gap from CR to more independent physical activity. More attention is needed to help individuals experience a tailored and safe transition to home to maintain physical activity among those who complete CR.
Comparing insulin vs GLP-1, DPP-4, SGLT-2 on 5-year incident heart failure for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a real-world evidence study using insurance claims (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Xuan , Plantinga Anna M. , Xiong Xin , Cromer Sara J. , Bonzel Clara-Lea , Panickan Vidul , Duan Rui , Hou Jue , Cai Tianxi
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a common health issue, with heart failure (HF) being the common and lethal long-term complication. Although insulin is widely used for the treatment of T2D, evidence regarding the efficacy of insulin compared to non-insulin therapies on incident heart failure risk is missing among randomized clinical trials. Real-world evidence on insulin’s effect on long-term heart failure may supplement existing guidelines on the management of T2D.

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the insulin therapy versus other medications on heart failure (HF) among T2D patients using real-world data (RWD) extracted from insurance claims.

METHODS

We employed doubly robust Augmented Inverse Probability Weighted estimation that extensively adjusted for high-dimensional confounding factors in both the propensity score and outcome regression models, using a data-driven approach for feature selection implemented through a LASSO sparsity penalty in each model.

RESULTS

After adjusting for broad list of confounders, insulin was found to be associated with 11.8% [95% CI: 11.0%-12.7%] higher 5-year HF rate compared to patients receiving GLP-1, 12.0% [95% CI: 11.5%-12.4%] higher 5-year HF rate compared to DPP-4, and 15.1% [95% CI: 14.3%-16.0%] higher 5-year HF rate compared to SGLT-2. Subgroup analysis shows the insulin effect with a higher HF rate is significant in subgroup with high baseline HF risk but not significant in subgroup with low baseline HF risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This study generated real-world evidence on the association with higher 5-year heart failure rate of insulin therapy compared to GLP-1, DPP-4, and SGLT-2 based on claims data. These findings also demonstrated the value of real-world data for comparative effectiveness studies to complement established guidelines. On the other hand, the study shares the common limitation of observational studies. Even though high-dimensional confounders are adjusted, remaining confounding may exist and induce bias in analysis.
Online Social Media Network’s Modularity Predict Spreading of Misinformation about COVID-19: Evidence from Russia (Preprint)
Authors: Pavlenko Boris
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 was associated with the growth of the popularity of conspiracy theories that undermine vaccination campaigns. There is evidence that the popularity of misinformation about COVID-19 is associated with online social media use. Online social media provides network effects on the spreading of information. It is important to distinguish between social network use effects and network effects within the platform.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of online social network modularity of online social media on spreading and attitude towards information and misinformation about COVID-19.

METHODS

We used data for the social network structure of online social media VK to construct the adjusted modularity index (Fragmentation index) of 162 Russian towns. We combined network indexes on the town level with a poll “Research on COVID-19 in Russia’s Regions” (RoCIRR) that had 23’000 respondents. We measure knowledge of fake and true statements about COVID-19 and attitudes towards those statements.

RESULTS

We observe a positive association of town level fragmentation with individual knowledge of fake statements and a negative association with true statements. We observe a strong negative association with an average attitude towards true statements, but an insignificant positive association with an attitude towards fake statements. At the same time, we observe a strong association between network fragmentation and ideological differences in attitudes between true and fake statements.

CONCLUSIONS

While social media use plays an important role in the diffusion of information about health, social network structure could amplify such results. Social network modularity plays a key role in the spreading of information online, but differently for true and fake statements. Those changes in spreading trickle down into differences in attitudes about true and fake statements about COVID-19. Finally, we observe that fragmentation leads to individual polarization on medical topics. For future research interaction between online social media use and network effects could be studied further.
Retrospective study of acid-base disturbances in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Denova L.D. , Ivanov D.D.
Published: March 2024

Background. Impaired kidney function has a negative effect on the body’s acid-base status (ABS). However, a violation of ABS can worsen the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, during the examination and treatment of patients with CKD, it is necessary to take into account the ABS. The purpose of the study: to conduct a retrospective analysis of the dynamics of ABS indicators in patients with stage 1–5 CKD who sought outpatient medical care in a medical institution in Kyiv. Materials and methods. A retrospective, randomized, cohort study was performed of 53 medical records of patients (form 025/o) who sought outpatient medical care at the Professor Dmytro Ivanov Nephrological Clinic LLC with a diagnosis of stage 1–5 CKD from February 2022 to February 2023. Participants were examined for ABS indicators three times. They were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 31) — stage 1–3 CKD and group 2 (n = 22) — stage 4–5 CKD. An analysis of ABS indicators was carried out in dyna­mics. Results. Results of multiple linear regression for patients with stage 1–5 CKD (n = 53) showed that there was a strong significant effect between potassium (K+) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (F(1, 13) = 10.59, p = 0.006, R2 = 0.45, R2 adj = 0.41). The results of multiple linear regression of indicators in patients with stage 1–3 CKD (group 1) demonstrated a weak insignificant influence between lactate and GFR (F(1, 15) = 1.11, p = 0.310, R2 = 0.07, R2 adj = 0.01). The results of multiple linear regression of indicators in patients with stage 4–5 CKD (group 2) showed that there is a very strong combined insignificant influence between the hydrogen index, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, partial pressure of oxygen, bicarbonate concentration, base excess of extracellular fluid, K+, total carbon dioxide, anion gap with K concentration included in the equation, base excess, lactate and GFR (F(10, –3) = 0.3, p = 58.099, R2 = –65.23, R2 adj = 155.53). Conclusions. When studying ABS in patients with stage 1–5 CKD, a correlation was found between K+ and GFR using the multiple linear regression tool. In the first group, the relationship between lactate and GFR, in the second one, all predictors had a relationship with GFR.
Confusión de los sujetos y objetos en el campo de las imágenes digitales
Authors: Duarte Ezequiel Iván
Published: March 2024

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar cómo las tecnologías digitales implican la con-fusión de sujetos y objetos en el campo de las imágenes. Para ello se parte de la distinción realizada por Lucien Sfez entre comunicación representativa y expresiva, y cómo puede notarse una tendencia a su confusión en una forma que el autor llamó “tautismo”. La tesis sostenida es que ese tautismo —concepto considerado problemático— es en la actualidad una con-fusión de sujetos y objetos en el campo de las imágenes digitales. Así, se considera a las imágenes como terceros que median entre sujetos y objetos, generando continuidad entre ellos, pero sin confundirlos. Posteriormente, el cine expandido, el escaneo 3D, las imágenes de síntesis y la propia arquitectura discreta de las imágenes digitales son analizados y reunidos en la noción de simulacro. Se concluye que ninguna imagen puede existir en sí misma sin su conexión con sujetos y objetos, aunque la imagen digital tienda a ocultarlo.
Standards, territory and frontier: environmental policy and the expansion of mining in Minas Gerais
Authors: Magno Lucas , Gouvêa Yasmin Amarante Rodrigues , Oliveira Leonardo Rodrigues de , Penido Marina
Published: March 2024

This article aims to debate the environmental policy in the state of Minas Gerais based on observing the standards adopted and the territorial reflexes, highlighting how the relaxing the environmental licensing processes over the past few years has influenced the expansion of the frontier of mining activities to different mesoregions of Minas Gerais. Based on a literature review, documentary research and data available in the System for Consultations and Decisions on Environmental Licensing Processes from the State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainable Development (SEMAD) and in the Spatial Data Infrastructure (IDE) of the State Environmental System (SISEMA) The text initially characterizes the institutionalization of environmental policy in Minas Gerais, and then analyzes the recent changes in the state’s environmental licensing. Lastly, the territorial implications are indicated by the advance of the frontier of the mineral sector and the corporate mining territories. The analyzes on the changes in licensing and the expansion of the mineral sector in the state cover the period between 2013 and 2022.
How and why did the transition process towards a fully sustainable production of cocoa beans in Bahia (Brazil) take place?
Authors: König Claudia Cheron , Macchione Saes Maria Sylvia , Schnaider Paula Sarita Bigio
Published: March 2024

This paper theoretically models and empirically assesses the sociotechnical transition process experienced by a group of producers in southern Bahia State (Brazil). Driven by the search for economic sustainability in cocoa production, this group has achieved full sustainability through production chain upgrading, enabling the agroforestry system’s (cabruca) continuity in their properties. In order to understand how and why this process happened, our conceptual model advances on the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) framework, as it is an applied way of analyzing different niche transformations within the same regime, a typical situation in agrifood systems in emerging markets. Our analyses and empirical evidence suggest that interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in this process, particularly developing concepts and strategies, and in establishing operational structures. Rules and structure formalization may replace interpersonal relationships, as observed when the transition goes forward. Our findings evidence knowledge gathering, cooperation among actors, and information and support exchanging as critical factors to trigger the niche transition process.
Sirmium and the region of Pannonia Secunda in the sixth and seventh centuries in light of new finds
Authors: Bugarski Ivan , Ivanisevic Vujadin
Published: March 2024

The fall of Sirmium under the Avars in 582 marks the end of a long process of weakening of imperial power on the Danube border. The Hunnic incursions of the mid-fifth century had left permanent economic and demographic consequences, crucial to the fate of northern possessions. The region of Pannonia Secunda, with the capital Sirmium, became the prey of Germanic populations, Ostrogoths and Gepids. By the beginning of the sixth century, Byzantium controlled only the eastern part of Syrmia with the city of Bassianae, where the Heruli were settled. The Germanic newcomers left recognisable material traces, particularly in Sirmium and Cibalae. Even in the context of depopulation and ruralisation of these centres, traces of the persisting Romans can also be observed. After the 567 Avar victory over the Gepids, the Empire managed to regain control of Sirmium; fierce battles and negotiations were to end only with the fall of the city. Judging by the archaeological record, the Avars seem not to have settled Syrmia, or Sirmium itself, on a large scale. There is numismatic, sigillographic and archaeological evidence for the period of the fall of Pannonia Secunda and for the following decades in which the Romans went on living under conditions far from ideal. In this paper we publish Byzantine lead seals, the most important of which bears the name of ????(?)??? ??? ????????. By all appearances, it belonged to a diplomat dealing with the Avars between 567 and 582, although a slightly later dating is possible, as well. The well-known belt-set from Divos (?), certainly of Byzantine make, is likewise discussed in the light of diplomatic relations and tribute. We also publish a matrix for hammering out the Martynovka-type harness mounts and a belt buckle of the so-called Pannonian type. While it is not possible to conclude whether these objects belonged to the remaining Romans or not, they apparently reflect cultural affinities in Avar Syrmia and the strength of Byzantine influences.
The diocesan structure of the Archbishopric of Ohrid in the charters of basil II: Historical development until the early 11th century
Authors: Komatina Predrag
Published: March 2024

The paper discusses the diocesan structure of the Archbishopric of Ohrid as conveyed in the charters of the Byzantine emperor Basil II issued in 1019, 1020 and 1020-1025. It looks at the origin of each bishopric and traces its historical development during the First Bulgarian Empire in 864-971, the Byzantine reoccupation under John I Tzimiskes in 971-976, and Samuel?s Empire in 976-1018.
Haptoglobin Phenotype and Intensive Glycemic Control for Coronary Artery Disease Risk Reduction in People With Type 2 Diabetes: The ADVANCE Study
Authors: Cahill Leah E. , Warren Rachel A. , Carew Allie S. , Levy Andrew P. , Sapp John , Samuel Michelle , Selvin Elizabeth , Lavallée Samantha K. , Poulter Neil , Marre Michel , Harrap Stephen , Mancia Giuseppe , Harris Katie , Chalmers John , Woodward Mark , Rimm Eric B.
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE

Intensive glycemic control reduced coronary artery disease (CAD) events among the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study participants with the haptoglobin (Hp)2-2 phenotype but not in participants without the Hp2-2 phenotype. It is unknown whether and how these results translate across different demographic/clinical characteristics and treatment strategies.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Haptoglobin phenotype was measured in available samples from the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron MR Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) biomarker case-cohort study. Weighted multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between intensive glycemic control (HbA1c target of ≤6.5%) versus standard therapy (based on local guidelines) and major CAD events among participants with (n = 1,327) and without (n = 2,077) the Hp2-2 phenotype separately and within prespecified stratifications by sex, race, previous cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes duration, and HDL-cholesterol.

RESULTS

While the hazard ratios (HRs) were in the hypothesized differing directions, compared with standard therapy, intensive glycemic control was not significantly associated with risk of CAD events among participants without (1.04, 95% CI 0.82–1.32) or with (0.84, 0.63–1.14, Pinteraction = 0.27) the Hp2-2 phenotype overall. Intensive therapy was associated with lower CAD risk among participants with the Hp2-2 phenotype who had no previous CVD (0.47, 0.29–0.76, Pinteraction = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that intensive glycemic control contributes to the prevention of major CAD events among ADVANCE participants with the Hp2-2 phenotype and no previous CVD and are in alignment with our hypothesis that intensive glycemic control may be beneficial in a subset of people with the Hp2-2 phenotype.
Real-Time Scalable System For Face Tracking In Multi-Camera
Authors: Ozdemır Mehmet Fatih , Hanbay Davut
Published: March 2024

Face detection and tracking have become increasingly popular in recent years. It has critical importance in security, defense, and robotics applications uses encountered in everyday life. For this purpose, many decision support or expert systems have been developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Thanks to the developments in the field of deep learning and hardware many effective and reliable face tracking systems have been realized. However there are still very few real-time scalable end-to-end systems. Also, the realization of this system on multiple cameras is a real challenge. In this study, a real-time, multi-camera, deep learning-based face tracking system has been developed. In the realized system, SCRFD model is used for face detection, ArcFace model is used for face recognition, and an updated DeepSORT algorithm is used for more stable face tracking. In addition, Apache Kafka stream processing system and Socket.IO bidirectional communication library were used to process multi-camera data in real-time and scalable. In the proposed system, when an image is input into the system, it can be displayed on the web page after approximately 127 ms
Enhanced Cloud Computing Security Using Application-Based Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Communication Systems
Authors: Okeke Remigius Obinna , Orimadike Stanislaus Okechukwu
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study is to create an advanced cloud computing security system that addresses the security vulnerabilities inherent in existing authentication processes in communication systems. Specifically, the study developed an application-based multi-layer and multi-factor authentication (MFA) program that enhances cloud security measures. The system presented an improved approach to cloud computing security through the implementation of application-based multi-factor authentication (MFA). By leveraging encryption techniques, the system guarantees secure access based on user profiles. These profiles consist of valid usernames, passwords, and token numbers generated by the application. In addition, the system enhances security by integrating the Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) algorithm (IETF RFC 6238) with location checks, augmenting the overall protection measures. A thorough testing procedure was carried out on the system, with a specific focus on a test web application hosted on the cloud server. The result validated the efficacy of all three authentication factors integrated within the application.
Nitrogen Management and Virus Incidence on Cut Flower Production of Dahlia
Authors: Oliver Frank , Stock Melanie , Nischwitz Claudia
Published: March 2024

Cut flower production, particularly of dahlia, has a strong profit potential for small farms. This study evaluated the field response of dahlia ‘Café au Lait’ to nitrogen (N) rates and implemented routine testing for common viruses. Yield was measured over a three-year field trial with five N application rates: 0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg N·ha−1 (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 lb N·A−1) in North Logan, Utah (USDA Hardiness Zones 5). A grower-participant study was also conducted in Northern Utah (USDA Hardiness Zones 5 – 7) to understand cultural practices and challenges. Application of 168 and 224 kg N·ha−1 (150 and 200 lb N·A−1) produced the greatest yields of stems per plant, while 168 kg N·ha−1 (150 lb N·A−1) was the most economically efficient from partial economic budgets. Viruses were highly prevalent in stock, resulting in cull rates of nearly 50% in 2019 and 2020. After sourcing lab-cultured stock in 2021, 0% of plants were culled, indicating a strong need for management of viruses in dahlia. Soil survey results from the grower-participant study revealed widespread levels of elevated macronutrients and salinity that increased annually and correlated with decreasing yield across farms. This study helps determine optimal N rates, increase awareness of virus management, as well as supporting fertility outreach with small growers to promote soil sustainability.

Species used in this study: Dahlia, Dahlia pinnata ‘Café au Lait’.