bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pola Manajemen Pemeliharaan, Pengelolaan Perkawinan, Pakan dan Kesehatan Rusa Timor (Rusa timorensis) di Pendopo Kabupaten Sumbawa
Authors: Amalyadi Rezki , Munandar Imam
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini menggunakan survei, observasi, dan wawancara langsung di lapangan untuk menentukan pola dalam manajemen pemeliharaan, perkawinan, pakan, dan kesehatan Rusa Timor. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa 78 rusa timor di Pandopo dirawat secara pedok. Karena rusa penangkaran biasanya tinggal bersama, kandang betina dan pejantan tidak terpisah satu sama lain, sehingga sering terjadi keturunan. memberi pakan dua atau tiga kali setiap hari, masing-masing pagi, siang, dan sore, dengan rata-rata jumlah pakan yang diperlukan. Tiga jenis makanan diberikan kepada mereka: kangkung di pagi hari, dedak di siang hari, dan rumput di sore hari.
Cultura organizacional y gestión del talento humano en una empresa productura de prendas de vestir (Lima - Perú), 2021
Authors:   , Aguilar Tuyas María del Pilar
Published: January 2024

El estudio busca establecer una relación entre las dos variables (cultura organizacional y gestión del talento humano), dicha empresa forma parte del rubro textil, y su sede está ubicada en el Departamento de Lima. El estudio corresponde al paradigma cuantitativo, no experimental y sin alteración de las variables. Asimismo, es transversal ya que se recopilaron los datos analizando su correspondencia y asociación para conocer el estatus de ambas variables y su beneficio favorable. Reconociendo un panorama post pandemia, las empresas actualmente pasan por un periodo de renovación y actualización tecnológica crucial para ser rentables en los nuevos tiempos de la llamada “nueva normalidad”, sin menospreciar el valor de contar con personal humano altamente calificado y dedicado a potenciar los objetivos de la empresa y su propia calidad de vida. Los resultados fueron los esperados, puesto que se aceptan la hipótesis alterna, el cual consistía en relacionar las variables de la investigación, siendo directa y significativa; es decir, hay una repercusión sustancial entre las dos variables. Y así se pudo evidenciar la existencia de una correlación positiva y considerable de 0.823 con un nivel de significancia menor al 0.05, en lo que respecta a la hipótesis general, de igual forma se llegó a corroborar las hipótesis específicas del investigador como verdaderas con coeficientes de 0.789, 0.801, 0.798 y 0.808 respectivamente con niveles de significancias menores al 0.05.
Remoción de fosfatos en aguas residuales domésticas con carbón activado de endocarpio de aceituna modificado con nanopartículas de hierro (III)
Authors:   , Blas Flores George Michael
Published: January 2024

La afinidad electrostática entre el fosfato y hierro(III) en los mecanismos de adsorción es una alternativa más atractiva en la remoción de dicho macronutriente por ser la principal causa de la eutrofización. La investigación desarrollada permitió remover los fosfatos en disoluciones sintéticas y en una muestra real de agua residual domestica (ARD), sintetizando dos series de adsorbentes: Carbón activado con CaCO3 (C.A) y carbón activado modificado con nanopartículas de hierro(III) (CA-Fe). La metodología permitió determinar las características físico-químicas de los adsorbentes, realizar ensayos batch, lecho fijo y analizar la recuperación de fosfato. El análisis físico-químico demostró mejor cualidad con el CA-Fe como adsorbente, el análisis SEM evidencio alta porosidad de C.A y CA-Fe, así como la impregnación de nanopartículas de Fe+3. Los resultados del espectro FTIR permitieron resaltar la presencia de grupos funcionales asociados en la superficie de CA-Fe. La remoción máxima se determina a pH 7.5, el modelo de la cinética de adsorción corresponde a pseudo segundo orden (R2 ≥ 0.996) y el proceso de adsorción mejor representado corresponde al modelo de Langmuir (R2 = 0.993). El nivel máximo alcanzado al impregnar el analito (Qm) fue 65.83 mg-P/g. Las columnas de lecho fijos de 50 y 100 cm no presentaron saturación en 8 horas de ensayo, demostrando mejor coherencia el modelo Thomas y Yoon-Nelson (0.797 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.957). CA-Fe puede ser reutilizado hasta tres veces en la fase adsorción-desorción garantizando remoción del 70 % y recuperación del 60 % de PO43- en ARD.
Análisis de la calidad biológica del agua de la laguna Puerto Viejo, Cañete, Lima-Perú
Authors:   , Rios Sanchez Mauro Andres , Del Rio Ponte Valerio Augusto
Published: January 2024

Los Humedales son estructuras relevantes las cuales ofrecen funciones hidrologicas, biogeoquimicas y biologicas. Estos permiten el resguardo de costas y mantenimiento de la diversidad. Los Humedales de Puerto Viejo, cumplen una importante función ecológica además de ser un segmento importante de la ruta Biotica del Pacifico, siendo entre sus principales cualidades ser una fuente de vida para sostener a muchas especies. La presente investigación determinó la calidad biológica del agua de las lagunas delHumedal De Puerto Viejo. Se evaluó población de organismos hidrobiológicos (plancton, perifiton, bentos y necton) durante dos temporadas (húmeda y seca), de 5 estaciones de muestreo. Se realizó la identificación taxonómica y se determinó la composición, abundancia y diversidad de las comunidades hidrobiológicas. En adición, se pudo realizar un análisis de factores principales de los datos físico-químicos como pH, conductividad, oxígeno disuelto y temperatura. La comunidad del plancton (fitoplancton y zooplancton) no presentó variaciones en los análisis realizados durante ambas temporadas. Asimismo, la comunidad de perifiton (vegetal y animal) y de bentos no presentaron variaciones En las identificaciones efectuadas en dichas temporadas. En la comunidad de necton se pudo registrar la presencia de individuos de las familias Poecilidae y Cichlidae. El índice de IDG mostró que durante la temporada húmeda la calidad de agua tuvo “polución moderada”; no obstante, durante la temporada seca se registraron valores variables de IDG.
Estratégia para Determinação de Preços no Mercado Imobiliário, combinando Dados Tabulares e Imagens Web, Através do Uso de Redes Neurais
Authors: Pellizzaro José Antônio , Cunha Garcia Domingos Sávio , Araújo Leonardo Amorim , Freitas Samuel Alves , Santos Ana Paula Lima , Rosseti Gustavo José Santiago , Moreira Silvana Rodrigues Pires , Machado Lisleandra
Published: January 2024

O custo com moradias cresceu três vezes mais rápido que os salários nos países da OCDE durante os últimos 20 anos, e tem se convertido no principal problema em países europeus. Moradias inadequadas causam prejuízo à saúde física e mental das pessoas e contribuem para a desigualdade social, além de trazer grandes desafios para o planejamento urbano. Fazem-se portanto necessários estudos que prevejam o preço de moradias para auxiliar compradores em seus investimentos e órgãos públicos no seu planejamento estratégico. O presente trabalho combina Redes Neurais Convolucionais (CNN) e Perceptrons Multicamadas (MLP) para prever o preço de imóveis na cidade de Porto Alegre. Os dados foram obtidos da internet e contêm tanto fotos dos imóveis como dados tabulares (número de quartos, tamanho, valor do IPTU, etc). A análise efetuada demonstrou que o modelo que combina esses dois tipos de dados (fotos e variáveis tabulares) é mais preciso que os modelos que só usam dados tabulares. No caso estudado, a diferença de desempenho na predição dos preços chegou a 10,8%.
Contribution of meat-free days, meat-free meals, and portion sizes to declines in meat consumption in the UK
Authors: Vonderschmidt Alexander , Bellows Alexandra , Jaacks Lindsay , Alexander Peter , Green Rosemary , Stewart Cristina
Published: January 2024

Understanding behaviours driving recent declines in UK meat consumption is essential for achieving the Climate Change Committee’s 20% reduction target by 2030. This study explored trends in meat-eating days, daily meat-eating meal occasions, and portion size of meat from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008/09-2018/19). Meat consumption was assessed using 4-day food diaries. Trends were assessed with Poisson and linear regression models, while decomposition analysis quantified relative contributions to overall reductions. Meat-eating days decreased from 3.27 (0.04) to 3.03 (0.05) (P < 0.001), daily occasions decreased from 1.24 (0.02) to 1.13 (0.03) (P = 0.01), and portion size decreased from 85.8g (1.85) to 76.1g (1.78) (P < 0.001). Reduction in portion size had the largest impact on total meat consumption (57%), followed by days (37%) and occasions (6%). Our findings suggest smaller meat portions significantly contributed to decreasing UK meat consumption. Dissecting these behaviours can inform interventions to reduce meat consumption, aligning with reduction targets.
Lentilactobacillus farraginis FSI (3): A whole cell biocatalyst for the synthesis of kojic acid derivative under aquatic condition
Authors: Chaudhari Mangal , Wankhede Pratiksha , Dalal Kiran , Kale Arun , Dalal Dipak , Chaudhari Bhushan Liladhar
Published: January 2024

Kojic acid derivatives are useful in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The current investigation focuses on the search for a safe and environment-friendly newer whole-cell biocatalyst for the synthesis of kojic acid derivative especially 2-amino-6-(hydroxymethyl)-8-oxo-4-phenyl-4,8-dihydropyrano[3,2-b] pyran-3-carbonitrile (APhCN). In this context, a total of six cultures were isolated from fecal samples of infants and subjected to probiotic characterization followed by screening as whole cell biocatalyst (WCB). In this multicomponent reaction, benzaldehyde, malononitrile, and kojic acid were used to synthesize APhCN at room temperature under aqueous conditions. The screening of potent whole cell biocatalyst (WCB) from isolated cultures was done by comparing reaction time and percent yield. The potent WCB gave a good yield of 95% within 15 h of time and hence further characterized biochemically and identified as LentiLactobacillus farraginis by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Lactobacilli having GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status and being able to carry out this transformation under moderate reaction conditions with easy recovery of both product and biocatalyst, it has the potential to replace some of the chemical catalytic methods.
Dental cements as a late-stage peri-implant complication: A microtomographic and histopathological study in a rat model
Authors: Chandrashekar Bhuvana Lakkasetter , Biguetti Claudia C. , Arteaga Alexandra , Miramontes Andres J. , Rios Evelin , Rodrigues Danieli C.
Published: January 2024

Cement mediated peri-implantitis accounts for 1.9–75% of dental implant failures associated with peri-implant diseases. This study evaluated the biological impact of dental cements on osseointegrated implants using Lewis rats. Twenty-two rats were distributed into 6 groups: negative control (NC), soft diet (SD), and hard diet (HD); positive control SD and HD (n = 3); Implant + bio-ceramic Cement (BC) SD and HD which included contralateral Sham sites (n = 5). Titanium implants were placed on either side of the maxillae and allowed to heal for 14 days. Later, both sides of experimental groups underwent a re-entry surgery to simulate clinical cementation. The right side received 0.60mg of BC. At 14 days post cement application, maxillae were harvested for clinical, microtomographic, and histological evaluations. Clinical and microtomographic evaluations indicated evidence of extensive inflammation and circumferential bone resorption around BC implants in comparison to NC. Histology revealed cement particles surrounded by inflammatory infiltrate in the implant area accompanied by biofilm for SD groups. Both sides of BC indicated intensive bone resorption accompanied by signs of osteolysis when compared to NC. Cemented groups depicted significantly lower bone to implant contact when compared to NC. In conclusion, residual cement extravasation negatively impacts osseointegrated implants after re-entry surgeries.
Proteomic profiling of Arabidopsis nuclei reveals distinct protein accumulation kinetics upon heat stress
Authors: Saez-Vasquez Julio , Muñoz-Diaz Eduardo , Fuenzalida-Valdivia Isabel , Darriere Tommy , Anne DeBures , Blanco-Herrera Francisca , Rompais Magali , Carapito Christine
Published: January 2024

Heat stress (HS) impacts the nuclear proteome and, subsequently, protein activities in different nuclear compartments. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a short exposure to 37°C leads to loss of the standard tripartite architecture of the nucleolus, the most prominent nuclear substructure, and, consequently, affects the assembly of ribosomes. Here, we report a quantitative label-free LC‒MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem Mass Spectrometry) analysis to determine the nuclear proteome of Arabidopsis at 22°C, HS (37°C for 4 and 24 hours), and a recovery phase. This analysis identified ten distinct groups of proteins based on relative abundance changes in the nucleus before, during and after HS: Early, Late, Transient, Early Persistent, Late Persistent, Recovery, Early-Like, Late-Like, Transient-Like and Continuous Groups (EG, LG, TG, EPG, LPG, RG, ELG, LLG, TLG and CG, respectively). Interestingly, the RNA Pol I subunit NRPA3 and other main nucleolar proteins, including Nucleolin and Fibrillarin, were detected in RG and CG, suggesting that plants require increased nucleolar activity and likely ribosome assembly to restore protein synthesis after HS.
Recent Investigation of Characterizing, quantifying, and Contamination of Microplastic in the surface water of Adyar River Estuary, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: M Velmurugan P. , Vijayaprabhakaran Krishnan , P.T Devika , S Venkatesan , Meer Mohammad Suhail , M Rajesh Kumar , M Kavisri
Published: January 2024

In the current scenario, microplastics are an ever-increasing contaminant that poses an environmental hazard to the surface water environment. The foremost objective of current research is to examine the identity, characterizing, spatial distribution throughout, and abundance of microplastics in the Adyar River estuary. Microplastics have been found in the estuary's water samples utilizing the NOAA approach. Polymers such as polyethylene (52%), polypropylene (32%), and polystyrene (16%) were often identified in all water sampling sites. Surface water (total microplastic items = 82; total sampling site = 12) was found to be contaminated with 1–9 items/site of various kinds of microplastics. Colorless (17.0%), white (15.0%), black (29.0%), green (11.0%), blue (13.0%), and red (15.0%) microplastics were found in the estuary's water of Adyar River. To investigate the characteristics of microplastics, analytical techniques such as FTIR and microplastics identified by stereo microscopy (SM) were utilized. The largest part frequent types of microplastic to be discovered in the surface water of estuary are fibers (39.0%), fragments (27.0%), films (16.0%), foam (11.0%), and pebbles (7.0%). This research represents a basis for a study on the microplastic pollution of the Adyar River estuary in Tamil Nadu, India.
Glomerular Filtration Rate and Urolithiasis: Results from the UK Biobank
Authors: Wang Yue , Shan Ying , Liu Beini , Yin Fang , Dai Liang , Shi Yixuan , Shi Jianqing , Xiong Zuying , Cai Renjiao , Wu Yan , Zhe Xingwei , Liang Wei
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
To investigate the association of a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with urolithiasis risk. This study aimed to investigate the association between eGFR and the risk of urolithiasis formation in the general population.
Methods
This is a prospective cohort study. We included 426,866 community-dwelling participants (39 to 73 years old) from the UK Biobank. Participants joined the study from 2006 to 2010 and were followed up until 2021. We used the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula based on cystatin C to calculate eGFR. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association between eGFR and the risk of urolithiasis formation.
Results
The mean age of all participants was 56 years, of which 231,509 were female (54%) and 403,214 (94%) were White. During a mean follow-up of 12.4 years, 5,176 participants (1%) developed incident urolithiasis. We found that participants were 3% (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.06, p = 0.01) more likely to develop urolithiasis for every 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease in eGFR. Compared to those with eGFR between 90–104 mL/min/1.73 m2, the HRs (95% CIs) for the eGFR < 60, 60 ≤ eGFR < 75, 75 ≤ eGFR < 89 and eGFR ≥ 105 mL/min/1.73 m2 groups were 1.19 (1.02–1.38), 1.07 (0,96–1.18), 1.02 (0.94–1.11), and 0.93 (0.83–1.04), respectively.
Conclusion
A lower eGFR is associated with higher risk of urolithiasis formation in the general population.
Integrating clinico-pathological features and longitudinal liquid biopsy results to predict clinical benefit from immune checkpoint Inhibitors in advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients
Authors: Bragadin Andrea Boscolo , Bianco Paola Del , Zulato Elisabetta , Attili Ilaria , Pavan Alberto , Carlet Jessica , Marra Ludovica , Guarneri Valentina , Indraccolo Stefano , Bonanno Laura
Published: January 2024

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in non-oncogene addicted Non-small cell lung cancer and characterized by high heterogeneity in clinical benefit. Different combination strategies are available in first-line setting and PD-L1 is the only predictive marker used in clinical practice.
Methods: Patients with NSCLC treated with ICI single-agent according to clinical practice were prospectively enrolled. Liquid biopsy was performed at the time of first dose administration (T1), after 3 weeks (T2) and at the time of radiological evaluation (T3). Cell free DNA (cfDNA) was quantified (ng/ml) by qPCR and analysed by NGS targeted panel.
Molecular variables used for association with outcome endpoints were: cfDNA quantification as static parameter, dynamic cfDNA change (DT2-T1), variant allele frequency of the gene with the highest frequency at base line (MaxVAF) and dynamic maxVAF change (DT2-T1). Cox regression analysis was used to build integrated predictive models.
Results: 113 patients were included. At multivariate analysis, PD-L1 negativity, T1 cfDNA, cfDNA increase (DT2-T1), and maxVAF at T2 were significantly associated with shorter PFS; PD-L1 negativity, squamous histology, T1 cfDNA, increase of cfDNA (DT2-T1), and maxVAF at T2 were significantly associated with worse OS. Integrated model permitted to build a nomogram and establish three groups of patients deriving different clinical benefit from ICI. The model was tested in patients expressing PD-L1 ³50% and treated with first-line pembrolizumab (n=57) and was able to identify elevated maxVAF at T2 and increase (DT2-T1) of cfDNA as independently associated with worse PFS; higher levels of maxVAF at T2 and increase (DT2-T1) of cfDNA with worse OS. Derived integrated model was able to identify patients with different clinical benefit (high, intermediate, low risk).
Conclusions: We developed an integrated nomogram to stratify NSCLC patients deriving different clinical benefit from ICIs which outperforms individual predictive markers.
Reaction, Reactivity and Behaviour of α-Chloroacetamides in the Synthesis of Acrylamide Derivatives
Authors: Ishak Esam. A. , Mousa Sayed A. S. , Bakheet Momtaz E. M , Abu-Shanab Fathi A.
Published: January 2024

In this research, we synthesized unexpected dithiol of ether derivatives (5a-e) by the reaction of α-chloroacetamides (1a-e), carbon disulfide in the presence of sodium isopropoxide in the corresponding alcohol. We expected this reaction to produce 3,6-bis-dimercaptomethylene-1,4-di-substituted-piperazine-2,5-dione (3a-g) in one pot reaction, but, surprisingly, this reaction afforded the dithiol derivatives (5a-e). The structures of the products were elucidated by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, mass spectroscopic data, and elemental analyses. Also, the postulated reaction mechanism provides an explanation of this result and effective the presence of carbon disulfide in the reaction, where the refluxing of compounds (1a-e) in the presence of sodium isopropoxide in the isopropanol afforded piperazine derivatives by intermolecular condensation [1], and then we repeat this reaction by using methoxide, ethoxide, and isopropoxide in the corresponding alcohol we found the same results.
A numerical study on the energy barrier for cutting magnetic stripe domains in thin films
Authors: Moon Kyoung-Woong , Yang Seungmo , Kim Changsoo , Ju Tae-Seong , Hwang Chanyong
Published: January 2024

A magnetic skyrmion has drawn a lot of interest due to its use in spintronics applications. For skyrmion studies, it is important to find the samples from which skyrmions can be made. The stripe state consists of elongated up and down domains and is often considered a precursor to skyrmion states; attempts have been made to turn the stripe state into a skyrmion state. However, not all stripe states convert to skyrmion states, which is particularly difficult with wide stripes. Here, we show that the energy barrier that separates the stripe state from the skyrmion state has an approximate universal trend concerning stripe width. These results provide a basic understanding for the difficulty encountered in making skyrmions on wide stripe states. However, with this energy barrier in consideration, the stability of the skyrmion state can be improved.
Correlation of blood pressure changes following postural change from sitting to standing with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
Authors: Shali Roya Kheyrkhah , Setarehdan Seyed Kamaledin , Seifi Behjat
Published: January 2024

Sudden changes in the body position, e.g., sitting to standing, usually cause brain blood pressure to drop. This may disturb one’s balance especially in the elderly people. Also, maintaining balance after standing up is a vital issue for elderly and anyone suffering from nervous system disorders. As the body command center it is important to study and monitor brain hemodynamics after ones changes his/her position from sitting to standing. There are different modalities to study brain function in such scenarios among them functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is chosen in this research due to the system simplicity, safety and less impact of motion artifacts. In this research, we aim to find the relationship of NIRS signal with the changes in blood pressure caused by changing the position from sitting to standing. For this purpose, fNIRS signals were recorded in 20 healthy young people during sit to stand position using a two-channel fNIRS system. In the same time an automatic sphygmomanometer is used to measure their blood pressure while sitting at rest, before standing up, immediately after standing up, and in rest standing. As a result, correlation values of 0.68 and 0.69 were obtained between the systolic blood pressure and the HbO2 signal recorded from the short channel and the THb signal recorded from long channel respectively.
Does Childhood Poverty Affect Health Conditions in the Adulthood? Evidence from a Longitudinal Survey in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Deen , Azad Abul Kalam
Published: January 2024

Background
Childhood poverty can intensely influence a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development, eventually impacting their physical and mental well-being in adulthood. This study delves into the repercussions of childhood poverty on health consequences during adulthood.
Methods
This study investigates the enduring impact of childhood poverty on adult health status using longitudinal data from the Mahabub Hossain Panel Data in Bangladesh spanning over three decades. Employing an Ordered Logit Model, the research examines the relationship between childhood poverty, individual and household characteristics, and health outcomes in their adult time period.
Results
Utilizing extensive longitudinal data, the research reveals that exposure to poverty during childhood has enduring effects on health well into adulthood. The findings reveal a significant negative association between childhood poverty and adult health status, persisting even after adjusting for various individual factors. However, when household characteristics are considered, the significance of childhood poverty diminishes, indicating the mediating role of the household environment in shaping health outcomes. Policy implications emphasize the need for early childhood interventions, income support, mental health services, housing and neighborhood improvements, and strategies promoting income mobility.
Conclusion
Overall, the study underscores the urgency of targeted public health measures to break the cycle of poverty-related health disparities and promote equitable health outcomes across the life course.
The platform business model selection of online ride-hailing giants based on the aggregation model
Authors: Xueyu ZHU , GUO Min , LI Jinhong
Published: January 2024

Pure self-management model, pure aggregation business model and Self-support + aggregation model are three commonly used business modes on ride-hailing platforms. We use an analytical model to study these three business models and give the optimal business model decision of the platform. The research shows that the heterogeneity ratio of drivers, the cost of the platform under the Self-support model, the franchise fee received by the platform under the aggregation model and the dissatisfaction of the original users on the platform play a key role in the selection of the platform's business model. When the difference between the franchise fee under the aggregation mode and the platform cost under the Self-support mode fails to generate positive feedback on the platform profit, the platform should choose the pure Self-support mode. When riders are more sensitive to the heterogeneity of service quality of the platform and user stickiness can be ensured, the platform should choose the pure aggregation business model. When user stickiness can be guaranteed and the cost of the platform under the self-run model is controllable, the platform should choose the Self-support + aggregation business model.
Genetic Evidence Supporting Causal Roles of EIF4 family in breast cancer: A Two-Sample Randomized Mendelian Study
Authors: Shi Jin-Yu , Wen Rui , Chen Jin-Yi , Feng Yi-Qian , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Hou Si-Jia , Xi Yu-Jia , Wang Jiang-Fen , Zhang Ya-Fen
Published: January 2024

Background: Translational control plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptosis, with the EIF4 family serving as one of the mRNA translation factors that modulate the process of mRNA translation based on mRNA characteristics. To address this causal role of EIF4 family proteins and breast cancer, Mendelian randomization was employed.
Methods: The study incorporated four sets of genetics instrumental variables, namely EIF4E, EIF4B, EIF4A, and EIF4EBP2. The outcome variables selected for analysis were the IN study and the BCAC consortium, which included estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and estrogen receptor negative (ER-) samples. To assess the potential violations of the MR assumption, the primary MR analysis employed random-effects inverse variance weighted (IVW), and several sensitivity analyses were conducted.
Results: The findings of the two-sample MR analysis indicate that EIF4E has an adverse effect on breast cancer risk( p = 0.028). However, the evidence for the relationship between EIF4E and ER status of breast cancer suggests a weak association with ER+ breast cancer(p =0.054), but not with ER- breast cancer(p >0.05). The study findings indicate that EIF4A is not causally linked to the risk of ER+ breast cancer, but is significantly associated with an elevated risk of ER- breast cancer (p = 0.028). However, the evidence is inadequate to support the effects of EIF4B and EIF4EBP2 on breast cancer (p >0.05).
Conclusions: Our results suggest that EIF4 may be a potential factor in the occurrence and development of breast cancer, which may lead to a better understanding of its causes and prevention.
When In Doubt Rush To RUSH Protocol: Acute Pulmonary Embolism Secondary To A Lower Limb Penetrating Injury
Authors: Seddiq Mahdis , Zia Sania , Hamoud Khaled , Ali Maryam Al
Published: January 2024

Resuscitative ultrasound (US), along with protocols such as the RUSH (Rapid Ultrasound in SHock) protocol, provide a systematic approach for emergency physicians in assessing possible etiologies of undifferentiated shock. Role of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) cannot be understated even in cases where often a medial case has an element of trauma, as often one may proceed or precede the other. A young male in his 20s, with a history of sustaining a superficial stab wound to his lower leg 1 day prior, presented to the emergency department (ED) with syncope and was found to be hypotensive. Despite adequate fluid resuscitation, his blood pressure continued to drop, and soon developed hypoxia and chest pain. The RUSH protocol was rapidly initiated, leading to a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in a span of 8 minutes from when the patient first presented. Rapidly recognizing when a case of shock is undifferentiated, and subsequently utilizing bedside US, facilitates timely diagnosis especially when following protocols such as the RUSH protocol.
Diagnostic Accuracy and Predictors of Alpha-Synuclein Accumulation in Gastrointestinal Tract of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jeon Beom , Shin Chaewon , Kim Seong-Ik , Park Sung-Hye , Kim Jong-Min , Lee Jee-Young , Chung Sun Ju , Kim Jae Woo , Ahn Tae-Beom , Park Kye Won , Shin Jung , Lee Chan Young , Lee Hyuk-Joon , Kong Seong-Ho , Suh Yun-Suhk , Kim Han-Joon , Yang Han-Kwang
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives
This study aimed to determine the possibility as a biomarker and identify predictors of alpha-synuclein (AS) accumulation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Methods
The frequency of AS accumulation in the GI tract was compared between patients with PD (N = 97) who underwent radical GI surgery for cancer and individually matched controls (N = 94). Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with positive (AS+) and negative (AS−) AS accumulation. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of AS accumulation in the GI tract of patients with PD.
Results
The frequency of AS accumulation was significantly higher in patients with PD (75.3%) than in controls (8.5%, p-value < 0.001). However, when the evaluation was confined to the mucosal/submucosal layer, the sensitivity and specificity were 46.9% and 94.7%, respectively. The rostrocaudal gradient of AS accumulation was found in patients with PD. The duration from symptom onset to surgery was significantly longer in patients with PD and AS+ (4.9 ± 4.9 years) than in AS– (1.8 ± 4.1 years, p-value = 0.005). Both disease duration and surgical site independently predicted the presence of AS accumulation in the GI tract of patients with PD.
Conclusions
The results suggest that the stomach is the optimal location for identifying pathological biomarkers using AS accumulation in the GI tract. Our study suggests PD-related AS accumulation in the GI tract follows temporally increasing but spatially static progression pattern.
Fostering Engagement in Virtual Anatomy Learning for Healthcare Students
Authors: Singer Lauren , Evans Lily , Zahra Daniel , Agbeja Ife , Moyes Siobhan
Published: January 2024

Background: The use of virtual learning platforms is on the rise internationally, however, successful integration into existing curricula is a complex undertaking fraught with unintended consequences. Looking beyond medical and pedagogic literature can provide insight into factors affecting the user experience. The technology acceptance model, widely used in software evaluation, can be used to identify barriers and enablers of engagement with virtual learning platforms. Here, the technology acceptance model was used to scaffold the exploration of the factors that influenced students' perceptions of the virtual anatomy platform, Anatomage and how these shaped their intention to use it.
Methods: Focus groups identified factors influencing students use of the Anatomage tables. Interventions were rolled out to address these findings, then further focus groups and the technology acceptance model identified how factors including self-efficacy, enjoyment, and social norms influenced students’ intention to use the Anatomage table in the future.
Results: Students raised significant concerns about understanding how to use the Anatomage table. Moreover, students who considered themselves to be poor at using technology perceived the Anatomage table as more complicated to use. The subjective norm of the group significantly altered the perceived ease of use and usefulness of the Anatomage. However, enjoyment had the greatest impact in influencing both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Indicating enjoyment as the largest contributing factor in altering technology engagement in healthcare cohorts.
Conclusions: Focus groups used in tandem with the technology acceptance model provide an effective way to understand student perceptions around technology used in the healthcare curricula. This research determined interventions that promote student engagement with virtual learning platforms, which are important in supporting all healthcare programmes that incorporate technology enhanced learning.
Social Determinants of Health and Medication Adherence in Older Adults with Prevalent Health Conditions in the United States: An analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2018
Authors: Adeoye-Olatunde Omolola A. , Hastings Tessa J. , Blakely Michelle L. , Boyd LaKeisha , Aina Azeez B. , Sherbeny Fatimah
Published: January 2024

Background
The older adult population is rapidly expanding in the United States (US), with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes ranking among the top health conditions for older adults. Medication nonadherence, not taking medications as prescribed, is prevalent among those managing multiple chronic conditions. Despite its complexity, evidence is lacking on the social determinants of health (SDOH) influencing medication adherence among older adults with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes in the US. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify and prioritize SDOH associated with medication adherence among a nationally representative sample of US older adults with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes.
Methods
Using the World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health and Pharmacy Quality Alliance Medication Access Conceptual Frameworks, publicly available National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets (2009–2018) were cross-sectionally analyzed among respondents aged 65 and older with study diseases. Respondents reporting taking their study disease state medication(s) were considered adherent. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Rao-Scott Chi-Square tests, and logistic regression analyses. Highly correlated predictors were removed to address multicollinearity, and the rest were consolidated into a single variable. The study used a significance level of 0.05.
Results
Analyses included 5,513 respondents' data. Univariate analysis showed that several structural (gender, p = .009; ethnicity, p = .038; social class, p = .023) and intermediary (e.g., level of alcohol consumption, p = .004; disability status, p = .014; affordability of household balanced meals, p < .001) determinants of health were significantly associated with medication adherence. Multivariable analysis revealed significant differences in medication adherence for alcohol consumption (p = .034) and usual place for healthcare (p = .001). For instance, individuals who usually go to a doctor’s office or health maintenance organization have 330% higher odds of adhering to medications than those with no usual place for healthcare (p = .002).
Conclusions
Study findings underscore pertinent implications for public health and policy, prioritizing specific SDOH most likely to affect medication adherence in common chronic conditions among older adults in the US. Strikingly, the observed relationship between alcohol consumption trends and adherence is a distinct finding warranting further investigation.
Predicting Bladder Cancer Survival with High Accuracy: Insights from MAPK Pathway-related Genes
Authors: Cheng Gaungyang , Li Shiqi , Zhou Zhaokai , Wang Yan , Ye Zhuo , Ren Chuanchuan
Published: January 2024

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway plays a critical role in tumor development and immunotherapy. Nevertheless, additional research is necessary to comprehend the relationship between the MAPK pathway and the prognosis of bladder cancer (BLCA), as well as its influence on the tumor immune microenvironment.To create prognostic models, we screened ten genes associated with the MAPK pathway using COX and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. These models were validated in the Genomic Data Commons (GEO) cohort and further examined for immune infiltration, somatic mutation, and drug sensitivity characteristics. Finally, the findings were validated using The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database and through Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).Patients were classified into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the prognosis-related genes of the MAPK pathway. The high-risk group had poorer overall survival than the low-risk group and showed increased immune infiltration compared to the low-risk group. Additionally, the nomograms built using the risk scores and clinical factors exhibited high accuracy in predicting the survival of BLCA patients.The prognostic profiling of MAPK pathway-associated genes represents a potent clinical prediction tool, serving as the foundation for precise clinical treatment of bladder cancer.
Impacts of Corporate Governance, Life Cycle, and Asset Liquidity on the Effective Tax Rate and Tax Gap: Empirical Evidence from Iranian Emerging Stock Market
Authors: Rostamy Ali Asghar Anvary
Published: January 2024

This research investigates the effects of four major corporate governance mechanisms encompassing board independence, institutional ownership, internal auditor, and managerial ownership, and the role of life cycle and liquidity of assets on the effective tax rate and tax gap. The statistical population includes manufacturing companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during the years 2010–2022, and the sample consists of 100 manufacturing companies selected from the population. Data was collected from the Tehran Stock Exchange website. Multivariate panel data regression method and E-views software were used to analyze the data. The findings support the positive effects of institutional ownership, internal auditor, life cycle, and the liquidity of assets, and the negative effect of managerial ownership on the effective tax rate. However, the impact of board independence (percentage of non-executive members of the board) on the effective tax rate is not confirmed. In addition, the results confirm the positive effects of internal auditor, life cycle, and the liquidity of assets, and the negative effects of board independence on the tax gap, while the impacts of institutional ownership and managerial ownership on the tax gap are not verified. Finally, the research concludes by explaining the limitations and recommendations. Accordingly, incorporating these influencing variables potentially improves the accuracy of the tax predictions.
Environmental Assessment of Artisanal Gold Mining on Soils of a Community within Southwestern, Nigeria
Authors: Laniyan T. A. , Kolawole T. O. , Kenjinu S. S.
Published: January 2024

Artisanal gold mining a means of livelihood comes with its public health challenge in most Sub-Saharan African countries. The study therefore evaluates extent of artisanal gold mining pollution on the environment and public health in communities within Ilesha Osun Nigeria. The study was field and laboratory based. Thirty–five (35) top soil samples (0-20cm) were randomly collected around Ijana, Itagunmodi, Epe, Igbadae and Ifewara communities. Samples were analyzed using an Agilent 700 series Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) for the 35 element suite in Acme Laboratory, Canada. Statistical evaluation was done using geo–accumulation index, enrichment Factor, contamination factor, pollution load index, contamination degree and nemerow pollution Index. The heavy metal pollution level in soils was assessed using potential ecological risk index. Human health risk was assessed using hazard index, carcinogenic risk index and non–carcinogenic risk index. Results of metal content in the soils revealed wide variation in heavy metal concentration. The mean metal content of soil when compared with crustal average was higher with decreasing order Cr > Bi > Sb > Sn > W > As > Mo > Ag > Cd. The results of the contamination indices carried out showed that Bi, Sc and V contributed greatly to very high contamination of the soils. Health risk assessment revealed that the children are more prone to non–carcinogenic diseases than adults in the area. However, carcinogenic health risk showed that adults are prone to this type of health risk through oral ingestion of Cr. This study therefore uncovered that heavy metals extending over large areas may pose great threat to the environmental media.
Are there conserved biosynthetic genes in lichens? Genome-wide assessment of terpene biosynthetic genes suggests conserved evolution of the squalene synthase cluster
Authors: Singh Garima , Pasinato Anna , Yriarte Alejandra López-Chicheri , Pizarro David , Divakar Pradeep K. , Schmitt Imke , Grande Francesco Dal
Published: January 2024

Lichen-forming fungi (LFF) are prolific producers of functionally and structurally diverse secondary metabolites, most of which are taxonomically exclusive delivering lineage-specific roles. But are there evolutionary conserved biosynthetic pathways in lichens? Based on the current evidence it seems there aren’t any. This notion is derived from polyketide-derivatives as most biochemical investigations on lichens focused on PKSs whereas the other class of compounds remain mostly unexplored. Here we present first systematic identification and comparison of lichenized fungal terpene synthases which are ever-present in the LFF, however, they have never been systematically analyzed. We gathered 111 genomes of LFF representing 60 genera and 23 families and implemented genome mining and gene clustering approaches to identify and group the clusters into networks of similar biosynthetic clusters. Our large-scale analysis led to the identification of 733 terpene BGCs with varying degrees of mutual similarity, most of them were unique. Remarkably, we found two widely distributed and homologous networks – both squalene/phytoene clusters - putatively involved in sterol/ergosterol biosynthesis. These clusters contain the same core gene, but different sets of accessory genes. This indicates an early gene duplication event, followed by gene losses and gains of accessory genes, leading to different architecture of the two clusters. We show that sequence divergence, gene duplications, losses and rearrangement and are the major factors driving the evolution of this cluster across LFF. Our study shows lichenized fungi do have a core biosynthetic cluster, bringing the first indication that a biosynthetic gene may form an essential gene content in lichens.
Liquid Crystal-Based Reconfigurable Antenna for 5G Millimeter-Wave
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Dan , Wang Lihua , Liu Lu , Gan Zongsheng
Published: January 2024

This paper proposed a frequency reconfigurable antenna that utilizes a multilayer structure of liquid crystal (LC) material. This antenna design incorporates a three-layer stacked structure to create an LC-injected cavity. The inverted microstrip line structure is designed to be in contact with the LC, serving as both a radiating element and a bias electrode. A parasitic patch is placed at the top of the antenna to enhance bandwidth. To prevent interference with DC and RF sources, a bias tee is integrated into the microstrip line input. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed antenna exhibits excellent impedance matching and stable radiation patterns within the operational frequency range. By comparing the simulated performance of the existing LC antenna with our proposed design, the bandwidth is tripled at a center frequency of 30.3 GHz. In addition, the effective area of the proposed reconfigurable antenna (154 mm2) is 24.6% of the area of the previous reconfigurable antenna (625 mm2).
Optimising the diagnostic accuracy of First post-contrAst SubtracTed breast MRI (FAST MRI) through interpretation-training: a multicentre e-learning study, mapping the learning curve of NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) mammogram readers using an enriched dataset
Authors: Jones Lyn I , Marshall Andrea , Geach Rebecca , Elangovan Premkumar , O’Flynn Elizabeth , Timlin Tony , McKeown-Keegan Sadie , Rose Janice , Vinnicombe Sarah , Taylor-Phillips Sian , Halling-Brown Mark , Dunn Janet A
Published: January 2024

Background: Abbreviated breast MRI (FAST MRI) is being introduced into clinical practice. Specificity optimisation is essential to minimise harm through false positive results for populations with low pre-test probability. This study aimed to optimise diagnostic accuracy through the adaptation of a FAST MRI interpretation-training programme.
Methods: A FAST MRI interpretation-training programme was adapted to provide additional training during the assessment task (interpretation of an enriched dataset of 125 FAST MRI scans) by giving readers feedback about the true outcome of each scan immediately after each scan was interpreted (formative assessment). The training programme was additionally adapted for remote e-learning delivery.
Study design: prospective, blinded interpretation of an enriched dataset by multiple readers.
Results: 43 mammogram readers completed the training, 22 who interpreted breast MRI in their clinical role (Group 1) and 21 who did not (Group 2).
Overall sensitivity was 83% (95%CI 81-84%; 1994/2408), specificity 94% (95%CI 93–94%; 7806/8338), readers’ agreement with the true outcome kappa = 0.75 (95%CI 0.74-0.77) and diagnostic odds ratio = 70.67 (95%CI 61.59-81.09). Group 1 readers showed similar sensitivity (84%) to Group 2 (82% p=0.14), but slightly higher specificity (94% v. 93%, p=0.001).
Concordance with the ground truth increased significantly with the number of FAST MRI scans read through the formative assessment task (p=0.002) but by differing amounts depending on whether or not a reader had previously attended FAST MRI training (interaction p=0.02). Concordance with the ground truth was significantly associated with reading batch size (p=0.02), tending to worsen when more than 50 scans were read per batch.
Group 1 took a median of 56 seconds (range 8-47466) to interpret each FAST MRI scan compared with 78 seconds (14-22830, p <0.0001) for Group 2.
Conclusions: Provision of immediate feedback to mammogram readers during the assessment test set reading task increased specificity for FAST MRI interpretation and achieved high diagnostic accuracy.
Optimal reading-batch size for FAST MRI was 50 reads per batch.
Trial registration (25/09/2019): ISRCTN16624917