bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explainability and Importance Estimate of TimeSeries Classifier via Embedded Neural Network
Authors: Chan Ho Tung Jeremy , Šimić Ilija , Veas Eduardo
Published: June 2024

Time Series is sequential data with temporal relationship of causality. Time Series can be univariate, a single ordered data sequence, or multivariate, a collection of more than one ordered data sequences. Multivariate Time Series are complex with inter- and intra-relationship between the ordered data sequences. Time Series is common across disciplines and can benefit from insightful analysis.However, analysis of interpretation and importance estimate within a Time Series context is scarce, especially Neural Network (NN) related approaches.In this work, we demonstrate NN related approaches upon Time Series with the aim of explainability and importance estimate of embedded NN classifers. We conducted an empirical study with univariate and multivariate Time Series, where we compared interpretation and importance estimate from existing embedded NN approaches, an explainable AI (xAI) approach, and our adapted method of Pairwise Importance Estimate Extension from previously. We verified interpretation and importance estiamte via ground truth when it is available, or via a combined approach of Sensitivity Analysis and Reduce and Retrain, where we Retrain with Leave-One-Out and Singleton subsets.
Regional resource evaluation and distribution for onshore carbon dioxide storage and utilization in Uzbekistan
Authors: Kamolov Azizbek , Turakulov Zafar , Norkobilov Adham , Variny Miroslav , Fallanza Marcos
Published: June 2024

Addressing the escalating threat of climate change requires a global response, with significant actions from every nation. Uzbekistan, a member of the Paris Agreement, is actively pursuing sustainable development by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy. However, the country's Green Economy strategies currently lack Carbon Capture, Storage, and Utilization (CCSU) technology. A feasibility assessment is crucial to evaluating CCSU's potential for achieving net-zero emissions, benefiting both the public and scientific communities by informing policy decisions and providing valuable data. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate Uzbekistan’s potential for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage and utilization (CSU) in the near and mid-term. To achieve this, this work proposes a methodology for efficient CO2 source-sink matching to facilitate the deployment of CCSU technologies in Uzbekistan. Resource evaluation and spatial analysis methods are used to estimate the total CSU capacity of the region and the geographical distribution of CO2 sources in two large-scale emitting sectors, specifically from the power and cement plants. According to the results, Uzbekistan has an annual CSU capacity of 1171 million tonnes CO2, which is several times higher than the annual CO2 emission rate. Additionally, CSU resources are primarily located in the eastern, western, and southern regions of the country, while CO2 sink locations near the capital city and its surrounding areas are limited compared to their abundance of CO2 sources. Overall, while the country has ample CO2 storage capacity for CCSU deployment, the prospects for its chemical utilization remain limited in scale.
Machine Learning for Diagnosing Water Potability and Explainable AI for Contextual Insights
Authors: Hossain Md. Mamun , Rahman Md. Hasibur , Rahman Md. Ashiqur , Ahmed Humayra
Published: June 2024

Availability of water is one of the most important aspects of Earth’s status as the only planet capable of supporting life. Although water makes up 70% of the earth’s surface, the availability of drinkable water is extremely limited. Water makes up about 70% of the human body and aids in the healthy functioning of the human body. Contaminated water can have a pernicious effect on the human body, thus it’s important to find a safe drinking water source. Five machine learning algorithms were explored to estimate the potability of water in this study. Three regression algorithms are applied to estimate the missing values in this study. Among the implemented, a Deep Neural Network (DNN) model achieves a better accuracy of 66.1%, with precision, recall, and AUC scores of 61.2%, 35.8%, and 67%, respectively which is comparable with the present state-of-the-art. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) applied has achieved the highest precision and the lowest recall, despite having the second-highest accuracy of 65.1% in this study. AdaBoost (ADB) achieves the highest recall of 44.1%, as well as the highest AUC score of 74.5%. In addition, a local explanation artificial algorithm called LIME is applied to explain why a certain sample of water is potable.
Surface highlight removal method for metal ingots in variablelighting conditions based on double-mask-guided CycleGANnetwork
Authors: Liu Jiazhen , Xu Degang
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a novel method for removing highlights from the surface of metal ingots, which is a critical pre-processing task for ingot detection and quality assessment. The highlight removal problem is further complicated by the huge area, high intensity, and color similarity to the background, as well as the difficulties of gathering a sufficient number of labeled datasets for network training. To overcome these, this paper proposes a Cycle-GAN network based on double-mask guidance to remove highlight signals from unlabeled metal ingots. This network utilizes double-mask guidance to extract features from both highlight and highlight-free areas in the image. Additionally, a residual attention module and a channel attention module are incorporated to enhance the representation of regional features. To enhance the restoration of texture structural information within the highlight regions, we propose a Texture Recovery Attention Module. This module utilizes extracted features from highlight-free regions to compute similarity attention, effectively combining texture features within the highlight regions and transferring the texture information. For training the proposed network, we introduce a highlight-robust feature perception loss function that supervises the training of the network. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves the best result in the task of removing highlights from metal surfaces, preserving more detailed texture information. To verify the generality of the method, we conducted experiments on the SHIQ dataset and achieved better results in the recovery of details. Finally, we verify the effectiveness of each module through ablation experiments.
Target-Oriented Reference Construction for supervised cell-type identification in scRNA-seq
Authors: Wei Xin , Ma Wenjing , Wu Zhijin , Wu Hao
Published: June 2024

Cell-type identification is the most crucial step in single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data analysis, for which the supervised cell-type identification method is a desired solution due to the accuracy and efficiency. The performance of such methods is highly dependent on the quality of the reference data. Even though there are many supervised cell-type identification tools, there is no method for selecting and constructing reference data. Here we develop Target-Oriented Reference Construction (TORC), a widely applicable strategy for constructing reference given target dataset in scRNA-seq supervised cell-type identification. TORC alleviates the differences in data distribution and cell-type composition between reference and target. Extensive benchmarks on simulated and real data analyses demonstrate consistent improvements in cell-type identification from TORC. TORC is freely available at https://github.com/weix21/TORC.
A Label-Free Quantification Method for Assessing Sex from Modern and Ancient Bovine Tooth Enamel
Authors: Kotli Paula
Published: June 2024

Identification of the sex of modern, fossil and archaeological animal remains offers many insights into their demography, mortality profiles and domestication pathways. However, due to manifold factors, sex determination of osteological remains is often problematic. To overcome this, we have developed an innovative protocol to determine an animal’s sex from tooth enamel, by applying label-free quantification (LFQ) of two unique AmelY peptides ‘LRYPYP’ (AmelY;[M+2]2+ 404.7212 m/z) and ‘LRYPYPSY’ (AmelY;[M+2]2+ 529.7689 m/z) that are only present in the enamel of males. We applied this method to eight modern cattle (Bos taurus) of known sex, and correctly assigned them to sex. We then applied the same protocol to twelve archaeological Bos teeth from the Neolithic site of Beisamoun, Israel (8th–7th millennium BC) and determined the sex of the archaeological samples. Since teeth are usually better preserved than bones, this innovative protocol has potential to facilitate sex determination in ancient and modern bovine remains, that currently cannot be sexed.
Infecção odontogênica com extensão cervical em paciente jovem: relato de caso
Authors: Nogueira Vinícius Hirabayashi , Pelissaro Gustavo Silva , Paiva-Oliveira Janayna Gomes , Aguillera Maisa de Oliveira , Figueiredo Francielly Thomas , Leite da Silva Julio Cesar , Gaetti Jardim Ellen Cristina
Published: June 2024

Infecções odontogênicas de grandes proporções sempre chamaram a atenção devido a sua etiologia, aos seus sinais e sintomas, a rápida evolução e a possibilidade de levar a morte. A infecção pode estar localizada especificamente em um elemento dentário ou até mesmo se comunicar e atingir regiões além da cavidade oral, isso se deve a espaços e estruturas anatômicas existentes no complexo de cabeça e pescoço. O presente trabalho é um relato clínico de paciente de 22 anos com infecção odontogênica, com extensão cervical e extenso aumento volumétrico em região submentual. O Paciente foi atendido em ambiente hospitalar, com fortes dores, aumento volumétrico importante, trismo, dificuldade para se alimentar e higiene bucal precária. A complexidade do caso foi relevante, pois foi necessária a realização de traqueostomia, além da exodontia dos elementos 36 e 38, e a drenagem cervical. Após a intervenção cirúrgica, o paciente se manteve estável e com boa recuperação, sendo realizado procedimentos e cuidados como: ordenha do exsudato purulento, troca dos curativos, fisioterapia de abertura bucal, compressa morna em região de edema.
A Farewell Message from JEED Founding Co-Editor in Chief, Marc Beutel
Authors: Beutel Marc W.
Published: June 2024

I leave the journal in the capable hands of JEED Editor in Chief, Sara McMillan, the AEES JEED Committee, and the University of Vermont Press.
Digital Field Trip to the Wetlands (Uncorrected Version)
Authors: Franklin Dell
Published: June 2024

This edition of this review contains errors. A corrected version was published in Vol. 27 No. 1, which you can find here.
UMA PROPOSTA DIDÁTICO-PEDAGÓGICA UTILIZANDO UM SOFTWARE LIVRE PARA INTERPRETAR A PCA
Authors: de Souza e Silva Rebeca Fernanda , Deimling Natália , Valderrama Patrícia
Published: June 2024

A PEDAGOGIC-DIDATICAL PROPOSAL BY USING FREE SOFTWARE TO INTERPRET PCA. Chemometrics is gaining more and more space in universities and industry. To contribute to the development and expansion of principal component analysis (PCA) teaching proposals, this work evaluated the answers of the students to a questionnaire and presented a didactic-pedagogical proposal that can contribute to solving the principal doubts achieved by students in the PCA interpretation. Based on data collected in a semi-open questionnaire, the proposal was developed based on methodological principles of historical-critical pedagogy, containing the objectives, the problems surrounding the topic, and the cultural instruments necessary for understanding and interpreting PCA in the discipline of chemometrics by using new resources and instruments, especially free software, Chemostat. This proposal covers topics related to the concept of chemometrics and PCA, the explanation of the data set, pre-processing, use of Chemostat software, and analysis of principal components. It is hoped that this proposal can promote a better understanding concerning PCA on the part of students, as well as effective incorporation of the phenomena that involve this tool and its applications, and interpretation. Likewise, it is expected that this didactic-pedagogical proposal can support new teaching practices in chemometrics subjects in higher education.
Predictive Modeling of Surface Tension in Chemical Compounds: Uncovering Crucial Features with Machine Learning
Authors: Cala Paula , Dariani Guilherme , Veiga Eduardo , Macedo Pedro , Paula Amauri , Almeida James
Published: June 2024

Surface tension (SFT) can shape the behavior of liquids in industrial chemical processes, influencing variables such as flow rate and separation efficiency. This property is commonly measured with experimental approaches such as Du Noüy ring and Wilhelmy plate methods. Here, we present machine learning (ML) methodologies that can predict the SFT of hydrocarbons. A comparative analysis encompassing k-nearest neighbors, random forest, and XGBoost (extreme gradient boosting) methods was done. Results from our study reveal that XGBoost is the most accurate in predicting hydrocarbon SFT, with a mean squared error (MSE) of 4.65 mN2 m-2 and a coefficient of determination (R2 ) score of 0.89. The feature importance was evaluated with the permutation feature importance method and Shapley analysis. Enthalpy of vaporization, density, molecular weight and hydrogen content are key factors in accurately predicting SFT. The successful integration of these methodologies holds the potential to impact efficiency in different industry processes.
Evaluation of the impact of anthropogenic storage on the hydrological drought propagation in two contrasting semi-arid river basins
Authors: Pachore Akshay , Agrawal Nirav , Omonov Nurmuhammadkhon , Rakhmonov Komiljon , Umirzakov Gulomjon , Mujumdar Sanskriti , Remesan Renji
Published: June 2024

This study quantitatively investigated reservoir-effects on drought propagation in two semi-arid river basins: India’s Tapi basin with the Ukai reservoir and Uzbekistan’s Chirchik basin with the Charvak reservoir. Meteorological drought (MD) is analyzed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and hydrological drought (HD) using the Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI) for the duration from 1980 to 2004. Both the river basins, especially in upstream reservoir areas, exhibited a notable correlation between HD and MD. Reservoir operation was observed to reduce the downstream MD–HD correlation at shorter SPI timescales. Hit-score-based evaluations indicated that reservoir operation has induced changes in the drought propagation patterns for both river basins. Due to the contrasting characteristics, the river basins showed a significant variation in the drought propagation time (DPT), with distinct influences from monsoon (Tapi) and snow-melting (Chirchik). The average DPT (average DPT over 12 months) for the reservoir-influenced part of the Tapi (∼ six months) and Chirchik (∼ nine months) basins is higher than that of the natural parts of both basins (Tapi: ∼ four months; Chirchik: ∼ six months) as a result of the natural and anthropogenic storage influence.
ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PROBIOTIC SUBJECTED TO A COMBINED EXPOSURE TO HEAVY CHARGED PARTICLES AND HYPOMAGNETISM IN AN EXPERIMENT WITH SUSPENDED RATS
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Ilyin V.K. , Shef К.А. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Komissarova D.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Usanova N.A. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Safronova M.Е. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Korosteleva A.G. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Lukicheva N.A. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Gordienko K.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Vasilieva G.Yu. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: June 2024

A probiotic food subjected to a combined exposure to hypomagnetism and heavy charged particles was tested for the ability to counteract the negative effects of these spaceflight factors. The experiment was conducted with 36 male Wistar rats. The experimental group of animals (n=18) was tail-suspended for 21 days in order to experience a modeled hypogravity. Their controls were held in individual cages without suspension. Both groups were divided into 3 subgroups depending on which supplement they consumed, i.e. placebo, a probiotic food that had been or had not been exposed to proton radiation and hypomagnetism. As a result, it was established that suspension, as a stressor, causes reductions in the majority of intestinal protective microflora and that the preventive food levels the negative changes significantly. The number of lactobacilli in the suspended group fed with the probiotic food exposed to radiation and hypomagnetism remained unchanged throughout the experiment. This fact points to the stabilizing effect of the food on intestinal microflora. Effectiveness of the exposed food was close to that of usual.
Vila Belga: a arquitetura e tipologias de uma vila ferroviária
Authors: Scortegagna Socal Ana Júlia , Marcelo Ribeiro
Published: June 2024

A Vila Belga corresponde a um conjunto habitacional localizado no município de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, que foi construída por uma empresa belga, detentora da concessão da construção da ferrovia que cruzava a cidade no final do século XIX. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar os aspectos arquitetônicos da Vila Belga e identificar as suas principais características, bem como as diferentes tipologias existentes e o que as diferencia. Com relação aos aspectos metodológicos, o estudo envolveu pesquisa em fontes bibliográficas e documentais, incluindo plantas baixas, mapas e fotografias. O conjunto de dados pesquisados permitiu não só a identificação das características da Vila Belga e de suas tipologias, como também a comparação com o que é abordado na literatura sobre o objeto de estudo e sobre vilas operárias. Constatou-se que alguns elementos variam entre as tipologias, enquanto outros fazem a diferenciação entre as edificações do conjunto, independentemente da tipologia, refletindo a preocupação com a diversidade das unidades.
Azúcar, historia y patrimonio industrial en el oriente tucumano: lugares de memoria de Lastenia (noroeste argentino)
Authors: Villar Fernando Andrés , Ataliva Víctor
Published: June 2024

El ingenio azucarero Lastenia (Tucumán, Argentina) cerró sus puertas el 22 de agosto de 1966 tras anunciarse el decreto-ley 16.926, impulsado por un gobierno de facto autodenominado Revolución Argentina. Con una profunda trayectoria en el territorio que actualmente comprende la localidad homónima, ese espacio productivo marcó su desarrollo social, económico y cultural. Aunque desde el punto de vista urbano la localidad de Lastenia es concebida como un componente más del aglomerado Gran San Miguel de Tucumán, se trata de un escenario dinámico con particularidades propias, un territorio jalonado por sitios que remiten a los procesos identitarios locales. Presentamos una primera aproximación a los espacios sociales que, desde las representaciones de vecinas y vecinos de la localidad, se comportan como fundantes y diacríticos de la identidad lasteniense. En este trabajo confluyen, además, los resultados parciales de proyectos de investigación realizados desde el año 2013 que en líneas generales impulsan la revalorización de los recursos culturales del oriente tucumano desde una perspectiva situada.
O Ensino de Lutas na Escola: Uma Revisão Integrativa da Literatura
Authors: Lacerda-Swendsen Maria Eduarda Bezerra , Rocha Edson Swendsen Ferreira da , Gomes-da-Silva Pierre Normando
Published: June 2024

Esta produção tem como objetivo analisar o ensino das lutas nas aulas de educação física no ensino fundamental, utilizando os principais achados de artigos produzidos no período de 2018 a 2023. No que se refere à metodologia, trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, executada mediante busca nos bancos de dados científicos: Google Acadêmico, Lilacs, SciELO e Periodicos CAPES, a partir dos descritores: “ensino das lutas”, “lutas na escola” e “lutas na educação física escolar”. Assim, seguindo os critérios de inclusão, de um total de 1.266 artigos, foram selecionados 15 artigos para integrar a revisão. Apesar de muitos estudos evidenciarem as benesses da prática das lutas na educação física escolar, ainda persiste um modo de abordagem mais restrito, pouco abordado nas escolas. De acordo com esta pesquisa, esse fato pode ser justificado por fatores como a suposta violência intrínseca atribuída, a carência de materiais adequados para a aula e pela falta de preparo docente.
Optical Molecular Probes for Imaging and Early Diagnosis of Acute
Kidney Injury
Authors: He Junbing , Chen Zhenzhou , Lin Yao , Liu Qinghua
Published: June 2024

The kidneys play an irreplaceable role in metabolism and excretion. However,
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) often occurs due to high local concentrations of drugs, inflammation,
and trauma. Activated optical probes with excellent detection performance
can effectively identify biomarkers in the initial stage of AKI and play an important role
in evaluating AKI and preventing the development of diseases. This article summarizes
representative design strategies for molecular probes and special diagnostic applications.
These molecular probes show great potential in basic research and clinical diagnosis, enabling
enhanced images of tissue structure and biomarkers, as well as early diagnosis of
AKI. In addition, the difficulties and challenges that optical probes may face in the development
and application of AKI are also discussed in this article.
Hybrid Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics: A Critical Review on Design, Synthesis, and Multifunctional Capabilities
Authors: Raka Saurabh , Belemkar Sateesh , Bhattacharya Sankha
Published: June 2024

Theranostics, a method that combines targeted therapy and diagnostic imaging,
has emerged as a viable route for enhancing cancer treatment, and hybrid nanoparticles
(HNPs) are at the forefront of this field. Metallic, polymeric, lipid-based, and silica-
based HNPs are studied for targeting and biocompatibility. Using HNPs, chemotherapeutic
drugs, small interfering RNA, and therapeutic genes can be given precisely and
controlled. This enhances therapeutic efficacy and reduces adverse effects. With fluorescence
dyes, MRI contrast agents, and PET tracers, real-time therapy response monitoring
is conceivable. A nano platform with therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities holds
great promise for personalized medicine and precision oncology. The present study discusses
HNPs' biocompatibility, stability, immunogenicity, and long-term biosafety,
which are crucial to the clinical translation of cancer theranostics. Further, in this in-
-depth investigation, we investigated the design, synthesis, and multifunctional activities
of HNPs for use in cancer theranostics.
Nanocarriers: Exploring the Potential of Oligonucleotide Delivery
Authors: Alsaidan Omar Awad
Published: June 2024

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have emerged as promising tools in oligonucleotide therapeutics, facilitating precise and targeted delivery to address several disease conditions. The multifaceted landscape of nanoparticle-based oligonucleotide delivery encompasses the
fundamental aspects of nanotechnology in delivery systems, various classes of oligonucleotides,
and the growing field of ON-based therapeutics. These ON-based therapeutics are utilized to target specific genetic sequences within cells, offering promising avenues for treating various diseases by regulating gene expression or interfering with specific cellular processes. The integration of
nanotechnology in delivery systems offers several advantages, given their intricate systems. Being
a diverse class of agents, oligonucleotides provide a wide range of potential owed to each class of
agents that support therapeutic interventions. Oligonucleotide-based platforms have demonstrated
their versatility in molecular targeting and intervention strategies. Moreover, the complexities and
delivery challenges in oligonucleotide therapeutics are expected to be overcome by the application
of nanotechnology-based platforms.Because nanoparticles can overcome biological barriers and
improve bioavailability, stability, and specificity, their role in developing oligonucleotide delivery
systems is greatly valued. The innovative solutions facilitated by nanoparticles are efficient strategies to address the arduous barriers. These strategies beat obstacles like enzymatic degradation,
cellular uptake, and immune response, which in turn paves the way for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. This review paper intends to explore the various applications of nanoparticle-mediated oligonucleotide delivery in a variety of diseases. It outlines the promising growth of therapies enabled by these systems, extending from cancer to genetic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases,
etc. We have underscored the pivotal role of nanoparticle-based delivery systems in uncovering
the full potential of oligonucleotide therapeutics, thereby fostering advancements in precision
medicine and targeted therapies.
Exploring the Relationship between ACE Gene Variants and Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus Susceptibility in the Hainan Population through
Genetic Association Analysis
Authors: Lin Guiling , Zhuang Yanping , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Qi , Wu Huitao , Xu Wenlu , Wang Zhe , He Ziman , Su Linglan , Jia Xiaokang , Gong Aimin
Published: June 2024

Background:

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the rs4331, rs4341, and rs4351 loci of the angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) gene and genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
in the Hainan population.

Methods:

This study involved a total of 428 participants, with 214 individuals diagnosed with
SLE and an equal number of healthy controls. The SNaPshot sequencing technique was used to determine the base sequences at the ACE gene rs4331, rs4341, and rs4351 loci in the study subjects.
Logistic regression was employed to compare the frequency distribution of genotypes and allele
frequencies at each locus between the case group and the control group. HaploView 4.2 software
was used to analyze the relationship between haplotypes at each locus and genetic susceptibility to
SLE.

Results:

The GG genotype and G allele frequency at the rs4341 locus were higher in the case
group compared to the control group. In the rs4341 recessive model, carriers of the GG genotype
were more likely to develop SLE compared to carriers of the CG+CC genotype (OR = 1.889, 95%
CI: 1.195-2.988, P = 0.006). In the rs4351 overdominant model, carriers of the AC genotype had
an increased risk of developing SLE compared to carriers of the AA+CC genotype (OR = 1.514,
95% CI: 1.033-2.219, P = 0.033). The rs4341 and rs4351 loci exhibited linkage disequilibrium,
and the CA haplotype (OR = 0.630, 95% CI: 0.481-0.826, P = 0.001) was a protective factor
against SLE. The GA haplotype (OR = 2.849, 95% CI: 1.901-4.270, P < 0.01) and the CC haplotype (OR = 2.309, 95% CI: 1.210-4.405, P = 0.009) were risk factors for genetic susceptibility to
SLE in the Hainan population.

Conclusion:

The rs4341 locus of the ACE gene is associated with genetic susceptibility to SLE in
the Hainan population
The Combination of Gd-EOB-DTPA Enhanced T1 Mapping with Apparent
Diffusion Coefficient could Improve the Diagnostic Efficacy of Hepatocellular
Carcinoma Grading
Authors: He Hui , Li Xiaotian , Liu Jing , Tong Qiuyun , Ling Min , Zeng Zisan , Zhou Zhipeng
Published: June 2024

Background::

Accurately predicting the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) grade may facilitate the rational selection of treatment strategies. The diagnostic
efficacy of the combination of Gadolinium ethoxybenzy diethylenetriamine pentaacetic (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhancement T1 mapping and apparent
diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in predicting HCC grade needs further validation.

Objectives::

This study aimed to assess the capacity of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced T1 mapping and ADC values, both individually and in combination, to
discriminate between different grades of HCC.

Materials and Methods::

From July 2017 to February 2020, 96 patients (male, 83; mean age, 53.67 years; age range, 29-71 years) clinically diagnosed with HCC were
included in the present study. All patients underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, including T1 mapping
sequence) before surgery or biopsy. All the patients were categorized into 3 groups according to the pathological results (including 24 cases of
well-differentiated HCCs, 59 cases of moderately differentiated HCCs, 13 cases of and poorly differentiated HCCs). The mean Gd-EOB-DTPA
enhanced T1 values (ΔT1=[(T1pre-T1post)/T1pre]×100%) and ADC values between different grading groups of HCC were calculated and
compared. The area under the characteristics curve (AUC), the diagnostic threshold, sensitivity, and specificity of ΔT1 and ADC for differential
diagnosis were analyzed.

Results::

Mean ΔT1 was 58% for well-differentiated HCCs, 50% for moderately-differentiated HCCs, and 43% for poorly-differentiated HCCs. ΔT1 showed
statistical differences between the groups (P<0.001). The mean ADC values of the 3 groups were 1.11×10−3 mm2/s, 0.91×10−3 mm2/s, and
0.80×10−3mm2/s, respectively. ADC showed statistical differences between the groups (P<0.001). In discriminating well- differentiated group
from the moderately differentiated group, the AUC of ΔT1 was 0.751 (95% CI: 0.642, 0.859), the AUC of ADC was 0.782 (95% CI: 0.671, 0.894),
the AUC of combined model was 0.811 (95% CI: 0.709, 0.914). In discriminating the poorly differentiated group from the moderately
differentiated group, the AUC of ΔT1 was 0.768 (95% CI: 0.634, 0.902), the AUC of ADC was 0.754 (95% CI: 0.603, 0.904), and the AUC of the
combined model was 0.841 (95% CI: 0.729, 0.953).

Conclusion::

Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced T1 mapping, and ADC values have complementary effects on the sensitivity and specificity for identifying different
HCC grades. A combined model of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 mapping and ADC values could improve diagnostic performance for
predicting HCC grades.
Phytochemicals as Autophagy Modulators in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ghosh Nibedita , James Rajana , Saha Dipankar , Das Bhrigu Kumar
Published: June 2024

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a threat to human health due to
several risk factors associated with one’s lifestyle, including liver cirrhosis, alcohol intake, obesity, exposure to aflatoxin, hepatitis B and/or C virus infection, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
(NASH), diabetes and many other factors. The treatment of HCC involves several distinct approaches, including significant advancement in surgical interventions. Given the toxicity of conventional medicines or the need for a suitable approach focusing on the stages of HCC progression, the current treatment is not very effective, which brings a significant focus on improving
alternative-targeted approaches as anti-HCC moieties.

Objective:

Therefore, this review provides an update on how the phytoconstituents exhibit their
anti-HCC effect by intervening in the control of autophagy

Methods:

This study conducted a thorough literature search on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),
autophagy, and phytoconstituents. The search was performed using multiple search engines and
the main keywords, and only English publications published before April 2023 were included.

Results:

One of the various molecular-mediated mechanisms used in cancer therapies is ‘Autophagy,’ a metabolic process whereby cellular stress causes damaged cells to be cleared out to preserve cellular homeostasis and provide cells with the nutrients they need to survive. Because of its
dual activity as a tumor suppressor or tumorigenesis, autophagy-mediated manipulation could be
a promising option for treating cancer

Conclusion:

Phytochemicals derived from natural sources offer an antitumorigenic effect and
reduce the probability of HCC by regulating autophagy-mediated mechanisms and functioning as
tumor suppressors.
A Comprehensive Review of Nanomaterials as Potential Weapons against
Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Devliya Bhargav , Patel Bimalkumar , Chauhan Shreya J , Patel Hitesh D.
Published: June 2024

Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a serious public health problem with high
fatality rates and difficult treatment. Conventional antimicrobials are limited in their effectiveness
against MRSA due to developing resistance mechanisms and protective biofilms. Nanomaterials
present a potential alternative since they offer targeted drug delivery and synergetic effects of nanoconjugates, eradicate biofilms, and use photothermal and photodynamic therapies. Furthermore, the
discovery of nanovaccines holds the potential for enhancing immune responses against multidrugresistant S. aureus. Nanoparticles show considerable promise in the battle against multidrugresistant S. aureus, but significant obstacles remain, including determining their possible toxicity,
scalability, and cost-effectiveness for widespread clinical application. However, by overcoming
these barriers, nanomaterial-based techniques provide a viable route for tackling multidrug resistance in S. aureus, opening the path for a future in which successful therapies are within reach.
Negros aqui brancos acolá: imagens do racismo na poesia de Agostinho Neto
Authors: Mendes Maria do Carmo Cardoso
Published: June 2024

The essay aims mainly at: 1) Identifying the condemnation of racial segregation (in Africa, Europe, and the United States of America) made by Agostinho Neto in several lyrical compositions; 2) Examine Neto’s appeal about the African imperative of returning to tradition; 3) Emphasise the value of Neto’s poetics for the rehabilitation of the black colour; 4) Putting the Angolan poet and other African writers into dialogue; 5) Determine whether Agostinho Neto’s poetics sought to deconstruct the rhetoric of colonial literature (based, among other aspects, on the infantilization of black people or even on their animalisation, on the denial of African culture and history and the legitimation of racism).
Inspection of Foundation Structures with Pile Integrity Test (PIT) of Steel Tower Building
Authors:   Civil Engineering of Department, Universitas Mercu Buana, 11650, Indonesia, Citra Zel , Malinda Yosie ,   Civil Engineering of Department, Universitas Mercu Buana, 11650, Indonesia, Wibowo Paksi Dwiyanto ,   Civil Engineering of Department, Universitas Mercu Buana, 11650, Indonesia, Ashadi Reza Ferial ,   Civil Engineering of Department, Universitas Mercu Buana, 11650, Indonesia, Wibisono Anom ,   Civil Engineering of Department, Universitas Mercu Buana, 11650, Indonesia, Apdeni Risma ,   Civil Engineering of Department, Universitas Negeri Padang, 25131, Indonesia
Published: June 2024

Pile Integrity Test (PIT) is a tool from Pile Dynamic Inc. (PDI), consisting of a mini-computer, accelerometer, and hammer. Integrity testing on piles using PIT equipment is carried out by analyzing one-dimensional wave propagation provided by hammer blows on the pile head. An accelerometer sensor installed on the pole will read the reflection that occurs during wave propagation on the pole head. The wave propagation speed that occurs in concrete will range from 3,500 m/s to 4,200 m/s. The PIT test results indicate the reduction in impedance in the pole by the BTA value, which compares the theoretical impedance value to the residual impedance. From the results of the Pile Integrity Test carried out at three pile points, it was found that all samples experienced a reduction in impedance around a depth of ± 3.0 meters below the sensor with BTA values of 75%, 78%, and 72% and fell into the damaged category. The reduction in impedance at a depth of 3 meters is most likely part of the connection between piles because one pile point uses 2–3 spun piles, with the length of 1 spun pile being 9 meters. From the results of visual observations, it can be seen that the condition of the existing spun pile and pile cap is still quite good.
Development of the first equine blastocyst produced by conventional IVF and in vitro culture in Europe resulting in the birth of a foal
Authors: Papas M. , Govaere J. , Peere S. , Gerits I. , Van den Branden E. , Frenández-Montoro A. , De Coster T. , Hedia M. , Angel-Velez D. , Van Soom A. , Smits K.
Published: June 2024

In this case report, the production of the first equine blastocyst using conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo culture methods in Europe is described. A healthy foal was born after transfer of a blastocyst using a complete in vitro production process, including in vitro oocyte maturation, in vitro sperm capacitation, fertilization in vitro and culture to the blastocyst stage in vitro. Oocytes were recovered from ovaries of slaughtered mares. After in vitro maturation, the oocytes were fertilized by conventional IVF and cultured for nine days. One embryo reached the blastocyst stage and was vitrified. After the selection of a suitable recipient mare that had ovulated four days earlier, the blastocyst was thawed and transferred. Five days after embryo transfer, a single embryonic vesicle was detected by transrectal ultrasonography. After a normal pregnancy of 323 days, a healthy colt was born. Parentage testing via microsatellite genotyping confirmed that the recipient was excluded as the foal’s dam and that the stallion whose semen was used, qualified as the sire.
Septische peritonitis bij hond en kat – Deel 1: Classificatie, klinische presentatie en diagnostiek
Authors: Castelain D. , Paepe D. , Doom M. , Dekkers M. , de Rooster H.
Published: June 2024

Bij honden en katten is peritonitis niet alleen een potentiële postoperatieve complicatie, maar ook een frequente indicatie voor abdominale chirurgie. Bijgevolg kan een dierenarts onder tal van omstandigheden worden geconfronteerd met gevallen van peritonitis. Klinische tekenen en afwijkingen op bloedonderzoek zijn vaak aspecifiek. Medische beeldvorming, veelal echografie, kan de klinische diagnose ondersteunen en helpen bij het identificeren van de onderliggende oorzaak. Analyse van het abdominale vocht, verkregen door abdominocentese, kan helpen om het onderscheid te maken tussen aseptische en septische peritonitis. Gedegenereerde neutrofielen met intracellulaire bacteriën op cytologisch onderzoek, een lage pH, alsook een verschil in glucose- en lactaatconcentraties tussen het vocht en bloed, zijn indicatief voor een septisch exsudaat. Bacteriologische cultuur van het vocht blijft echter de gouden standaard voor de definitieve diagnose.
Klassieke varkenspest in België (1921-2015)
Authors: Castryck Frans
Published: June 2024

In dit artikel wordt een korte beschrijving gegeven van de geschiedenis van de klassieke varkenspest in België. De eerste melding dateert van 1921 en in 1933 werd de ziekte aangifteplichtig. De sedertdien jaarlijks vastgestelde aantallen worden weergegeven in tabelvorm. De bestrijding startte nog vóór WOII met de introductie van hyperimmuun serum en na de oorlog met het weinig efficiënte gedode kristalvioletvaccin, gevolgd door effectieve levende vaccins. De verspreiding van de ziekte werd sterk begunstigd door de structuur van de varkenshouderij. De zeugen- en biggenkweek gebeurde in kleine bedrijven, terwijl de productie van slachtvarkens voornamelijk in grote stallen geschiedde, geconcentreerd in vrij kleine deelgebieden. De productie groeide in razendsnel tempo. Gevolg hiervan was een belangrijke import van biggen en grote mobiliteit van de dieren, met daarmee gepaard gaand de aanzienlijke mogelijkheid tot snelle verspreiding van de ziekte. Vanaf 1968 werd verplicht gevaccineerd met levende entstoffen op basis van de Chinese stam. Om het aantal uitbraken onder controle te houden, diende het vaccinatieschema geregeld te worden aangepast. In 1982 ging een Europees gekaderd vijfjarenplan van start, waarbij het land in vier zones werd opgesplitst. In zone I bleef de vaccinatie verplicht, in de andere zones werd deze verboden. Eind 1985 moest echter een groot noodentingsgebied worden afgebakend (entzone 1985) zodat opnieuw geënt werd in alle varkensdense gebieden. Op 1 april 1988 werd de vaccinatie op het hele grondgebied verboden. In 1990 en 1993/1994 volgden twee omvangrijke epidemieën. In 1997 was er een beperkte verspreiding vanuit Nederland. Sedertdien werd de ziekte op varkensbedrijven niet meer vastgesteld. België werd in mei 2015 officieel vrij van klassieke varkenspest.
The Association of Broadband Internet Use With Drug Overdose Mortality Rates in the United States: Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Karakis Ioannis , Kostandini Genti , Tsamakis Konstantinos , Zahirovic-Herbert Velma
Published: June 2024

Background

The availability and use of broadband internet play an increasingly important role in health care and public health.

Objective

This study examined the associations between broadband internet availability and use with drug overdose deaths in the United States.

Methods

We linked 2019 county-level drug overdose death data in restricted-access multiple causes of death files from the National Vital Statistics System at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with the 2019 county-level broadband internet rollout data from the Federal Communications Commission and the 2019 county-level broadband usage data available from Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. Cross-sectional analysis was performed with the fixed-effects regression method to assess the association of broadband internet availability and usage with opioid overdose deaths. Our model also controlled for county-level socioeconomic characteristics and county-level health policy variables.

Results

Overall, a 1% increase in broadband internet use was linked with a 1.2% increase in overall drug overdose deaths. No significant association was observed for broadband internet availability. Although similar positive associations were found for both male and female populations, the association varied across different age subgroups. The positive association on overall drug overdose deaths was the greatest among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White populations.

Conclusions

Broadband internet use was positively associated with increased drug overdose deaths among the overall US population and some subpopulations, even after controlling for broadband availability, sociodemographic characteristics, unemployment, and median household income.
Evaluasi Sistem Pencatatan dan Pelaporan dalam Implementasi Program PONED di Kabupaten Purbalingga
Authors: Ismiratri Nia , Hasanbasri Mubasysyir , Marthias Tiara
Published: June 2024

Peningkatan derajat kesehatan akan dapat terwujud apabila terdapat rancangan sistem yang baik. Sistem informasi kesehatan merupakan salah satu komponen dasar di dalam sistem kesehatan karena dari sistem informasi kesehatan akan didapatkan data yang berkualitas, sebagai sumber informasi dan dasar pengambilan keputusan di masing-masing blok atau komponen lain pada sistem kesehatan. Namun, sistem pencatatan dan pelaporan sebagai salah satu instrumen dalam sistem informasi, seringkali menjadi masalah yang dihadapi di berbagai organisasi pelayanan kesehatan, salah satunya pada penyelenggaraan PONED di Puskesmas dalam rangka percepatan penurunan AKI dan AKB. Secara umum penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi bagaimana pelaksanaan program PONED di Kabupaten Purbalingga. Tujuan khusus penelitian ini adalah mengevaluasi sistem pencatatan dan pelaporan program PONED, peran bidan koordinator PONED, dan penanganan keluhan pelanggan sebagai salah satu alat monitoring dan evaluasi program PONED. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif yang dilaksanakan di Puskesmas Karangmoncol dan Dinas Kesehatan Kabupaten Purbalingga. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi dan penelusuran dokumen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa masih adanya tim PONED di Puskesmas yang personilnya belum tersertifikasi pelatihan PONED. Sistem pencatatan dan pelaporan program PONED di Kabupaten Purbalingga masih dilaksanakan secara manual dan belum dilakukan analisis maupun penyajian secara tertib. Peran bidan koordinator di Puskesmas maupun di Dinas Kesehatan belum berjalan optimal. Mekanisme untuk mendapatkan umpan balik dari pelanggan PONED sudah dilaksanakan melalui berbagai media, namun belum dilaksanakan  analisis umpan balik dari pelanggan untuk menentukan langkah perbaikan yang perlu dilakukan. Kesimpulan yang diperoleh adalah penyelenggaraan PONED di Kabupaten Purbalingga sudah berjalan, meskipun belum termonitor dan terevaluasi secara tertib. Sistem pencatatan dan pelaporan juga sudah dilaksanakan, namun belum dapat dipastikan kualitas data yang didapatkan, karena belum ada mekanisme yang diatur mengenai analisis dan penyajian data. Kata kunci: keluhan pelanggan, evaluasi, pencatatan dan pelaporan, Puskesmas PONED.
Dampak Perubahan Organisasi terhadap Persepsi Pegawai Balai Besar Penelitian dan Pengembangan Tanaman Obat dan Obat Tradisional Tawangmangu
Authors: Fitriani Ulfa , Trisnantoro Laksono , Sulistyo Dwi Handono
Published: June 2024

Salah satu hal yang penting dalam sebuah organisasi adalah perubahan. Tujuan perubahan adalah terjadi peningkatan suatu efektifitas. Balai Besar Penelitian dan Pengembangan Tanaman Obat dan Obat Tradisional (B2P2TOOT) merupakan salah satu satuan kerja dibawah Badan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Kesehatan mengalami perubahan organisasi sejak diterbitkannya Permenkes Nomor 26 Tahun 2022 tentang Organisasi dan Tata Kerja Rumah Sakit di Lingkungan Kemenkes. Pada Permenkes tersebut disebutkan bahwa dalam rangka efisiensi dan efektivitas pelayanan, maka dilakukan pengintegrasian tugas dan fungsi, sumber daya manusia, sarana dan prasarana serta anggaran terkait pelayanan kesehatan pada B2P2TOOT di Tawangmangu ke dalam RSUP Dr. Sardjito Yogyakarta. Keberhasilan perubahan organisasi bisa dilihat dari kesiapan individu yang ada didalamnya. Dengan mengetahui persepsi para pegawai maka dapat diketahui sejauh mana kesiapan para pegawai menuju perubahan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi persepsi pegawai B2P2TOOT terhadap perubahan organisasi. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif eksploratif. Pengumpulan data meliputi wawancara mendalam, focus group discussion, observasi serta dokumentasi. Data penelitian dilakukan analisis tema dengan bantuan software opencode 4.03. Hasil dan pembahasan: Persepsi pegawai ASN menunjukkan persepsi positif terhadap perubahan pengaturan kerja terutama persepsi terhadap perubahan dari cost center menjadi revenue center, persepsi negatif terhadap informasi perubahan organisasi serta persepsi positif terhadap dukungan organisasi dan kesiapan individu. Sementara persepsi pegawai berstatus non ASN meliputi persepsi negatif terhadap perubahan pengaturan kerja, persepsi negatif terhadap informasi perubahan, serta persepsi positif terhadap dukungan organisasi dan kesiapan individu terhadap perubahan. Terjadi gap informasi berkaitan perubahan cost center menjadi revenue center antara pegawai ASN dengan pegawai non ASN. Persepsi negatif memiliki multi faktor, seperti faktor pendidikan, faktor sarana prasarana, faktor keluarga dan yang paling utama adalah faktor komunikasi. Kesimpulan yang dapat diambil adalah persepsi pegawai ASN terhadap perubahan organisasi adalah persepsi positif utamanya terhadap perubahan cost center menjadi reveneu center dalam rangka efisiensi dan efektivitas organisasi. Sementara, persepsi pegawai non ASN terhadap perubahan organisasi dari cost center menjadi revenue center adalah persepsi negatif. Perlu kebijakan yang tepat untuk menindaklanjuti temuan persepsi negatif pada pegawai non ASN.