bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Substance P concentrations in the blood plasma of jugular and tail vein of healthy German Simmental cows
Authors: Landinger Anna , Zablotski Yury , Knubben-Schweizer Gabriela , Tschoner Theresa
Published: October 2023

Background

Cattle strongly mask their pain, making the recognition and assessment of pain difficult. Different subjective and objective parameters to assess pain have been described. Substance P (SP), which is a neurotransmitter, is used to objectively evaluate nociception in cattle. However, SP concentrations have mainly been described in diseased animals, or animals subjected to painful procedures. To this day, no evaluation of SP in healthy adult cattle has been published.

The objectives of this pilot study were to 1) assess the SP concentrations in healthy adult German Simmental cattle in the blood plasma, 2) compare the concentrations between the blood of the jugular and the tail vein, and 3) assess the concentrations in the blood of the tail vein every 6 h over a period of 24 h.

A total of 52 healthy cattle of the German Simmental breed were included in this study. Animals were 5.0 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD) years old and between 117 and 239 (175.0 ± 34.1) days in milk. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein (BJV, 07:45 a.m.) and the tail vein (TV1, 08:00 a.m.) each. Additional blood samples were taken every 6 h over the course of 24 h from the tail vein (TV2 – TV5). SP concentrations were analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit.

Results

Mean (± SD) and median SP concentrations were 1.087 ± 436 pg/ml and 984 pg/ml for BJV (range 502 – 2,337 pg/ml), and 920 ± 402 pg/ml and 818 pg/ml for TV1 (range 192 – 2,531 pg/ml), respectively. There was a significantly positive correlation between SP concentrations of BJV and TV1. SP concentrations between BJV and TV1 were significantly different, as were SP concentrations in the tail vein between sampling times over the course of 24 h.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that blood samples to assess SP concentrations in cattle can be taken from the jugular as well as from the tail vein. There are high variations in concentrations between animals, and it is hard to define reference ranges for SP in healthy animals. Repeated blood samples should not be taken by repeated punctation of a vein but by use of a jugular vein catheter, which is a major limitation of the present study.
Ankle dorsiflexion assistance of patients with foot drop using a powered ankle-foot orthosis to improve the gait asymmetry
Authors: Shin Wonseok , Nam Dongwoo , Ahn Bummo , Kim Sangjoon J. , Lee Dong Yeon , Kwon Suncheol , Kim Jung
Published: October 2023

Background

Foot drop is a neuromuscular disorder that causes abnormal gait patterns. This study developed a pneumatically powered ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to improve the gait patterns of patients with foot drop. We hypothesized that providing unilateral ankle dorsiflexion assistance during the swing phase would improve the kinematics and spatiotemporal gait parameters of such patients. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the efficacy of the proposed assistance system using a strategy for joint kinematics and spatiotemporal gait parameters (stride length, swing velocity, and stance phase ratio). The analysis results are expected to provide knowledge for better design and control of AFOs in patients with foot drop.

Method

Ten foot drop patients with hemiparesis (54.8 y ± 14.1 y) were fitted with a custom AFO with an adjustable calf brace and portable air compressor for ankle dorsiflexion assistance in the gait cycle during the swing phase. All subjects walked under two different conditions without extensive practice: (1) barefoot and (2) wearing a powered AFO. Under each condition, the patients walked back and forth on a 9-m track with ten laps of level ground under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The lower-limb joint and trunk kinematics were acquired using 12 motion-capture cameras.

Results

We found that kinematic asymmetry decreased in the three lower-limb joints after ankle dorsiflexion assistance during the swing phase. The average ankle-joint angle increased after using the AFO during the entire gait cycle. Similarly, the knee-joint angle showed a slight increase while using the AFO, leading to a significantly decreased standard deviation within patients. Conversely, the hip-joint angle showed no significant improvements with assistance. While several patients exhibited noticeably lower levels of asymmetry, no significant changes were observed in the average asymmetry of the swing velocity difference between the affected and unaffected sides while using the AFO.

Conclusion

We experimentally validated that ankle dorsiflexion assistance during the swing phase temporarily improves gait asymmetry in foot-drop patients. The experimental results also prove the efficacy of the developed AFO for gait assistance in foot-drop patients.
Diagnosis of patients with Lynch syndrome lacking the Amsterdam II or Bethesda criteria
Authors: Trujillo-Rojas Miguel Angel , Ayala-Madrigal María de la Luz , Gutiérrez-Angulo Melva , González-Mercado Anahí , Moreno-Ortiz José Miguel
Published: October 2023

Background

Lynch Syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant inheritance disorder characterized by genetic predisposition to develop cancer, caused by pathogenic variants in the genes of the mismatch repair system. Cases are detected by implementing the Amsterdam II and the revised Bethesda criteria, which are based on family history.

Main body

Patients who meet the criteria undergo posterior tests, such as germline DNA sequencing, to confirm the diagnosis. However, these criteria have poor sensitivity, as more than one-quarter of patients with LS do not meet the criteria. It is very likely that the lack of sensitivity of the criteria is due to the incomplete penetrance of this syndrome. The penetrance and risk of developing a particular type of cancer are highly dependent on the affected gene and probably of the variant. Patients with variants in low-penetrance genes have a lower risk of developing a cancer associated with LS, leading to families with unaffected generations and showing fewer clear patterns. This study focuses on describing genetic aspects of LS cases that underlie the lack of sensitivity of the clinical criteria used for its diagnosis.

Conclusion

Universal screening could be an option to address the problem of underdiagnosis.
Performance of computational algorithms to deconvolve heterogeneous bulk ovarian tumor tissue depends on experimental factors
Authors: Hippen Ariel A. , Omran Dalia K. , Weber Lukas M. , Jung Euihye , Drapkin Ronny , Doherty Jennifer A. , Hicks Stephanie C. , Greene Casey S.
Published: October 2023

Background

Single-cell gene expression profiling provides unique opportunities to understand tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment. Because of cost and feasibility, profiling bulk tumors remains the primary population-scale analytical strategy. Many algorithms can deconvolve these tumors using single-cell profiles to infer their composition. While experimental choices do not change the true underlying composition of the tumor, they can affect the measurements produced by the assay.

Results

We generated a dataset of high-grade serous ovarian tumors with paired expression profiles from using multiple strategies to examine the extent to which experimental factors impact the results of downstream tumor deconvolution methods. We find that pooling samples for single-cell sequencing and subsequent demultiplexing has a minimal effect. We identify dissociation-induced differences that affect cell composition, leading to changes that may compromise the assumptions underlying some deconvolution algorithms. We also observe differences across mRNA enrichment methods that introduce additional discrepancies between the two data types. We also find that experimental factors change cell composition estimates and that the impact differs by method.

Conclusions

Previous benchmarks of deconvolution methods have largely ignored experimental factors. We find that methods vary in their robustness to experimental factors. We provide recommendations for methods developers seeking to produce the next generation of deconvolution approaches and for scientists designing experiments using deconvolution to study tumor heterogeneity.
Year-round efficacy of a single treatment of fluralaner injectable suspension (Bravecto QuantumTM) against repeated infestations with Ixodes holocyclus in dogs
Authors: Fisara Petr , Guerino Frank
Published: October 2023

Background

The longer the duration of protection of an acaricide against canine infestation with Ixodes holocyclus, the lower the risk of gaps in tick control programs that will place dogs at risk of potentially fatal tick-induced paralysis. Two studies investigated the duration of efficacy provided by a novel injectable suspension of fluralaner (Bravecto QuantumTM) against this tick species.

Methods

In both studies, 20 clinically healthy dogs were randomized to an untreated control group or to a group treated once, on Day 0, with the injectable fluralaner suspension (15 mg/kg). Dogs were infested with up to 25 unfed adult female I. holocyclus ticks on Day -1, during Weeks 1 and 2, and then at intervals no greater than approximately 3 months for the 13 months following treatment. Ticks were assessed in situ at 24 and 48 h and assessed and removed at 72 h following treatment and each subsequent infestation. Efficacy was determined by comparing arithmetic mean live tick (attached or free) counts in the treated group with the control group.

Results

The untreated control dogs maintained adequate infestations for efficacy evaluations at all assessment weeks, with mean tick counts ranging from 16.2 to 21.6 in Study 1 and 14.0 to 23.5 in Study 2. The efficacy of fluralaner injectable suspension against existing infestations, determined 72 h following treatment administration, was 64.1% in Study 1 and 42.7% in Study 2. Efficacy against post-treatment infestations in Study 1 ranged from 95.7 to 100% from Week 1 through Week 57; in Study 2 efficacy was 100% at every assessment from Week 1 through Week 57. No treatment-related adverse events were recorded in either study.

Conclusion

The injectable fluralaner suspension was highly effective against I. holocyclus infestations of dogs from one week through 13 months following a single treatment. By placing treatment with the veterinarian, killing ticks within 72 h of attachment, and providing a full year of protection, fluralaner injectable suspension can help facilitate owner compliance with tick control treatment recommendations, thus reducing the risk of canine tick paralysis.

Graphical Abstract
Factors associated with the effectiveness of immersive virtual therapy in alleviating depressive symptoms during sub-acute post-stroke rehabilitation: a gender comparison
Authors: Juszko Karolina , Kiper Pawel , Wrzeciono Adam , Cieślik Błażej , Gajda Robert , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna
Published: October 2023

Background

The large-scale digitalization of healthcare has induced shifts in patient preferences, prompting the introduction of therapies utilizing novel technologies. In this context, the targeted application of these interventions is deemed as crucial as assessing their overall effectiveness. The aim of this study was to characterize the patient profile who benefited most from immersive virtual reality (VR) therapy.

Methods

Based on the results from the previous randomized controlled trial study, we employed an exploratory study design to determine the factors associated with the most significant mental health improvement. A secondary analysis was conducted on a sample of 83 participants, with further analysis of participants with elevated depression symptoms, as indicated by a score of > 10 on the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30). Both groups participated in a similar post-stroke rehabilitation program; however, the experimental group also received additional VR therapy through an immersive VR garden intervention. The GDS-30 was used to assess mood and depressive symptoms, and sociodemographic, cognitive status as well as stroke-related variables were considered as potential factors.

Results

In both the experimental (mean change 5.3) and control groups (mean change 2.8), interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms, with a more pronounced difference in the experimental group (p < 0.05). When examining gender differences, women exhibited greater improvement in the GDS, with mean between-group differences of 5.0 for the total sample and 6.0 for those with elevated depressive symptoms. Sociodemographic factors, cognitive status, and time from stroke were not found to be factors that alter the effectiveness of VR therapy.

Conclusions

While VR therapy as an adjunctive treatment for post-stroke rehabilitation seems especially effective for women with elevated depressive symptoms, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the study’s small experimental group size. Traditional methods showed reduced effectiveness in women compared to men; thus, developing technologically advanced and gender-specific approaches can lead to more tailored therapy.

Trial registration

NCT03830372 (February 5, 2019).
Diet diversity and food quality score in male football players and healthy non-athlete controls in relation to oxidative stress biomarkers: a descriptive-analytical study
Authors: Zare Mahsa , Makhtoomi Maede , Mansouri Fatemeh , Nouri Mehran , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Eftekhari Mohammad Hasan , Pourghassem Gargari Bahram , Shateri Zainab
Published: October 2023

Background

Dietary patterns that include high-quality and varied food groups have the potential to modulate oxidative status. This research was conducted to determine dietary diversity score (DDS) and food quality score (FQS) in football players and their matched non-athletes, also their associations with oxidative indicators assessed by the urinary levels of F2alpha-isoprostane (F2a-IP) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).

Methods

Participants consisted of 45 male football players and 45 male non-athletes in two age-and body mass index (BMI)-matched groups from Shiraz City, Iran. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and urine samples were analyzed to determine oxidative biomarkers. Dietary data derived from a reliable food frequency questionnaire with 168 items was completed to determine DDS and FQS. For data analysis, an appropriate generalized estimating equation model was set up.

Results

Our results demonstrated that FQS (β = 5.46; P < 0.001) and DDS (β = 1.30; P < 0.001) scores were significantly higher in the footballers in comparison to the non-athletes. Moreover, FQS was negatively associated with 8-OHdG (β=-0.35; P = 0.008) and F2a-IP (β=-4.30; P = 0.01) levels in all participants. In addition, DDS was inversely related to 8-OHdG (β=-1.25; P = 0.01) and F2a-IP (β=-11.67; P = 0.04) levels in all participants.

Conclusions

Food quality scores and dietary diversity of footballers’ diets were found to be higher in comparison to the non-athletes. Furthermore, a higher FQS and DDS were associated with lower levels of oxidative biomarkers in all participants.
Effect of sample size on the estimation of forest inventory attributes using airborne LiDAR data in large-scale subtropical areas
Authors: Li Chungan , Yu Zhu , Dai Huabing , Zhou Xiangbei , Zhou Mei
Published: October 2023

Key message

Sample size (number of plots) may significantly affect the accuracy of forest attribute estimations using airborne LiDAR data in large-scale subtropical areas. In general, the accuracy of all models improves with increasing sample size. However, the improvement in estimation accuracy varies across forest attributes and forest types. Overall, a larger sample size is required to estimate the stand volume (VOL), while a smaller sample size is required to estimate the mean diameter at breast height (DBH). Broad-leaved forests require a smaller sample size than Chinese fir forests.

Context

Sample size is an essential factor affecting the cost of LiDAR-assisted forest resource inventory. Therefore, investigating the minimum sample size required to achieve acceptable accuracy for airborne LiDAR-based forest attribute estimation can help improve cost efficiency and optimize technical schemes.

Aims

The aims were to assess the optimal sample size to estimate the VOL, basal area, mean height, and DBH in stands dominated by Cunninghamia lanceolate, Pinus massoniana, Eucalyptus spp., and other broad-leaved species in a large subtropical area using airborne LiDAR data.

Methods

Statistical analyses were performed on the differences in LiDAR metrics between different sample sizes and the total number of plots, as well as on the field-measured attributes. The relative root mean square error (rRMSE) and the determination coefficient (R2) of multiplicative power models with different sample sizes were compared. The logistic regression between the coefficient of variation of the rRMSE and the sample size was established, and the minimum sample size was determined using a threshold of less than 10% for the coefficient of variation.

Results

As the sample sizes increased, we found a decrease in the mean rRMSE and an increase in the mean R2, as well as a decrease in the standard deviation of the LiDAR metrics and field-measured attributes. Sample sizes for Chinese fir, pine, eucalyptus, and broad-leaved forests should be over 110, 80, 85, and 60, respectively, in a practical airborne LiDAR-based forest inventory.

Conclusion

The accuracy of all forest attribute estimations improved as the sample size increased across all forest types, which could be attributed to the decreasing variations of both LiDAR metrics and field-measured attributes.
Building an implementation framework to address unmet contraceptive care needs in a carceral setting: a systematic review
Authors: Routh Douglas , Simmons Rebecca , Sanders Jessica , Gero Alexandra , Tanner Hannah Aanderud , Turok David K.
Published: October 2023

Background

The provision of contraceptive care for incarcerated individuals has been largely inconsistent and has contributed to, at best, inadequate care, and at worst reproductive abuses, violence, and coercion. While previous research has identified strategies to remedy known issues, to date, very few recommendations have been implemented across the carceral system. To address this, we conducted a systematic review of policy and practice recommendations to improve contraceptive care to reproductive-aged, incarcerated individuals in the United States.

Methods

We conducted this systematic review utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and framed it within the National Implementation Research Network’s (NIRN) Exploration stage. We searched PubMed, PSYCInfo, SCOPUS, ProQuest, Web of Science, MedLine, Social Science Citation Index and reference sections of included materials. Basic study information, explicitly stated policy and practice recommendations, and discussions and conclusions that subtly provide recommendations were extracted in full text. We utilized a thematic analysis approach to analyze the extracted text.

Results

A total of 45 materials met the inclusion criteria. Seven overarching themes were identified: 1) policy changes needed to implement care; 2) need for contraceptive care in carceral systems; 3) justice agency barriers regarding contraceptive care provision; 4) policy barriers to contraceptive access; 5) funding strategies to improve care; 6) patient preferences for contraceptive care delivery; and 7) healthcare provider knowledge regarding contraceptive care. The seven themes identified shed light on the need for, gaps, barriers, and facilitators of current contraceptive care provision to incarcerated individuals.

Conclusion

This systematic review accomplished two goals of NIRN’s Exploration stage. First, the compiled evidence identified a clear need for change regarding policies and practices pertaining to contraceptive care provision to incarcerated individuals in the United States. Second, our findings identified several evidence-based solutions supported both by research and professional healthcare organizations to address the identified need for change. This study provides an initial blueprint for correctional agencies to implement the necessary changes for improving contraceptive care provision to incarcerated populations. The correctional system is in a unique position to deliver much-needed care, which would result in many potential benefits to the individuals, correctional system, and community at large.
MiR-151a: a robust endogenous control for normalizing small extracellular vesicle cargo in human cancer
Authors: Burdiel Miranda , Jiménez Julia , Rodríguez-Antolín Carlos , García-Guede Álvaro , Pernía Olga , Sastre-Perona Ana , Rosas-Alonso Rocío , Colmenarejo Julián , Rodríguez-Jiménez Carmen , Diestro María Dolores , Martínez-Marín Virginia , Higueras Oliver , Cruz Patricia , Losantos-García Itsaso , Peinado Héctor , Vera Olga , de Castro Javier , Ibáñez de Cáceres Inmaculada
Published: October 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in the blood of cancer patients contain higher amounts of tumor markers than those identified as free-circulating. miRNAs have significant biomedical relevance due to their high stability and feasible detection. However, there is no reliable endogenous control available to measure sEVs-miRNA content, impairing the acquisition of standardized consistent measurements in cancer liquid biopsy. In this study, we identified three miRNAs from a panel of nine potential normalizers that emerged from a comprehensive analysis comparing the sEV-miRNA profile of six lung and ovarian human cancer cell lines in the absence of or under different conditions. Their relevance as normalizers was tested in 26 additional human cancer cell lines from nine different tumor types undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment. The validation cohorts were comprised of 242 prospective plasma and ascitic fluid samples from three different human tumor types. Variability and normalization properties were tested in comparison to miR-16, the most used control to normalize free-circulating miRNAs in plasma. Our results indicate that miR-151a is consistently represented in small extracellular vesicles with minimal variability compared to miR-16, providing a novel normalizer to measure small extracellular vesicle miRNA content that will benefit liquid biopsy in cancer patients.
Modelling TDP-43 proteinopathy in Drosophila uncovers shared and neuron-specific targets across ALS and FTD relevant circuits
Authors: Godfrey R. Keating , Alsop Eric , Bjork Reed T. , Chauhan Brijesh S. , Ruvalcaba Hillary C. , Antone Jerry , Gittings Lauren M. , Michael Allison F. , Williams Christi , Hala’ufia Grace , Blythe Alexander D. , Hall Megan , Sattler Rita , Van Keuren-Jensen Kendall , Zarnescu Daniela C.
Published: October 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) comprise a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases linked to TDP-43 proteinopathy, which at the cellular level, is characterized by loss of nuclear TDP-43 and accumulation of cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions that ultimately cause RNA processing defects including dysregulation of splicing, mRNA transport and translation. Complementing our previous work in motor neurons, here we report a novel model of TDP-43 proteinopathy based on overexpression of TDP-43 in a subset ofDrosophilaKenyon cells of the mushroom body (MB), a circuit with structural characteristics reminiscent of vertebrate cortical networks. This model recapitulates several aspects of dementia-relevant pathological features including age-dependent neuronal loss, nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43, and behavioral deficits in working memory and sleep that occur prior to axonal degeneration. RNA immunoprecipitations identify several candidate mRNA targets of TDP-43 in MBs, some of which are unique to the MB circuit and others that are shared with motor neurons. Among the latter is the glypican Dally-like-protein (Dlp), which exhibits significant TDP-43 associated reduction in expression during aging. Using genetic interactions we show that overexpression of Dlp in MBs mitigates TDP-43 dependent working memory deficits, conistent with Dlp acting as a mediator of TDP-43 toxicity. Substantiating our findings in the fly model, we find that the expression ofGPC6mRNA, a human ortholog ofdlp,is specifically altered in neurons exhibiting the molecular signature of TDP-43 pathology in FTD patient brains. These findings suggest that circuit-specificDrosophilamodels provide a platform for uncovering shared or disease-specific molecular mechanisms and vulnerabilities across the spectrum of TDP-43 proteinopathies.
The landslide source of the eastern Mediterranean tsunami on 6 February 2023 following the Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş (Türkiye) inland earthquake
Authors: Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Gusman Aditya Riadi , Mulia Iyan E.
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the first example of how to systematically identify the submarine landslide source of a tsunami using an innovative hybrid approach. This ground-breaking method is developed to resolve the puzzle around the source mechanism of the mysterious tsunami observed on 6th February 2023 in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The tsunami followed the two inland Mw 7.8 and Mw 7.5 Türkiye–Syria earthquakes, which occurred consequently with a 9 h interval on this day. The first earthquake (Mw 7.8) had an epicentral distance of 90 km from the nearest coast, which is closer than the second one (Mw 7.5) to the coast and yet its crustal deformation was almost entirely limited to inland. Therefore, the co-seismic surface displacement generated by the earthquake was ruled out as the source of the tsunami, confirmed by numerical modelling. Here, we hypothesized that the tsunami was most likely generated by a submarine landslide triggered by the earthquake. Analysis of tide gauge observations revealed that the waves arrived from 27 min to 48 min after the first earthquake (Mw 7.8) at different coastal locations, implying that the potential submarine landslide was triggered by the first earthquake (Mw 7.8). Backward tsunami travel time mapping using tide gauge observations guided us to constrain the area of the potential landslide. We approximated the dimensions of the landslide using spectral analysis of the tsunami observations. Consequently, an iterative trial-and-error approach was employed to confirm the landslide source of the tsunami by defining various informed alternative landslide scenarios and applying numerical modeling. Modelling showed that a submarine landslide can reproduce the tsunami observations reasonably well. It is located on a steep slope of the seafloor approximately 50 km from Arsuz. The submarine landslide is estimated to have caused a seafloor deformation measuring approximately 16 km in length and 4.0 km in width.
Integrating artificial intelligence into science lessons: teachers’ experiences and views
Authors: Park Joonhyeong , Teo Tang Wee , Teo Arnold , Chang Jina , Huang Jun Song , Koo Sengmeng
Published: October 2023

Background

In the midst of digital transformation, schools are transforming their classrooms as they prepare students for a world increasingly automated by new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). During curricular implementation, it has not made sense to teachers to teach AI as a stand-alone subject as it is not a traditional discipline in schools. As such, subject matter teachers may need to take on the responsibility of integrating AI content into discipline-based lessons to help students make connections and see its relevance rather than present AI as separate content. This paper reports on a study that piloted a new lesson package in science classrooms to introduce students to the idea of AI. Specifically, the AI-integrated science lesson package, designed by the research team, provided an extended activity that used the same context as an existing lesson activity. Three science teachers from different schools piloted the lesson package with small groups of students and provided feedback on the materials and implementation.

Findings

The findings revealed the teachers’ perceptions of integrating AI into science lessons in terms of the connection between AI and science, challenges when implementing the AI lesson package and recommendations on improvements. First, the teachers perceived that AI and science have similarities in developing accurate models with quality data and using simplified reasoning, while they thought that AI and science play complementary roles when solving scientific problems. Second, the teachers thought that the biggest challenge in implementing the lesson package was a lack of confidence in content mastery, while the package would be challenging to get buy-in from teachers regarding curriculum adaptation and targeting the appropriate audience. Considering these challenges, they recommended that comprehensive AI resources be provided to teachers, while this package can be employed for science enrichment programs after-school.

Conclusions

The study has implications for curriculum writers who design lesson packages that introduce AI in science classrooms and for science teachers who wish to contribute to the development of AI literacy for teachers and the extension of the range of school science and STEM to students.
Optimization of Q.Clear reconstruction for dynamic 18F PET imaging
Authors: Lysvik Elisabeth Kirkeby , Mikalsen Lars Tore Gyland , Rootwelt-Revheim Mona-Elisabeth , Emblem Kyrre Eeg , Hjørnevik Trine
Published: October 2023

Background

Q.Clear, a Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction algorithm, has shown high potential in improving quantitation accuracy in PET systems. The Q.Clear algorithm controls noise during the iterative reconstruction through a β penalization factor. This study aimed to determine the optimal β-factor for accurate quantitation of dynamic PET scans.

Methods

A Flangeless Esser PET Phantom with eight hollow spheres (4–25 mm) was scanned on a GE Discovery MI PET/CT system. Data were reconstructed into five sets of variable acquisition times using Q.Clear with 18 different β-factors ranging from 100 to 3500. The recovery coefficient (RC), coefficient of variation (CVRC) and root-mean-square error (RMSERC) were evaluated for the phantom data. Two male patients with recurrent glioblastoma were scanned on the same scanner using 18F-PSMA-1007. Using an irreversible two-tissue compartment model, the area under curve (AUC) and the net influx rate Ki were calculated to assess the impact of different β-factors on the pharmacokinetic analysis of clinical PET brain data.

Results

In general, RC and CVRC decreased with increasing β-factor in the phantom data. For small spheres (< 10 mm), and in particular for short acquisition times, low β-factors resulted in high variability and an overestimation of measured activity. Increasing the β-factor improves the variability, however at a cost of underestimating the measured activity. For the clinical data, AUC decreased and Ki increased with increased β-factor; a change in β-factor from 300 to 1000 resulted in a 25.5% increase in the Ki.

Conclusion

In a complex dynamic dataset with variable acquisition times, the optimal β-factor provides a balance between accuracy and precision. Based on our results, we suggest a β-factor of 300–500 for quantitation of small structures with dynamic PET imaging, while large structures may benefit from higher β-factors.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03951142. Registered 5 October 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03951142. EudraCT no 2018-003229-27. Registered 26 February 2019, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2018-003229-27/NO.
Ultra-low-dose CT for attenuation correction: dose savings and effect on PET quantification for protocols with and without tin filter
Authors: Bebbington Natalie Anne , Christensen Kenneth Boye , Østergård Lone Lange , Holdgaard Paw Christian
Published: October 2023

Background

Ultra-low-dose (ULD) computed tomography (CT) scans should be used when CT is performed only for attenuation correction (AC) of positron emission tomography (PET) data. A tin filter can be used in addition to the standard aluminium bowtie filter to reduce CT radiation dose to patients. The aim was to determine how low CT doses can be, when utilised for PET AC, with and without the tin filter, whilst providing adequate PET quantification.

Methods

A water-filled NEMA image quality phantom was imaged in three configurations with 18F-FDG: (1) water only (0HU); (2) with cylindrical insert containing homogenous mix of sand, flour and water (SFW, approximately 475HU); (3) with cylindrical insert containing sand (approximately 1100HU). Each underwent one-bed-position (26.3 cm) PET-CT comprising 1 PET and 13 CT acquisitions. CT acquisitions with tube current modulation were performed at 120 kV/50 mAs-ref (reference standard), 100 kV/7 mAs-ref (standard ULDCT for PET AC protocol), Sn140kV (mAs range 7–50-ref) and Sn100kV (mAs range 12–400-ref). PET data were reconstructed with μ-maps provided by each CT dataset, and PET activity concentration measured in each reconstruction. Differences in CT dose length product (DLP) and PET quantification were determined relative to the reference standard.

Results

At each tube voltage, changes in PET quantification were greater with increasing density and reducing mAs. Compared with the reference standard, differences in PET quantification for the standard ULDCT protocol for the three phantoms were ≤ 1.7%, with the water phantom providing a DLP of 7mGy.cm. With tin filter at Sn100kV, differences in PET quantification were negligible (≤ 1.2%) for all phantoms down to 50mAs-ref, proving a DLP of 2.8mGy.cm, at 60% dose reduction compared with standard ULDCT protocol. Below 50mAs-ref, differences in PET quantification were > 2% for at least one phantom (2.3% at 25mAs-ref in SFW; 6.4% at 12mAs-ref in sand). At Sn140kV/7mAs-ref, quantification differences were ≤ 0.6% in water, giving 3.8mGy.cm DLP, but increased to > 2% at bone-equivalent densities.

Conclusions

CT protocols for PET AC can provide ultra-low doses with adequate PET quantification. The tin filter can allow 60–87% lower dose than the standard ULDCT protocol for PET AC, depending on tissue density and accepted change in PET quantification.
Direct discharge from the intensive care unit improved patient flow in a resource-pressured health system
Authors: O’Riordan E. , Maher K. , O’Hagan Z. , Martin-Loeches I.
Published: October 2023

Critical care practice is constantly evolving. Pressures for bed availability in publicly funded healthcare systems have led to an increase in patients delayed in their discharge from critical care to the wards. This has resulted in more patients discharged directly home (DDH) from the intensive care unit (ICU). However, few formal pathways for DDH exist. We have performed a retrospective audit of the patients discharged home from our unit in the largest tertiary referral hospital in the Republic of Ireland from 2017 to 2022 to investigate their characteristics and the safety of this practice, given the understandable patient safety concerns raised.

Results In total, 84 patients have been DDH from our unit between 2017 and 2022 from a total of 4747 patients. The overall rate of DDH increased year on year, and the vast majority of these patients were initially admitted from the emergency department or following elective major surgery. Most patients had an APACHE score of less than 11 points, and the majority were admitted for less than 3 days, with single organ failure. There was a gender divide, as greater than 60% of the patients admitted were male, with a mean age of 44.

Conclusion DDH has been an important tool in improving patient flow through the hospital, avoiding unnecessary de-escalation to the ward for a select group of critical care patients. The re-admission rate in the year post-ICU discharge was very low, showing that DDH has not adversely impacted patient safety.
A Novel Characteristic of a Water-soluble UV-B Absorber, 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic Acid: Suppression of Riboflavin-sensitized Singlet Oxygen Generation
Authors: Hisanaga Soichiro , Miyazawa Kazuyuki , Yagi Mikio , Kikuchi Azusa
Published: October 2023

2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA) is a water-soluble UV-B absorber used in cosmetic sunscreens. Riboflavin (RF) is a water-soluble vitamin B2. RF is an efficient singlet oxygen photosensitizer. The effects of PBSA on RF-photosensitized singlet oxygen generation have been studied through measurements of transient absorption and time-resolved near-IR phosphorescence in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). PBSA suppresses the RF-photosensitized singlet oxygen generation. The observed suppression can be ascribed to the quenching of the lowest excited triplet state of RF by PBSA.
Advanced single-photon sources based on innovative semiconductor nanostructures
Authors: Χατζαράκης Νικόλαος
Published: October 2023

Οι ημιαγωγικές κβαντικές τελείες (QDs) είναι ιδανικοί υποψήφιοι για την παραγωγή εκπομπών μονήρων και εναγκαλισμένων φωτονίων, οι οποίοι είναι στοιχεία ζωτικής σημασίας για εφαρμογές της κβαντικής πληροφορίας και κβαντικού υπολογισμού. Σε αυτή την εργασία, με βλέψη την ανάπτυξη πρακτικών συσκευών που βασίζονται μονοφωτονικές πηγές κβαντικών τελειών οι οποίες λειτουργούν σε μη κρυογονικές θερμοκρασίες με ενισχυμένα χαρακτηριστικά, έχουμε επικεντρωθεί κυρίως σε αυτοδημιουργούμενες InAs/GaAs κβαντικές τελείες πάνω σε (211)Β υποστρώματα. Αυτό το σύστημα κβαντικών τελειών έχει όλα τα οφέλη των (100) GaAs κβαντικών τελειών, με επιπρόσθετο χαρακτηριστικό το μεγάλο πιεζοηλεκτρικό πεδίο κατα τον άξονα της ανάπτυξης. Αυτό το πιεζοηλεκτρικό πεδίο είναι ικανό να δημιουργήσει μεγάλη διαφορά ενέργειας μεταξύ εξιτονίου και διεξιτονίου καθιστώντας το σύστημα ιδιαίτερα κατάλληλο για εφαρμογές μονήρων φωτονίων σε υψηλές θερμοκρασίες. Στην περίπτωσή μας, για να επιτύχουμε λειτουργία σε υψηλές θερμοκρασίες, οι InAs/GaAs κβαντικές τελείες τοποθετηθήκανε ενδιάμεσα από GaAs/AlAs μικρής περιόδου υπερπλέγματα (SSLs). Ο προκείμενος ισχυρός περιορισμός των φορέων μέσα στο δυναμικό της τελείας βελτίωσε δραστικά την θερμοκρασιακή σταθερότητα της φωτοφωταύγειας με αποτέλεσμα την μονοφωτονική εκπομπή στην υψηλή θερμοκρασία των 230K, η οποία υποστηρίζεται εύκολα από ένα θερμοηλεκτρικό ψυγείο. Επιπρόσθετα οι πολυεξιτονικές γραμμές από τις ισχυρά περιορισμένες InAs κβαντικές τελείες βρέθηκαν να είναι κουνημένες σε υψηλότερες ενέργειες σε σχέση με την εξιτονική εκπομπή, το οποίο αποδίδεται σε φαινόμενα συσχέτισης μεταξύ των φορέων λόγω του μεγάλου περιορισμού που νιώθουν οι τελείες, κάτι το οποίο είναι ενδιαφέρον σαν μηχανισμός για την διαμόρφωση των ενεργειών εκπομπής μιας κβαντικής τελείας μέσω της κατάλληλης διαμορφωσης της ζωνης χάσματος των γειτονικών φραγμών δυναμικού. Τέλος, ένας εναλλακτικός τρόπος για να φτιαχτούν υψηλής απόδοσης νανο-εκπομποί είναι η χρήση του πλασμονικού φαινομένου. Εδώ, εξετάζεται πειραματικά η αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ ενός ημιαγωγικού νανοκαλωδίου και μιας επιφάνειας χρυσού σαν συνάρτηση της μεταξύ τους απόστασης. Παρατηρήθηκε μία ενίσχυση (40 φορές) της έντασης της φωτοφωταύγειας όταν τα νανοκαλώδια βρίσκονται πάνω στην επιφάνεια του χρυσού καθώς και μία ισχυρή ελάττωση του χρόνου επανασύνδεσης των φορέων κατα δύο φορές, κάτι που αποδίδεται στην αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ του νανοκαλωδίου και των επιφανειακών πλασμονίων.
Project Activity: a Conscious Need
Authors: Romanchenko M.
Published: October 2023

The article examines the project activity presented as a key modern educational technology. Aspects explaining the theory and practice of project activity in an educational institution are proposed for consideration. The variants of solutions to specific problematic issues aimed at assisting the pedagogical worker in the processing of didactic materials used in the course of lessons are given.
Comparative Analysis of the Level of Special Physical Training of Students in the Elective Direction “Volleyball”: Before- and Post-Pandemic Periods
Authors: Nepovinnyh Lyudmila
Published: October 2023

Systematic pedagogical control at all stages of the educational process is an important and mandatory component of the teacher's activity, without which effective management, evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the pedagogical process is impossible. This year, this preliminary monitoring was an even more important task, since it was preceded by two years of distance learning, when all education was implemented in difficult remote conditions, which was a difficult task for the practice-oriented discipline "Physical Education", when it was not possible to fully develop physical qualities of students, and even more so to fully master motor actions. The purpose of the study is to compare and analyze the results of the level of special physical fitness (SPP) of female volleyball players in the pre- and post-pandemic periods. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were solved: to test the level of TFP of female students of the elective direction "Volleyball", to compare the level of development before the pandemic (2020) and today's (2022), to assess the consequences of the remote format in the physical development of female students, to suggest ways to take into account monitoring data in educational -training process. The data obtained as a result of testing were qualitatively and quantitatively processed, and presented in this article.
Professional Deficits of Teachers in the Formation of Functional Literacy of Students and Ways to Overcome Them
Authors: Sabel'nikova-Begashvili N. , Damianova E. , Khudoverdova S.
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to one of the important problems of the modern education system – improving the quality of education in the field of formation and assessment of functional literacy of students. Particular attention is paid to the study of professional competencies of teachers in the field of formation of functional literacy of students; ways of effective methodological support of the teacher in overcoming the existing professional deficits in order to improve the quality of education, including through the system of additional vocational education, are proposed.
Analysis of Obstacles and Difficulties in the Process of Implementing Learning for Students Based on the Learning Management System (LMS)
Authors: Limbong Mesta
Published: October 2023

Indonesia is among the world's largest archipelagic regions, with thousands of tiny islands. So many people may not obtain a decent education, such as attending advanced learning. To conquer this circumstance, particularly in light of the unreleased impact of COVID-19 and the global scale crisis, which undoubtedly impacts education in general. Each method for adjusting to shifts in higher education employs a Learning Management System (LMS). This descriptive study uses secondary data and a phenomenological approach to analyze how lecturers prepare lecture material using LMS. This study approach indicates that not all lecturers have scheduled material that students can download at any time via LMS. Because it is necessary to prepare lecturers and support structures that can be easily accessed per applicable regulations to organize the LMS, efforts that can be made to overcome obstacles to the LMS implementation include requiring each lecturer to prepare lecture materials in a structured and timely manner, as well as monitoring. Students can then repeat material that they might have already missed. This is one ideal solution for shutting the achievement gap.
Training and assistance for processed banana products through the women skills academy
Authors: Pratiwi Ambar , Aszhara Aulia Fayzha , Putri Hartadi Dinda Yulia , Safitri Salsabila , Wahyu Nurfi Nabela Dwi
Published: October 2023

Bananas are horticultural products that are easily degraded due to the physiological processes of the fruit. One of the products to increase the shelf life of bananas is banana flour. Banana flour can be used as a floury substance in processing, one of which is the processing of cookies. Sidomulyo Village has high banana production, but the community has not been able to process bananas into processed bananas that are worth selling. Therefore, training is carried out to utilize bananas into processed products that are of selling value. The methods used in this activity are the preparation of tools and materials, pre-tests, explanations of work materials and methods, practices, and post-tests. The ingredients provided are in the form of modules and recipes for making processed bananas. Participants were divided into 4 groups where one group consisted of 4 people. After that, the participants practiced making banana flour and cookies. Then after the exercise is over, a post-test is carried out to measure understanding after the lecture. After this activity is completed, it is hoped that WSA participants will be able to make processed bananas that can be sold.
Skill improvement of tea bags processing from moringa, gotu kola (Centella asiatica L.), and cocoa leaves
Authors: Rahmadewi Yunda Maymanah , Efrianeta Meka , Pratiwi Andhan Dwi , Daniati Amita
Published: October 2023

Agricultural’s potential sometimes have not maximally utilized because of several plants that have health effects such as moringa, pegagan/gotu kola, and cocoa. Communities in Padukuhan Gunungasem, Salaran, and Soka, Ngoro-oro, Patuk, Gunung Kidul still have limited knowledge and skills related to processing these plants. The purpose of this community service were to give counseling about food safety Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), train the the making of tea bags healthy drinks,and train the packaging and labels of tea bags.

The method used was training and hands-on practice. The program implementation team consisted of UAD Food Service Industry UAD’s lecturer and Public Health students. The activity was held in one of the residents’ house or the village head’s house. The results of community service were the knowledge about food safety increased, skills in making Moringa, “pegagan”, cocoa leaf teabags and in packaging and making tea bag labels also increased.
Health checkup, fitness, and complementary therapy in Muntilan library and archives service, Magelang, Central Java
Authors: Hidayah Nurul , Pinilih Sambodo Sriadi , Masithoh Robiul Fitri , Suhariyanti Enik , Cahyaningsih Daryati Retno , Niawati Nurul , Utomo Prasetyo Budi
Published: October 2023

Muntilan is a sub-district in Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, located 10 km from Mungkid district, 15 km from Magelang city, and 25 km from Yogyakarta city. Muntilan is on the provincial route connecting Semarang city, Magelang city, and Yogyakarta city. This community service activity is carried out as a form of concern for improving the health status of the community. This activity was held on 27th - 28th November 2019 in Muntilan Library and Archives Service, Magelang, Central Java. The targets of this activity are the residents of Muntilan and the staff of the Muntilan Library and Archives Service, Magelang, Central Java. This activity uses the method of providing information through health checks, fitness, and complementary therapies. This activity was attended by 151 people (71 people on 27th November 2019 and 80 people on 28th November 2019). The service team carried out health checks in the form of a health history, blood pressure checks, Temporary Blood Sugar, uric acid, height and weight checks, complementary therapy, health counseling, and fitness consultations.